birminghammail--2020-07-22--Named: 31 areas of the West Midlands hit hardest by lockdown

The West Midlands neighbourhoods set to suffer most as a result of coronavirus have been named .
They are the `` left-behind '' areas that suffered from poverty and poor health before the pandemic , and are now likely to suffer more from the economic and health impacts of the Covid pandemic than other areas .
But they are also missing out on government funding designed to help communities recover from the pandemic - because the cash tends to go to town and city centres .
The 31 areas have been named in a new report by MPs from different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of working age adults are now unemployed in these West Midlands council wards , compared to 6.4 % across England as a whole , while youth unemployment is 16 % in these wards , compared to 9 % across England .
And these areas had high levels high-risk health conditions before the coronavirus crisis began .
For example , 12 % of the population are obese , compared to 9.8 % of the population generally , and 8.5 % had diabetes , compared to 6.8 % generally .
The areas most at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bentilee and Ubberley Stoke-on-Trent Blurton West and Newstead Stoke-on-Trent Meir North Stoke-on-Trent Meir South Stoke-on-Trent Tunstall Stoke-on-Trent The areas are named in a report produced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for `` left behind '' neighbourhoods .
It says they face a combination of deprivation , a lack of social facilities and low levels of community activity , and already had relatively worse health , education and employment outcomes before the pandemic .
There are 225 `` left behind '' areas in total across England , according to MPs .
The data , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( OCSI ) and charity Local Trust , gives an early suggestion that these areas , often located on the edge of towns and cities , risk falling further behind as government investment focuses on delivering improvements to town and city centres .
Organisations in these neighbourhoods received less than half the funding per head in Covid-related grants than other deprived areas , and around a third of the average levels of England as a whole .
The All-Party group will examine ways to support these communities to ensure they are more resilient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards ( Con ) is the group 's vice-chair .
She said : “ I ’ ve seen , first-hand , how COVID-19 has impacted communities across West Bromwich East , particularly the damage it has caused the local labour market and my constituents ’ livelihoods .
This report lays bare that damage , and the need to ensure we protect those areas hardest hit by the virus . ''
Birmingham Northfield MP Gary Sambrook MP ( Con ) is a member of the group .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Party Parliamentary Group is going to play an important role in generating ideas that will contribute to the Prime Minister ’ s levelling up agenda .
Seeing how COVID has impacted on neighbourhoods across the West Midlands , and in my constituency of Birmingham Northfield , it ’ s vital that we support these left behind areas so that they can build out of this pandemic , and prosper in the months and years ahead.
” Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden ( Lab ) is also a member .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity and giving some of the lowest income neighbourhoods a better chance , then it has to be about people as well as buildings and physical investment .
We have to give people the best possible chance of succeeding in today ’ s labour market and that means a real emphasis on educational opportunity , starting from the very earliest years .
If we don ’ t do that , we are very unlikely to bridge these gaps . ''

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The West Midlands neighbourhoods set to suffer most as a result of coronavirus have been named.
They are the "left-behind" areas that suffered from poverty and poor health before the pandemic, and are now likely to suffer more from the economic and health impacts of the Covid pandemic than other areas.
But they are also missing out on funding designed to help communities recover from the pandemic - because the cash tends to go to town and city centres.
The 31 areas have been named in a new report by MPs from different parties. They say that 11% of working age adults are now unemployed in these West Midlands council wards, compared to 6.4% across England as a whole, while youth unemployment is 16% in these wards , compared to 9% across England.
And these areas had high levels high-risk health conditions before the coronavirus crisis began. For example, 12% of the population are obese, compared to 9.8% of the population generally, and 8.5% had diabetes, compared to 6.8% generally.
The areas most at risk are:
Bartley Green Birmingham
Hodge Hill Birmingham
Kings Norton Birmingham
Kingstanding Birmingham
Longbridge Birmingham
Shard End Birmingham
Stechford and Yardley North Birmingham
Stockland Green Birmingham
Weoley Birmingham
Binley and Willenhall Coventry
Henley Coventry
Longford Coventry
Hateley Heath Sandwell
Langley Sandwell
Princes End Sandwell
Kingshurst and Fordbridge Solihull
Smith's Wood Solihull
Bloxwich West Walsall
Darlaston South Walsall
Bilston East Wolverhampton
East Park Wolverhampton
Camp Hill Nuneaton and Bedworth
Gorse Hill Worcester
Warndon Worcester
Brookside Telford and Wrekin
Abbey Hulton and Townsend Stoke-on-Trent
Bentilee and Ubberley Stoke-on-Trent
Blurton West and Newstead Stoke-on-Trent
Meir North Stoke-on-Trent
Meir South Stoke-on-Trent
Tunstall Stoke-on-Trent
The areas are named in a report produced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for "left behind" neighbourhoods. It says they face a combination of deprivation, a lack of social facilities and low levels of community activity, and already had relatively worse health, education and employment outcomes before the pandemic. There are 225 "left behind" areas in total across England, according to MPs.
The data, compiled by Oxford Centre for Social Inclusion (OCSI) and charity Local Trust, gives an early suggestion that these areas, often located on the edge of towns and cities, risk falling further behind as government investment focuses on delivering improvements to town and city centres.
Organisations in these neighbourhoods received less than half the funding per head in Covid-related grants than other deprived areas, and around a third of the average levels of England as a whole.
The All-Party group will examine ways to support these communities to ensure they are more resilient and have better prospects in the future.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards (Con) is the group's vice-chair. She said: “I’ve seen, first-hand, how COVID-19 has impacted communities across West Bromwich East, particularly the damage it has caused the local labour market and my constituents’ livelihoods. This report lays bare that damage, and the need to ensure we protect those areas hardest hit by the virus."
Birmingham Northfield MP Gary Sambrook MP (Con) is a member of the group. He said: "The work of this All-Party Parliamentary Group is going to play an important role in generating ideas that will contribute to the Prime Minister’s levelling up agenda. Seeing how COVID has impacted on neighbourhoods across the West Midlands, and in my constituency of Birmingham Northfield, it’s vital that we support these left behind areas so that they can build out of this pandemic, and prosper in the months and years ahead.”
Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden (Lab) is also a member. He said: "If we are serious about extending opportunity and giving some of the lowest income neighbourhoods a better chance, then it has to be about people as well as buildings and physical investment. We have to give people the best possible chance of succeeding in today’s labour market and that means a real emphasis on educational opportunity, starting from the very earliest years. If we don’t do that, we are very unlikely to bridge these gaps."


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Red-faced Aubameyang & Guilbert roar - Things you might've missed

It was a special night that will live long in the memory should Aston Villa secure their Premier League status on Survival Sunday .
The win over Arsenal made it seven points taken from a possible nine , leaving Villa on the cusp of cementing their status for another year .
Last night , it was a spirited - and special - performance against a bang in-form Arsenal side as Villa recorded their third clean sheet since the restart .
Here , with supporters remaining locked out of Villa Park , we 've picked out things you might have missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win .
THE JOKE 'S ON YOU , AUBAMEYANG Arsenal hot-shot Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was tasked with marking Tyrone Mings for Conor Hourihane 's 27th-minute corner .
The two players appeared to share a joke as they went face-to-face , or so Aubameyang thought .
The Arsenal striker was seen laughing at Mings and totally switched off , allowing the Villa man to do one in front of him towards the front post with the ball glancing off his head and into Trezeguet 's path .
The Egyptian , of course , did the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was slammed by supporters afterwards , with one saying : `` It ’ s not a game on the park ; this is a professional football match where you ’ ve got a chance to finish in the Europa League spots . ''
Nice work regardless , Tyrone .
As for Aubameyang , you do n't want to see that from your captain who was left with egg on his face .
Last night was Frederic Guilbert 's first taste of match action for well over four months - and what a performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the injured Ahmed Elmohamady after the first drinks break and was immense throughout .
He was up against 20-goal Aubameyang do n't forget and had him in his back pocket .
One thing that supporters might not have picked up one , meanwhile , was a moment in the second half when Guilbert blocked a Kieran Tierney cross .
The Scottish full-back was clear favourite to get in behind - but for Guilbert to put on the after-burners to race back and block the cross - with the ball striking back off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was celebrated like a goal itself as the likes of Conor Hourihane and Christian Purslow in the box shouted words of encouragement Guilbert 's way .
The cameras afterwards spotted Guilbert 's reaction too and , knowing he did well , he gave himself a personal fired-up fist-clench , clearly shouting `` Come on ! ''
with his French twang .
That act of brilliance summed up Guilbert 's 9/10 display against Arsenal .
He was once Aston Villa 's director of football who wanted to create a lasting legacy built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever that meant .
Steve Round was back at Villa Park last night as he continues his work as Mikel Arteta 's assistant head coach .
Round arrived at Villa in September 2016 with Villa struggling in the Championship , and said : `` Dr Tony ( Xia ) wanted to turn things around very quickly and I was delighted to be given the job .
The first task was obviously setting about turning around that legacy of failure - that negative culture that had been established at the training ground .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked to people about what Aston Villa was - and should be - was a front-foot , aggressive , hard-working , forward-thinking team .
The Villa Engine mirrors that industrious mentality - players who give everything to play for Aston Villa and give everything to ensure Aston Villa is successful .
That 's starting to become engrained now at the training ground . ''
After Villa 's failed promotion bid in 2018 , Round departed with Villa on the cusp of a financial meltdown until Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris arrived who , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As for Round , you do wonder what he makes of the current Villa setup after Smith and Co humbled his lot last night .
Villa boss Smith embraced Arsenal goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana Pavon prior to kick-off last night .
The pair worked together for a couple of months at Brentford before Smith moved to Villa in October 2018 .
As for the Spanish coach , Pavon left Griffin Park last December to join up with Arteta .
Smith and Pavon shared a warm conversation last night , with Smith keen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

It was a special night that will live long in the memory should Aston Villa secure their Premier League status on Survival Sunday.
The win over Arsenal made it seven points taken from a possible nine, leaving Villa on the cusp of cementing their status for another year.
Last night, it was a spirited - and special - performance against a bang in-form Arsenal side as Villa recorded their third clean sheet since the restart.
Here, with supporters remaining locked out of Villa Park, we've picked out things you might have missed before, during and after the 1-0 win.
THE JOKE'S ON YOU, AUBAMEYANG
Arsenal hot-shot Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was tasked with marking Tyrone Mings for Conor Hourihane's 27th-minute corner. The two players appeared to share a joke as they went face-to-face, or so Aubameyang thought. The Arsenal striker was seen laughing at Mings and totally switched off, allowing the Villa man to do one in front of him towards the front post with the ball glancing off his head and into Trezeguet's path. The Egyptian, of course, did the rest.
Afterwards, the Arsenal captain was slammed by supporters afterwards, with one saying: "It’s not a game on the park; this is a professional football match where you’ve got a chance to finish in the Europa League spots."
Nice work regardless, Tyrone. As for Aubameyang, you don't want to see that from your captain who was left with egg on his face.
COME ON!!!
Last night was Frederic Guilbert's first taste of match action for well over four months - and what a performance it was. The Frenchman came on for the injured Ahmed Elmohamady after the first drinks break and was immense throughout. He was up against 20-goal Aubameyang don't forget and had him in his back pocket.
One thing that supporters might not have picked up one, meanwhile, was a moment in the second half when Guilbert blocked a Kieran Tierney cross. The Scottish full-back was clear favourite to get in behind - but for Guilbert to put on the after-burners to race back and block the cross - with the ball striking back off Tierney to win Villa a goal kick. It was celebrated like a goal itself as the likes of Conor Hourihane and Christian Purslow in the box shouted words of encouragement Guilbert's way.
The cameras afterwards spotted Guilbert's reaction too and, knowing he did well, he gave himself a personal fired-up fist-clench, clearly shouting "Come on!" with his French twang. That act of brilliance summed up Guilbert's 9/10 display against Arsenal.
STEVE 'THE VILLA ENGINE' ROUND
He was once Aston Villa's director of football who wanted to create a lasting legacy built around "The Villa Engine", whatever that meant. Steve Round was back at Villa Park last night as he continues his work as Mikel Arteta's assistant head coach.
Round arrived at Villa in September 2016 with Villa struggling in the Championship, and said: "Dr Tony (Xia) wanted to turn things around very quickly and I was delighted to be given the job. The first task was obviously setting about turning around that legacy of failure - that negative culture that had been established at the training ground. The main point that came out when I talked to people about what Aston Villa was - and should be - was a front-foot, aggressive, hard-working, forward-thinking team. The Villa Engine mirrors that industrious mentality - players who give everything to play for Aston Villa and give everything to ensure Aston Villa is successful. That's starting to become engrained now at the training ground."
After Villa's failed promotion bid in 2018, Round departed with Villa on the cusp of a financial meltdown until Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris arrived who, in turn, hired chief exec Purslow. As for Round, you do wonder what he makes of the current Villa setup after Smith and Co humbled his lot last night.
OLD FRIENDS
Villa boss Smith embraced Arsenal goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana Pavon prior to kick-off last night. The pair worked together for a couple of months at Brentford before Smith moved to Villa in October 2018. As for the Spanish coach, Pavon left Griffin Park last December to join up with Arteta. Smith and Pavon shared a warm conversation last night, with Smith keen to check up on his former coach.


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Comet Neowise visible above UK for final time - exactly when to spot it

Comet Neowise will be visible above the UK in our skies for a final time - as Brits are urged to capture a glimpse .
It will be the final time we see the comet - with it next visible in some 6,800 years , according to astronomy experts .
The phenomenon has captured the public imagination in recent days , with stargazers frantically searching the skies for a sign of the comet .
It has spawned beautiful images and video from stargazing aficionados , and the comet has widely been viewed as a spectacular and beautiful event .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too , and should you not head out and capture a glimpse this week , you risk never seeing it The comet passes closest to Earth on July 23 , directly under the constellation the Big Dipper , having been discovered on March 27 .
The comet is currently visible after sunset and will have its closest encounter with Earth on July 23 when it will be around 64 million miles away .
Your best chance at spotting it is shortly after 3.30am but people have reported seeing the comet any time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear horizon .
On July 30-31 , the comet will be passing just to the north of the fine star cluster of Coma Berenices or Berenice 's Hair .
Its orbital period - the time it takes to go around the sun - has increased from 4,500 years to about 6,800 years .
That means it will not come back into our skies for another 6,800 years .
Neowise will be below the Big Dipper and around 10 degrees above the horizon .
Space.com say : `` Your clenched fist held at arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ width .
`` So , on these mornings , the head of Comet Neowise will appear about ‘ one fist ’ up from the north-east horizon . ''

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Comet Neowise will be visible above the UK in our skies for a final time - as Brits are urged to capture a glimpse.
It will be the final time we see the comet - with it next visible in some 6,800 years, according to astronomy experts.
The phenomenon has captured the public imagination in recent days, with stargazers frantically searching the skies for a sign of the comet.
It has spawned beautiful images and video from stargazing aficionados, and the comet has widely been viewed as a spectacular and beautiful event.
But it is also a supremely rare occurrence, too, and should you not head out and capture a glimpse this week, you risk never seeing it
The comet passes closest to Earth on July 23, directly under the constellation the Big Dipper, having been discovered on March 27.
(Image: Conrad Earnest/AP)
The comet is currently visible after sunset and will have its closest encounter with Earth on July 23 when it will be around 64 million miles away.
Your best chance at spotting it is shortly after 3.30am but people have reported seeing the comet any time after 10pm in dark areas with a clear horizon.
On July 30-31, the comet will be passing just to the north of the fine star cluster of Coma Berenices or Berenice's Hair.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Its orbital period - the time it takes to go around the sun - has increased from 4,500 years to about 6,800 years.
That means it will not come back into our skies for another 6,800 years.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Neowise will be below the Big Dipper and around 10 degrees above the horizon.
Space.com say: "Your clenched fist held at arm's length measures approximately 10 degrees in width.
"So, on these mornings, the head of Comet Neowise will appear about ‘one fist’ up from the north-east horizon."


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Alison Hammond in clash with fitness guru who refuses to help fat people

This is the moment a defiant Alison Hammond threatened to `` run rings '' around a fitness instructor who refuses to work with clients who are overweight .
Brummie Alison appeared on This Morning to take Samantha Yardley , a fitness guru and writer from Coventry , in the West Midlands , to task .
Alison , 45 , spoke out after Eamonn Holmes introduced a segment which saw Samantha reveal her motive for refusing to help fat people .
Eamonn and wife Ruth Langsford previewed the interview , which took place during Wednesday 's show on 22 July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We are going to be talking to a woman .
She is a fitness instructor who says she will refuse to work with somebody because of their weight . ''
Eamonn shot back : `` What ?
So she would n't work with me ? ''
`` Well I do n't know , '' Ruth replied .
`` I do n't know what her criteria is yet . ''
`` Her name is Samantha Yardly , '' said Eamonn , adding : `` Is she bang out of order or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has some views that may be hard for a lot of people to digest .
`` She will be telling us her views , what she thinks about people who are too heavy . ''
The camera then cut to Alison Hammond , with Eamonn saying : `` I did not mention you !
I did not say anything about you . ''
Eamonn added : `` I did n't say a word about you , I did n't bring you into it .
Seriously , this is going to be very controversial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this woman may be hurtful . ''
Alison hit back : `` Let 's have a bit of controversy .
So she 's saying if you 're big , she wo n't work with you ?
Come and train me , babes .
Let 's have a laugh .
We 're going to have fun .
I 'm up for it .
`` I 'll probably run rings around you . ''
One This Morning viewer responded : `` Being a PT - we have a duty of care to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the point Samantha is trying to make however she is expressing it in the wrong way .
Mental health is equally as important as physical health .
Eat less move more is the wrong message . ''
Another agreed , writing : `` The fitness coach is ableist .
I 'm overweight due to a DNA mutation , spinal defect , metabolic syndrome & digestive disorder .
I became bedridden so I gained weight despite eating healthy .
I 'm not lazy , I 'm disabled .
Many people are overweight due @ @ @ @ @

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This is the moment a defiant Alison Hammond threatened to "run rings" around a fitness instructor who refuses to work with clients who are overweight.
Brummie Alison appeared on This Morning to take Samantha Yardley, a fitness guru and writer from Coventry, in the West Midlands, to task.
Alison, 45, spoke out after Eamonn Holmes introduced a segment which saw Samantha reveal her motive for refusing to help fat people.
Eamonn and wife Ruth Langsford previewed the interview, which took place during Wednesday's show on 22 July, airing from 10.20am on ITV1.
Ruth said: "We are going to be talking to a woman. She is a fitness instructor who says she will refuse to work with somebody because of their weight."
Eamonn shot back: "What? So she wouldn't work with me?"
"Well I don't know," Ruth replied. "I don't know what her criteria is yet."
"Her name is Samantha Yardly," said Eamonn, adding: "Is she bang out of order or does the truth hurt?
"She has some views that may be hard for a lot of people to digest.
"She will be telling us her views, what she thinks about people who are too heavy."
The camera then cut to Alison Hammond, with Eamonn saying: "I did not mention you! I did not say anything about you."
Eamonn added: "I didn't say a word about you, I didn't bring you into it. Seriously, this is going to be very controversial.
"I'm saying, talking to this woman may be hurtful."
Alison hit back: "Let's have a bit of controversy. So she's saying if you're big, she won't work with you? Come and train me, babes. Let's have a laugh. We're going to have fun. I'm up for it.
"I'll probably run rings around you."
"Yeah," agreed Eamon.
One This Morning viewer responded: "Being a PT - we have a duty of care to make sure the right information out there. I understand the point Samantha is trying to make however she is expressing it in the wrong way. Mental health is equally as important as physical health. Eat less move more is the wrong message."
Another agreed, writing: "The fitness coach is ableist. I'm overweight due to a DNA mutation, spinal defect, metabolic syndrome & digestive disorder. I became bedridden so I gained weight despite eating healthy. I'm not lazy, I'm disabled. Many people are overweight due to health issues."


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Kalvin Phillips explains what really happened with Villa transfer

Kalvin Phillips has revealed just how close he came to joining Aston Villa last summer .
The Leeds United star , 24 , was a top target for Dean Smith after Villa 's promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs was confirmed .
Villa saw several plays for Phillips knocked back by Leeds including one offer in excess of £25million .
But the midfielder stayed with Leeds and will be playing in the top flight next season after they were crowned Championship champions at the weekend .
Phillips , speaking after Leeds ' promotion to the Premier League was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving his boyhood club for Villa Park at one stage last year .
“ To be honest , I was in a situation where I didn ’ t know what to do , ” said Phillips , in an interview with The Athletic .
“ I was basically on the verge of leaving .
I was on the verge of saying I wanted to leave , but at the same time I didn ’ t want to say it .
`` Aston Villa had been in touch and they ’ d gone into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could play in the Premier League just like that .
And us losing in the play-offs killed me a bit .
It was hard to take .
“ I came in one day and Victor ( Orta , Leeds ' director of football ) said to me , ‘ Listen , if you want to leave then just let me know .
If you want to leave , tell me right now and I ’ ll sell you ’ .
I said , ‘ I don ’ t know ’ .
So Victor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know then I ’ m not selling you ’ .
“ I ’ d spoken to my mum , and she was more or less set on me leaving .
She was gutted about it .
I said to my brother , ‘ I think I ’ m going to leave ’ , and he was gutted too .
But he just said , ‘ If it ’ s the right decision for you , then it ’ s the right decision ’ .
But it wasn ’ t .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wasn ’ t leaving .
I said that to him last night .
He was thanking me for staying but I thanked him .
I told him , ‘ If it wasn ’ t for you , this wouldn ’ t be happening .
I ’ d have been getting relegated with Aston Villa instead ’ .
”

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Kalvin Phillips has revealed just how close he came to joining Aston Villa last summer.
The Leeds United star, 24, was a top target for Dean Smith after Villa's promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs was confirmed.
Villa saw several plays for Phillips knocked back by Leeds including one offer in excess of £25million.
But the midfielder stayed with Leeds and will be playing in the top flight next season after they were crowned Championship champions at the weekend.
Phillips, speaking after Leeds' promotion to the Premier League was confirmed, admitted he thought he was leaving his boyhood club for Villa Park at one stage last year.
“To be honest, I was in a situation where I didn’t know what to do,” said Phillips, in an interview with The Athletic. “I was basically on the verge of leaving. I was on the verge of saying I wanted to leave, but at the same time I didn’t want to say it.
"Aston Villa had been in touch and they’d gone into the Premier League so I knew I could play in the Premier League just like that. And us losing in the play-offs killed me a bit. It was hard to take.
“I came in one day and Victor (Orta, Leeds' director of football) said to me, ‘Listen, if you want to leave then just let me know. If you want to leave, tell me right now and I’ll sell you’. I said, ‘I don’t know’. So Victor said, ‘If you don’t know then I’m not selling you’.
“I’d spoken to my mum, and she was more or less set on me leaving. She was gutted about it. I said to my brother, ‘I think I’m going to leave’, and he was gutted too. But he just said, ‘If it’s the right decision for you, then it’s the right decision’. But it wasn’t.
"I’m so pleased Victor told me I wasn’t leaving. I said that to him last night. He was thanking me for staying but I thanked him. I told him, ‘If it wasn’t for you, this wouldn’t be happening. I’d have been getting relegated with Aston Villa instead’.”


birminghammail--2020-07-22--150,000 Birmingham workers on furlough warned over changes next week

One in every three Birmingham workers was furloughed by the end June .
The latest official figures have revealed 147,800 workers have been furloughed under the government ’ s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - 33 % of all employees .
That ’ s slightly higher than the national average of 31 % .
Yardley and Hodge Hill have the highest proportion of workers furloughed in Birmingham , with 37 % of jobs put on furlough - one of the highest proportions in the country .
Other areas of Birmingham have been slightly less affected , with 29 % of jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than three quarters of Birmingham ’ s self-employed workers have also benefited from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme ( 76 % ) , with £88.5 million of support handed out so far .
From August 1 , employers will need to start paying ER NICs and pension contributions for the hours the employee is on furlough - but the government will continue to pay 80 per cent of wages up to a cap of £2,500 for the hours an employee is on furlough .
Employers can also continue to top up employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they wish .
Meanwhile , Birmingham ’ s small and medium-sized businesses have received over £200 million in grants from the City Council as part of wider government measures to support businesses during lockdown .
Across the UK , 9.4 million workers have been placed on furlough , at a cost of £26.5 billion .
Britain ’ s hospitality and restaurant sectors have been most affected , with 73 % of workers reliant on the furlough scheme .
The arts , entertainment and construction industries are also heavily dependent on the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 31 .
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said : `` The job retention scheme has been vital in supporting workers during this crisis .
Millions of young people have been furloughed , especially in the hospitality and entertainment industries .
`` But the retention bonus falls far short of what is needed when the scheme comes to an end .
And there is n't a 'one size fits all ' approach to saving jobs .
We need targeted support for the hardest-hit sectors like retail , manufacturing and aviation .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass unemployment .
The government should work closely with unions and business to protect as many jobs as possible and to ensure working people are not made to pay the price of this crisis . ''
The total number of people claiming unemployment benefits fell slightly by 28,000 in June , to 2.6 million people .
However , the figure remains more than twice as the level seen in March , before the coronavirus pandemic .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ben van der Merwe, James Rodger)

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One in every three Birmingham workers was furloughed by the end June.
The latest official figures have revealed 147,800 workers have been furloughed under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - 33% of all employees.
That’s slightly higher than the national average of 31%.
Yardley and Hodge Hill have the highest proportion of workers furloughed in Birmingham, with 37% of jobs put on furlough - one of the highest proportions in the country.
Other areas of Birmingham have been slightly less affected, with 29% of jobs furloughed in Edgbaston and Selly Oak.
More than three quarters of Birmingham’s self-employed workers have also benefited from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (76%), with £88.5 million of support handed out so far.
From August 1, employers will need to start paying ER NICs and pension contributions for the hours the employee is on furlough - but the government will continue to pay 80 per cent of wages up to a cap of £2,500 for the hours an employee is on furlough.
Employers can also continue to top up employee wages to above the 80 per cent if they wish.
(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Birmingham’s small and medium-sized businesses have received over £200 million in grants from the City Council as part of wider government measures to support businesses during lockdown.
Across the UK, 9.4 million workers have been placed on furlough, at a cost of £26.5 billion.
Britain’s hospitality and restaurant sectors have been most affected, with 73% of workers reliant on the furlough scheme.
The arts, entertainment and construction industries are also heavily dependent on the scheme, which is due to end on October 31.
TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: "The job retention scheme has been vital in supporting workers during this crisis. Millions of young people have been furloughed, especially in the hospitality and entertainment industries.
"But the retention bonus falls far short of what is needed when the scheme comes to an end. And there isn't a 'one size fits all' approach to saving jobs. We need targeted support for the hardest-hit sectors like retail, manufacturing and aviation.
"We must do all we can to avoid mass unemployment. The government should work closely with unions and business to protect as many jobs as possible and to ensure working people are not made to pay the price of this crisis."
The total number of people claiming unemployment benefits fell slightly by 28,000 in June, to 2.6 million people.
However, the figure remains more than twice as the level seen in March, before the coronavirus pandemic.


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Heartbroken BGT star in GoFundMe plea after dog Buddy hit by van

The owner of Buddy , the singing dog who reached the 2011 Britain 's Got Talent semi-finals , has turned to the public for help after he was hit by a van .
Pippa Langhorne , 29 from Worcester , said Buddy was injured on Monday July 13 during a family walk .
She initially set her fundraising bar on GoFundMe at £1,200 , but has now raised it to £5,000 after receiving news that Buddy will require a hip operation .
`` With lockdown and coronavirus , all my work 's dried up , '' Ms Langhorne told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my pet insurance at the beginning of lockdown because I thought I 've got no work now this year , and that 's all I rely on ... my singing and Buddy .
`` Little did I know he was going to get hit and I ( would ) have this bill .
I just thought , ' I do n't actually know how I 'm going to pay for this ' . ''
Ms Langhorne reached the semi-finals of the 2011 edition of Britain 's Got Talent , singing classical music while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pair still attended dog shows and parties together , but Ms Langhorne is unsure whether Buddy will be able to continue performing after his recovery .
`` I just do n't know after this accident how he 's going to be because I have n't tried singing with him yet , '' she said .
`` He 's not good with other people at the moment .
If anyone goes near his cage he thinks they 're going to hurt him .
`` Everything that I have is because of him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buddy 's GoFundMe page , click here .

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The owner of Buddy, the singing dog who reached the 2011 Britain's Got Talent semi-finals, has turned to the public for help after he was hit by a van.
Pippa Langhorne, 29 from Worcester, said Buddy was injured on Monday July 13 during a family walk.
She initially set her fundraising bar on GoFundMe at £1,200, but has now raised it to £5,000 after receiving news that Buddy will require a hip operation.
"With lockdown and coronavirus, all my work's dried up," Ms Langhorne told the PA news agency.
"I cancelled my pet insurance at the beginning of lockdown because I thought I've got no work now this year, and that's all I rely on... my singing and Buddy.
"Little did I know he was going to get hit and I (would) have this bill. I just thought, 'I don't actually know how I'm going to pay for this'."
Ms Langhorne reached the semi-finals of the 2011 edition of Britain's Got Talent, singing classical music while Buddy howled along.
Before the incident the pair still attended dog shows and parties together, but Ms Langhorne is unsure whether Buddy will be able to continue performing after his recovery.
"I just don't know after this accident how he's going to be because I haven't tried singing with him yet," she said.
"He's not good with other people at the moment. If anyone goes near his cage he thinks they're going to hurt him.
"Everything that I have is because of him."
To donate to Ms Langhorne and Buddy's GoFundMe page, click here.


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Posh town slammed over video promoting shops using all white people

A posh town has been slammed over a video promoting shops and businesses reopening using nearly all white people - except for service staff .
The two-minute film was released in a bid to encourage people back to shops , bars , hotels and hairdressers in Cheltenham , Glos .
It was created for Marketing Cheltenham , a group tasked with improving the visitor economy in the spa town and managed by the local council .
But the clip has been criticised on social media for not being representative enough of the town 's diverse community - as only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It also appears that all the non-white people who were featured in the video are portrayed in service industry roles .
The manager of Marketing Cheltenham later said that the group did `` absolutely recognise the importance of taking an inclusive approach '' .
The film was published on a tourism website and on social media last week ( July 17 ) in an attempt showcase the town .
But it was soon met by stern words by some people online - with one stating that `` representation matters '' .
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People of colour visit here .
We want everyone to feel welcomed .
`` I felt this video was not representative of our town , or the rest of the country . ''
They added : `` So ... .
All ( both ?
! )
the people of colour in Cheltenham work in the service industry ? ''
But others on social media commented that they did n't see what the fuss was about .
One person said : `` Seen it all now . ''
David Jackson , manager of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site that the group `` welcome all and any feedback '' .
He said : `` Feedback on the video has been overwhelmingly positive , so we ’ re incredibly grateful to all of those businesses that took the time to participate .
`` As with all our marketing materials , we have tried to ensure that the video features a cross section of Cheltenham and its business community .
`` However , we absolutely recognise the importance of taking an inclusive approach and of representing the diversity that exists in both our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are committed to ensuring our marketing output continues to adhere to this and welcome all and any feedback that helps to refine our approach . ''

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A posh town has been slammed over a video promoting shops and businesses reopening using nearly all white people - except for service staff.
The two-minute film was released in a bid to encourage people back to shops, bars, hotels and hairdressers in Cheltenham, Glos.
It was created for Marketing Cheltenham, a group tasked with improving the visitor economy in the spa town and managed by the local council.
But the clip has been criticised on social media for not being representative enough of the town's diverse community - as only a few of the people used were BAME
It also appears that all the non-white people who were featured in the video are portrayed in service industry roles.
The manager of Marketing Cheltenham later said that the group did "absolutely recognise the importance of taking an inclusive approach".
The film was published on a tourism website and on social media last week (July 17) in an attempt showcase the town.
But it was soon met by stern words by some people online - with one stating that "representation matters".
They said: "People of colour live here. People of colour visit here. We want everyone to feel welcomed.
"I felt this video was not representative of our town, or the rest of the country."
They added: "So.... All (both?!) the people of colour in Cheltenham work in the service industry?"
But others on social media commented that they didn't see what the fuss was about.
One person said: "Seen it all now."
Another added: "Reflects Cheltenham perfectly!"
David Jackson, manager of Marketing Cheltenham, told a local news site that the group "welcome all and any feedback".
He said: "Feedback on the video has been overwhelmingly positive, so we’re incredibly grateful to all of those businesses that took the time to participate.
"As with all our marketing materials, we have tried to ensure that the video features a cross section of Cheltenham and its business community.
"However, we absolutely recognise the importance of taking an inclusive approach and of representing the diversity that exists in both our community and our audiences.
"We are committed to ensuring our marketing output continues to adhere to this and welcome all and any feedback that helps to refine our approach."


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Road left blocked by flytippers - forcing drivers to dodge rubbish

This is the horrendous state of a semi-rural road after flytippers dumped tons of rubbish overnight .
Locals woke up to find Bridle Lane , which links Barr Beacon to Streetly , strewn with large piles of waste on Wednesday morning ( July 22 ) .
Footage shows boxes , mattresses , furniture , black bin bags , wood , large bags and other garbage dumped over the road .
The flytipping has left drivers unable to pass through the road without taking extra care to avoid the piles of rubbish .
The area as been targeted many times by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Great Barr Neighbourhood Forum to express their utter disgust at the latest incident .
One said : `` That ’ s disgusting , people are total scruffs !
! ''
Another wrote : `` Why would you do this ? ''
A member posted : `` Disgusting !
And there ’ s no excuse now the dumps are open ! ''
Another member said : `` Disgusting ... these people will dump whether the tip is open or not .
They could live next door to the tip and they ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted : `` Why would they do it when booking a time slot at the tip is so easy .
Took us 10 minutes to drop a car load yesterday . ''
Walsall Council has been contacted for comment .

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This is the horrendous state of a semi-rural road after flytippers dumped tons of rubbish overnight.
Locals woke up to find Bridle Lane, which links Barr Beacon to Streetly, strewn with large piles of waste on Wednesday morning (July 22).
Footage shows boxes, mattresses, furniture, black bin bags, wood, large bags and other garbage dumped over the road.
The flytipping has left drivers unable to pass through the road without taking extra care to avoid the piles of rubbish.
The area as been targeted many times by flytippers in the past.
Residents took to Great Barr Neighbourhood Forum to express their utter disgust at the latest incident.
One said: "That’s disgusting, people are total scruffs!!"
Another wrote: "Why would you do this ?"
A member posted: " Disgusting ! And there’s no excuse now the dumps are open!"
Another member said: "Disgusting... these people will dump whether the tip is open or not. They could live next door to the tip and they’d still do this."
And one posted: "Why would they do it when booking a time slot at the tip is so easy. Took us 10 minutes to drop a car load yesterday."
Walsall Council has been contacted for comment.


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Arsenal verdict on shock Villa win singles out Tyrone Mings

Trezeguet 's third goal in as many matches handed Aston Villa three vital points against Arsenal on Tuesday evening .
The Egyptian , who netted both goals in Villa 's win over Crystal Palace , was on target again at Villa Park to lift Dean Smith 's side out of the relegation zone .
It 's now all on Survival Sunday with Villa heading to West Ham and rivals Watford and Bournemouth facing trips to Arsenal and Everton respectively .
Here 's how our sister title football.london reported Arsenal 's defeat to Villa ... Sign up for our football newsletter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top of the page or click here Villa defender Tyrone Mings played an important role in the victory , marshalling a defence which kept Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang , Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe at bay .
He has been heavily linked with a transfer away from Villa in recent weeks with Arsenal among the clubs reportedly interested in signing him .
Everton and Manchester United are also said to hold an interest in the 27-year-old England international .
Football.london reports : `` A game against Aston Villa , threatened with relegation , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City felt like a prime chance for the Gunners to record another win and boost their hopes of European football .
`` Unfortunately , Mikel Arteta 's men met a determined side in Villa , and at the heart of that team was Tyrone Mings .
The 27-year-old joined Villa from Bournemouth last summer after an impressive loan spell and has been central to the club 's hopes of survival this season , with his flick-on setting up Trezeguet for the only goal of the game .
`` Given Arsenal are in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared Mings was acing his audition to be the club 's new left-sided centre-back with a clean sheet .
His arrival would allow Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka to play further forward , as a left wing-back and a left-winger respectively .
Furthermore , the England international is about to enter the peak years of his career , and as a home-grown , senior international , he would no doubt be ready for the step-up that Arsenal could provide . ''
Up until football 's suspension Villa were lambasted for being one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on set pieces .
Villa were conceding goals left , right and centre from corners and free-kicks but Smith has since sharpened his back-line up .
And they are profiting from attacking set pieces more than ever with Trezeguet 's goal the fourth Villa have scored from since the restart .
It 's now Arsenal 's defensive work on set pieces which is coming into the firing line after Villa became the third team to expose them in quick succession .
Football.london reports : `` Since the return to football , Arteta 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corners in the Premier League .
Over the course of the entire 2019/20 , 46 per cent of the 46 goals conceded have been at the hands of a set piece - more than any other team this season .
`` This time around , what was most disappointing about the way Arsenal defended the corner which led to Trezeguet 's opener was the fact no-one was within five-10 yards of him until Cedric halfheartedly charged him down .
When the corner was taken , all eyes and bodies in yellow were aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what was happening on the edge of the box .
`` A simple reminder could have been the difference between Villa going ahead or somebody picking up the Egyptian , nullifying the danger .
Instead , nobody looked over their shoulder for the danger and Arsenal paid the price . ''

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Trezeguet's third goal in as many matches handed Aston Villa three vital points against Arsenal on Tuesday evening.
The Egyptian, who netted both goals in Villa's win over Crystal Palace, was on target again at Villa Park to lift Dean Smith's side out of the relegation zone.
It's now all on Survival Sunday with Villa heading to West Ham and rivals Watford and Bournemouth facing trips to Arsenal and Everton respectively.
Here's how our sister title football.london reported Arsenal's defeat to Villa...
Sign up for our football newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Mings 'aced his audition'
Villa defender Tyrone Mings played an important role in the victory, marshalling a defence which kept Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe at bay.
He has been heavily linked with a transfer away from Villa in recent weeks with Arsenal among the clubs reportedly interested in signing him. Everton and Manchester United are also said to hold an interest in the 27-year-old England international.
Football.london reports: "A game against Aston Villa, threatened with relegation, just days after a momentous victory against Manchester City felt like a prime chance for the Gunners to record another win and boost their hopes of European football.
"Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta's men met a determined side in Villa, and at the heart of that team was Tyrone Mings. The 27-year-old joined Villa from Bournemouth last summer after an impressive loan spell and has been central to the club's hopes of survival this season, with his flick-on setting up Trezeguet for the only goal of the game.
"Given Arsenal are in the market for defenders this summer, it appeared Mings was acing his audition to be the club's new left-sided centre-back with a clean sheet. His arrival would allow Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka to play further forward, as a left wing-back and a left-winger respectively. Furthermore, the England international is about to enter the peak years of his career, and as a home-grown, senior international, he would no doubt be ready for the step-up that Arsenal could provide."
Roles reversed
Up until football's suspension Villa were lambasted for being one of the worst teams in the Premier League on set pieces.
Villa were conceding goals left, right and centre from corners and free-kicks but Smith has since sharpened his back-line up.
And they are profiting from attacking set pieces more than ever with Trezeguet's goal the fourth Villa have scored from since the restart.
It's now Arsenal's defensive work on set pieces which is coming into the firing line after Villa became the third team to expose them in quick succession.
Football.london reports: "Since the return to football, Arteta's side have already conceded three goals from corners in the Premier League. Over the course of the entire 2019/20, 46 per cent of the 46 goals conceded have been at the hands of a set piece - more than any other team this season.
"This time around, what was most disappointing about the way Arsenal defended the corner which led to Trezeguet's opener was the fact no-one was within five-10 yards of him until Cedric halfheartedly charged him down. When the corner was taken, all eyes and bodies in yellow were aimed towards the corner flag, oblivious to what was happening on the edge of the box.
"A simple reminder could have been the difference between Villa going ahead or somebody picking up the Egyptian, nullifying the danger. Instead, nobody looked over their shoulder for the danger and Arsenal paid the price."


birminghammail--2020-07-22--35,000 drivers warned they'll have to pay extra £23 as lockdown eased

Thousands and thousands of motorists face having to fork out extra cash for a charge which has been branded `` unfair '' by experts .
If you 're a learner driver , you are likely to be one of 35,000 across England affected by the new levy , which has drawn criticism from some quarters .
According to the AA Driving School , the resumption of driving lessons and tests across the country could see learners unfairly targeted .
Tests resume today , with the DVSA restarting examinations for learner drivers amid a huge backlog of cases thanks to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , as the country ground to a halt owing to the spread of the deadly bug , which has killed 45,000 Brits in hospitals .
And experts have warned learner drivers whose theory test expired during lockdown will be expected to pay to take the test again .
Data shows more than 35,000 people looking to pass in a car have now lost their certificates because test centres and driving lessons were suspended during lockdown .
Sarah Rees , managing director of the AA Driving School , said : “ Whilst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thousands of learner drivers have been unfairly penalised because theory test certificates have not been extended .
“ Many learners will already have faced economic hardship during lockdown and to now have to pay £23 to re-take a test they have already passed is just rubbing salt into the wound .
“ We have seen a huge increase in demand for lessons since lockdown , partly because of pent-up demand , but also because people are being encourage away from public transport .
“ If MOTs and photo card renewals can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Thousands and thousands of motorists face having to fork out extra cash for a charge which has been branded "unfair" by experts.
If you're a learner driver, you are likely to be one of 35,000 across England affected by the new levy, which has drawn criticism from some quarters.
According to the AA Driving School, the resumption of driving lessons and tests across the country could see learners unfairly targeted.
Tests resume today, with the DVSA restarting examinations for learner drivers amid a huge backlog of cases thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
Exams were stopped earlier this year, as the country ground to a halt owing to the spread of the deadly bug, which has killed 45,000 Brits in hospitals.
And experts have warned learner drivers whose theory test expired during lockdown will be expected to pay to take the test again.
Data shows more than 35,000 people looking to pass in a car have now lost their certificates because test centres and driving lessons were suspended during lockdown.
Sarah Rees, managing director of the AA Driving School, said: “Whilst it is great that tests are re-starting, thousands of learner drivers have been unfairly penalised because theory test certificates have not been extended.
“Many learners will already have faced economic hardship during lockdown and to now have to pay £23 to re-take a test they have already passed is just rubbing salt into the wound.
“We have seen a huge increase in demand for lessons since lockdown, partly because of pent-up demand, but also because people are being encourage away from public transport.
“If MOTs and photo card renewals can be extended, then so should theory tests.”


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Pedestrian killed in crash named as Anthony Whitehouse

A man who was killed in a West Bromwich crash has been named as Anthony Whitehouse .
Mr Whitehouse was walking along Newton Road , on Thursday night ( July , 16 ) , when he was struck by a car near the junction of Wigmore Lane .
The 27-year-old , from the Stone Cross area , suffered serious injuries and sadly died at the scene .
His family are continuing to be supported by specialist officers .
The driver of a grey Audi A7 involved in the collision , stopped at the scene and is assisting with the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collision Investigation Unit , said : “ We are still reviewing CCTV to work out what happened last week to result in the tragic loss of life .
“ I am trying to trace the driver of a silver four door saloon car that was overtaken by the grey Audi A7 shortly before the collision .
We think they are a key witness and need to hear from them .
“ It ’ s possible the car was a Mercedes and it was travelling on Newton Road coming away from West Bromwich at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road from Holyhedge Road and would have been overtaken by the Audi in the immediate moments before the collision.
” Anyone with information can contact collision investigators on FL_ COLLISION _INVEST @ west -midlands.pnn.police.uk , via Live Chat at www .
west -midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight , or by calling 101 anytime .
Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote log number 4636 of 17/07/20 .

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A man who was killed in a West Bromwich crash has been named as Anthony Whitehouse.
Mr Whitehouse was walking along Newton Road, on Thursday night (July, 16), when he was struck by a car near the junction of Wigmore Lane.
The 27-year-old, from the Stone Cross area, suffered serious injuries and sadly died at the scene. His family are continuing to be supported by specialist officers.
The driver of a grey Audi A7 involved in the collision, stopped at the scene and is assisting with the investigation.
DC Jamie Simon from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We are still reviewing CCTV to work out what happened last week to result in the tragic loss of life.
“I am trying to trace the driver of a silver four door saloon car that was overtaken by the grey Audi A7 shortly before the collision. We think they are a key witness and need to hear from them.
“It’s possible the car was a Mercedes and it was travelling on Newton Road coming away from West Bromwich at about 9.22pm. It had joined the road from Holyhedge Road and would have been overtaken by the Audi in the immediate moments before the collision.”
Anyone with information can contact collision investigators on FL_ COLLISION _INVEST@ west -midlands.pnn.police.uk, via Live Chat at www. west -midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight, or by calling 101 anytime.
Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log number 4636 of 17/07/20.


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Dean Smith schools Mikel Arteta as Purslow kicks every Villa ball

It was a result and performance of epic proportions as Aston Villa climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time in five months .
Last night 's 1-0 win over Arsenal - Villa 's first against the Gunners in B6 since 1998 - made it seven points from a possible nine heading into Sunday 's relegation showdown at West Ham .
Villa need to concentrate on bettering Watford 's and Bournemouth 's results against Arsenal and Everton respectively .
Dean Smith 's resurgent side are above the drop-zone by a single goal , and level on points with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cherries .
With survival firmly in Villa 's hands , here 's what BirminghamLive 's Villa club writer Ashley Preece picked out following last night 's memorable victory at Villa Park .
NEVER MIND KONSA OR LUIZ , SMITH 'S GONE UP ANOTHER LEVEL Smith was full of praise for his players post-match last night and referenced the likes of Ezri Konsa , Douglas Luiz and Jack Grealish for `` going up another level '' .
However , something the gaffer might have missed was this : he 's gone up another level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side who recently took apart Man City and Liverpool - two of the world 's best - is some doing .
To then restrict Mikel Arteta 's men to not having a single shot on target ( woodwork counts as off-target ) in 94 minutes is simply something else .
Arteta 's Arsenal were flavour of the month this past week and Smith schooled the Spaniard last night , restricting the Gunners to nothing in front of goal .
`` We changed the shape in the second half as we knew they 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Smith said afterwards , referencing how Villa went to a more compact 4-1-4-1 system with Douglas Luiz the anchorman in midfield .
`` We wanted to be more compact and to make Arsenal attempt to get down the sides , '' he added , knowing full well Villa had commitment in abundance in wide areas with Grealish and Freddie Guilbert one side and Matt Targett and Trezeguet the other .
It was Villa 's best defensive display of the season - and what a time for it to play out .
Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up until the Palace win just 10 days ago , even at Everton he was criticised by a minority after Targett 's lapse .
However , one thing you ca n't deny is Smith 's tactics and game management has improved tenfold during the restart .
Yes , displays against Chelsea , Wolves and Man United were n't good enough but performances - and results - have been nip and tuck barring the first-half against United .
Smith deserves huge credit for last night 's gameplan .
He 's bounced back , learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit a seasoned Premier League manager .
Maybe if he had Arteta 's chinos and cashmere jumper on , perhaps he 'd be seen in a different light .
But , joking aside , Smith proved a point last night and , if he goes one more on Sunday , what a job he 'd have done to keep Villa affloat .
Something supporters would have missed inside Villa Park yesterday was an animated chief executive .
Christian Purslow was pumped-up long before the first whistle .
He paced up and down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stadium more than an hour before kick-off , probably to walk off all that nervous energy .
As the players emerged , Purslow stood up for a long old while and looked the players in the eyes and gave them a supporting fist in and attempt to gee them up knowing the gigantic stakes on that game with Arsenal .
Even as the players went in at half-time , he issued well-wishing messages from the directors ' box telling them to keep at it .
Cries of `` fantastic '' and `` brilliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by Guilbert , John McGinn and the like .
Villa staying in the top-flight means everything and , for Purslow , last night 's victory was a massive deal as it makes Villa favourites .
The chief exec kicked every ball last night , such was his passion to see the players over the line .
Staying with passion , the way Grealish collapsed at the end was a scene we 've seen all season .
Yet this time it was different .
He clenched his fists and let out a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa had just achieved .
Grealish 's commitment for the claret and blue cause was heroic yet again last night , rubber-stamped when he sensed danger and ran back to head away to thwart the advances of Sead Kolasinac at the back post .
The captain `` put in a captain 's performance '' was Smith 's take on Grealish against Arsenal , and said : `` That was his best performance since lockdown by a mile . ''
Now , the heart sank a little afterwards after witnessing Sky Sports ' cheeky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked if it was his final game in claret and blue at Villa Park and paused for almost three seconds before being brave enough to answer : `` I 'm not too sure at the moment .
I have one aim , to keep this club in the Premier League .
That 's all I 'm thinking of . ''
Regardless of what happens from hereon in , Grealish has never ever shied away , puts his body on the line week after week and , thankfully , others have finally stepped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to his brilliant best last night and , as he often does , put in a star showing when Villa need him most .
He had the most touches ( 54 ) , most fouls ( 5 ) , most interceptions ( 5 ) , created the most chances ( 3 ) and created the most take-ons .
What a player .
I was hit with a tinge of sadness just after the final whistle knowing 42,000 seats were empty inside Villa Park with supporters locked out due to the ongoing pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for one forgot the claret and blue faithful were all at home or down the pub , such was Villa 's commitment to the cause on the pitch .
As kick-off commenced , the sun kissed through the corner of the Holte End and the Doug Ellis and last night had all the hallmarks to be another one of them special nights - think back to Everton back in August or Watford at home in January .
Can you imagine the noise last night had Villa Park been sold out .
The roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as referee Chris Kavanagh blew his full-time whistle .
It would have been party time in the stands and in the street with Sweet Caroline blaring .
Sadly , though , the Villa players had to make do with the cluster of a couple of dozen staff and stewards inside the stadium , as opposed to 42,000-plus going mental .
The Villa staff and players did supporters proud last night and no doubt a drink or three was raised at home or in the bars after a truly memorable evening .
Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the Villa Park doors open and Villa remain a Premier League team to humble the likes of Arsenal once more next term .
Now it 's all on Sunday , then .
Villa head to the London Stadium hoping to cross that finishing line to remain in 17th-place come around 6pm .
My fingernails wo n't grow back in time for that so I 'll be gnawing away at the poor skin around them at West Ham .
As Smith put it in his post-match , there 's one game to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to last year 's play-off final at Wembley .
`` One more !
One more ! ''
was Smith 's rallying cry to the away end at The Hawthorns after Villa beat Albion in the semi-final , and last night against Arsenal was the exact same .
Villa have one more game for glory and it could come even if they lose on Sunday , providing Watford and Bournemouth do the exact same .
Now Villa can not be thinking like that and Smith will hammer it home that they need to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take seven points from nine available - and then to throw it away by going down would be some doing , even by Villa 's previous standards of yesteryear .
They ca n't now afford to undo all of the hard work that 's been put in on and off the pitch this past fortnight .
It 'd be madness .
Villa know exactly what to do and must see it through .
They 've already had their get-out-of-jail-free cards .
It 's down to them to get the job done , no-one @ @

It was a result and performance of epic proportions as Aston Villa climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time in five months.
Last night's 1-0 win over Arsenal - Villa's first against the Gunners in B6 since 1998 - made it seven points from a possible nine heading into Sunday's relegation showdown at West Ham.
Villa need to concentrate on bettering Watford's and Bournemouth's results against Arsenal and Everton respectively. Dean Smith's resurgent side are above the drop-zone by a single goal, and level on points with the Hornets but three ahead of the Cherries.
With survival firmly in Villa's hands, here's what BirminghamLive's Villa club writer Ashley Preece picked out following last night's memorable victory at Villa Park.
NEVER MIND KONSA OR LUIZ, SMITH'S GONE UP ANOTHER LEVEL
Smith was full of praise for his players post-match last night and referenced the likes of Ezri Konsa, Douglas Luiz and Jack Grealish for "going up another level". However, something the gaffer might have missed was this: he's gone up another level as well.
To beat an Arsenal side who recently took apart Man City and Liverpool - two of the world's best - is some doing. To then restrict Mikel Arteta's men to not having a single shot on target (woodwork counts as off-target) in 94 minutes is simply something else. Arteta's Arsenal were flavour of the month this past week and Smith schooled the Spaniard last night, restricting the Gunners to nothing in front of goal.
"We changed the shape in the second half as we knew they'd have a lot of the ball," Smith said afterwards, referencing how Villa went to a more compact 4-1-4-1 system with Douglas Luiz the anchorman in midfield. "We wanted to be more compact and to make Arsenal attempt to get down the sides," he added, knowing full well Villa had commitment in abundance in wide areas with Grealish and Freddie Guilbert one side and Matt Targett and Trezeguet the other.
It was Villa's best defensive display of the season - and what a time for it to play out. Smith's had pelters to deal with right up until the Palace win just 10 days ago, even at Everton he was criticised by a minority after Targett's lapse. However, one thing you can't deny is Smith's tactics and game management has improved tenfold during the restart.
Yes, displays against Chelsea, Wolves and Man United weren't good enough but performances - and results - have been nip and tuck barring the first-half against United. Smith deserves huge credit for last night's gameplan. He's bounced back, learned from his naive mistakes and looks every bit a seasoned Premier League manager. Maybe if he had Arteta's chinos and cashmere jumper on, perhaps he'd be seen in a different light. But, joking aside, Smith proved a point last night and, if he goes one more on Sunday, what a job he'd have done to keep Villa affloat.
PASSIONATE PURSLOW KICKING EVERY BALL FROM DIRECTOR'S BOX
Something supporters would have missed inside Villa Park yesterday was an animated chief executive. Christian Purslow was pumped-up long before the first whistle. He paced up and down the Trinity Road Stand as reporters entered the stadium more than an hour before kick-off, probably to walk off all that nervous energy.
As the players emerged, Purslow stood up for a long old while and looked the players in the eyes and gave them a supporting fist in and attempt to gee them up knowing the gigantic stakes on that game with Arsenal. Even as the players went in at half-time, he issued well-wishing messages from the directors' box telling them to keep at it. Cries of "fantastic" and "brilliant" were heard throughout, referencing tackles made by Guilbert, John McGinn and the like. Villa staying in the top-flight means everything and, for Purslow, last night's victory was a massive deal as it makes Villa favourites. The chief exec kicked every ball last night, such was his passion to see the players over the line.
GREALISH BACK TO BRILLIANT BEST
Staying with passion, the way Grealish collapsed at the end was a scene we've seen all season. Yet this time it was different. He clenched his fists and let out a huge cry of emotion knowing what he and Villa had just achieved. Grealish's commitment for the claret and blue cause was heroic yet again last night, rubber-stamped when he sensed danger and ran back to head away to thwart the advances of Sead Kolasinac at the back post. The captain "put in a captain's performance" was Smith's take on Grealish against Arsenal, and said: "That was his best performance since lockdown by a mile."
Now, the heart sank a little afterwards after witnessing Sky Sports' cheeky question about his future. Grealish was asked if it was his final game in claret and blue at Villa Park and paused for almost three seconds before being brave enough to answer: "I'm not too sure at the moment. I have one aim, to keep this club in the Premier League. That's all I'm thinking of."
Regardless of what happens from hereon in, Grealish has never ever shied away, puts his body on the line week after week and, thankfully, others have finally stepped up to the plate. The captain was back to his brilliant best last night and, as he often does, put in a star showing when Villa need him most. He had the most touches (54), most fouls (5), most interceptions (5), created the most chances (3) and created the most take-ons. What a player.
SAD FOR SUPPORTERS WHO MISSED A SPECIAL NIGHT
I was hit with a tinge of sadness just after the final whistle knowing 42,000 seats were empty inside Villa Park with supporters locked out due to the ongoing pandemic. Throughout the 90-plus minutes, I for one forgot the claret and blue faithful were all at home or down the pub, such was Villa's commitment to the cause on the pitch. As kick-off commenced, the sun kissed through the corner of the Holte End and the Doug Ellis and last night had all the hallmarks to be another one of them special nights - think back to Everton back in August or Watford at home in January. Can you imagine the noise last night had Villa Park been sold out. The roof would have come off the place as soon as referee Chris Kavanagh blew his full-time whistle. It would have been party time in the stands and in the street with Sweet Caroline blaring. Sadly, though, the Villa players had to make do with the cluster of a couple of dozen staff and stewards inside the stadium, as opposed to 42,000-plus going mental. The Villa staff and players did supporters proud last night and no doubt a drink or three was raised at home or in the bars after a truly memorable evening. Let's hope it's not too long until the Villa Park doors open and Villa remain a Premier League team to humble the likes of Arsenal once more next term.
DON'T UNDO ALL YOUR HARD WORK, VILLA
Now it's all on Sunday, then. Villa head to the London Stadium hoping to cross that finishing line to remain in 17th-place come around 6pm. My fingernails won't grow back in time for that so I'll be gnawing away at the poor skin around them at West Ham. As Smith put it in his post-match, there's one game to go and it takes on a similar scale to last year's play-off final at Wembley. "One more! One more!" was Smith's rallying cry to the away end at The Hawthorns after Villa beat Albion in the semi-final, and last night against Arsenal was the exact same.
Villa have one more game for glory and it could come even if they lose on Sunday, providing Watford and Bournemouth do the exact same. Now Villa cannot be thinking like that and Smith will hammer it home that they need to win in London at all costs.
To take seven points from nine available - and then to throw it away by going down would be some doing, even by Villa's previous standards of yesteryear. They can't now afford to undo all of the hard work that's been put in on and off the pitch this past fortnight. It'd be madness. Villa know exactly what to do and must see it through. They've already had their get-out-of-jail-free cards. It's down to them to get the job done, no-one else.


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Birmingham's 107-year-old Repertory Theatre 'will not survive' due to Covid

Birmingham 's museums , theatres and orchestras have issued a desperate plea for help , with the Repertory Theatre warning it `` will not survive '' the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown without support .
The collapse of the cultural sector will lead to 200,000 job losses across the wider West Midlands region , arts organisations say .
They wrote to a House of Commons inquiry chaired by Solihull MP Julian Knight , which today published a report warning that a crisis in the culture sector will lead to `` mass redundancies and the permanent closure of our cultural infrastructure '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Media and Sport Committee urged the Government to extend the furlough scheme for theatres , museums and other cultural organisations .
The scheme , in which the Treasury pays the salaries of staff who would otherwise be made redundant , is due to end on October 31 .
Birmingham Repertory Theatre , which opened in its original premises in 1913 , told the inquiry : `` The REP is currently facing one of the greatest challenges in its history and its future is under threat . ''
Senior Technician Ross Gallagher , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of the theatre , said : `` Despite welcome emergency support from Arts Council England and the lifeline of the staff retention scheme , The REP and many other theatres across the country will not survive this pandemic unless measures are put in place to protect this socially and economically vital industry . ''
Theatres and other performing arts venues have been closed since March 16 .
The Government has said they will be allowed a limited re-opening from August , subject to the findings of pilot schemes , but it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to re-open fully .
Managers also warn that even if they are allowed to put on performances again , the number of tickets they can sell will be limited by social distancing rules - and it seems unlikely that audiences will feel it is safe to attend live performances for some time .
West Midlands Culture Response Unit , which represents bodies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company , Birmingham Royal Ballet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra , told the inquiry : `` COVID-19 has struck the sector severely .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other venues closed completely , earned income channels have been reduced or halted completely , with organisations having to rely on reserves , grant funding and the staff retention scheme to survive . ''
Erica Love , writing on behalf of the unit , told MPs : `` Income losses are in high tens of millions , if not 100s of million in the region alone , with some larger organisations loosing over £3million each month during closure .
She said : `` 70 % of organisations will run out of cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervention , job losses are likely to be over 200,000 ( employed and freelancers ) . ''
If audience members are expected to remain 2m apart then most venues expect to be able to achieve about 20 % capacity , whilst 50-70 % capacity is needed to break even , she said .
Birmingham Museums Trust , which runs nine attractions in Birmingham including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Thinktank Science Museum , said it could not afford to re-open its sites because it did not have enough money to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Birmingham Museums Trust , saw an immediate end to earned income – admissions , school visits , onsite donations , retail , catering and venue hire – with a devastating effect on our ability to operate on an ongoing basis .
`` None of this income will be recovered , without furlough we would be unable to operate as a going concern .
With the imminent ending of furlough , we will be unable to reopen without operational losses totalling £2m by March 2021 . ''
Get all the latest politics updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge part in all our lives , much more than we immediately realise .
News and updates on the world of politics seemed to become much more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic as we waited for news of the Government 's responses to the crisis and how it affected our daily lives .
You can get all the latest politics updates in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
There are all the Government briefings and announcements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the economy that affect businesses and our personal finances , policies on benefits such as Universal Credit and of course local and national elections that decide who represents us .
There 's also all the news from Birmingham City Council and other Midlands authorities on housing , education , bin collections , roads , transport , public health and so much more .
And how much council tax they 'll charge us for delivering those services .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store And it warned : `` Significant investment is required across all 9 Birmingham Museums Trust sites to ensure that they are safe and secure for staff , volunteers and members of the public alike .
The organisation does not have the cash resources to be able to make this level of investment and this is a major risk to the organisation . ''
A paper submitted by regional theatres including Birmingham Hippodrome , Newcastle Theatre , Royal Norwich Theatre and others suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ productions such as musicals , but would be forced to ditch some of the existing work .
It said : `` With pressures to cut fixed costs and drive ongoing annual costs savings , without funding intervention , our commitment to studio , artist development and community and education work is likely to be heavily eroded at best and wiped out at worst . ''
In today 's report , designed to influence government policy , the Commons committee welcomed the Government 's recent announcement a £1.57 billion support package for the arts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late for many in the sector and on its own will not be enough to stop mass redundancies and the permanent closure of our cultural infrastructure . ''
They called for extra help for cultural bodies , including allowing the furlough scheme to continue until mass gatherings are permitted again .
Mr Knight said : `` We are witnessing the biggest threat to our cultural landscape in a generation .
“ The failure of the government to act quickly has jeopardised the future of institutions that are part of our national life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them . ''

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Birmingham's museums, theatres and orchestras have issued a desperate plea for help, with the Repertory Theatre warning it "will not survive" the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown without support.
The collapse of the cultural sector will lead to 200,000 job losses across the wider West Midlands region, arts organisations say.
They wrote to a House of Commons inquiry chaired by Solihull MP Julian Knight, which today published a report warning that a crisis in the culture sector will lead to "mass redundancies and the permanent closure of our cultural infrastructure".
The Commons Digitial, Culture, Media and Sport Committee urged the Government to extend the furlough scheme for theatres, museums and other cultural organisations. The scheme, in which the Treasury pays the salaries of staff who would otherwise be made redundant, is due to end on October 31.
Birmingham Repertory Theatre, which opened in its original premises in 1913, told the inquiry: "The REP is currently facing one of the greatest challenges in its history and its future is under threat."
Senior Technician Ross Gallagher, in a written submission to the inquiry on behalf of the theatre, said: "Despite welcome emergency support from Arts Council England and the lifeline of the staff retention scheme, The REP and many other theatres across the country will not survive this pandemic unless measures are put in place to protect this socially and economically vital industry."
Theatres and other performing arts venues have been closed since March 16. The Government has said they will be allowed a limited re-opening from August, subject to the findings of pilot schemes, but it is still unclear when they will be allowed to re-open fully.
Managers also warn that even if they are allowed to put on performances again, the number of tickets they can sell will be limited by social distancing rules - and it seems unlikely that audiences will feel it is safe to attend live performances for some time.
West Midlands Culture Response Unit, which represents bodies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, told the inquiry: "COVID-19 has struck the sector severely. With all theatres, galleries, museums, and other venues closed completely, earned income channels have been reduced or halted completely, with organisations having to rely on reserves, grant funding and the staff retention scheme to survive."
Erica Love, writing on behalf of the unit, told MPs: "Income losses are in high tens of millions , if not 100s of million in the region alone, with some larger organisations loosing over £3million each month during closure.
She said: "70% of organisations will run out of cash by the end of 2020 ... without intervention, job losses are likely to be over 200,000 (employed and freelancers)."
If audience members are expected to remain 2m apart then most venues expect to be able to achieve about 20% capacity, whilst 50-70% capacity is needed to break even, she said.
Birmingham Museums Trust, which runs nine attractions in Birmingham including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Thinktank Science Museum, said it could not afford to re-open its sites because it did not have enough money to make them Covid-safe.
It told MPs: "Birmingham Museums Trust, saw an immediate end to earned income – admissions, school visits, onsite donations, retail, catering and venue hire – with a devastating effect on our ability to operate on an ongoing basis.
"None of this income will be recovered, without furlough we would be unable to operate as a going concern. With the imminent ending of furlough, we will be unable to reopen without operational losses totalling £2m by March 2021."
And it warned: "Significant investment is required across all 9 Birmingham Museums Trust sites to ensure that they are safe and secure for staff, volunteers and members of the public alike. The organisation does not have the cash resources to be able to make this level of investment and this is a major risk to the organisation."
A paper submitted by regional theatres including Birmingham Hippodrome, Newcastle Theatre, Royal Norwich Theatre and others suggested they could survive by focusing on high-income productions such as musicals, but would be forced to ditch some of the existing work.
It said: "With pressures to cut fixed costs and drive ongoing annual costs savings, without funding intervention, our commitment to studio, artist development and community and education work is likely to be heavily eroded at best and wiped out at worst."
In today's report, designed to influence government policy, the Commons committee welcomed the Government's recent announcement a £1.57 billion support package for the arts, but said it was "too late for many in the sector and on its own will not be enough to stop mass redundancies and the permanent closure of our cultural infrastructure."
They called for extra help for cultural bodies, including allowing the furlough scheme to continue until mass gatherings are permitted again.
Mr Knight said: "We are witnessing the biggest threat to our cultural landscape in a generation.
“The failure of the government to act quickly has jeopardised the future of institutions that are part of our national life and the livelihoods of those who work for them."


birminghammail--2020-07-22--'I love the club' - Jude Bellingham's emotional goodbye to Birmingham City

Jude Bellingham has been speaking about his final moments in the colours of Birmingham City .
Bellingham played his final match for Blues tonight , a 3-1 defeat to Derby County as the 2019-20 Championship campaign came to a close .
The 17 year-old became the most expensive player in his age bracket when Borussia Dortmund paid €25 million to sign him last week .
Bellingham has endured a fine campaign , his first full season at senior level , scoring four times and creating three goals from central midfield .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page or click here And he was desperate to score on his final appearance for the club at St Andrew 's , coming close with a header against the bar and forcing Ben Hamer into a save .
He wiped tears away as he made his way off the pitch having been substituted on 75 minutes and then spent a considerable amount of time on the pitch with his family and friends after full-time .
`` I tried my best to hide it but sometimes it 's difficult , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am a massive fan of the club .
`` I 've been coming here since I was seven , not just playing in the academy .
`` I fell in love Birmingham City and then fell in love with football .
`` So just to get a little bit of time out there on my own and with my little brother , mum and dad meant the world to us .
`` We 've shed a few tears and I am really devastated about how it 's finished but at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and looking forward to that . ''

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Jude Bellingham has been speaking about his final moments in the colours of Birmingham City.
Bellingham played his final match for Blues tonight, a 3-1 defeat to Derby County as the 2019-20 Championship campaign came to a close.
The 17 year-old became the most expensive player in his age bracket when Borussia Dortmund paid €25 million to sign him last week.
Bellingham has endured a fine campaign, his first full season at senior level, scoring four times and creating three goals from central midfield.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
And he was desperate to score on his final appearance for the club at St Andrew's, coming close with a header against the bar and forcing Ben Hamer into a save.
He wiped tears away as he made his way off the pitch having been substituted on 75 minutes and then spent a considerable amount of time on the pitch with his family and friends after full-time.
"I tried my best to hide it but sometimes it's difficult," he said.
"I love the cub, I am a massive fan of the club.
"I've been coming here since I was seven, not just playing in the academy.
"I fell in love Birmingham City and then fell in love with football.
"So just to get a little bit of time out there on my own and with my little brother, mum and dad meant the world to us.
"We've shed a few tears and I am really devastated about how it's finished but at the same time I am optimistic for the future and looking forward to that."


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Bilic makes transfer admission as West Brom confirm promotion

Slaven Bilic has hinted that he will keep faith with the majority of the West Brom squad that has won promotion back to the Premier League .
The Baggies clinched their return to the top-flight on Wednesday , after a dramatic night across the division .
Bilic ’ s side knew a win would ensure their return to the top-flight , but were left to sweat after they could only manage a draw with QPR .
But Brentford , once again , failed to materialise , losing at home to Barnsley to gift Albion their promotion .
And with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already turned to next season and how Bilic will replenish his squad for the likes of Liverpool and Co .
However , in the aftermath of their success , the Croatian has claimed his players deserve the chance to prove themselves as top division players next season .
“ We will see , we are a good team , ” Bilic told Sky Sports .
“ We have a good example with Sheffield United , Norwich and Villa .
“ Maybe three different approaches that shows you you have to change but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot .
`` The majority of the guys we have counted on here are going to play in the Premier League because they deserve it .
`` I really believe that some of them will be more suited to the Premier League.
” Bilic guided Albion to promotion in his first season , as player or coach , in the Championship .
And although he has enjoyed his time in the second-tier , he has admitted it was even more difficult than he imagined .
“ What a season and what a league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said I would like to manage in the Championship because it 's a very difficult league .
“ I loved it but I could n't imagine it was this difficult and demanding .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ben Husband, Jamie Kemble)

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Slaven Bilic has hinted that he will keep faith with the majority of the West Brom squad that has won promotion back to the Premier League.
The Baggies clinched their return to the top-flight on Wednesday, after a dramatic night across the division.
Bilic’s side knew a win would ensure their return to the top-flight, but were left to sweat after they could only manage a draw with QPR.
But Brentford, once again, failed to materialise, losing at home to Barnsley to gift Albion their promotion.
And with a shortened pre-season on the horizon, thoughts have already turned to next season and how Bilic will replenish his squad for the likes of Liverpool and Co.
However, in the aftermath of their success, the Croatian has claimed his players deserve the chance to prove themselves as top division players next season.
“We will see, we are a good team,” Bilic told Sky Sports. “We have a good example with Sheffield United, Norwich and Villa.
“Maybe three different approaches that shows you you have to change but you don't have to change a lot.
"The majority of the guys we have counted on here are going to play in the Premier League because they deserve it.
"I really believe that some of them will be more suited to the Premier League.”
Bilic guided Albion to promotion in his first season, as player or coach, in the Championship. And although he has enjoyed his time in the second-tier, he has admitted it was even more difficult than he imagined.
“What a season and what a league," he added.
“I said I would like to manage in the Championship because it's a very difficult league.
“I loved it but I couldn't imagine it was this difficult and demanding.”


birminghammail--2020-07-22--Callum Robinson addresses his future as he celebrates promotion

Callum Robinson has said that he has given it his all while on loan at West Brom from Sheffield United and is delighted to see promotion to the Premier League confirmed .
The Baggies did n't make it easy for themselves , of course , but they have now confirmed their place in the top flight , following Leeds United .
`` I have had to wait for my time since lockdown , but I have come here to help the boys and I did that tonight , '' Robinson told Sky Sports .
`` I made it hard considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the boys over the line and I 'm just happy I helped and got involved .
`` The lads have been doing it from August time , I have just been here since January .
`` I 've just tried my best and committed .
I 'm just happy we got the job done . ''
His impressive performances for Albion will see fans begging for him to return next season , but when asked about his future he made clear that , for now at least , his sights are set on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The plan if that my team is Sheffield United but I 've got to wait what happens , '' he said .
`` In the summer , in my head , I will go back to Sheffield United . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tom Leach, Jamie Kemble)

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Callum Robinson has said that he has given it his all while on loan at West Brom from Sheffield United and is delighted to see promotion to the Premier League confirmed.
The Baggies didn't make it easy for themselves, of course, but they have now confirmed their place in the top flight, following Leeds United.
"I have had to wait for my time since lockdown, but I have come here to help the boys and I did that tonight," Robinson told Sky Sports.
"I made it hard considering I missed the one-on-one but I got the boys over the line and I'm just happy I helped and got involved.
"The lads have been doing it from August time, I have just been here since January.
"I've just tried my best and committed. I'm just happy we got the job done."
His impressive performances for Albion will see fans begging for him to return next season, but when asked about his future he made clear that, for now at least, his sights are set on a return to Sheffield United.
"The plan if that my team is Sheffield United but I've got to wait what happens," he said.
"In the summer, in my head, I will go back to Sheffield United."