birminghammail--2020-01-16--Pepe Reina reveals how long he intends to stay at Aston Villa after AC Milan transfer

Pepe Reina has confirmed there are no plans for the goalkeeper to stay at Aston Villa after his loan spell comes to an end .
Reina has linked up with Villa for the rest of the season from AC Milan with his arrival confirmed on Monday , a day after he watched the 6-1 defeat against Manchester City from the stands at Villa Park .
Signing a new stopper was a priority for Dean Smith after Tom Heaton was ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage .
“ We have only come until summer with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the end of this season , ” Reina said in an interview with Onda Cero ( via Sport Witness ) .
“ I have barely had time to go around the city to know it because we have looked for a house and a school for children with the idea of being all comfortable.
” Reina returns to the Premier League nearly seven years after first leaving Liverpool , where he made almost 400 appearances between 2005 and 2013 .
The former World Cup winner with Spain initially left Anfield to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Munich on a permanent deal .
Reina re-joined to Napoli on a full-time basis after his time in Germany came to an end and agreed terms with Milan in 2018 .
“ I have been fortunate to compete in the four leagues and meet the four cultures , '' he said .
`` But in the end the league in which one feels much more like a football player is the English , where I have lived my best years as an athlete . ''
Reina made 13 appearances in total at Milan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Serie A as he provided backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma and has 18 months left on his contract .
“ I signed a year and a half ago , '' he added .
`` The situation then was that Donnaruma was going to leave but in the end he stayed .
That ’ s why I tried to do my best to play and also to help ‘ Gigi ’ in his growth .
“ Here [ at Villa ] I now have the opportunity to play every week and to feel like @ @ @ @ @

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Pepe Reina has confirmed there are no plans for the goalkeeper to stay at Aston Villa after his loan spell comes to an end.
Reina has linked up with Villa for the rest of the season from AC Milan with his arrival confirmed on Monday, a day after he watched the 6-1 defeat against Manchester City from the stands at Villa Park.
Signing a new stopper was a priority for Dean Smith after Tom Heaton was ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.
“We have only come until summer with the idea of helping and doing well until the end of this season,” Reina said in an interview with Onda Cero (via Sport Witness).
“I have barely had time to go around the city to know it because we have looked for a house and a school for children with the idea of being all comfortable.”
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Reina returns to the Premier League nearly seven years after first leaving Liverpool, where he made almost 400 appearances between 2005 and 2013.
The former World Cup winner with Spain initially left Anfield to join Napoli on loan before signing for Bayern Munich on a permanent deal.
Reina re-joined to Napoli on a full-time basis after his time in Germany came to an end and agreed terms with Milan in 2018.
“I have been fortunate to compete in the four leagues and meet the four cultures," he said. "But in the end the league in which one feels much more like a football player is the English, where I have lived my best years as an athlete."
Reina made 13 appearances in total at Milan, with only five of those coming in Serie A as he provided backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma and has 18 months left on his contract.
“I signed a year and a half ago," he added. "The situation then was that Donnaruma was going to leave but in the end he stayed. That’s why I tried to do my best to play and also to help ‘Gigi’ in his growth.
“Here [at Villa] I now have the opportunity to play every week and to feel like a footballer again.”


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Paul Hollywood speaks out as Sandi Toksvig quits Great British Bake Off

Sandi Toksvig is leaving The Great British Bake Off after three years as a presenter .
The 61-year-old said that she wants to leave the Bake Off tent to focus on other work projects .
Toksvig has fronted the programme alongside Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith since 2017 after it moved to Channel 4 from BBC One .
Toksvig , Fielding and Leith joined the show when previous presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc , and judge Mary Berry , quit following the channel move .
Hollywood is the only original star of Bake Off , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Toksvig will appear in the forthcoming charity series of Bake Off , The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off , before departing the show for good .
Toksvig , also known for hosting quiz shows QI and Fifteen To One , will host a new Channel 4 series called The Write Offs , which looks at the issue of adult literacy .
He said : `` It 's been great fun working with Sandi .
We will miss her but I hope that she will get time to visit us in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She will always be part of the Bake Off family . ''
Richard McKerrow , chief creative officer and executive producer for Bake Off 's production company Love Productions , said : `` We 'll always be incredibly grateful to Sandi for becoming one of the hosts of Bake Off when we moved to Channel 4 , along with Noel , Paul and Prue .
`` She has contributed hugely to Bake Off over the last three years , with her sharp witty sense of humour and her passionate commitment to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tent .
`` We wish her all the very best on the exciting projects she is currently working on and beyond . ''

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Sandi Toksvig is leaving The Great British Bake Off after three years as a presenter.
The 61-year-old said that she wants to leave the Bake Off tent to focus on other work projects.
Toksvig has fronted the programme alongside Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith since 2017 after it moved to Channel 4 from BBC One.
Toksvig, Fielding and Leith joined the show when previous presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, and judge Mary Berry, quit following the channel move.
Hollywood is the only original star of Bake Off, which started on BBC Two in 2010.
Toksvig will appear in the forthcoming charity series of Bake Off, The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off, before departing the show for good.
Toksvig, also known for hosting quiz shows QI and Fifteen To One, will host a new Channel 4 series called The Write Offs, which looks at the issue of adult literacy.
Paul Hollywood has paid tribute to Toksvig.
(Image: Channel 4)
He said: "It's been great fun working with Sandi. We will miss her but I hope that she will get time to visit us in the tent when we film later this year. She will always be part of the Bake Off family."
Richard McKerrow, chief creative officer and executive producer for Bake Off's production company Love Productions, said: "We'll always be incredibly grateful to Sandi for becoming one of the hosts of Bake Off when we moved to Channel 4, along with Noel, Paul and Prue.
"She has contributed hugely to Bake Off over the last three years, with her sharp witty sense of humour and her passionate commitment to the dozens of bakers during her time in the tent.
"We wish her all the very best on the exciting projects she is currently working on and beyond."


birminghammail--2020-01-16--The 2020 WWE Royal Rumble: entrants, what we know so far and how to watch on TV

Having secured the rights to broadcast live WWE coverage here in the UK , BT Sport will be home to the 2020 Royal Rumble later this month .
The annual event takes place on Sunday January 26 at the Minute Maid Park in Houston Texas .
It will be 33rd Rumble in WWE history and is part of what the company dub `` the big four '' along with SummerSlam , Survivor Series and of course Wrestlemania .
This year , Brock Lesnar comes in as WWE Champion - he will enter into the Royal Rumble match at Number 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Fiend '' Bray Wyatt will fight Daniel Bryan for the Universal Championship belt ; Becky Lynch squares off against Asuka for the WWE RAW Women 's Championship and Roman Reigns comes up against King Corbin in a singles match .
Along with BT TV , you can also access BT Sport through Sky TV .
The other way you can watch this year 's Royal Rumble - and indeed all live WWE coverage - is through the Netflix-style monthly subscription service , WWE Network .
More details on the Network can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of 30 entrants that have been confirmed so far : 2018 marked the first ever Women 's Royal Rumble match .
So far only 4 of the WWE women superstars have been confirmed .
They are Charlotte Flair , Sarah Logan , Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross .

Having secured the rights to broadcast live WWE coverage here in the UK, BT Sport will be home to the 2020 Royal Rumble later this month.
The annual event takes place on Sunday January 26 at the Minute Maid Park in Houston Texas. It will be 33rd Rumble in WWE history and is part of what the company dub "the big four" along with SummerSlam, Survivor Series and of course Wrestlemania.
This year, Brock Lesnar comes in as WWE Champion - he will enter into the Royal Rumble match at Number 1.
Elsewhere on the night, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt will fight Daniel Bryan for the Universal Championship belt; Becky Lynch squares off against Asuka for the WWE RAW Women's Championship and Roman Reigns comes up against King Corbin in a singles match.
How to Watch
Along with BT TV, you can also access BT Sport through Sky TV.
The other way you can watch this year's Royal Rumble - and indeed all live WWE coverage - is through the Netflix-style monthly subscription service, WWE Network.
More details on the Network can be found at watch.wwe.com
Royal Rumble 2020 Entrants
These are the 18 out of 30 entrants that have been confirmed so far:
Roman Reigns
Brock Lesnar (WWE Champion)
AJ Styles
Erick Rowan
Randy Orton
Rey Mysterio
Ricochet
Drew McIntyre
Elias
King Corbin
Dolph Ziggler
Otis
Tucker
Rusev
Bobby Lashley
Aleister Black
Buddy Murphy
Cain Velasquez
2018 marked the first ever Women's Royal Rumble match. So far only 4 of the WWE women superstars have been confirmed. They are Charlotte Flair, Sarah Logan, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--This job will pay a hen party expert to visit the world's best venues - from spas and hotels to club

This job will pay a hen party expert to visit the world's best venues - from spas and hotels to clubs

A UK company is searching for an experienced reveller to be paid to travel the world testing out Hen Parties .
The lucky candidate will be handed cash to head from Prague to Paris , Bath to Bucharest and try out hundreds of activities , nightlife and accommodation options .
Hen weekend organisers GoHen said it requires a suitably adventurous , seasoned partier to jet off and test spas , clubs , hotels , and crazy hen antics .
The firm is on the hunt for a sociable candidate to fill their new role of Professional Hen Party Tester in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the planet .
GoHen created hen adventures such as Bear Grylls Survival , Hire an Island and the World 's Most Luxurious Hen Party and it is looking for someone to find the next big thing .
A spokesman said : `` We 're always looking to push the boundaries of group travel to offer the most incredible experiences possible , so it stands to reason we need audacious and outgoing employees to test our activities to ensure they 're up to our impeccably high standards .
`` When you 're not out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll be using your insider knowledge and expert know-how to help hens celebrate their big weekends away in style ! ''
Helping hens party in style on their pre-wedding send-off The successful candidate will need to demonstrate : GoHen 's Director of Operations , Steve Roddy , said : `` We pride ourselves on our ability to provide the best bridal send-offs in the industry .
So , to make sure we meet our high standards , we need an experienced partygoer to head to our destinations and test the latest hen party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene so we can keep ahead of the curve .
`` Whilst it is a dream job , we still require the candidate to complete a full dossier on their findings whilst they 're away . ''
Applicants can apply on this link .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Neil Shaw, Brett Gibbons)

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A UK company is searching for an experienced reveller to be paid to travel the world testing out Hen Parties.
The lucky candidate will be handed cash to head from Prague to Paris, Bath to Bucharest and try out hundreds of activities, nightlife and accommodation options.
Hen weekend organisers GoHen said it requires a suitably adventurous, seasoned partier to jet off and test spas, clubs, hotels, and crazy hen antics.
The firm is on the hunt for a sociable candidate to fill their new role of Professional Hen Party Tester in some of the craziest party destinations on the planet.
GoHen created hen adventures such as Bear Grylls Survival, Hire an Island and the World's Most Luxurious Hen Party and it is looking for someone to find the next big thing.
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A spokesman said: "We're always looking to push the boundaries of group travel to offer the most incredible experiences possible, so it stands to reason we need audacious and outgoing employees to test our activities to ensure they're up to our impeccably high standards.
"When you're not out and about testing incredible activities, you'll be using your insider knowledge and expert know-how to help hens celebrate their big weekends away in style!"
Job specifications:
Testing hen activities
UK & international travel
Vlogging your experiences
Completing activity reports & descriptions
Managing hen party enquiries
Helping hens party in style on their pre-wedding send-off
Event & group management
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
An aptitude for adventure
A fearless attitude
Event/group planning experience
GoHen's Director of Operations, Steve Roddy, said: "We pride ourselves on our ability to provide the best bridal send-offs in the industry. So, to make sure we meet our high standards, we need an experienced partygoer to head to our destinations and test the latest hen party activities and try out the local party scene so we can keep ahead of the curve.
"Whilst it is a dream job, we still require the candidate to complete a full dossier on their findings whilst they're away."
Applicants can apply on this link.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Martin Lewis's crucial £9 trick could save every Brit hundreds on holiday

Brits eyeing their holidays are being warned not to miss out on sorting an insurance policy when they book their trips overseas .
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis told Good Morning Britain that January is the biggest holiday booking month , but all too often people forget to buy travel insurance at the same time .
He said : `` You need cover from the moment you go , yet far too many people book a holiday and then leave the cover until later .
`` Sadly too often I hear stories like ' I 've just been diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on holiday in six weeks , but now need chemo .
The airline wo n't refund my ticket , what can I do ? '
'' But he said at that stage it 's usually too late to do anything , KentLive reports .
He said : `` Travel insurance 's job is to cover you if you ca n't go , but if you only get it before you go , or you 're missing out all the cover that it protects you in case an eventuality happens before the holiday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somebody dying in the family . ''
He added : `` You 're only covered for cancellation if you have insurance before an illness/injury , job loss , jury service call-up etc .
So whether going away soon or later this year , buy ASAB ( as you soon as you 've booked ) . ''
He said that policies can be bought online for as little at £9 per person in some cases , and travellers should keep an eye out for the best deals on comparison sites .
He said anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year is likely to be better off with an annual policy .

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Brits eyeing their holidays are being warned not to miss out on sorting an insurance policy when they book their trips overseas.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis told Good Morning Britain that January is the biggest holiday booking month, but all too often people forget to buy travel insurance at the same time.
He said: "You need cover from the moment you go, yet far too many people book a holiday and then leave the cover until later.
"Sadly too often I hear stories like 'I've just been diagnosed with cancer, I was due to go on holiday in six weeks, but now need chemo. The airline won't refund my ticket, what can I do?'"
But he said at that stage it's usually too late to do anything, KentLive reports.
He said: "Travel insurance's job is to cover you if you can't go, but if you only get it before you go, or you're missing out all the cover that it protects you in case an eventuality happens before the holiday, such as long term cancer treatment or somebody dying in the family."
He added: "You're only covered for cancellation if you have insurance before an illness/injury, job loss, jury service call-up etc. So whether going away soon or later this year, buy ASAB (as you soon as you've booked)."
He said that policies can be bought online for as little at £9 per person in some cases, and travellers should keep an eye out for the best deals on comparison sites.
He said anyone who goes away at least two times a year is likely to be better off with an annual policy.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--More than 12,000 drivers caught speeding on busy stretch of M6 in last two years

More than 12,000 drivers have been caught speeding on a stretch of the M6 just outside Birmingham in the past two years .
An investigation has found 12,524 motorists were caught driving too fast between junction 10A for Hilton Park , near Cannock , and junction 15 for Hanchurch , Staffordshire .
One southbound camera between junctions 15 and 14 - which is within the Smart motorway section - snared 4,083 drivers who flouted the 50mph speed limit in the two years to the end of September , 2019 , an investigation by StokeOnTrentLive has revealed .
Highways England says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A spokesman added : “ Speed restrictions within roadworks are there to protect the workforce as well as the motorists travelling through them .
“ We ’ d encourage drivers to stick to the speed limits and leave plenty of space between themselves and the vehicle in front.
” The drivers were caught by a combination of static cameras and mobile speed operations .
Chief Inspector Mat Derrick , from Staffordshire Police 's roads policing unit , said : `` Speeding on the M6 is enforced through smart motorway equipment installed between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed limit enforcement through the roadworks between junctions 13 and 15 .
`` This is further complemented by the deployment of the Central Motorway Policing Group conducting mobile speed enforcement . ''
Now one haulage firm is calling for a nationwide review of speed limits .
Barry Proctor , who owns Staffordshire-based Barry Proctor Services , said : “ There is no excuse for speeding and if it is a 50mph zone then that is the limit - but it can be quite frustrating for people .
“ These days people are under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us truck drivers are no different .
But we know the rules and if we get caught then there are no excuses .
“ You can have variable speed limits across the M6 and sometimes traffic is moving but the signs still say 'slow ' .
You do sometimes wonder why the limits are what they are and we need a review of speed limits .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Matt Jackson, Brett Gibbons)

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More than 12,000 drivers have been caught speeding on a stretch of the M6 just outside Birmingham in the past two years.
An investigation has found 12,524 motorists were caught driving too fast between junction 10A for Hilton Park, near Cannock, and junction 15 for Hanchurch, Staffordshire.
One southbound camera between junctions 15 and 14 - which is within the Smart motorway section - snared 4,083 drivers who flouted the 50mph speed limit in the two years to the end of September, 2019, an investigation by StokeOnTrentLive has revealed .
Highways England says motorway enforcement is handled by the police.
A spokesman added: “Speed restrictions within roadworks are there to protect the workforce as well as the motorists travelling through them.
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“We’d encourage drivers to stick to the speed limits and leave plenty of space between themselves and the vehicle in front.”
The drivers were caught by a combination of static cameras and mobile speed operations.
Chief Inspector Mat Derrick, from Staffordshire Police 's roads policing unit, said: "Speeding on the M6 is enforced through smart motorway equipment installed between junctions 10A and 13 and then reduced speed limit enforcement through the roadworks between junctions 13 and 15.
"This is further complemented by the deployment of the Central Motorway Policing Group conducting mobile speed enforcement."
Now one haulage firm is calling for a nationwide review of speed limits.
Barry Proctor, who owns Staffordshire-based Barry Proctor Services, said: “There is no excuse for speeding and if it is a 50mph zone then that is the limit - but it can be quite frustrating for people.
“These days people are under so much pressure to make deadlines and us truck drivers are no different. But we know the rules and if we get caught then there are no excuses.
“You can have variable speed limits across the M6 and sometimes traffic is moving but the signs still say 'slow'. You do sometimes wonder why the limits are what they are and we need a review of speed limits.”


birminghammail--2020-01-16--UK knife crime at 10-year high - as Prime Minister demands action

The number of knife crimes being dealt with by the police and courts is the highest in a decade , official figures show - and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for action .
There were 22,286 knife and offensive weapon offences formally dealt with by the criminal justice system in England and Wales in the year ending September 2019 , according to Ministry of Justice statistics .
This is a three per cent rise on the previous year ( 21,553 ) and the highest since September 2009 ( 26,364 ) .
The figures follow Tuesday 's announcement that Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet committee looking at ways to tackle crime .
This came after data released by the Office for National Statistics in October revealed that police-recorded offences involving a knife or sharp instrument hit a record high in the year to June , up seven per cent on the previous 12 months to 44,076 .
The latest MoJ figures show that for most offenders ( 71 per cent ) this was their first crime of this kind .
According to the report , offenders are now more likely to be handed an immediate jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for longer .
In the year to September , 38 per cent of knife and offensive weapon offences resulted in an immediate custodial sentence compared with 23 per cent for the same period in 2009 .
The average length of prison sentences also rose over the same period , from six to eight months , the document said .
Barnardo 's chief executive Javed Khan said : `` We need to tackle the root causes and understand why those involved carry knives .
`` Increasing the number and length of sentences can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as this may not deter young people who are suffering a poverty of hope .
`` The new Government urgently needs to work with charities , education , health , youth workers , the criminal justice system and local communities to find long-term solutions , so vulnerable children have a reason to turn away from crime . ''
Mr Johnson has ordered all Whitehall departments to take action on tackling crime .
He told ministers that every department should consider itself a criminal justice department as part of a drive to look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which would involve long-term reforms to improve health , social care , youth services and education .

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The number of knife crimes being dealt with by the police and courts is the highest in a decade, official figures show - and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for action.
There were 22,286 knife and offensive weapon offences formally dealt with by the criminal justice system in England and Wales in the year ending September 2019, according to Ministry of Justice statistics.
This is a three per cent rise on the previous year (21,553) and the highest since September 2009 (26,364).
The figures follow Tuesday's announcement that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lead a new Cabinet committee looking at ways to tackle crime.
This came after data released by the Office for National Statistics in October revealed that police-recorded offences involving a knife or sharp instrument hit a record high in the year to June, up seven per cent on the previous 12 months to 44,076.
(Image: Mirror)
The latest MoJ figures show that for most offenders (71 per cent) this was their first crime of this kind.
According to the report, offenders are now more likely to be handed an immediate jail sentence for knife and weapon offences, and for longer.
In the year to September, 38 per cent of knife and offensive weapon offences resulted in an immediate custodial sentence compared with 23 per cent for the same period in 2009.
The average length of prison sentences also rose over the same period, from six to eight months, the document said.
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Barnardo's chief executive Javed Khan said: "We need to tackle the root causes and understand why those involved carry knives.
"Increasing the number and length of sentences can only be part of the solution, as this may not deter young people who are suffering a poverty of hope.
"The new Government urgently needs to work with charities, education, health, youth workers, the criminal justice system and local communities to find long-term solutions, so vulnerable children have a reason to turn away from crime."
Mr Johnson has ordered all Whitehall departments to take action on tackling crime.
He told ministers that every department should consider itself a criminal justice department as part of a drive to look at the "complex causes of crime" which would involve long-term reforms to improve health, social care, youth services and education.


birminghammail--2020-01-16--Heroic moment gran wrestles £1,200 stolen bike from 6ft thug who came into shop trying to sell it

This is the moment a tiny great-gran wrestled with a six-foot-tall thug who came into an antiques shop and tried to sell her a stolen £1,200 bike for £150 .
Supergran Mari Parker , 72 , knew the bike had been stolen having read about its theft on Facebook and refused to let the thief leave the store with it .
However , the un-named male in his 20s returned half an hour later and tried to take the bike back by force .
CCTV footage shows five foot three inches tall Mari in a minute long tug-of-war with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to the bike frame for dear life .
The hooded thief can been seen violently pulling at the bike and even trying to mount it to cycle away but his efforts were thwarted by the determined OAP .
He eventually fled empty-handed and the designer mountain bike was later reunited with its rightful owner .
Gran of eight Mari said today ( Thurs ) : `` I 'm sure he must be a bit embarrassed now that he was beaten by a 72-year-old woman . ''
The incident happened on a Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's , antique shop , Barnsley Antiques Centre , where she helps out part-time .
The man had come into the shop asking if they wanted to buy the bike for £150 .
Unfortunately for him , Mari and Daniel had already seen a post about that exact bike being stolen on a Facebook page so they told the man it was nicked and that he must leave it behind .
The man then left the store and , after calling the rightful owner of the bike asking him to come and collect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ errand .
However , shortly after the man returned and told Mari he was going to take the bike .
Mari said : `` I think he must have watched my son leave and known I was in the shop on my own so he came back .
`` He said 'Will there be a reward then ? '
and I told him no .
`` He said ' I 'm going to 'bleep bleep ' take it back then ' and I came out from behind the counter and told him he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one side of the bike and I had hold of the other and we were then in this tug-of-war .
`` He pulled me outside and we were fighting in the street .
`` A couple of customers came out to help but I was worried about what would happen with them so I told them to leave it to me and that they should call the police .
`` But I refused to let go .
`` I knew a young boy was coming back for his bike and I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
`` Thinking back now I 'm not sure I 'd have done that if I 'd have really thought about it , but it was all a spur-of-the moment thing and it happened so quickly . ''
Mum-of-three Mari maintains her strength comes from play boxing with two of her grandsons .
She said : `` If you 're not fast enough for them you get a black eye . ''
And now the bike has been re-united with its 13-year-old owner , Luke Hodson , much to everybody 's delight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rang the family to say he had their bike and they were due to come and get it .
`` In that time my son went out and the man came back .
The ex-market trader said her hands were bleeding afterwards and her muscles were aching for a good few days .
And although she does n't work out Mari does consider herself fit and healthy : `` Put it this way , '' she said , `` I do n't sit down . ''
Mari works in the shop for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four days a week .
She said : `` We do get a lot of undesirables coming in here and we have done this before .
We will always try to call the criminals out if we can . ''
Luke Hodson had his bike stolen just the week before by a man , who was not the same man who came into the shop , who shoved him from his bike on a main street in Barnsley , in broad daylight and took it from him .
The Lapierre X Control 310 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luke by his uncle just two months earlier with money inherited by the loss of his father - Luke 's granddad .
His other grandad , Brent Stables , 60 , said : `` Luke did n't think he was going to see the bike again .
`` He is over-the moon to get his bike back .
It is his pride and joy .
He rides it everywhere .
`` I think Mari was wonderful , for a 72-year-old to do that is so heroic .
`` They could have had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is so brave .
My admiration knows no bounds . ''
South Yorkshire Police confirmed : `` Police received a report about a suspected stolen bike being brought into the Barnsley Antiques Centre , Doncaster Road , ' '' The business owners , suspecting the bike was stolen property , kept the bike on the premises to return it to its rightful owner .
`` It is reported that a man entered the shop to try and take the bike back , but was prevented from doing so .
`` A 23-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this matter and interviewed by officers .
`` The bike was returned to its rightful owner , who did not wish to pursue a prosecution . ''
The incident happened in October last year .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Samantha Yule, James Rodger)

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This is the moment a tiny great-gran wrestled with a six-foot-tall thug who came into an antiques shop and tried to sell her a stolen £1,200 bike for £150.
Supergran Mari Parker, 72, knew the bike had been stolen having read about its theft on Facebook and refused to let the thief leave the store with it.
However, the un-named male in his 20s returned half an hour later and tried to take the bike back by force.
CCTV footage shows five foot three inches tall Mari in a minute long tug-of-war with the thug outside the shop as she hung on to the bike frame for dear life.
The hooded thief can been seen violently pulling at the bike and even trying to mount it to cycle away but his efforts were thwarted by the determined OAP.
(Image: SWNS)
He eventually fled empty-handed and the designer mountain bike was later reunited with its rightful owner.
Gran of eight Mari said today (Thurs): "I'm sure he must be a bit embarrassed now that he was beaten by a 72-year-old woman."
The incident happened on a Sunday morning at Mari's son, Daniel's, antique shop, Barnsley Antiques Centre, where she helps out part-time.
The man had come into the shop asking if they wanted to buy the bike for £150.
Unfortunately for him, Mari and Daniel had already seen a post about that exact bike being stolen on a Facebook page so they told the man it was nicked and that he must leave it behind.
The man then left the store and, after calling the rightful owner of the bike asking him to come and collect it, Daniel went out on an errand.
(Image: SWNS)
However, shortly after the man returned and told Mari he was going to take the bike.
Mari said: "I think he must have watched my son leave and known I was in the shop on my own so he came back.
"He said 'Will there be a reward then?' and I told him no.
(Image: SWNS)
"He said 'I'm going to 'bleep bleep' take it back then' and I came out from behind the counter and told him he wasn't.
"He had hold of one side of the bike and I had hold of the other and we were then in this tug-of-war.
"He pulled me outside and we were fighting in the street.
"A couple of customers came out to help but I was worried about what would happen with them so I told them to leave it to me and that they should call the police.
"But I refused to let go.
"I knew a young boy was coming back for his bike and I couldn't tell them we didn't have it.
"Thinking back now I'm not sure I'd have done that if I'd have really thought about it, but it was all a spur-of-the moment thing and it happened so quickly."
(Image: SWNS)
Mum-of-three Mari maintains her strength comes from play boxing with two of her grandsons.
She said: "If you're not fast enough for them you get a black eye."
And now the bike has been re-united with its 13-year-old owner, Luke Hodson, much to everybody's delight.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
Mari added: "My son rang the family to say he had their bike and they were due to come and get it.
"In that time my son went out and the man came back.
The ex-market trader said her hands were bleeding afterwards and her muscles were aching for a good few days.
And although she doesn't work out Mari does consider herself fit and healthy: "Put it this way," she said, "I don't sit down."
(Image: SWNS)
Mari works in the shop for her son Daniel, 44, up to four days a week.
She said: "We do get a lot of undesirables coming in here and we have done this before. We will always try to call the criminals out if we can."
Luke Hodson had his bike stolen just the week before by a man, who was not the same man who came into the shop, who shoved him from his bike on a main street in Barnsley, in broad daylight and took it from him.
The Lapierre X Control 310 full suspension mountain bike was bought for Luke by his uncle just two months earlier with money inherited by the loss of his father - Luke's granddad.
His other grandad, Brent Stables, 60, said: "Luke didn't think he was going to see the bike again.
"He is over-the moon to get his bike back. It is his pride and joy. He rides it everywhere.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
"I think Mari was wonderful, for a 72-year-old to do that is so heroic.
"They could have had a knife or even pushed her over. she is so brave. My admiration knows no bounds."
South Yorkshire Police confirmed: "Police received a report about a suspected stolen bike being brought into the Barnsley Antiques Centre, Doncaster Road,'
"The business owners, suspecting the bike was stolen property, kept the bike on the premises to return it to its rightful owner.
"It is reported that a man entered the shop to try and take the bike back, but was prevented from doing so.
"A 23-year-old Doncaster man was arrested in connection to this matter and interviewed by officers.
"The bike was returned to its rightful owner, who did not wish to pursue a prosecution."
The incident happened in October last year.


birminghammail--2020-01-17--'Incredible' - Birmingham City and Coventry City fans have been given this FA Cup pub information

Birmingham City and Coventry City fans will both be welcomed into a regular pre and post-match pub during their FA Cup meeting .
The Roost , based on Cattell Road and just minutes from St Andrew ’ s , is a regular spot for Blues supporters on a matchday .
This season , of course , it has opened its doors to Coventry fans who are making the trip across the Midlands to their groundshare venue .
With the FA Cup fourth round throwing up the remarkable situation of Blues playing ‘ away ’ in their own stadium , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another to rear its head , for those that enjoy a pre-match and post-game drink , was which side would be designated as the ‘ home ’ for access to The Roost .
The pub today ( Friday ) issued a statement on the matter , saying both sets of supporters will be welcome in what they hope will be an “ incredible party atmosphere ” .
“ Sorry for the delay in sharing the details for the upcoming FA Cup fixture , ” the statement said .
“ Like BCFC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game represents a great chance for both sets of supporters to show unity .
Therefore , we ’ ve made the decision to welcome well behaved supporters from either club to celebrate what we think will be an incredible party atmosphere .
Entrance will only be permitted to those with Match Day tickets so please have them to hand .
“ We will have extra bars available to accommodate people , however we are anticipating a very busy day .
Therefore , we are advising people to arrive early to avoid disappointment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the catering van and our DJ will be playing until late .
“ We look forward to welcoming our regulars from both clubs .
# KRO # PUSB # respect # thebeautifulgame ”

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Birmingham City and Coventry City fans will both be welcomed into a regular pre and post-match pub during their FA Cup meeting.
The Roost, based on Cattell Road and just minutes from St Andrew’s, is a regular spot for Blues supporters on a matchday.
This season, of course, it has opened its doors to Coventry fans who are making the trip across the Midlands to their groundshare venue.
With the FA Cup fourth round throwing up the remarkable situation of Blues playing ‘away’ in their own stadium, a number of ticket and seating issues arose.
Another to rear its head, for those that enjoy a pre-match and post-game drink, was which side would be designated as the ‘home’ for access to The Roost.
The pub today (Friday) issued a statement on the matter, saying both sets of supporters will be welcome in what they hope will be an “incredible party atmosphere”.
“Sorry for the delay in sharing the details for the upcoming FA Cup fixture,” the statement said.
“Like BCFC and CCFC at the Roost we believe this game represents a great chance for both sets of supporters to show unity. Therefore, we’ve made the decision to welcome well behaved supporters from either club to celebrate what we think will be an incredible party atmosphere. Entrance will only be permitted to those with Match Day tickets so please have them to hand.
“We will have extra bars available to accommodate people, however we are anticipating a very busy day. Therefore, we are advising people to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
“Hot food will be available from the catering van and our DJ will be playing until late.
“We look forward to welcoming our regulars from both clubs. #KRO #PUSB #respect #thebeautifulgame”


birminghammail--2020-01-17--'I hope they don't' - Manager sends Aston Villa plea after Dean Smith admission

Coventry City boss Mark Robins has said he plans to have Callum O'Hare for the remainder of the season and hopes Aston Villa do n't change that .
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fine spell with League One City , scoring three times and creating four more in all competitions .
His most recent outing , in the FA Cup win over Bristol Rovers , was arguably his best in a Sky Blues shirt as he scooped the man of the match award .
Villa boss Dean Smith recently admitted that he would look at his loan players ' situations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League campaign .
However , when asked if Robins had chased confirmation of O'Hare staying with the club for the remainder of the season , he told CoventryLive : “ We don ’ t need it , we have got him for the season .
“ So unless they call him back , which is well within their rights , we don ’ t need confirmation .
“ But , ultimately , he ’ s their player and we ’ re totally respectful of everything and what people want to do with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I hope they don ’ t because he ’ s played a huge part and will continue to do so .
“ So he will continue to develop with us and hopefully we have got him for the rest of the season .
“ But like I say , we ’ re getting on with things because no-one has said anything to us.
” It 's proving to be a valuable spell for the Academy graduate , who is extremely highly rated at Bodymoor Heath .
And Robins believes playing regularly is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s a good player , there ’ s no doubt about it , and what he ’ s got is really good quality and a really calm head , and he will get better and better .
And he needs to play .
“ And what he has done here is good for his development and will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.
” He added : `` He ’ s done really well and is pushing and pushing all the time , but he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself better .
“ He doesn ’ t change in training .
He ’ s exactly the same in games and that will mean he improves and becomes the best he can possibly be because he gives himself the best opportunity in training every day .
”

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Coventry City boss Mark Robins has said he plans to have Callum O'Hare for the remainder of the season and hopes Aston Villa don't change that.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fine spell with League One City, scoring three times and creating four more in all competitions.
His most recent outing, in the FA Cup win over Bristol Rovers, was arguably his best in a Sky Blues shirt as he scooped the man of the match award.
Villa boss Dean Smith recently admitted that he would look at his loan players' situations with a number of injuries blighting their Premier League campaign.
However, when asked if Robins had chased confirmation of O'Hare staying with the club for the remainder of the season, he told CoventryLive: “We don’t need it, we have got him for the season.
“So unless they call him back, which is well within their rights, we don’t need confirmation.
“But, ultimately, he’s their player and we’re totally respectful of everything and what people want to do with their players is up to them.
“I hope they don’t because he’s played a huge part and will continue to do so.
“So he will continue to develop with us and hopefully we have got him for the rest of the season.
“But like I say, we’re getting on with things because no-one has said anything to us.”
It's proving to be a valuable spell for the Academy graduate, who is extremely highly rated at Bodymoor Heath. And Robins believes playing regularly is aiding his development.
“I think he’s a good player, there’s no doubt about it, and what he’s got is really good quality and a really calm head, and he will get better and better. And he needs to play.
“And what he has done here is good for his development and will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.”
He added: "He’s done really well and is pushing and pushing all the time, but he’s doing that to try to make himself better.
“He doesn’t change in training. He’s exactly the same in games and that will mean he improves and becomes the best he can possibly be because he gives himself the best opportunity in training every day.”


birminghammail--2020-01-17--All the road closures for Chinese New Year 2020 in Birmingham

Chinese New Year is coming to Birmingham .
There are loads of free festivities taking place across the city to bring in the Year of the Rat .
For 2020 , Chinese New Year begins on January 25 , with Birmingham 's main event in and around the Arcadian Centre in Chinatown on Sunday January 26 .
Among the Chinese community it 's the start of 15 days of festivities .
Expect to hear such greetings as Kung Hei Fat Choy ( Cantonese for 'Wishing you prosperity ' ) and Sun Lin Fai Lok ( Cantonese for 'Happy New Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spring Festival or Lunar New Year , this is the most important festival within Chinese culture .
All that fun and festivity means road closures , especially with 30,000 people attending and the streets taken over by roaming acts such as the Inge Street lion dance and Hurst Street dragon dance .
Here 's what you need to know .
On Saturday January 25 , the cycle lane across Hippodrome Square will be closed and a diversion in place .
There is a ramp in place on the cycle lane from Friday January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inge Street and also Hurst Street - up as far as the Tesco Express - will be closed from 5am to 8pm .
Thorp Street remains open .
Motorists are encouraged to plan alternative routes as the area will become very congested .
In previous years , road closures were more extensive but part of Ladywell Walk and Hurst Street are now permanently closed to traffic and pedestrianised .
The main stage for the Chinese New Year festivities is within the pedestrian area on Hurst Street .
Chinese New Year Festival committee chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to use public transport .
In Chinatown , there is restricted parking nowadays because many of the open-air car parks are being redeveloped .
`` There is the Arcadian car park right near the festivities but that will soon fill up in the morning .
`` People attending the celebrations should try to park a bit further out or , better still , come in by bus or rail .
We 're only a short walk down from Birmingham New Street train station . ''
Birmingham City Council also advises people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible during the Chinese New Year celebrations .
It says there are convenient bus , rail and metro services from across Birmingham and the West Midlands .
The council said : `` If you have no choice but to drive , think carefully about which car park you use – the closest facilities are also likely to be the busiest and you may get stuck in traffic when arriving and leaving .
`` We recommend using car parks further from the busier shopping area and walking to the Bullring and Grand Central – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the day . ''

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Chinese New Year is coming to Birmingham.
There are loads of free festivities taking place across the city to bring in the Year of the Rat.
For 2020, Chinese New Year begins on January 25, with Birmingham's main event in and around the Arcadian Centre in Chinatown on Sunday January 26.
Among the Chinese community it's the start of 15 days of festivities.
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Expect to hear such greetings as Kung Hei Fat Choy (Cantonese for 'Wishing you prosperity') and Sun Lin Fai Lok (Cantonese for 'Happy New Year').
Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, this is the most important festival within Chinese culture.
All that fun and festivity means road closures, especially with 30,000 people attending and the streets taken over by roaming acts such as the Inge Street lion dance and Hurst Street dragon dance.
Here's what you need to know.
Chinese New Year road closures 2020
On Saturday January 25, the cycle lane across Hippodrome Square will be closed and a diversion in place. There is a ramp in place on the cycle lane from Friday January 24.
On Sunday January 26, Inge Street and also Hurst Street - up as far as the Tesco Express - will be closed from 5am to 8pm. Thorp Street remains open.
Motorists are encouraged to plan alternative routes as the area will become very congested.
In previous years, road closures were more extensive but part of Ladywell Walk and Hurst Street are now permanently closed to traffic and pedestrianised.
The main stage for the Chinese New Year festivities is within the pedestrian area on Hurst Street.
Travel advice from organisers
Chinese New Year Festival committee chairman James Wong said: "My advice is to use public transport. In Chinatown, there is restricted parking nowadays because many of the open-air car parks are being redeveloped.
"There is the Arcadian car park right near the festivities but that will soon fill up in the morning.
"People attending the celebrations should try to park a bit further out or, better still, come in by bus or rail. We're only a short walk down from Birmingham New Street train station."
Birmingham City Council also advises people to avoid driving into the city centre if possible during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
It says there are convenient bus, rail and metro services from across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Plan your journey at www.networkwestmidlands.com
The council said: "If you have no choice but to drive, think carefully about which car park you use – the closest facilities are also likely to be the busiest and you may get stuck in traffic when arriving and leaving.
"We recommend using car parks further from the busier shopping area and walking to the Bullring and Grand Central – a good boost to your step count for the day."


birminghammail--2020-01-17--Who are ITV's The Masked Singer celebrities? All the rumours so far

The Masked Singer has got the nation hooked and desperate to find out who is under the masks .
Twelve celebrities started the series dressed in imaginative and elaborate costumes to hide their identity while they competed to pull off the best performance .
Going into the third week and there are nine celebs left - and rumours are flying around as to who they might be .
Unfortunately , the producers did n't provide us with any ball pay grades , so some of the guesses have been a tad over ambitious given the identities of the three that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far we 've seen the Butterfly turn out to be Patsy Palmer , Alan Johnson as the Pharaoh and Justin Hawkins as the Chamelon .
But who else do viewers and the panel think is behind the mask ?
The most popular guess for the Hedgehog is Jason Manford , and despite the comedian denying it 's him , viewers do n't believe him .
Another guess put forward by Manford was Pointless host , Alexander Armstrong .
The Unicorn has widely been tipped as John Barrowman and he was even quizzed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Holly .
Another suggestion was Glee star Kevin McHale who competed in Celebrity X Factor before Christmas .
Initial guesses on the identity of Queen Bee were Charlotte Church but she quickly put those rumours to bed , tweeting : `` I 'm not on that bl**dy show ! ''
She even shared a video of her singing to prove they sounded nothing alike .
Another popular guess is former Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts .
The Tree 's clues hinted at him being a footballer with guesses including David Beckham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crouch was a popular suggestion from the panel and viewers but he tweeted ruling himself out : `` I can confirm I am not a singing tree . ''
Another footballer who denied being the Tree was Jamie Redknapp .
Speaking on GMB he said : `` No I 'm not the Tree unfortunately .
No I promise .
`` Is it a footballer they 've said ?
Okay , I 'll try and find out for you but it 's not me , that 's all I can say . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two twice although she was saved after an impressive rendition of Ave Maria .
Popular guesses so far have been Mel C and Denise Richards .
Cee-Lo Green has been a popular choice for the viewers at home and the panellists .
Jamie Foxx and Andre 300 have also been batted around .
Viewers reckon the Fox is Denise Van Outen after one of her clues was that she 's collected teapots for 30 years and one viewer dug out an old tweet of hers that says she collects teapots .
Other guesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Octopus moved Davina to tears with her rendition of 'Part Of Your World ' from The Little Mermaid in Episode 2 and plenty of people suggested Cara Delevingne .
Another recent guess has been Caprice who 's currently competing in Dancing on Ice .
The panel have suggested Lulu and Lindsey Lohan for the Daisy but many people online have also questioned whether it could be Kelis .
The Masked Singer continues on Saturday night at 7pm on ITV .

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The Masked Singer has got the nation hooked and desperate to find out who is under the masks.
Twelve celebrities started the series dressed in imaginative and elaborate costumes to hide their identity while they competed to pull off the best performance.
Going into the third week and there are nine celebs left - and rumours are flying around as to who they might be.
Unfortunately, the producers didn't provide us with any ball pay grades, so some of the guesses have been a tad over ambitious given the identities of the three that have so far been unmasked.
(Image: Vincent Dolman/ITV/PA Wire)
So far we've seen the Butterfly turn out to be Patsy Palmer, Alan Johnson as the Pharaoh and Justin Hawkins as the Chamelon.
But who else do viewers and the panel think is behind the mask?
Hedgehog
The most popular guess for the Hedgehog is Jason Manford, and despite the comedian denying it's him, viewers don't believe him.
Another guess put forward by Manford was Pointless host, Alexander Armstrong.
Unicorn
The Unicorn has widely been tipped as John Barrowman and he was even quizzed on it by Dancing on Ice presenters Phil and Holly.
Another suggestion was Glee star Kevin McHale who competed in Celebrity X Factor before Christmas.
Queen Bee
Initial guesses on the identity of Queen Bee were Charlotte Church but she quickly put those rumours to bed, tweeting: "I'm not on that bl**dy show!"
She even shared a video of her singing to prove they sounded nothing alike.
Another popular guess is former Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts.
Tree
The Tree's clues hinted at him being a footballer with guesses including David Beckham, Chris Kamara and Alan Shearer.
Peter Crouch was a popular suggestion from the panel and viewers but he tweeted ruling himself out: "I can confirm I am not a singing tree."
Another footballer who denied being the Tree was Jamie Redknapp. Speaking on GMB he said: "No I'm not the Tree unfortunately. No I promise.
"Is it a footballer they've said? Okay, I'll try and find out for you but it's not me, that's all I can say."
Duck
The Duck has found herself in the bottom two twice although she was saved after an impressive rendition of Ave Maria.
Popular guesses so far have been Mel C and Denise Richards.
Monster
Cee-Lo Green has been a popular choice for the viewers at home and the panellists.
Jamie Foxx and Andre 300 have also been batted around.
Fox
Viewers reckon the Fox is Denise Van Outen after one of her clues was that she's collected teapots for 30 years and one viewer dug out an old tweet of hers that says she collects teapots.
Other guesses were Kerry Katona and Sam Fox.
Octopus
Octopus moved Davina to tears with her rendition of 'Part Of Your World' from The Little Mermaid in Episode 2 and plenty of people suggested Cara Delevingne.
Another recent guess has been Caprice who's currently competing in Dancing on Ice.
Daisy
The panel have suggested Lulu and Lindsey Lohan for the Daisy but many people online have also questioned whether it could be Kelis.
The Masked Singer continues on Saturday night at 7pm on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-01-17--Investigation into millions being spent on moving bus depot just 300 metres in Birmingham

An investigation has been launched by Birmingham City Council into why the relocation of a National Express bus depot is costing £13.5 million more than originally thought - and it will only move 300 metres away .
Earlier this year it was revealed that relocating the National Express bus depot in time for the Commonwealth Games would cost the council £15.5 million , when previous estimates had placed the cost at £2 million .
Publication of the increased cost follows on from the council 's controversial decision to approve the demolition of the Perry Barr flyover in time for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local people unhappy .
The report detailing the increased cost was presented as a Report to the Interim Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council on New Year 's Eve last year , leading to accusations that the council was trying to 'bury ' the bad news .
And Cllr Lisa Trickett , who sits on the council 's Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee , says that she is 'deeply concerned ' about the process that led to the extra funds being signed off .
“ The thought that willy nilly , on New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Exec in consultation with the leader can just sign off potentially additional costs of £13.5 million , without any political consideration or any actual reference to where the money ’ s coming from , what the implications are , is deeply concerning , '' she said .
`` For example , I know that in parts of my ward people are told there ’ s no money to regenerate your estate .
We ’ re told there ’ s no money to provide places for children with additional needs .
But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough money for a shiny new bus garage ?
`` Now if we have a debate , and my thoughts on that are lost , that ’ s fine , I have to respect that decision and abide by it .
But we didn ’ t even get given a chance to have any discussion as members .
And what this feels is that , in this process , the democratic accountability of this authority was circumvented .
And that is something I think is very , very serious .
`` And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves the reputation of Birmingham .
You referenced the reputational risk if we didn ’ t sign off the contract .
What about the reputation of an authority which continues to make decisions without proper scrutiny and transparency ? ''
Consultancy firm Savills UK has been named as the company that gave the initial estimate of £2 million , a figure which chair of the resources committee , Sir Albert Bore , says was never a 'realistic estimate ' .
And committee member Meirion Jenkins , who wants to see anyone in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has also queried whether the council may have a claim against Savills as well .
`` I would like to find out who ’ s responsible , and I think you should make a commitment today that if an officer is responsible for this fiasco , disciplinary action will follow , '' he said .
`` Because someone needs to be accountable for this .
I mean , we think it ’ s eight times what we thought it was going to cost , but now we ’ re not even sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to cost .
Because we think it ’ s £15.5 million vs £2 million , but now we ’ re not even sure where the £2 million came from .
`` So which is worse ?
The fact it ’ s cost eight times as much , or the fact that we didn ’ t know how much it was going to cost ?
`` And if I were Savills I ’ d be worried about reputational damage as well , and I ’ d be looking at my professional indemnity policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to cost £2 million , and it ’ s cost £15.5 million , I wonder if we ’ d have a claim against them . ''

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An investigation has been launched by Birmingham City Council into why the relocation of a National Express bus depot is costing £13.5 million more than originally thought - and it will only move 300 metres away.
Earlier this year it was revealed that relocating the National Express bus depot in time for the Commonwealth Games would cost the council £15.5 million , when previous estimates had placed the cost at £2 million.
Publication of the increased cost follows on from the council's controversial decision to approve the demolition of the Perry Barr flyover in time for the Games, a decision which left many local people unhappy.
The report detailing the increased cost was presented as a Report to the Interim Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council on New Year's Eve last year, leading to accusations that the council was trying to 'bury' the bad news.
And Cllr Lisa Trickett, who sits on the council's Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, says that she is 'deeply concerned' about the process that led to the extra funds being signed off.
“The thought that willy nilly, on New Year’s Eve, the acting Chief Exec in consultation with the leader can just sign off potentially additional costs of £13.5 million, without any political consideration or any actual reference to where the money’s coming from, what the implications are, is deeply concerning," she said.
"For example, I know that in parts of my ward people are told there’s no money to regenerate your estate. We’re told there’s no money to provide places for children with additional needs. But we’re told that there’s enough money for a shiny new bus garage?
(Image: Google Maps)
"Now if we have a debate, and my thoughts on that are lost, that’s fine, I have to respect that decision and abide by it. But we didn’t even get given a chance to have any discussion as members. And what this feels is that, in this process, the democratic accountability of this authority was circumvented. And that is something I think is very, very serious.
"And I’m really concerned about where this leaves the reputation of Birmingham. You referenced the reputational risk if we didn’t sign off the contract. What about the reputation of an authority which continues to make decisions without proper scrutiny and transparency?"
Consultancy firm Savills UK has been named as the company that gave the initial estimate of £2 million, a figure which chair of the resources committee, Sir Albert Bore, says was never a 'realistic estimate'.
And committee member Meirion Jenkins, who wants to see anyone in the council responsible for the mistake 'disciplined', has also queried whether the council may have a claim against Savills as well.
"I would like to find out who’s responsible, and I think you should make a commitment today that if an officer is responsible for this fiasco, disciplinary action will follow," he said.
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"Because someone needs to be accountable for this. I mean, we think it’s eight times what we thought it was going to cost, but now we’re not even sure if we knew how much it was going to cost. Because we think it’s £15.5 million vs £2 million, but now we’re not even sure where the £2 million came from.
"So which is worse? The fact it’s cost eight times as much, or the fact that we didn’t know how much it was going to cost?
"And if I were Savills I’d be worried about reputational damage as well, and I’d be looking at my professional indemnity policy. Because if they did say this was going to cost £2 million, and it’s cost £15.5 million, I wonder if we’d have a claim against them."


birminghammail--2020-01-17--Police watchdog probe after plumber 'blinded by pepper spray during arrest'

A plumber says he has been blinded in one eye and spent 10 days in hospital after being pepper-sprayed by police .
Kev Hardy , 51 , says he has been unable to work since being discharged from hospital following his December 28 arrest .
He says he needed an operation after suffering a reaction to the pepper spray .
Staffordshire Police has confirmed an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation is underway .
The plumber was arrested in Trentham , north Stafforrdshire , at 2.10am , and was detained on suspicion of ‘ detonating explosives ’ .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a clear case of mistaken identity .
“ I was walking between New Inn Lane and The Lea when a firework was let off behind me in New Inn Lane , ” he says .
“ I looked around and could see a silver or grey Vauxhall Corsa .
I didn ’ t think anything of it .
“ Within a few minutes a bloke was filming me .
I asked ‘ Are you filming me ?
’ .
He said ‘ Was that you ?
’ .
I told him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I walked down a grassed area near a brook and when I got to the other side the police were there .
“ They were waiting for me – a male and a female officer .
“ They both jumped out of their van and said I was under arrest for detonating explosives .
I said ‘ What do you take me for , a terrorist ?
’ .
“ I said ‘ I am under arrest for nothing , it is nothing to do with me ’ .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was held on the ground and could not do anything .
Then I was pepper-sprayed in my face .
“ It felt like the liquid from the spray had filled inside my head .
I said ‘ Call an ambulance ’ .
“ They put me in the back of a van and took me to A & E .
“ I went there in handcuffs .
I was in hospital for 10 days and was discharged on Monday , January 6 .
“ I lay in a hospital bed for 10 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye .
The eyeball was ruptured and I had to have an operation to stitch it together .
“ I now have zero vision in my right eye .
The police have got the wrong bloke.
” Kev , from Allerton Road , Trentham , says he has not been in trouble with the police for 25 years .
He wants assurances that the officers ’ bodycams were switched on during the arrest .
“ I have had new glasses to help my left eye , ” he says .
“ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am a plumber by trade .
I was hoping to get back to work but now I can ’ t .
“ I am not going to let this drop .
I want compensation.
” Staffordshire Police has referred the complaint to the IOPC .
A spokesman said : “ The Independent Office for Police Conduct will be investigating the circumstances .
As this incident has been referred for independent investigation , we can not comment further at this time.
” The IOPC has already carried out house-to-house inquiries as part of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have started an independent investigation into the circumstances following a referral from Staffordshire Police in relation to this incident and the injury the man sustained .
“ We have spoken to the man involved to explain our role and carried out house-to-house inquiries in the area where the arrest took place in order to identify any witnesses .
Our inquiries are still at a very early stage .
”

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A plumber says he has been blinded in one eye and spent 10 days in hospital after being pepper-sprayed by police.
Kev Hardy, 51, says he has been unable to work since being discharged from hospital following his December 28 arrest.
He says he needed an operation after suffering a reaction to the pepper spray.
Staffordshire Police has confirmed an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation is underway.
(Image: Stoke Sentinel)
The plumber was arrested in Trentham, north Stafforrdshire, at 2.10am, and was detained on suspicion of ‘detonating explosives’.
It is an allegation he strenuously denies and says it is a clear case of mistaken identity.
“I was walking between New Inn Lane and The Lea when a firework was let off behind me in New Inn Lane,” he says.
“I heard a flash and a bang.
“I looked around and could see a silver or grey Vauxhall Corsa. I didn’t think anything of it.
“Within a few minutes a bloke was filming me. I asked ‘Are you filming me?’. He said ‘Was that you?’. I told him it was nothing to do with me.
“I walked down a grassed area near a brook and when I got to the other side the police were there.
“They were waiting for me – a male and a female officer.
“They both jumped out of their van and said I was under arrest for detonating explosives. I said ‘What do you take me for, a terrorist?’.
“I said ‘I am under arrest for nothing, it is nothing to do with me’.
(Image: Stoke Sentinel)
“They pulled me to the ground. I was held on the ground and could not do anything. Then I was pepper-sprayed in my face.
“It felt like the liquid from the spray had filled inside my head. I said ‘Call an ambulance’.
“They put me in the back of a van and took me to A&E.
“I went there in handcuffs. I was in hospital for 10 days and was discharged on Monday, January 6.
“I lay in a hospital bed for 10 days and had an operation on my right eye. The eyeball was ruptured and I had to have an operation to stitch it together.
“I now have zero vision in my right eye. The police have got the wrong bloke.”
Kev, from Allerton Road, Trentham, says he has not been in trouble with the police for 25 years. He wants assurances that the officers’ bodycams were switched on during the arrest.
“I have had new glasses to help my left eye,” he says.
“I can’t go to work – I am a plumber by trade. I was hoping to get back to work but now I can’t.
“I am not going to let this drop. I want compensation.”
Staffordshire Police has referred the complaint to the IOPC.
A spokesman said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct will be investigating the circumstances. As this incident has been referred for independent investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.”
The IOPC has already carried out house-to-house inquiries as part of its investigation.
A spokesman said: “We have started an independent investigation into the circumstances following a referral from Staffordshire Police in relation to this incident and the injury the man sustained.
“We have spoken to the man involved to explain our role and carried out house-to-house inquiries in the area where the arrest took place in order to identify any witnesses. Our inquiries are still at a very early stage.”


birminghammail--2020-01-17--Two-car smash on busy West Bromwich junction

Three people had to be checked over by medics after a two-car smash partially blocked a busy junction in West Bromwich .
Emergency services from West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to Oldbury Road , at the junction of Ryders Green Road , following the smash at around 2.24pm .
Pictures from the scene show a black Renault Clio with a smashed-up front bumper .
It is not known at this time if anyone required hospital treatment following the aftermath of the crash on Friday , January 17 .
Congestion built up in the surrounding area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said : “ We were called to Oldbury Road , at the junction of Ryders Green Road , to reports of a two-car crash on 2.24pm today ( Friday , January 17 ) .
`` We have checked over three patients at the scene . ''
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community , join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area .
Keep up-to-date with all things Dudley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Black Country Live Facebook page - where you 'll get the latest news , travel , weather and events in your area .

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Three people had to be checked over by medics after a two-car smash partially blocked a busy junction in West Bromwich.
Emergency services from West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to Oldbury Road, at the junction of Ryders Green Road, following the smash at around 2.24pm.
Pictures from the scene show a black Renault Clio with a smashed-up front bumper.
It is not known at this time if anyone required hospital treatment following the aftermath of the crash on Friday, January 17.
Congestion built up in the surrounding area as motorists were forced to divert.
A spokesman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called to Oldbury Road, at the junction of Ryders Green Road, to reports of a two-car crash on 2.24pm today (Friday, January 17).
"We have checked over three patients at the scene."
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area.
Keep up-to-date with all things Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton on our Black Country Live Facebook page - where you'll get the latest news, travel, weather and events in your area.


birminghammail--2020-01-17--'So much better' - The Stoke City view ahead of West Brom test

West Brom entertain Stoke City at The Hawthorns on Monday evening as the latest hurdle Albion must overcome in their quest for promotion arrives in the form of a Midlands rival .
The Baggies are without a win in five but improved in their draw with Charlton Athletic last Saturday - all that let them down on the day was their set piece defending .
Stoke , meanwhile , are improving under Michael O ’ Neill and are slowly dragging themselves away from the relegation zone .
Here is what the Potters supporters and manager O ’ Neill make of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest clash ahead of Monday night .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • Time for Albion to leave Dwight Gayle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Gods : What if we could turn the league leaders over in front of the Sky TV cameras in their own manor on Monday night ?
If we could somehow pull this one off at the Hawthorns it could be the moment every thing changed .
GeorgieBoy52 : The Baggies are surprisingly winless in five league matches so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An away win is stretching it .
JoeinOz : I think we ’ ve got a chance of getting something .
I don ’ t know why .
Rob Davenport : West Brom away on Monday ?
Nailed on defeat ?
B******* to you all , we ’ re winning 2-1 Father Damo Lennon : No reason we can ’ t go there and get something .
Really poor division this year .
Wigan played WBA off the park BoothenEnder : They are so much better at playing football than we are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just got my West Brom ticket for Monday .
Fancy us big time .
“ They ’ re a very good side .
Obviously they ’ ve been top of the division since basically day one , ” O ’ Neill told StokeonTrentLive .
“ They are possibly not in their best run of form but I think that ’ s what happens in the Championship , teams have little lulls and perhaps they ’ re in one at the minute – but equally they will see us as an opportunity to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the intention of obviously making it difficult for them and with the opportunity to try to take three points .
“ In terms of shape of the team and how they play we will probably have to be at times a little more compact and have to defend a little bit more .
We must possess a threat on the counter attack as well .
“ They are things we ’ ll work on between now and Monday .
”

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West Brom entertain Stoke City at The Hawthorns on Monday evening as the latest hurdle Albion must overcome in their quest for promotion arrives in the form of a Midlands rival.
The Baggies are without a win in five but improved in their draw with Charlton Athletic last Saturday - all that let them down on the day was their set piece defending.
Stoke, meanwhile, are improving under Michael O’Neill and are slowly dragging themselves away from the relegation zone.
Here is what the Potters supporters and manager O’Neill make of Albion and have had to say about the latest clash ahead of Monday night.
Stoke City fans
Gods : What if we could turn the league leaders over in front of the Sky TV cameras in their own manor on Monday night? If we could somehow pull this one off at the Hawthorns it could be the moment every thing changed.
GeorgieBoy52 : The Baggies are surprisingly winless in five league matches so maybe Stoke can scrap a point. An away win is stretching it.
JoeinOz : I think we’ve got a chance of getting something. I don’t know why.
Rob Davenport: West Brom away on Monday? Nailed on defeat? B******* to you all, we’re winning 2-1
Father Damo Lennon: No reason we can’t go there and get something. Really poor division this year. Wigan played WBA off the park
BoothenEnder : They are so much better at playing football than we are. Harsh but true.
Simon Marson: Just got my West Brom ticket for Monday. Fancy us big time.
poll loading How many players must West Brom sign this month? 5000+ VOTES SO FAR None One Two More than two
Michael O’Neill on Albion
“They’re a very good side. Obviously they’ve been top of the division since basically day one,” O’Neill told StokeonTrentLive .
“They are possibly not in their best run of form but I think that’s what happens in the Championship, teams have little lulls and perhaps they’re in one at the minute – but equally they will see us as an opportunity to get moving again.
“We go there with the intention of obviously making it difficult for them and with the opportunity to try to take three points.
“In terms of shape of the team and how they play we will probably have to be at times a little more compact and have to defend a little bit more. We must possess a threat on the counter attack as well.
“They are things we’ll work on between now and Monday.”


birminghammail--2020-01-17--Club confirm arrival of striker ahead of imminent Aston Villa transfer

Jonathan Kodjia has arrived in Qatar ahead of completing his transfer to Al-Gharafa .
It is reported that the Qatar Stars League outfit will pay in the region of £2.5m for the Aston Villa striker .
Al-Gharafa confirmed on Thursday evening that Kodjia was set to fly out to the Middle East after Villa boss Dean Smith all but confirmed he had played his final game for the club .
Smith said : `` He has n't trained with us this week and wo n't be involved on Saturday .
`` Everyone knows Jonathan 's out of contract at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his age , he 's allowed to talk to clubs at the moment . ''
With Villa set for striker incomings of their own , with Mbwana Samatta set to sign in the coming days , the former Bristol City striker was allowed to find himself a new club .
On Friday , the club , who are coached by ex-Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic , confirmed he had arrived in Al-Doha , ahead of finalising his move .
Samatta 's imminent arrival is not expected to be the end of Villa 's transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another striker , with a loan deal the most likely option .
This weekend will see Villa line-up without a recognised striker for the third straight game after injuries to Wesley and Keinan Davis have left them extremely short for the trip to Brighton .

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Jonathan Kodjia has arrived in Qatar ahead of completing his transfer to Al-Gharafa.
It is reported that the Qatar Stars League outfit will pay in the region of £2.5m for the Aston Villa striker.
Al-Gharafa confirmed on Thursday evening that Kodjia was set to fly out to the Middle East after Villa boss Dean Smith all but confirmed he had played his final game for the club.
Smith said: "He hasn't trained with us this week and won't be involved on Saturday.
"Everyone knows Jonathan's out of contract at the end of the season. As is his age, he's allowed to talk to clubs at the moment."
With Villa set for striker incomings of their own, with Mbwana Samatta set to sign in the coming days, the former Bristol City striker was allowed to find himself a new club.
On Friday, the club, who are coached by ex-Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, confirmed he had arrived in Al-Doha, ahead of finalising his move.
Samatta's imminent arrival is not expected to be the end of Villa's transfer business, with Smith in the market for another striker, with a loan deal the most likely option.
This weekend will see Villa line-up without a recognised striker for the third straight game after injuries to Wesley and Keinan Davis have left them extremely short for the trip to Brighton.


birminghammail--2020-01-17--Boy, 5, free of leukaemia after cutting-edge cancer treatment in Singapore

The parents of a poorly five-year-old boy are `` rejoicing '' after tests showed a cutting-edge cancer treatment has left him leukaemia free .
Oscar Saxelby-Lee and his family flew halfway round the world for the ground-breaking CAR-T clinical trial treatment in Singapore .
He was able to travel along with his mother Olivia Saxelby and father Jamie Lee after a crowd-funding appeal raised more than £600,000 .
Following his treatment , tests have shown Oscar , from Worcester , is now leukaemia free for the first time since being diagnosed at the end of 2018 .
Oscar still needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described the latest results as the `` greatest news '' .
His mother and father said Oscar had gone `` from 'his disease is too aggressive ' and starting palliative care to 'MRD ( minimal residual disease ) negative ' . ''
`` No disease detected , '' they told supporters , via the youngster 's Facebook appeal page .
`` We know it 's early days and anything can happen especially with his bone marrow being flat , but for now we are celebrating the news that we never thought we would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing little boy . ''
His parents added : `` Although Oscar still needs another bone marrow transplant and we are a long way off full recovery to come home , we are rejoicing at this magical time in our lives !
`` Literally , the proudest parents right now .
`` Keep going darling boy , this is just the beginning . ''
The youngster underwent a bone marrow transplant in May last year after a donor search saw thousands of people from across the UK queue up for a public sign-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bid to help .
Following the transplant procedure , Oscar was briefly cancer-free but the leukaemia returned , sparking the crowd-funding appeal .
Oscar has T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia , which is difficult to treat and means he has been in and out of hospital constantly .
He was unable to get further treatment through the NHS , as he would only become eligible for a new stem cell transplant once 12 months had passed since the first .
His family said that the only real option left for Oscar was @ @ @ @ @ @

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The parents of a poorly five-year-old boy are "rejoicing" after tests showed a cutting-edge cancer treatment has left him leukaemia free.
Oscar Saxelby-Lee and his family flew halfway round the world for the ground-breaking CAR-T clinical trial treatment in Singapore.
He was able to travel along with his mother Olivia Saxelby and father Jamie Lee after a crowd-funding appeal raised more than £600,000.
Following his treatment, tests have shown Oscar, from Worcester, is now leukaemia free for the first time since being diagnosed at the end of 2018.
Oscar still needs another bone marrow transplant but his family described the latest results as the "greatest news".
His mother and father said Oscar had gone "from 'his disease is too aggressive' and starting palliative care to 'MRD (minimal residual disease) negative'."
"No disease detected," they told supporters, via the youngster's Facebook appeal page.
"We know it's early days and anything can happen especially with his bone marrow being flat, but for now we are celebrating the news that we never thought we would hear.
"Go Oscar, you amazing little boy."
(Image: PA)
His parents added: "Although Oscar still needs another bone marrow transplant and we are a long way off full recovery to come home, we are rejoicing at this magical time in our lives!
"Literally, the proudest parents right now.
"Keep going darling boy, this is just the beginning."
(Image: PA)
The youngster underwent a bone marrow transplant in May last year after a donor search saw thousands of people from across the UK queue up for a public sign-up event in his home city to register in a bid to help.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Following the transplant procedure, Oscar was briefly cancer-free but the leukaemia returned, sparking the crowd-funding appeal.
Oscar has T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which is difficult to treat and means he has been in and out of hospital constantly.
(Image: PA)
He was unable to get further treatment through the NHS, as he would only become eligible for a new stem cell transplant once 12 months had passed since the first.
His family said that the only real option left for Oscar was the clinical trial in Singapore.


birminghammail--2020-01-17--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be blocked from taking Archie to Canada by the Queen

The Queen could block Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from taking baby Archie to live in Canada , according to reports .
Meghan and Harry have already begun their transition period of living in the UK and the Commonwealth country , where they hope to fulfil their dream of stepping back as senior royals and becoming financially independent .
The duchess is in Canada with son Archie and has carried out two charity visits since returning to the province of British Columbia , where the Sussexes spent six weeks over the festive period .
Photographs have also emerged of Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vancouver sometime on Thursday apparently to pick up a friend .
There is speculation the couple will not be spending any meaningful time at their Frogmore Cottage home , which is close to Windsor Castle .
It 's believed they want young Archie to grow up closer to his grandmother Doria Ragland , who lives in California where Meghan also grew up .
They 've also confirmed they want to live in Canada at least some of the year .
However their plans could be foiled by the Queen , or the King-in-waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule , reports the Daily Star .
The Grand Opinion for the Prerogative Concerning the Royal Family was enacted by King George in 1717 , and grants the reigning monarch custody privileges of any royal born child should their custody ever fall into question .
The law states that the `` right of supervision extended to his grandchildren and this right of right belongs to His Majesty , King of the Realm , even during their father 's lifetime '' .
That means the Queen could get the final say in what happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She would likely only invoke the rule should Meghan and Harry get divorced or if there were serious disagreements over what was best for their son .
There is speculation over whether Harry 's launch of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draw on Thursday was his last royal engagement as a senior royal , but Commonwealth Day - celebrated on March 9 - will be the real test .
The day is a major event in the royal calendar that features all leading members of the monarchy , so if Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their new life away from frontline duties has begun .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Sophie Bateman, James Rodger)

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The Queen could block Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from taking baby Archie to live in Canada, according to reports.
Meghan and Harry have already begun their transition period of living in the UK and the Commonwealth country, where they hope to fulfil their dream of stepping back as senior royals and becoming financially independent.
The duchess is in Canada with son Archie and has carried out two charity visits since returning to the province of British Columbia, where the Sussexes spent six weeks over the festive period.
Photographs have also emerged of Meghan driving herself to Victoria International Airport near Vancouver sometime on Thursday apparently to pick up a friend.
There is speculation the couple will not be spending any meaningful time at their Frogmore Cottage home, which is close to Windsor Castle.
It's believed they want young Archie to grow up closer to his grandmother Doria Ragland, who lives in California where Meghan also grew up. They've also confirmed they want to live in Canada at least some of the year.
However their plans could be foiled by the Queen, or the King-in-waiting Prince Charles, thanks to a 300-year-old rule, reports the Daily Star .
The Grand Opinion for the Prerogative Concerning the Royal Family was enacted by King George in 1717, and grants the reigning monarch custody privileges of any royal born child should their custody ever fall into question.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The law states that the "right of supervision extended to his grandchildren and this right of right belongs to His Majesty, King of the Realm, even during their father's lifetime".
That means the Queen could get the final say in what happens to Archie, including his living arrangements.
She would likely only invoke the rule should Meghan and Harry get divorced or if there were serious disagreements over what was best for their son.
There is speculation over whether Harry's launch of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draw on Thursday was his last royal engagement as a senior royal, but Commonwealth Day - celebrated on March 9 - will be the real test.
The day is a major event in the royal calendar that features all leading members of the monarchy, so if Harry and Meghan are not present it signals their new life away from frontline duties has begun.


birminghammail--2020-01-17--Aston Villa close in on another January transfer - reports

Former West Brom star Louie Barry is closing in on his move to Aston Villa after flying into the UK , according to reports .
Barry made the switch to Barcelona in the summer , but after only six months at La Masia , the 16-year-old is preparing a return to the Midlands .
Football Insider have reported that Barry jetted in from Barcelona and was at Villa ’ s Bodymoor Heath training ground on Thursday , putting the finishing touches on the move .
Reports in Spain have suggested that Dean Smith ’ s side will pay around €1.5m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s academy .
The Baggies have been left furious with the La Liga giants as BirminghamLive understand that they are still yet to receive a fee for the youngster .
West Brom , who were considering their options as early as September , were last month in talks with global governing body FIFA regarding the situation having had the all clear from the FA and the EFL that their paperwork regarding the offer they themselves made to Barry in the summer ticked all the required boxes .
The £230,000 sum was expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Albion have been left waiting , and are of the opinion that Barca have been delaying the payment of the compensation from the off .
Albion 's former academy boss Mark Harrison handed his notice in to the club shortly after Barry ’ s switch abroad before being appointed as academy manager at Villa in September .
Harrison spoke openly about Barry in his first interview after moving to Villa , saying : “ We have to make sure locally Aston Villa are the club everyone wants to come to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to Barcelona .
He 's from Sutton Coldfield .
He 's a Villa fan , his dad 's a Villa fan .
That just ca n't happen in the future.
” As well as securing talents for the future , Smith is busy recruiting for the first team , with the transfer of Mbwana Samatta believed to be close .

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Former West Brom star Louie Barry is closing in on his move to Aston Villa after flying into the UK, according to reports.
Barry made the switch to Barcelona in the summer, but after only six months at La Masia, the 16-year-old is preparing a return to the Midlands.
Football Insider have reported that Barry jetted in from Barcelona and was at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground on Thursday, putting the finishing touches on the move.
Reports in Spain have suggested that Dean Smith’s side will pay around €1.5m for the player that came through Albion’s academy.
The Baggies have been left furious with the La Liga giants as BirminghamLive understand that they are still yet to receive a fee for the youngster.
West Brom, who were considering their options as early as September, were last month in talks with global governing body FIFA regarding the situation having had the all clear from the FA and the EFL that their paperwork regarding the offer they themselves made to Barry in the summer ticked all the required boxes.
The £230,000 sum was expected to be received in two separate installments, but Albion have been left waiting, and are of the opinion that Barca have been delaying the payment of the compensation from the off.
Albion's former academy boss Mark Harrison handed his notice in to the club shortly after Barry’s switch abroad before being appointed as academy manager at Villa in September.
Harrison spoke openly about Barry in his first interview after moving to Villa, saying: “We have to make sure locally Aston Villa are the club everyone wants to come to.
“A player left West Bromwich Albion to go to Barcelona. He's from Sutton Coldfield. He's a Villa fan, his dad's a Villa fan. That just can't happen in the future.”
As well as securing talents for the future, Smith is busy recruiting for the first team, with the transfer of Mbwana Samatta believed to be close.