birminghammail--2020-08-18--Bid for drive-through Covid vaccination facility in Birmingham

Birmingham MP Jack Dromey has called for the creation of a drive-through coronavirus vaccination facility in his Erdington constituency .
It comes after the Government issued a plea for more people to volunteer to test out Covid-19 vaccines - and urged people from ethnic minority backgrounds in particular to sign up .
Trials of a vaccine developed in Oxford , called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 , have found that it is safe and appears to trigger an immune response .
The UK has already ordered 100 million doses of the treatment .
However , this is only one of a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 people have signed up with the NHS to take part in clinical trials .
Mr Dromey has written to Paul Jennings , Chief Executive of NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group , to call for a drive through vaccination centre in Erdington , once testing has been completed and a vaccine is widely available .
He said in the letter : `` There is now much focus on a potential vaccination for Covid , with a number of vaccine trials now progressing to more advanced stages .
When a vaccine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for vaccination facilities to be created within the region in the future .
`` Whilst I understand it is too soon to talk about specific locations , could I urge you to consider Erdington as a location for any future drive-through COVID vaccination site .
We have several suitable locations across the constituency , and I would be very happy to discuss these in more detail with you in the near future . ''
Issuing a plea for more people to volunteer to test potential vaccines , the Government said researchers particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit from a vaccine , including the over 65s , frontline health and social care workers , and those from Black , Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds .
Get all the latest politics updates in our daily BirminghamLive newsletter Politics plays a huge part in all our lives , much more than we immediately realise .
News and updates on the world of politics seemed to become much more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic as we waited for news of the Government 's responses to the crisis and how it affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the latest politics updates in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
There are all the Government briefings and announcements as well as new laws , decisions on the economy that affect businesses and our personal finances , policies on benefits such as Universal Credit and of course local and national elections that decide who represents us .
There 's also all the news from Birmingham City Council and other Midlands authorities on housing , education , bin collections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and so much more .
And how much council tax they 'll charge us for delivering those services .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store You can sign up to take part in tests through the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry .
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said : `` From John O ’ Groats to Land ’ s End , everyone has played their part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following social distancing guidance .
`` Scientists and researchers are working day and night to find a vaccine that meets the UK ’ s rigorous regulatory and safety standards , but they need hundreds of thousands of people of all backgrounds and ages to sign-up for studies to speed up this vital research .
`` I urge everyone to play our part in the fight against coronavirus and join the 100,000 people who have already registered , so we can help save and protect millions of lives . ''
Chair of the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Protecting those at risk is the only way we will end this pandemic .
That 's why we are working as quickly as possible to run clinical studies on the most promising vaccines to see whether they offer protection against Covid-19 , whilst adhering to the UK 's strict safety and regulatory processes .
And we need people throughout the UK to sign up to the registry to help us achieve this .
`` Getting 100,000 volunteers on board is a great start but we need many more people from many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for future studies if we are to find a vaccine quickly to protect those who need it against coronavirus . ''
Sign up to take part in tests through the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry at https : //www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/research/coronavirus-vaccine-research .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Birmingham MP Jack Dromey has called for the creation of a drive-through coronavirus vaccination facility in his Erdington constituency.
It comes after the Government issued a plea for more people to volunteer to test out Covid-19 vaccines - and urged people from ethnic minority backgrounds in particular to sign up.
Trials of a vaccine developed in Oxford, called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, have found that it is safe and appears to trigger an immune response. The UK has already ordered 100 million doses of the treatment.
However, this is only one of a number of potential vaccines being tested. More than 100,000 people have signed up with the NHS to take part in clinical trials.
Mr Dromey has written to Paul Jennings, Chief Executive of NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, to call for a drive through vaccination centre in Erdington, once testing has been completed and a vaccine is widely available.
He said in the letter: "There is now much focus on a potential vaccination for Covid, with a number of vaccine trials now progressing to more advanced stages. When a vaccine is discovered, there will clearly be a need for vaccination facilities to be created within the region in the future.
"Whilst I understand it is too soon to talk about specific locations, could I urge you to consider Erdington as a location for any future drive-through COVID vaccination site. We have several suitable locations across the constituency, and I would be very happy to discuss these in more detail with you in the near future."
Issuing a plea for more people to volunteer to test potential vaccines, the Government said researchers particularly welcome people who are more likely to benefit from a vaccine, including the over 65s, frontline health and social care workers, and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
You can sign up to take part in tests through the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "From John O’Groats to Land’s End, everyone has played their part in tackling coronavirus from wearing face coverings to following social distancing guidance.
"Scientists and researchers are working day and night to find a vaccine that meets the UK’s rigorous regulatory and safety standards, but they need hundreds of thousands of people of all backgrounds and ages to sign-up for studies to speed up this vital research.
"I urge everyone to play our part in the fight against coronavirus and join the 100,000 people who have already registered, so we can help save and protect millions of lives."
Chair of the Government’s Vaccines Taskforce Kate Bingham said: "Protecting those at risk is the only way we will end this pandemic. That's why we are working as quickly as possible to run clinical studies on the most promising vaccines to see whether they offer protection against Covid-19, whilst adhering to the UK's strict safety and regulatory processes. And we need people throughout the UK to sign up to the registry to help us achieve this.
"Getting 100,000 volunteers on board is a great start but we need many more people from many different backgrounds that we can call on for future studies if we are to find a vaccine quickly to protect those who need it against coronavirus."
Sign up to take part in tests through the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/research/coronavirus-vaccine-research.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Major new college facility plan unveiled

The transformation of City of Wolverhampton College could soon hit another milestone following the unveiling of plans for a new technical centre .
An application has been submitted to City of Wolverhampton College planners for a new engineering and motor vehicle studies building to be constructed at the college 's Bilston site on Wellington Road .
This is part of a overhaul of the establishment 's estate which will see a new campus built and form part of the Wolverhampton City Learning Quarter and the sale of its existing main campus on Paget Road .
Governors at the college said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre will host are not suitable for the new city centre location .
If approved , the two storey building at the Bilston site will feature workshops for engineers , motor vehicle studies and welding while there will also be ICT classrooms and general teaching areas .
Currently , the Bilston campus is home to construction and sports courses .
In the application , planning agent Astley Partnership said the college 's Telford campus is not affected by the proposals for the Wolverhampton .
Astley Partnership said : `` The City of Wolverhampton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consolidate delivery of HE and FE courses over two City campuses , rather than three .
`` The main Campus will be at Metro One , which , when linked with the City Library and the Adult Education Centre , will become the City Learning Quarter. ''
Another design team , led by the City of Wolverhampton Council , are looking at this , the major part of the overall scheme .
`` Given that construction and sports , which need bespoke large spaces rather than standard classrooms , are already delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineering and motor Vehicle studies aren ’ t suited to the City Centre location , it was decided to relocate these departments , under one roof , to the Wellington Road campus .
`` The proposed design follows the industrial theme , which sits well with the other campus buildings and the nature of the activities which will take place within .
`` The concept is positive for the campus and will provide the faculty with a modern building in which to deliver the curriculum , in a cost-effective form and which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students will find themselves in at work . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
The transformation of City of Wolverhampton College could soon hit another milestone following the unveiling of plans for a new technical centre.
An application has been submitted to City of Wolverhampton College planners for a new engineering and motor vehicle studies building to be constructed at the college's Bilston site on Wellington Road.
This is part of a overhaul of the establishment's estate which will see a new campus built and form part of the Wolverhampton City Learning Quarter and the sale of its existing main campus on Paget Road.
Governors at the college said the courses that the purpose built technical centre will host are not suitable for the new city centre location.
If approved, the two storey building at the Bilston site will feature workshops for engineers, motor vehicle studies and welding while there will also be ICT classrooms and general teaching areas.
Currently, the Bilston campus is home to construction and sports courses.
In the application, planning agent Astley Partnership said the college's Telford campus is not affected by the proposals for the Wolverhampton.
Astley Partnership said: "The City of Wolverhampton College senior leadership team made a decision to consolidate delivery of HE and FE courses over two City campuses, rather than three.
"The main Campus will be at Metro One, which, when linked with the City Library and the Adult Education Centre, will become the City Learning Quarter.
" Another design team, led by the City of Wolverhampton Council, are looking at this, the major part of the overall scheme.
"Given that construction and sports, which need bespoke large spaces rather than standard classrooms, are already delivered at the Wellington Road campus and that engineering and motor Vehicle studies aren’t suited to the City Centre location, it was decided to relocate these departments, under one roof, to the Wellington Road campus.
"The proposed design follows the industrial theme, which sits well with the other campus buildings and the nature of the activities which will take place within.
"The concept is positive for the campus and will provide the faculty with a modern building in which to deliver the curriculum, in a cost-effective form and which will be similar in environment to that the students will find themselves in at work."


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Aston Villa transfers live - Luiz, Watkins and shock Brewster link

Hello and welcome to Tuesday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer .
We will be adding all the latest Villa news , views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day , with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club .
Since last week , Werder Bremen wing wizard Milot Rashica - valued at £20 million-plus - has been the name on everybody 's lips .
Brentford duo Ollie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain top targets for Villa following the Bees ' play-off final defeat to Fulham .
There will be plenty on the likes of Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard , the latest regarding Douglas Luiz 's buy-back situation while , in Manchester , interest in £80million-rated Jack Grealish has cooled .
Today , there 's also been a surprise link involving a potential loan swoop for Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster , scorer of 11 goals in 22 games out on-loan at Swansea last term .
So stay with us for today 's blog , below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Dicken, Shane Ireland, Ashley Preece)

Hello and welcome to LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive on Wednesday, September 9.
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer.
We will be adding all the latest Villa news, views and rumours to our live blog throughout the day, with new signings and transfers continually linked to the club.
Matty Cash arrived from Nottingham Forest to become the club's first senior signing of the window and Brentford striker Ollie Watkins completed his £28m switch to Villa Park on Wednesday.
Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has also been touted for a move with Dean Smith keen to add cover given Tom Heaton's long lay-off.
So stay with us for today's transfer blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Aston Villa in for Liverpool hot shot Rhian Brewster on loan

Aston Villa are reportedly back in the hunt for young Liverpool goal-scoring prodigy Rhian Brewster .
The 20-year-old is currently being tracked by the likes of Newcastle , Brighton , Fulham and Crystal Palace , with Goal.com reaffirming Villa 's interest in taking the England under-21 striker on loan .
Dean Smith reportedly looked at taking Brewster back in January , however , the forward was instead loaned out to Swansea where he banged in 11 goals from 22 games to help the south Wales side to the play-offs .
Goal.com , meanwhile , have today outlined how Liverpool have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and believe a Premier League loan would be the ideal next step , suggesting Villa are looking to pounce before the transfer window shuts on October 5 .
The report claims Brewster - formerly of Chelsea - will get another chance to prove himself to Jurgen Klopp during the Reds ' pre-season camp in Austria before the champions make a decision on his future .
Villa , according to Goal.com , are by no means the only club keen on signing Brewster , with Championship interest from Norwich , Bournemouth and Watford , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League last term .
Brewster , though , recently spoke out about what 's next , and told The Beautiful Game podcast : “ Ultimately , I want to be at Liverpool next season .
I want to be fighting for a spot to play .
“ Who is not going to want to play at the home of the champions ?
I don ’ t really want to go on loan , but if that ’ s the best thing for me to do , to go away and get more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I ’ m going to do .
“ Realistically , I want to play for Liverpool .
I want to be the striker , you know ?
I ’ ll go ( to Liverpool 's pre-season training camp ) , work hard and then whatever the boss says to do , I will accept , whether that ’ s to stay or whether that ’ s to go back on loan.
” Regarding Villa , head coach Smith is in for another striker to bolster up his forward area .
Ollie Watkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continually linked while , in terms of Brewster , Villa would possibly want a buy option inserted within the loan deal .
The club are against developing other players for the sole benefit of Premier League rivals .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Aston Villa are reportedly back in the hunt for young Liverpool goal-scoring prodigy Rhian Brewster.
The 20-year-old is currently being tracked by the likes of Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham and Crystal Palace, with Goal.com reaffirming Villa's interest in taking the England under-21 striker on loan.
Dean Smith reportedly looked at taking Brewster back in January, however, the forward was instead loaned out to Swansea where he banged in 11 goals from 22 games to help the south Wales side to the play-offs.
Goal.com, meanwhile, have today outlined how Liverpool have been encouraged by Brewster's development, and believe a Premier League loan would be the ideal next step, suggesting Villa are looking to pounce before the transfer window shuts on October 5.
The report claims Brewster - formerly of Chelsea - will get another chance to prove himself to Jurgen Klopp during the Reds' pre-season camp in Austria before the champions make a decision on his future.
Villa, according to Goal.com, are by no means the only club keen on signing Brewster, with Championship interest from Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, all of whom were relegated from the Premier League last term.
Brewster, though, recently spoke out about what's next, and told The Beautiful Game podcast: “Ultimately, I want to be at Liverpool next season. I want to be fighting for a spot to play.
“Who is not going to want to play at the home of the champions? I don’t really want to go on loan, but if that’s the best thing for me to do, to go away and get more game time, then that’s what I’m going to do.
“Realistically, I want to play for Liverpool. I want to be the striker, you know? I’ll go (to Liverpool's pre-season training camp), work hard and then whatever the boss says to do, I will accept, whether that’s to stay or whether that’s to go back on loan.”
Regarding Villa, head coach Smith is in for another striker to bolster up his forward area. Ollie Watkins and Celtic's Odsonne Edouard have been continually linked while, in terms of Brewster, Villa would possibly want a buy option inserted within the loan deal. The club are against developing other players for the sole benefit of Premier League rivals.
FOLLOW - Our dedicated Aston Villa transfer live blog HERE


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Meghan had 'unrealistic expectation' of relationship with Kate

A royal expert has claimed Meghan Markle had an `` unrealistic expectation '' of her relationship with her sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge .
Although they lived just a few doors apart at Kensington Palace , they could not have been more different in terms of personality , according to royal watchers .
A new documentary suggests there was added tension because Meghan expected too much from her very busy sister-in-law , mum-of-three Kate .
Speaking on Channel 5 documentary Meghan & Harry : The New Revelations , Emily Andrews , the Mail 's royal editor , explains : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very unrealistic expectation of her relationship with Kate .
`` If you look at it from the Cambridges ' point of view , they do n't know this woman at all .
From their point of view they absolutely did welcome her into the family .
`` William and Kate invited Meghan and Harry to Apartment 1A .
Kate met Meghan pretty early on in the relationship .
`` I think from William and Kate 's point they did try and help as much as possible , but they were at a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close friendship did not develop as neighbours either .
Kensington Palace grounds were home for both royal couples for a time .
Meghan and Harry lived in a two bedroomed Nottingham Cottage while William and Kate lived in the close by Apartment 1A - a sprawling 21 room abode - with their children .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to move out in October 2018 and lived at Frogmore Cottage , near Windsor Castle .
In March last year Meghan stopped sharing staff with her sister-in-law and brother-in-law .
Then in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely broke away from the Royal Foundation that Harry and William founded together in 2009 - and was something the Royal Family hoped the siblings would continue with their wives - as the 'Fab Four ' .
It was reported the charity split was not personal , and the new charities endeavours reflected the couples ' differing interests .
William and Kate ’ s charity work focused on mental health and early childhood education , while Meghan and Harry had committed themselves to causes related to the environment and issues across the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , Harry and Meghan shared a lengthy statement signalling their move from the UK to North America and end of full time senior royal duties .
Vanity Fair 's royal expert Katie Nicholl also claims that Meghan felt personally slighted that Kate did not spend more time on their relationship in the early days .
Nicholl said : `` While there might have been an expectation from Meghan that Kate was going to sit down and show her the ropes , perhaps that was an unrealistic expectation .
`` The Duchess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan clearly took that personally . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
A royal expert has claimed Meghan Markle had an "unrealistic expectation" of her relationship with her sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge.
Although they lived just a few doors apart at Kensington Palace, they could not have been more different in terms of personality, according to royal watchers.
A new documentary suggests there was added tension because Meghan expected too much from her very busy sister-in-law, mum-of-three Kate.
Speaking on Channel 5 documentary Meghan & Harry : The New Revelations, Emily Andrews, the Mail's royal editor, explains: "I think it seems Meghan had a very unrealistic expectation of her relationship with Kate.
(Image: PA)
"If you look at it from the Cambridges' point of view, they don't know this woman at all. From their point of view they absolutely did welcome her into the family.
"William and Kate invited Meghan and Harry to Apartment 1A. Kate met Meghan pretty early on in the relationship.
"I think from William and Kate's point they did try and help as much as possible, but they were at a very different stage of life."
A close friendship did not develop as neighbours either.
Kensington Palace grounds were home for both royal couples for a time.
Meghan and Harry lived in a two bedroomed Nottingham Cottage while William and Kate lived in the close by Apartment 1A - a sprawling 21 room abode - with their children.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to move out in October 2018 and lived at Frogmore Cottage, near Windsor Castle.
(Image: Phil Harris/Daily Mirror/PA Wire)
In March last year Meghan stopped sharing staff with her sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
Then in June the Duke and Duchess of Sussex completely broke away from the Royal Foundation that Harry and William founded together in 2009 - and was something the Royal Family hoped the siblings would continue with their wives - as the 'Fab Four'.
It was reported the charity split was not personal, and the new charities endeavours reflected the couples' differing interests.
William and Kate’s charity work focused on mental health and early childhood education, while Meghan and Harry had committed themselves to causes related to the environment and issues across the entire British Commonwealth.
On January 8 this year, Harry and Meghan shared a lengthy statement signalling their move from the UK to North America and end of full time senior royal duties.
Vanity Fair's royal expert Katie Nicholl also claims that Meghan felt personally slighted that Kate did not spend more time on their relationship in the early days.
Nicholl said: "While there might have been an expectation from Meghan that Kate was going to sit down and show her the ropes, perhaps that was an unrealistic expectation.
"The Duchess of Cambridge is a busy woman, but Meghan clearly took that personally."


birminghammail--2020-08-18--First picture of 15 year old boy who died

A 15-year-old boy who drowned in the River Tees has been named and pictured .
Anas El-Rafai , of Darlington drowned after getting into difficulty in the river , reports PA. Police named the youngster today , Tuesday , August 18 , after his body was recovered near the Broken Scar area of the River Tees in Darlington at midnight last night .
Emergency services had responded to a missing person report at around 5pm on Monday .
In a statement issued through police , his parents said : `` Anas was a fit and healthy young man .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are devastated and miss him so much . ''
Floral tributes were left at the scene today , with one message reading : `` RIP God bless you , fly high with the angels . ''
At Broken Scar Weir , which has a picnic site , the river is fast-flowing and there are warning signs telling people not to swim due to the strong currents .
A few minutes ' walk downstream , the river is more tranquil as the Tees bends round a farmer 's field and there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for young people .
Formal identification was carried out this afternoon .
Darlington Police earlier confirmed a body had been found in a statement reading : `` We are sorry to report a body has been found in the River Tees at Broken Scar , Darlington .
`` His family have been informed and are being supported and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time .
`` His death is not being treated as suspicious . ''

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A 15-year-old boy who drowned in the River Tees has been named and pictured.
Anas El-Rafai, of Darlington drowned after getting into difficulty in the river, reports PA.
Police named the youngster today, Tuesday, August 18, after his body was recovered near the Broken Scar area of the River Tees in Darlington at midnight last night.
(Image: PA)
Emergency services had responded to a missing person report at around 5pm on Monday.
In a statement issued through police, his parents said: "Anas was a fit and healthy young man. He was very popular at school.
"We are devastated and miss him so much."
Floral tributes were left at the scene today, with one message reading: "RIP God bless you, fly high with the angels."
(Image: PA)
At Broken Scar Weir, which has a picnic site, the river is fast-flowing and there are warning signs telling people not to swim due to the strong currents.
A few minutes' walk downstream, the river is more tranquil as the Tees bends round a farmer's field and there is a pebble beach which is a popular place for young people.
Formal identification was carried out this afternoon.
Darlington Police earlier confirmed a body had been found in a statement reading: "We are sorry to report a body has been found in the River Tees at Broken Scar, Darlington.
"His family have been informed and are being supported and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time.
"His death is not being treated as suspicious."


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Cemetery graves 'flooded like a horror film' say shocked relatives

Freshly-dug graves adorned with flowers in a city cemetery were left `` drowning '' in swirling water after thunderstorms caused flash flodding .
The scene around the freshly-dug plots made it look as if a river had burst its banks .
But , after spending thousands of pounds burying their loved ones in historic Handsworth Cemetery , relatives said the condition of the graves called for city council action to ensure the flooding never happened again .
The flooding was in a section of the cemetery , which dates back to 1909 , reserved for Muslim burials .
When grieving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe their eyes and said : `` You do not expect to see your loved ones buried in water like they are drowing . ''
Not only were they mourning their loss , but they said the scene resembled a `` health and safety horror film '' .
After two community action groups representing the families posted their videos on social media , Birmingham City Council issued an immediate apology for what had happened .
The council told BirminghamLive in a statement : “ Thunderstorms last night caused flooding which has affected a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Handsworth Cemetery .
`` We are sorry for any upset that has been caused to those whose loved ones graves were affected by this .
`` Work has been immediately undertaken to repair all graves affected and this has been successfully completed .
`` To ensure this does not happen again , we are currently installing a flood defence system to protect all areas that may be at risk.
” The video posted by this group from its Twitter handle @ AlumnRockCF showed water rushing over a bank and then swilring around what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Handsworth Cemetery prices starting at £2,247 for a standard grave to accept a coffin / casket of up to 30 '' in width and £5,880 for non-residents , the value of those graves would be more than £50,000 alone at a conservative estimate .
An Alum Rock CF spokesman told BirminghamLive : `` Family members who were visiting the cemetery at the time were trying to create a diversion for the water to go somewhere else .
`` It appeared that a blocked drain was overflowing and that the area could n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get flash floods every now and then you would think the council would be prepared for that .
`` The area has freshly-dug graves so it was not a nice thing for the relatives to see when it typically costs £5,000 for a funeral including the burial .
`` At a conservative estimate there were 25 to 30 graves affected .
`` They need to have really robust flood defence systems in place .
`` The relatives would be devastated - this kind of thing just compounds grief even more .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for these graves and just letting them get flooded with water .
`` They are simple graves in soil , so there is no protection there . ''
The community group , which stands for `` Islamic and British values hand in hand '' and posts on Twitter from the handle @ beardedbrozuk , was equally scathing about the situation .
Imran Hameed told BirminghamLive : `` We posted a video on social media to raise awareness .
`` Some of the graves looked like they 'd collapsed with water coming out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have is that their graves looked like this when it costs so much money for a burial .
`` It was like a horror film with health and safety issues , too .
`` How do families deal with something like that simply because there was a local drain full of mud ?
`` They were arriving and thinking 'What the hell ! '
when it 's so expensive to be buried there .
`` This is not the first time the area has had flash flooding .
`` But with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burials you would think that money would take account of that . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Freshly-dug graves adorned with flowers in a city cemetery were left "drowning" in swirling water after thunderstorms caused flash flodding.
The scene around the freshly-dug plots made it look as if a river had burst its banks.
But, after spending thousands of pounds burying their loved ones in historic Handsworth Cemetery, relatives said the condition of the graves called for city council action to ensure the flooding never happened again.
The flooding was in a section of the cemetery, which dates back to 1909, reserved for Muslim burials.
When grieving relatives visited the scene they could not believe their eyes and said: "You do not expect to see your loved ones buried in water like they are drowing."
Not only were they mourning their loss, but they said the scene resembled a "health and safety horror film".
(Image: Courtesy of @AlumRockCF)
After two community action groups representing the families posted their videos on social media, Birmingham City Council issued an immediate apology for what had happened.
The council told BirminghamLive in a statement: “Thunderstorms last night caused flooding which has affected a few graves in one particular section of Handsworth Cemetery.
"We are sorry for any upset that has been caused to those whose loved ones graves were affected by this.
"Work has been immediately undertaken to repair all graves affected and this has been successfully completed.
"To ensure this does not happen again, we are currently installing a flood defence system to protect all areas that may be at risk.”
(Image: Courtesy of @AlumRockCF)
View from Alum Rock Community Forum
The video posted by this group from its Twitter handle @AlumnRockCF showed water rushing over a bank and then swilring around what they said were about 25-30 graves.
With Handsworth Cemetery prices starting at £2,247 for a standard grave to accept a coffin / casket of up to 30" in width and £5,880 for non-residents, the value of those graves would be more than £50,000 alone at a conservative estimate.
An Alum Rock CF spokesman told BirminghamLive: "Family members who were visiting the cemetery at the time were trying to create a diversion for the water to go somewhere else.
"It appeared that a blocked drain was overflowing and that the area couldn't cope.
"But you know we get flash floods every now and then you would think the council would be prepared for that.
(Image: Courtesy of @BeardedBrozUK)
"The area has freshly-dug graves so it was not a nice thing for the relatives to see when it typically costs £5,000 for a funeral including the burial.
"At a conservative estimate there were 25 to 30 graves affected.
"They need to have really robust flood defence systems in place.
"The relatives would be devastated - this kind of thing just compounds grief even more.
"The council has been charging thousands of pounds for these graves and just letting them get flooded with water.
"They are simple graves in soil, so there is no protection there."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
View from Bearded Broz UK
The community group, which stands for "Islamic and British values hand in hand" and posts on Twitter from the handle @beardedbrozuk, was equally scathing about the situation.
Imran Hameed told BirminghamLive: "We posted a video on social media to raise awareness.
"Some of the graves looked like they'd collapsed with water coming out of them.
"The biggest complaint many people have is that their graves looked like this when it costs so much money for a burial.
"It was like a horror film with health and safety issues, too.
"How do families deal with something like that simply because there was a local drain full of mud?
"They were arriving and thinking 'What the hell!' when it's so expensive to be buried there.
"This is not the first time the area has had flash flooding.
"But with the amount of money the council charges for burials you would think that money would take account of that."


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Dad branded 'selfish' in bizarre Tesco family parking row

A stunned dad was branded `` fat '' and `` selfish '' in a note left on his car windscreen as he used a Tesco family parking bay .
Gilly Patel was left furious - because his wife and young daughter were inside his BMW when the scrawled scrap of paper was left on his windscreen .
And things went from bad to worse when the 37-year-old confronted the man who left the note - and the culprit allegedly ignored social distancing when he apologised .
Mr Patel said he believed the note 's author did not see his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back seat behind anti-glare windows , CoventryLive reports .
The message read : “ Bit selfish parking in a family space when you on your own .
`` If you walked a bit you would not be so FAT.
” It happened when the Dudley family stopped off at Arena Shopping Park in Coventry to buy some items .
Mr Patel , 37 , was livid when he returned and read the note .
Security guards walked over as he confronted the writer , who had waited in his vehicle at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking after the incident on Sunday , August 16 , Mr Patel said : “ The note said it was selfish that I had parked in a parents ’ bay but my wife and child were sat in the back seat .
`` The car has windows that are difficult to see through from the outside .
`` My wife didn ’ t know why he had put it there at first , she thought it might have been advertising .
`` She was a bit concerned and had seen the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was only in the store for five minutes shopping for gifts and things like that and he was still waiting in his car by the time I got back .
`` So I went over to him and told him through his window that I had every right to use that parking space.
`` Mr Patel was further enraged when the man tried to apologise but flouting social distancing rules .
Mr Patel said : `` He wouldn ’ t respond at first and he only apologised after security guards came over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get involved .
He saw my wife get out of the car and tapped me on the shoulder as if to say sorry , totally ignoring social distancing .
I was furious . ''
Mr Patel said he believed the man had been waiting to see what happened when he returned .
He said : `` I think he was waiting to see my reaction when I came back and didn ’ t realise my wife was in the car and had spotted him going back to his own vehicle .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was totally shocked someone could take the time to write a note like that in the first place with everything else going on the world , let alone without getting their facts right .
`` People should think twice before they start making baseless accusations against others.
” CoventryLive has approached Tesco and Arena Shopping Park for comment .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Layton, Sanjeeta Bains)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A stunned dad was branded "fat" and "selfish" in a note left on his car windscreen as he used a Tesco family parking bay.
Gilly Patel was left furious - because his wife and young daughter were inside his BMW when the scrawled scrap of paper was left on his windscreen.
And things went from bad to worse when the 37-year-old confronted the man who left the note - and the culprit allegedly ignored social distancing when he apologised.
Mr Patel said he believed the note's author did not see his wife and year-old daughter because they were in the back seat behind anti-glare windows, CoventryLive reports.
The message read: “Bit selfish parking in a family space when you on your own.
"If you walked a bit you would not be so FAT.”
It happened when the Dudley family stopped off at Arena Shopping Park in Coventry to buy some items.
Mr Patel, 37, was livid when he returned and read the note.
Security guards walked over as he confronted the writer, who had waited in his vehicle at the car park, near the Ricoh Arena.
Speaking after the incident on Sunday, August 16, Mr Patel said: “The note said it was selfish that I had parked in a parents’ bay but my wife and child were sat in the back seat.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"The car has windows that are difficult to see through from the outside.
"My wife didn’t know why he had put it there at first, she thought it might have been advertising.
"She was a bit concerned and had seen the man go back to his car.
"I was only in the store for five minutes shopping for gifts and things like that and he was still waiting in his car by the time I got back.
"So I went over to him and told him through his window that I had every right to use that parking space. "
Mr Patel was further enraged when the man tried to apologise but flouting social distancing rules.
Mr Patel said: "He wouldn’t respond at first and he only apologised after security guards came over, even though they didn’t get involved. He saw my wife get out of the car and tapped me on the shoulder as if to say sorry, totally ignoring social distancing. I was furious."
Mr Patel said he believed the man had been waiting to see what happened when he returned.
He said: "I think he was waiting to see my reaction when I came back and didn’t realise my wife was in the car and had spotted him going back to his own vehicle.
"He must have felt a right idiot. I was totally shocked someone could take the time to write a note like that in the first place with everything else going on the world, let alone without getting their facts right.
"People should think twice before they start making baseless accusations against others.”
CoventryLive has approached Tesco and Arena Shopping Park for comment.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Celtic eye Leeds United transfer - and it will interest Wolves fans

Former Wolves defender Barry Douglas is wanted by Scottish champions Celtic .
Left back Douglas , part of that famous title-winning Wolves side led by Nuno to the Premier League in 2017-18 , has had no real luck at Leeds United in the last two years after moving to Elland Road immediately after Wolves ’ ascension to the top flight .
The Scot , who has played in his home country previously with Dundee United and Queens Park before embarking on spells in Poland and Turkey , managed only 15 league games last term for Marcelo Bielsa ’ s Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Stuart Dallas were called upon to fill the void at left-back , as Leeds secured promotion back to the top flight - a sale this summer of Douglas would be the second time that the defender has been denied a crack at the Premier League .
Celtic are looking for a replacement for Boli Bolingoli , who is up for sale after breaching quarantine rules - he visited Spain without informing the club and , consequently , without self-isolating .
He is the subject of interest from French second tier side Amiens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celtic , and Sky Sports claim that Douglas is high up on Neil Lennon ’ s wish-list when it comes to replacing him .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Wolves newsletter It remains to be seen whether Leeds would consider parting with Douglas , who like Ivan Cavaleiro and Leeds teammate Helder Costa have found their way back to the top flight after leaving Wolves .
All of the above , along with John Ruddy - back up to Rui Patricio - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side that ensured the Championship trophy headed to Molineux in 2018 .
Conor Coady , Willy Boly , Matt Doherty , Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota are the other prominent players in that side , who remain key figures under Nuno .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Former Wolves defender Barry Douglas is wanted by Scottish champions Celtic.
Left back Douglas, part of that famous title-winning Wolves side led by Nuno to the Premier League in 2017-18, has had no real luck at Leeds United in the last two years after moving to Elland Road immediately after Wolves’ ascension to the top flight.
The Scot, who has played in his home country previously with Dundee United and Queens Park before embarking on spells in Poland and Turkey, managed only 15 league games last term for Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds because of injury problems.
Gjanni Alioski and Stuart Dallas were called upon to fill the void at left-back, as Leeds secured promotion back to the top flight - a sale this summer of Douglas would be the second time that the defender has been denied a crack at the Premier League.
Celtic are looking for a replacement for Boli Bolingoli, who is up for sale after breaching quarantine rules - he visited Spain without informing the club and, consequently, without self-isolating.
He is the subject of interest from French second tier side Amiens, who have submitted a bid to Celtic, and Sky Sports claim that Douglas is high up on Neil Lennon’s wish-list when it comes to replacing him.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Wolves newsletter
It remains to be seen whether Leeds would consider parting with Douglas, who like Ivan Cavaleiro and Leeds teammate Helder Costa have found their way back to the top flight after leaving Wolves.
All of the above, along with John Ruddy - back up to Rui Patricio - and Ryan Bennett were regulars in the side that ensured the Championship trophy headed to Molineux in 2018.
Conor Coady, Willy Boly, Matt Doherty, Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota are the other prominent players in that side, who remain key figures under Nuno.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Teaching assistant jailed over sex with boy, 15

A teaching assistant has been jailed for two years and eight months for having sex with a 15-year-old boy .
Kellie Smith `` bought ( her victim ) sweets '' before having sex with him twice in a hotel room in March last year , Warwick Crown Court heard .
The 28-year-old , who had been a teaching assistant since March 2016 , had also given the boy vodka and cans of Stella Artois lager and smoked cannabis with him in her car .
Smith then took her victim to the hotel , checking in in the early hours of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn up for work the following morning , having left the hotel around six hours later .
When she was arrested , Smith , of Nuneaton , tested positive for cocaine and admitted possession of the substance at an earlier court hearing .
On Tuesday , she pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and she went on to sob throughout the hearing - occasionally dabbing her eyes with a tissue .
Recorder Martin Butterworth told Smith the fact her victim consented `` makes no difference at all '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear he caught your eye and there was grooming behaviour from you towards him .
`` The fact that it is accepted by the prosecution that he consented in the sense that you were not abusing him against his will makes no difference at all .
`` You were taking advantage of a vulnerable child to satisfy your own sexual needs .
`` Over many hours , in fact , you groomed him with a trip in the car , you provided him with alcohol and you were treating him as if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his attitude was towards you , it could not be trusted because he was a child . ''
Opening the case against Smith , prosecutor Rebecca Wade said the boy `` felt happy '' , was `` flattered '' , and was `` enjoying himself '' .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Payne, James Cartledge)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A teaching assistant has been jailed for two years and eight months for having sex with a 15-year-old boy.
Kellie Smith "bought (her victim) sweets" before having sex with him twice in a hotel room in March last year, Warwick Crown Court heard.
The 28-year-old, who had been a teaching assistant since March 2016, had also given the boy vodka and cans of Stella Artois lager and smoked cannabis with him in her car.
Smith then took her victim to the hotel, checking in in the early hours of the morning.
The defendant did not turn up for work the following morning, having left the hotel around six hours later.
When she was arrested, Smith, of Nuneaton, tested positive for cocaine and admitted possession of the substance at an earlier court hearing.
On Tuesday, she pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and she went on to sob throughout the hearing - occasionally dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
Recorder Martin Butterworth told Smith the fact her victim consented "makes no difference at all".
He said: "It is clear he caught your eye and there was grooming behaviour from you towards him.
"The fact that it is accepted by the prosecution that he consented in the sense that you were not abusing him against his will makes no difference at all.
"You were taking advantage of a vulnerable child to satisfy your own sexual needs.
"Over many hours, in fact, you groomed him with a trip in the car, you provided him with alcohol and you were treating him as if he was a potential partner.
"Whatever his attitude was towards you, it could not be trusted because he was a child."
Opening the case against Smith, prosecutor Rebecca Wade said the boy "felt happy", was "flattered", and was "enjoying himself".


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Douglas Luiz sends Villa fans wild amid Man City buy-back claims

Douglas Luiz has arrived back in Birmingham as he looks to put to rest the surprise speculation linking him with an Aston Villa exit .
The Brazilian international enjoyed a stunning end to the season , becoming an integral part of Dean Smith ’ s squad .
His form post-lockdown went a long way to securing Villa ’ s top-flight status , with survival confirmed on the final day of the campaign .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Douglas Luiz transfer updates Why should you sign up ?
The brilliant form of Douglas Luiz in the final weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a move away from Villa Park - and we will bring you all the news around his future .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has led to intense speculation regarding his immediate future , in particular , a potential return to Manchester City .
Douglas only signed for Villa from City last summer , after Pep Guardiola failed to get a work permit for the midfield player .
At the time , the City boss made it clear he would have preferred for him to stay at The Etihad , with the permit refusal frustrating him .
As part of the deal that saw him arrive on B6 , Man City inserted a buy-back clause , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier this week , reports in Brazil had suggested Guardiola was poised to activate the clause , bringing him back to Manchester following their Champions League capitulation .
However , the Telegraph subsequently stated that Villa will keep Douglas , with the club ready to offer him a bumper , new contract .
He returned to the country on Tuesday , with Smith ’ s side set to kick-start pre-season training on Wednesday .
Ahead of his Bodymoor return , Douglas posted a picture of himself in his Birmingham property , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans across social media think it is the clearest sign yet , that he will remain in the claret and blue next term .
One supporter said : “ He ’ s 100 % staying '' , while another proclaimed , “ Things you love to see ” .
A third Villa fan posted : “ I love that man '' .
With another simply posting : “ He ’ s staying .
”

Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline
Why should you sign up?
Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1.
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans.
How do you sign up?
It's easy and only takes seconds.
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up.
And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to.
And what's more, it's absolutely free!
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter.
We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Twenty firefighters at scene of massive blaze - live updates

Around 20 tons of scrap metal were burning at a site in Rabone Lane .
It began just after 5pm @ @ @ @ @ of possible delays in the No.54 National Express West Midlands service .
It was not @ @ @ @ @ or the extent of any damage .
More as we get it .

Twenty firefighters are tonight tackling a massive fire in Smethwick.
Around 20 tons of scrap metal were burning at a site in Rabone Lane.
It began just after 5pm and led to a warning of possible delays in the No.54 National Express West Midlands service.
It was not known how the fire started or the extent of any damage.
More as we get it.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Gareth Barry's latest gig might surprise West Brom fans

Gareth Barry could have a new sporting career lined up as he nears the end of his association with football .
The midfielder , who has just ended a three-year stay with West Bromwich Albion having aided them in their quest for a return to the Premier League , is now 39 and considering what his next move might be - even if that ’ s retirement .
Whatever lies ahead for the former Everton and Manchester City player , his summers are sorted for the foreseeable future - he ’ s been able to showcase his longstanding talent for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter Barry plays for village side Temple Grafton , who are based in Warwickshire , and though he and his teammates were on the end of a heavy defeat to Redditch based Astwood Bank in the National Village Cup at the weekend , Barry did take three wickets with the ball .
He had less luck with the bat - Barry was trapped LBW for a 16-ball duck .
The club tweeted : “ Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
As the formbook would show , we were outplayed by a strong Astwood Bank CC .
“ That said , a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us all and we leave Redditch with our heads held high.
” Barry has played for Temple Grafton for the last couple of summers - last year he was able to because he was technically a free agent before re-signing with Albion - and his highest score currently stands at 83 , while spanning those two summers he ’ s taken 10 wickets .
For now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tiding Barry over as he thinks through what autumn - and beyond - holds .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Gareth Barry could have a new sporting career lined up as he nears the end of his association with football.
The midfielder, who has just ended a three-year stay with West Bromwich Albion having aided them in their quest for a return to the Premier League, is now 39 and considering what his next move might be - even if that’s retirement.
Whatever lies ahead for the former Everton and Manchester City player, his summers are sorted for the foreseeable future - he’s been able to showcase his longstanding talent for cricket on the local sporting scene.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
Barry plays for village side Temple Grafton, who are based in Warwickshire, and though he and his teammates were on the end of a heavy defeat to Redditch based Astwood Bank in the National Village Cup at the weekend, Barry did take three wickets with the ball.
He had less luck with the bat - Barry was trapped LBW for a 16-ball duck.
The club tweeted: “Well, it wasn’t to be this afternoon. As the formbook would show, we were outplayed by a strong Astwood Bank CC.
“That said, a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us all and we leave Redditch with our heads held high.”
Barry has played for Temple Grafton for the last couple of summers - last year he was able to because he was technically a free agent before re-signing with Albion - and his highest score currently stands at 83, while spanning those two summers he’s taken 10 wickets.
For now, playing the ultimate summer sport is tiding Barry over as he thinks through what autumn - and beyond - holds.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Villa favourite shows his class in new sport during PL break

Gareth Barry could have a new sporting career lined up as he nears the end of his association with football .
The midfielder , who scored more than 50 goals in more than 440 appearances for Aston Villa between 1998 and 2009 , is now 39 and considering what his next move might be - even if that ’ s retirement .
Whatever lies ahead for the former Everton , Manchester City and West Brom player , his summers are sorted for the foreseeable future - he ’ s been able to showcase his longstanding talent for cricket on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter Barry plays for village side Temple Grafton , who are based in Warwickshire , and though he and his teammates were on the end of a heavy defeat to Redditch based Astwood Bank in the National Village Cup at the weekend , Barry did take three wickets with the ball .
He had less luck with the bat - Barry was trapped LBW for a 16-ball duck .
The club tweeted : “ Well , it wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the formbook would show , we were outplayed by a strong Astwood Bank CC .
“ That said , a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us all and we leave Redditch with our heads held high.
” Barry has played for Temple Grafton for the last couple of summers - last year he was able to because he was technically a free agent before re-signing with Albion - and his highest score currently stands at 83 , while spanning those two summers he ’ s taken 10 wickets .
For now , playing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he thinks through what autumn - and beyond - holds .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Gareth Barry could have a new sporting career lined up as he nears the end of his association with football.
The midfielder, who scored more than 50 goals in more than 440 appearances for Aston Villa between 1998 and 2009, is now 39 and considering what his next move might be - even if that’s retirement.
Whatever lies ahead for the former Everton, Manchester City and West Brom player, his summers are sorted for the foreseeable future - he’s been able to showcase his longstanding talent for cricket on the local sporting scene.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter
Barry plays for village side Temple Grafton, who are based in Warwickshire, and though he and his teammates were on the end of a heavy defeat to Redditch based Astwood Bank in the National Village Cup at the weekend, Barry did take three wickets with the ball.
He had less luck with the bat - Barry was trapped LBW for a 16-ball duck.
The club tweeted: “Well, it wasn’t to be this afternoon. As the formbook would show, we were outplayed by a strong Astwood Bank CC.
“That said, a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us all and we leave Redditch with our heads held high.”
Barry has played for Temple Grafton for the last couple of summers - last year he was able to because he was technically a free agent before re-signing with Albion - and his highest score currently stands at 83, while spanning those two summers he’s taken 10 wickets.
For now, playing the ultimate summer sport is tiding Barry over as he thinks through what autumn - and beyond - holds.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Police led on '95mph motorway chase across three counties'

A man has been accused of ramming two police cars - injuring an officer - during an alleged 95mph chase @ @ @ @ @ began on the M6 Toll when patrols were alerted to a Renault van on the @ @ @ @ @ on the evening of Saturday , August 15 .
Chasing officers were led onto the @ @ @ @ @ , Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire .
West Midlands Police said two cars were rammed as the @ @ @ @ @ officer suffered minor injuries .
The pursuit only ended when the van was stopped near @ @ @ @ @ Jason Ribchester , 42 , of Northampton , has been charged with dangerous driving , @ @ @ @ @ for analysis and assaulting an emergency worker .
He appeared at Birmingham Magistrates ' Court @ @ @ @ @ and was remanded in custody to appear at the city 's crown court on September @ @

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A man has been accused of ramming two police cars - injuring an officer - during an alleged 95mph chase across three counties.
It began on the M6 Toll when patrols were alerted to a Renault van on the wrong side of the road on the evening of Saturday, August 15.
Chasing officers were led onto the M42 and M1 through Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
West Midlands Police said two cars were rammed as the van hit 95mph. One officer suffered minor injuries.
The pursuit only ended when the van was stopped near Mansfield at around 11.30pm.
Jason Ribchester, 42, of Northampton, has been charged with dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and assaulting an emergency worker.
He appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday, August 17 and was remanded in custody to appear at the city's crown court on September 14.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Five arrested as teenager stabbed

Five arrested as teenager stabbed

Police have arrested five men on suspicion of attempted murder after a teenager was stabbed .
It happened in the @ @ @ @ @ near Stafford , just after 1pm today , Tuesday , August 18 .
Emergency services @ @ @ @ @ on Abbeyfields and a 19-year-old was found with multiple stab wounds .
Five men , @ @ @ @ @ later arrested in a car .
All five were being held on suspicion of attempted @ @ @ @ @ , aged 35 , was also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of @ @ @ @ @ Staffordshire Police said : `` A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted @ @ @ @ @ influence of drugs .
`` A further four men were arrested on suspicion of attempted @ @ @ @ @ in custody and an investigation is underway . ''
Anyone with any information should message @ @ @ @ @ Twitter quoting incident number 288 of 18 August , call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers @ @ @ @ @ .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Police have arrested five men on suspicion of attempted murder after a teenager was stabbed.
It happened in the village of Great Haywood, near Stafford, just after 1pm today, Tuesday, August 18.
Emergency services were called to a property on Abbeyfields and a 19-year-old was found with multiple stab wounds.
Five men, all from Stafford, were later arrested in a car. All five were being held on suspicion of attempted murder and one of them, aged 35, was also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and driving under the influence of drugs.
"A further four men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They all remain in custody and an investigation is underway."
Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 288 of 18 August, call 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Mendes ready to broker Premier League transfer for Wolves target

Jorge Mendes is ready to bring Wolves target Rayan Ait-Nouri to the Premier League , according to reports from France .
The full-back burst onto the scene with Angers last season and has become one of the most highly-sought after youngsters in European football .
There is extensive interest from the English top-flight , with Wolves and both Manchester clubs , believed to be monitoring the 19-year-old 's situation .
Earlier this summer , it was claimed that United and City had both made an offer for Ait-Nouri , who made 17 appearances last term .
Ait-Nouri 's agent Mendes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams in England and now , according to GFFN , is 'looking to place ' him in the Premier League .
The Portuguese super-agent has close links with Wolves owners Fosun and has been involved in a number of transfer dealings in the four years they have owned the club .
Wolves are set to be in the market for a left-back this summer , after Jonny Otto suffered a serious knee injury in the penultimate game of their mammoth season .
It leaves Nuno Espirito Santo with few options behind Ruben Vinagre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself .
Jonny went under the knife on Tuesday and although there is no time-frame on his return , it is understood he will be out for the rest of 2020 at least .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Jorge Mendes is ready to bring Wolves target Rayan Ait-Nouri to the Premier League, according to reports from France.
The full-back burst onto the scene with Angers last season and has become one of the most highly-sought after youngsters in European football.
There is extensive interest from the English top-flight, with Wolves and both Manchester clubs, believed to be monitoring the 19-year-old's situation.
Earlier this summer, it was claimed that United and City had both made an offer for Ait-Nouri, who made 17 appearances last term.
Ait-Nouri's agent Mendes, has already been in talks with teams in England and now, according to GFFN, is 'looking to place' him in the Premier League.
The Portuguese super-agent has close links with Wolves owners Fosun and has been involved in a number of transfer dealings in the four years they have owned the club.
Wolves are set to be in the market for a left-back this summer, after Jonny Otto suffered a serious knee injury in the penultimate game of their mammoth season.
It leaves Nuno Espirito Santo with few options behind Ruben Vinagre, although he has little first-team experience himself.
Jonny went under the knife on Tuesday and although there is no time-frame on his return, it is understood he will be out for the rest of 2020 at least.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--25 firefighters sent to Birmingham Children's Hospital in false alarm

Five fire engines - a total of 25 officers - were sent to Birmingham Children 's Hospital this afternoon after alarm calls .
But the incident was found to be a false alarm call when the firerighters arrived .
The alarm was raised automatically at 3.35pm .
Fire crews from the nearest station in Aston and others were sent to the scene .
No-one was evacuated as a result of the alarm .
A hospital spokesman said : `` We did have a small incident on-site earlier this afternoon .
It wasn ’ t inside any of our hospital buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire Service attended swiftly after the call went through , in line with our usual policies and precautions and all resolved almost immediately .
No evacuations were necessary of any kind from wards/departments . ''
The response from West Midlands Fire Service follows two serious fires in the past week .
On Monday , August 10 , more than 100 firefighters and ten appliances were sent to battle a fire at a plastics factory on Tyseley Industrial Estate , Seeley 's Road .
Thick back smoke from the fire turned the sky black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the city .
And on Friday 14 , the Cadbury Club on Bournville Lane was destroyed by fire .
Again , smoke from the fire could be seen from miles as the club , believed to feature a century-old timber-framed building at its heart , went up in flames .
Yesterday , West Midlands Fire Service said the cause of the fire was believed to be accidental , caused by an electrical fault in a light fitting .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Five fire engines - a total of 25 officers - were sent to Birmingham Children's Hospital this afternoon after alarm calls.
But the incident was found to be a false alarm call when the firerighters arrived.
The alarm was raised automatically at 3.35pm.
Fire crews from the nearest station in Aston and others were sent to the scene.
(Image: Courtesy of Ryan Underwood)
No-one was evacuated as a result of the alarm.
A hospital spokesman said: "We did have a small incident on-site earlier this afternoon. It wasn’t inside any of our hospital buildings itself but on-site.
"West Midlands Fire Service attended swiftly after the call went through, in line with our usual policies and precautions and all resolved almost immediately. No evacuations were necessary of any kind from wards/departments."
The response from West Midlands Fire Service follows two serious fires in the past week.
On Monday, August 10, more than 100 firefighters and ten appliances were sent to battle a fire at a plastics factory on Tyseley Industrial Estate, Seeley's Road.
Thick back smoke from the fire turned the sky black and the plumes could be seen right across the city.
And on Friday 14, the Cadbury Club on Bournville Lane was destroyed by fire.
Again, smoke from the fire could be seen from miles as the club, believed to feature a century-old timber-framed building at its heart, went up in flames.
Yesterday, West Midlands Fire Service said the cause of the fire was believed to be accidental, caused by an electrical fault in a light fitting.


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Albion reveal pre-season plans as Premier League kick-off looms

West Brom will head to St George ’ s Park for a week of pre-season training ahead of their Premier League return .
Albion confirmed on Tuesday that they ’ ll make for England ’ s training centre next Monday , fresh from the celebrations and relaxation in the aftermath of their promotion , secured back in July .
St George ’ s , based in Burton , will offer excellent facilities as the Baggies put plans in place for the new campaign , due to kick off on September 12 .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Albion newsletter They will train every day , from Monday to Friday , and stay in the hotel which is on the site , before they take part in their first pre-season match of the summer at the end of the week .
The opponent of that encounter has been , for now , left undisclosed .
St George ’ s has 13 pitches , among them a replica of the Wembley turf , and an indoor 3G surface .
League One Peterborough United are using the facilities this week .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if not all , Premier League clubs will prepare for the new season in the United Kingdom , ” Luke Dowling said .
“ With that in mind , where better for us to train than the home of the national team .
St George ’ s Park is an outstanding facility that will be greatly beneficial as we prepare for the new campaign .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
West Brom will head to St George’s Park for a week of pre-season training ahead of their Premier League return.
Albion confirmed on Tuesday that they’ll make for England’s training centre next Monday, fresh from the celebrations and relaxation in the aftermath of their promotion, secured back in July.
St George’s, based in Burton, will offer excellent facilities as the Baggies put plans in place for the new campaign, due to kick off on September 12.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
They will train every day, from Monday to Friday, and stay in the hotel which is on the site, before they take part in their first pre-season match of the summer at the end of the week.
The opponent of that encounter has been, for now, left undisclosed.
St George’s has 13 pitches, among them a replica of the Wembley turf, and an indoor 3G surface. League One Peterborough United are using the facilities this week.
“The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic means most, if not all, Premier League clubs will prepare for the new season in the United Kingdom,” Luke Dowling said.
“With that in mind, where better for us to train than the home of the national team. St George’s Park is an outstanding facility that will be greatly beneficial as we prepare for the new campaign.”


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Petition launched to rebuild historic Cadbury Club after huge blaze

A petition to rebuild the Cadbury Club has been launched after the historic community venue was destroyed by a huge blaze .
The Change.org petition has seen 989 people signing the Rebuild the Cadbury Social Club appeal launched by member Trace Amber .
Fifty firefighters battled the huge fire as it engulfed the social club in Bournville on the evening of Friday , August 14 - thick , billowing smoke could be seen for miles across Birmingham .
Crews battled to save the venue and its 100-year-old roof while members of the public were warned to avoid the area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400 members and wider community including a couple who were due to hold their wedding reception at the community club on August 21 next year .
Bride-to-be Kelly McKain and fiance Daniel Snook , had paid the £300 deposit to secure the booking just a week before the venue went up in flames .
She said : `` I was so looking forward to getting married to Dan , the wedding would have been all about showing the rest of the world how we feel about each other and just celebrating our love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cadbury Club was going to be the perfect venue for us and it would have meant the world to have had our reception there . ''
The cause of the fire was revealed to be an electrical fault in a light fitting , West Midlands Fire Service said .
A committee member of The Cadbury Club also spoke of his `` sadness and devastation '' after the fire destroyed the historic building .
Peter Lucas told BirminghamLive the social club had only just reopened following the coronavirus lockdown .
He said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sad .
Firefighters are doing their best to try and save the original roof which is 100 years old but I am not sure it can be saved .
`` It is such a popular club .
We have more than 400 members here and they are going to be absolutely devastated .
`` The building is around 100 years old and has had extensions over the years .
It really does n't look good .
I am not sure if it can be saved .
It is so sad . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed to Simon Smith , the site manager of the club , states : `` This is something that could n't of been prevented and we are all deeply saddened and shock by what has happened .
`` We are unsure if they are going to be rebuilding this club so therefore I have started this petition to send to the local mp Steve McCabe .
`` Cadbury club had great customers and also excellent staff so let 's get this petition started to get the lively Friday night 's back and give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back !
!
`` LET 'S SHOW THEM HOW MUCH CADBURY CLUB WAS LOVED !
`` Supporters of the appeal commented on the move .
One said : `` Always had our family parties here and the managers/staff have always been so welcoming to everyone . ''
Another wrote : `` Please rebuild the Cadbury club as it 's gathered so many happy memories over all these years & has reinforced such a great community so well worth creating more happy future memories . ''
And a third said : `` My mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s , and a lot of my aunts and uncles worked there !
It ’ s an institution , and so is the club . ''
You can sign the petition here .
Tony Harris from the club , posted on its Facebook page and said the committee awaited 'decisions ' about its future .
He wrote : `` Following on from the fire that has severely damaged the club .
We await decisions as to the future and will update this page as soon as news emerges .
`` If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Please bear with us as the committee and long serving staff are all shocked and devastated by this terrible fire .
`` You can contact me after 6pm each day on 07490 277442 for any information or better message me and I ’ ll respond as soon as I can .
`` Thank you for the incredible support we have received , it has humbled us . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
A petition to rebuild the Cadbury Club has been launched after the historic community venue was destroyed by a huge blaze.
The Change.org petition has seen 989 people signing the Rebuild the Cadbury Social Club appeal launched by member Trace Amber.
Fifty firefighters battled the huge fire as it engulfed the social club in Bournville on the evening of Friday, August 14 - thick, billowing smoke could be seen for miles across Birmingham.
Crews battled to save the venue and its 100-year-old roof while members of the public were warned to avoid the area.
The blaze has devastated the club's 400 members and wider community including a couple who were due to hold their wedding reception at the community club on August 21 next year.
Bride-to-be Kelly McKain and fiance Daniel Snook, had paid the £300 deposit to secure the booking just a week before the venue went up in flames.
She said: "I was so looking forward to getting married to Dan, the wedding would have been all about showing the rest of the world how we feel about each other and just celebrating our love with one big party.
"The Cadbury Club was going to be the perfect venue for us and it would have meant the world to have had our reception there."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Read more here.
The cause of the fire was revealed to be an electrical fault in a light fitting, West Midlands Fire Service said.
A committee member of The Cadbury Club also spoke of his "sadness and devastation" after the fire destroyed the historic building.
Peter Lucas told BirminghamLive the social club had only just reopened following the coronavirus lockdown.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
He said: "It is just absolutely devastating - so sad. Firefighters are doing their best to try and save the original roof which is 100 years old but I am not sure it can be saved.
"It is such a popular club. We have more than 400 members here and they are going to be absolutely devastated.
"The building is around 100 years old and has had extensions over the years. It really doesn't look good. I am not sure if it can be saved. It is so sad."
The petition, launched by Trace Amber and directed to Simon Smith, the site manager of the club, states: "This is something that couldn't of been prevented and we are all deeply saddened and shock by what has happened.
"We are unsure if they are going to be rebuilding this club so therefore I have started this petition to send to the local mp Steve McCabe.
"Cadbury club had great customers and also excellent staff so let's get this petition started to get the lively Friday night's back and give the staff there lively hoods and jobs back!!
"LET'S SHOW THEM HOW MUCH CADBURY CLUB WAS LOVED! "
Supporters of the appeal commented on the move.
One said: "Always had our family parties here and the managers/staff have always been so welcoming to everyone."
Another wrote: "Please rebuild the Cadbury club as it's gathered so many happy memories over all these years & has reinforced such a great community so well worth creating more happy future memories."
And a third said: "My mother was a chocolate tasters for Cadbury’s, and a lot of my aunts and uncles worked there! It’s an institution, and so is the club."
You can sign the petition here.
(Image: NICK WILKINSON/BIRMINGHAM LIVE)
Tony Harris from the club, posted on its Facebook page and said the committee awaited 'decisions' about its future.
He wrote: "Following on from the fire that has severely damaged the club. We await decisions as to the future and will update this page as soon as news emerges.
"If you have a booking you will be contacted soon. Please bear with us as the committee and long serving staff are all shocked and devastated by this terrible fire.
"You can contact me after 6pm each day on 07490 277442 for any information or better message me and I’ll respond as soon as I can.
"Thank you for the incredible support we have received, it has humbled us."


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Drink-driver jailed over horrific crash which left woman paralysed

A drink-driver has been jailed over a crash which left a woman paralysed with `` catastrophic '' injuries .
Angela Gaspari was left tetraplegic - having lost the use of all four limbs - and needing help with `` every basic task '' after she was thrown from a car which smashed into a tree .
Driver Aaron Wood was more than double the driving limit when he lost control of the Ford Focus on Alcester Road in Moseley , causing it to slide across the road at more than 50mph , mount the kerb and skid along a grass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second woman , Wood 's girlfriend Bethany Shepley-Brook , was also thrown from the car .
Wood , 30 , of Martin Avenue , Fairham , Portsmouth , admitted two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one of drink-driving .
On Tuesday , August 18 , he was jailed for two years and eight months at Birmingham Crown Court .
The court heard Miss Shepley-Brook and Ms Gaspari had been in Birmingham city centre on Friday , January 24 .
They returned to Moseley and met Wood at The Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another man who agreed to leave the venue with them around 12.30am on Saturday , January 25 .
Hugh O'Brien Quinn , prosecuting , said the man , who was in the front passenger seat , asked at one point : 'What are you trying to do ? '
as Wood drove on the rain-soaked Alcester Road at nearly 60mph moments before the collision .
He said that , after the crash , the man saw Wood `` slumped over his wheel '' while the two women , who had not been wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr O'Brien Quinn said the defendant 'smelled of alcohol ' and his 'eyes were glazed over ' when the ambulance arrived .
A test later revealed he had 80 mircogrammes of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35 microgrammes .
Ms Gaspari , now aged 32 , suffered cuts to the back of her head , three fractures to her spine and required emergency surgery for a metal plate to be fitted in her neck which itself caused serious scarring to her throat .
Mr O'Brien Quinn confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` She is now dependent on others to care for her .
She will require extensive life-long care , she is wheelchair-bound long-term .
Her injuries have been devastating , life-changing . ''
Ms Gaspari appeared in court via a video-link and read out an emotional statement about the impact of the injuries on her life .
Her mother , Helen Gaspari , also told the hearing of the moment doctors tried to arrange for her daughter to speak with her before going into surgery because it was 'quite possible she would n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatives feeling 'inconsolable ' , 'heartbroken ' and even being physically ill because of the 'unbearable ' situation .
Speaking directly to Wood , she added : `` You will never understand the devastation you have caused .
`` All our hopes and dreams have been crushed and stripped away .
`` Our lives are a nightmare because of the reckless decision you made that night to drink and drive .
This will never be over for Angela .
She will never be the same .
You gave her a life sentence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brain , fractures to her skull , ribs and pelvis as well as bruised lungs and lacerated liver and spleen .
The 28-year-old , who is expecting a child with Wood , was said to be still suffering from her injuries but did not provide an impact statement to the court .
Passing sentence , Judge Melbourne Inman QC , described the effects of the crash as 'catastrophic ' .
He said : `` Sadly Angela , who although is still a young lady at 32 , suffers now from high-level tetraplegia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with every basic task she can perform .
She has lost all form of independence . ''
The judge told Wood : `` Bethany is your girlfriend .
She is expecting a baby and you are the father .
The effect on her has been huge .
She has written a letter saying how much she will continue to suffer in the time you are in prison . ''
Wood was also banned from driving for eight years and four months .
Ashley Barnes , defending , publicly apologised to both victims on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'genuinely remorseful ' .
He added : `` In all other regards he is a decent , hard-working young man who has taken a hopelessly reckless decision on one night and caused the damage he has caused .
He accepts full responsibility and takes full blame for all of it . ''
After the hearing , Claire Nicholls , District Crown Prosecutor at CPS West Midlands , said : “ This was a horrific incident involving two victims who were seriously injured as a result of Aaron Wood 's actions .
`` One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will change her life forever .
`` I want to thank both victims for their courage and support of the prosecution case throughout these proceedings .
While today ’ s sentence can never replace the trauma they have suffered , I hope the fact that justice has been delivered brings some comfort to them .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A drink-driver has been jailed over a crash which left a woman paralysed with "catastrophic" injuries.
Angela Gaspari was left tetraplegic - having lost the use of all four limbs - and needing help with "every basic task" after she was thrown from a car which smashed into a tree.
Driver Aaron Wood was more than double the driving limit when he lost control of the Ford Focus on Alcester Road in Moseley, causing it to slide across the road at more than 50mph, mount the kerb and skid along a grass verge before hitting the tree.
A second woman, Wood's girlfriend Bethany Shepley-Brook, was also thrown from the car.
Wood, 30, of Martin Avenue, Fairham, Portsmouth, admitted two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one of drink-driving. On Tuesday, August 18, he was jailed for two years and eight months at Birmingham Crown Court.
The court heard Miss Shepley-Brook and Ms Gaspari had been in Birmingham city centre on Friday, January 24. They returned to Moseley and met Wood at The Patrick Kavanagh pub. While there they met another man who agreed to leave the venue with them around 12.30am on Saturday, January 25.
Hugh O'Brien Quinn, prosecuting, said the man, who was in the front passenger seat, asked at one point: 'What are you trying to do?' as Wood drove on the rain-soaked Alcester Road at nearly 60mph moments before the collision.
He said that, after the crash, the man saw Wood "slumped over his wheel" while the two women, who had not been wearing seatbelts, were lying in the road.
Mr O'Brien Quinn said the defendant 'smelled of alcohol' and his 'eyes were glazed over' when the ambulance arrived. A test later revealed he had 80 mircogrammes of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Ms Gaspari, now aged 32, suffered cuts to the back of her head, three fractures to her spine and required emergency surgery for a metal plate to be fitted in her neck which itself caused serious scarring to her throat.
Mr O'Brien Quinn confirmed she was now tetraplegic and said: "She is now dependent on others to care for her. She will require extensive life-long care, she is wheelchair-bound long-term. Her injuries have been devastating, life-changing."
Ms Gaspari appeared in court via a video-link and read out an emotional statement about the impact of the injuries on her life.
Her mother, Helen Gaspari, also told the hearing of the moment doctors tried to arrange for her daughter to speak with her before going into surgery because it was 'quite possible she wouldn't survive'.
She described friends and relatives feeling 'inconsolable', 'heartbroken' and even being physically ill because of the 'unbearable' situation.
Speaking directly to Wood, she added: "You will never understand the devastation you have caused.
"All our hopes and dreams have been crushed and stripped away.
"Our lives are a nightmare because of the reckless decision you made that night to drink and drive. This will never be over for Angela. She will never be the same. You gave her a life sentence."
Miss Shepley-Brook sustained a bleed on the brain, fractures to her skull, ribs and pelvis as well as bruised lungs and lacerated liver and spleen. The 28-year-old, who is expecting a child with Wood, was said to be still suffering from her injuries but did not provide an impact statement to the court.
Passing sentence, Judge Melbourne Inman QC, described the effects of the crash as 'catastrophic'.
He said: "Sadly Angela, who although is still a young lady at 32, suffers now from high-level tetraplegia and, in short, needs assistance with every basic task she can perform. She has lost all form of independence."
The judge told Wood: "Bethany is your girlfriend. She is expecting a baby and you are the father. The effect on her has been huge. She has written a letter saying how much she will continue to suffer in the time you are in prison."
Wood was also banned from driving for eight years and four months.
Ashley Barnes, defending, publicly apologised to both victims on behalf of Wood who he stated was 'genuinely remorseful'.
He added: "In all other regards he is a decent, hard-working young man who has taken a hopelessly reckless decision on one night and caused the damage he has caused. He accepts full responsibility and takes full blame for all of it."
After the hearing, Claire Nicholls, District Crown Prosecutor at CPS West Midlands, said: “This was a horrific incident involving two victims who were seriously injured as a result of Aaron Wood's actions.
"One victim suffered catastrophic and devastating injuries which will change her life forever.
"I want to thank both victims for their courage and support of the prosecution case throughout these proceedings. While today’s sentence can never replace the trauma they have suffered, I hope the fact that justice has been delivered brings some comfort to them.”


birminghammail--2020-08-18--Cheers! Popular pub wins top industry award

Staff at a popular pub are toasting success after scooping a top award which places them in the top TEN per cent of all restaurants worldwide .
Red Lion Hopwas says it has worked hard to receive top feedback after achieving a Tripadvisor Travellers ’ Choice Award 2020 for quality and customer service based on a year of reviews .
Winners are known for “ consistently receiving great feedback ” .
Manager Jayne Hurley said : “ We are delighted as it means all the hard work we and our team have put in was all worth it !
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a community pub , making customers feel welcome and cared for .
`` It is important because it means we are doing the right thing .
“ A lot of our team have followed us from pub to pub , and we feel that says a lot about the people we are , it ’ s our extended family !
” Kanika Soni , chief commercial officer at Tripadvisor said : “ Winners should be proud of this distinguished recognition .
“ Although it has been a challenging year for travel and hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality .
“ Not only are they well deserved winners , they are also a great source of inspiration for diners as the world begins to venture out again .
”

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Staff at a popular pub are toasting success after scooping a top award which places them in the top TEN per cent of all restaurants worldwide.
Red Lion Hopwas says it has worked hard to receive top feedback after achieving a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2020 for quality and customer service based on a year of reviews.
Winners are known for “consistently receiving great feedback”.
Manager Jayne Hurley said: “We are delighted as it means all the hard work we and our team have put in was all worth it!
“We work hard on making the pub a community pub, making customers feel welcome and cared for.
"It is important because it means we are doing the right thing.
“A lot of our team have followed us from pub to pub, and we feel that says a lot about the people we are, it’s our extended family!”
Kanika Soni, chief commercial officer at Tripadvisor said: “Winners should be proud of this distinguished recognition.
“Although it has been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate achievements.
“Winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality.
“Not only are they well deserved winners, they are also a great source of inspiration for diners as the world begins to venture out again.”