birminghammail--2020-03-30--Murder trial which continued despite lockdown ends in guilty verdict

A murder trial which continued despite the coronavirus lockdown has ended with a guilty verdict .
Ethan Austin , 19 , was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years after being convicted by a 10-1 majority verdict of murdering Lee Cooper .
Jurors at Derby Crown Court also unanimously convicted Austin of possessing an offensive weapon , following a two-week trial .
The guilty verdicts were returned after deliberations spread over three days , following a delay when a juror reported sickness not linked to the Covid-19 virus .
Mr Cooper , of Edwalton , died from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being attacked in Nottingham city centre on September 14 last year .
Opening the case , William Harbage QC , prosecuting , told the court Austin had inflicted an eight-inch deep wound on the victim , penetrating his heart .
Mr Cooper 's family issued a statement through Nottinghamshire Police after Austin , of Ash Villas , Carrington , was convicted .
The family statement read : `` Ethan Austin has showed no remorse for his actions throughout this process , and we are pleased to see that justice has been done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law .
`` In no way however does this stop the grief that we are feeling as a result of our loss of Lee .
This will be never-ending for us .
`` No length of sentence will ever bring Lee back , however his memory will live on through us .
`` We would like to thank the police , Crown Prosecution Service , the barristers who prosecuted , the judge and the jury for all that you have done throughout the investigation and court process .
`` We would now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respected to enable us to move forward . ''

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A murder trial which continued despite the coronavirus lockdown has ended with a guilty verdict.
Ethan Austin, 19, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years after being convicted by a 10-1 majority verdict of murdering Lee Cooper.
Jurors at Derby Crown Court also unanimously convicted Austin of possessing an offensive weapon, following a two-week trial.
The guilty verdicts were returned after deliberations spread over three days, following a delay when a juror reported sickness not linked to the Covid-19 virus.
Mr Cooper, of Edwalton, died from a single stab wound to the chest after being attacked in Nottingham city centre on September 14 last year.
Opening the case, William Harbage QC, prosecuting, told the court Austin had inflicted an eight-inch deep wound on the victim, penetrating his heart.
Mr Cooper's family issued a statement through Nottinghamshire Police after Austin, of Ash Villas, Carrington, was convicted.
The family statement read: "Ethan Austin has showed no remorse for his actions throughout this process, and we are pleased to see that justice has been done with him facing the full force of the law.
"In no way however does this stop the grief that we are feeling as a result of our loss of Lee. This will be never-ending for us.
"No length of sentence will ever bring Lee back, however his memory will live on through us.
"We would like to thank the police, Crown Prosecution Service, the barristers who prosecuted, the judge and the jury for all that you have done throughout the investigation and court process.
"We would now ask that our family's privacy is respected to enable us to move forward."


birminghammail--2020-03-30--A week on from lockdown - this is what the Tube STILL looks like

Some London Underground carriages remained crowded on Monday despite a further fall in passenger numbers .
Passengers complained about the lack of space as they travelled to work , leading to them being unable to follow Government guidance to keep two metres away from others .
Transport for London ( TfL ) has called for its services to only be used for `` essential journeys by vital workers in the NHS and other critical services '' .
It said passenger numbers on Monday morning were down 94 % compared with the same day last year .
Demand on the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But a Central line passenger , who did not want to be named , said there were `` plenty of commuters '' on the platform at Leytonstone station , east London on Monday morning .
She told the PA news agency : `` People observed social distancing whilst on the platform but as soon as the train arrived everyone moved towards the doors .
`` Perhaps there should be an announcement that commuters should take their time in getting on and off . ''
Another woman who did not want to be named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catching coronavirus on the Tube , particularly as they are both NHS nurses .
She commented : `` My partner is an NHS registered nurse going to Westminster from Newbury Park Tube .
`` It is so difficult to get a seat , even at 6am .
`` I 'm worried that she will catch the virus herself and get ill but also pass it on to her colleagues or me .
`` I am also an intensive care and high dependency unit registered nurse .
`` This will take us away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
`` We are already at reduced numbers of registered nurses in intensive care and high dependency units , even before Covid-19 .
Now the situation is worse . ''
It also posted a message which read : `` Shocking scenes again on London Underground this morning .
Workers being forced to take unnecessary journeys by unscrupulous employers .
`` Government must take action to close non-essential workplaces so our members can continue to provide safe services for key workers . ''
Tube services have been reduced by around 50 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told MPs it should be possible to `` run a better Tube system '' .
But Mayor of London Sadiq Khan insisted `` we can not run more services '' as a third of staff are ill or self-isolating .

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Some London Underground carriages remained crowded on Monday despite a further fall in passenger numbers.
Passengers complained about the lack of space as they travelled to work, leading to them being unable to follow Government guidance to keep two metres away from others.
Transport for London (TfL) has called for its services to only be used for "essential journeys by vital workers in the NHS and other critical services".
It said passenger numbers on Monday morning were down 94% compared with the same day last year.
Demand on the previous Monday was down 85% year-on-year.
But a Central line passenger, who did not want to be named, said there were "plenty of commuters" on the platform at Leytonstone station, east London on Monday morning.
She told the PA news agency: "People observed social distancing whilst on the platform but as soon as the train arrived everyone moved towards the doors.
"Perhaps there should be an announcement that commuters should take their time in getting on and off."
Another woman who did not want to be named said she is concerned about her partner catching coronavirus on the Tube, particularly as they are both NHS nurses.
She commented: "My partner is an NHS registered nurse going to Westminster from Newbury Park Tube.
"It is so difficult to get a seat, even at 6am.
"I'm worried that she will catch the virus herself and get ill but also pass it on to her colleagues or me.
"I am also an intensive care and high dependency unit registered nurse.
"This will take us away from critically ill patients during this very trying time.
"We are already at reduced numbers of registered nurses in intensive care and high dependency units, even before Covid-19. Now the situation is worse."
Train drivers' union Aslef posted a video showing a crowded platform with passengers stood shoulder-to-shoulder waiting to board a service.
It also posted a message which read: "Shocking scenes again on London Underground this morning. Workers being forced to take unnecessary journeys by unscrupulous employers.
"Government must take action to close non-essential workplaces so our members can continue to provide safe services for key workers."
Tube services have been reduced by around 50%.
Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs it should be possible to "run a better Tube system".
But Mayor of London Sadiq Khan insisted "we cannot run more services" as a third of staff are ill or self-isolating.


birminghammail--2020-03-30--Teens killed aspiring music star, 15, in pre-planned gang attack

Three teenagers have been locked up for killing a 15-year-old aspiring musician in a pre-planned gang attack .
Tashaun Aird was knifed nine times in the chest and back after he and his friends fled through a Hackney park on the evening of May 1 last year .
Following an Old Bailey trial , a 16-year-old youth was found guilty of murdering Tashaun and wounding a 16-year-old boy with intent .
Judge Angela Rafferty QC said he `` showed no mercy '' as she sentenced him to life with a minimum term of 17 years , with a further four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 18 , who played a lesser role , was jailed for 12 years for manslaughter and two-and-a-half years , concurrent , for wounding .
Another 16-year-old youth was jailed for 12 years for Tashaun 's manslaughter and four years , concurrent , for wounding with intent .
The judge told the defendants : `` A group of unarmed young people posing no threat whatsoever to you were attacked by you in the park . ''
She said the `` planned and targeted attack '' was in full view of members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including a Samurai sword and zombie knife .
Tashaun was said to have had a `` passion for music '' and his family only learned he had been accepted by a music college after his death .
The judge said : `` It may be that his music was somehow connected to this attack but it is unlikely we will ever truly know . ''
Neither victim was connected with the targeted gang , she said , adding : `` This was a terrible waste of a young life . ''
A fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwell in custody and was transferred to hospital where he died on June 27 , 20 days after he was charged with murder .
During the trial , prosecutor Julian Evans had told how Tashaun , who had been attacked before , was socialising with friends in Somerford Gardens in Hackney , north-east London .
Earlier that day , he had told Williams-Reid that he was not part of the Red Pitch Hackney-based gang , jurors heard .
Williams-Reid then spoke to Stewart who set off in an Uber taxi with the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evans said Williams-Reid had been keeping watch on Tashaun and his friends before the others arrived `` intent on violence '' .
As the targeted group scattered , the two youths , both armed with blades , ran after Tashaun and one of them repeatedly `` lunged '' at him .
Meanwhile , Stewart , who was said to have had a sword , chased after the 16-year-old victim and stabbed him in the back , the court heard .
Tashaun managed to get out of the park but was stabbed again by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of murder .
The youths made off in the Uber and Williams-Reid cycled away on the injured boy 's bike , jurors were told .
Trending stories and why we write them Every day , BirminghamLive 's award-winning journalists write a variety of articles - on everything from HS2 and city schools , to Aston Villa and Birmingham City FC , breaking crime incidents and live traffic and travel updates .
But over the course of each of these days , BirminghamLive also writes stories on showbiz and television , well-known personalities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - `` trending '' stories - are often the sorts of articles which get social media talking , eliciting reaction across social media platforms , sparking debate and drawing response .
BirminghamLive uses analytics to decide which stories we produce - and , while these articles are among the most popular among our most loyal readers , they can often receive negative feedback from social media .
Among the most common negative responses we receive are `` this is not real news '' or `` this is not real journalism '' .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do with Birmingham '' or , `` nobody cares . ''
In response to this , it is worth re-iterating BirminghamLive uses analytics to help us decide what we write about and where to place our resources .
Trending stories are not just popular among social media users , but also massively popular in terms of our most regular visitors .
Trending news is different to other subjects we cover - be it crime , education , health , sport - but no less important to some readers , whose passions may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money-saving , to the latest Netflix true crime series or The Masked Singer ( seriously , give it a chance , it may change your life ) .
And while a story may not have geographically taken place in Birmingham , that absolutely does not mean the story does not resonate with our readers .
Our stories are written by trained and experienced journalists , responding quickly to events .
Since the very first edition of the Birmingham Mail , UK and World News has been a prominent feature .
We will never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never apologise for serving our readers .
We ’ ve got lots of local content in Midlands News , local food and drink in What ’ s On , news for families in Brummie Mummies and information tailored to your postcode through In Your Area .
If you want to ask us any more questions about BirminghamLive 's trending stories , please email james.rodger @ reachplc.com .
The 16-year-old victim , bleeding from a wound in his back , sought help in a nearby shop and went on to make a full recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance before he collapsed face-down on the floor .
He was pronounced dead 45 minutes later .
A post-mortem examination found nine wounds , with a fatal 11cm-deep stab wound to the chest .
Williams-Reid , from Romford , east London , and the two boys , from Hackney , denied all the charges against them .
Tashaun 's family said : `` Our beautiful and talented Tashaun was just 15 years old when he was attacked and murdered , in what was a senseless and unprovoked attack on him .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than these individuals being off the streets and out of harm 's way .
`` However , no words could ever describe the pain , numbness and sheer anguish that we as a family have felt since he was taken away from us so suddenly on May 1 .
`` No family should be put through what we have experienced these past seven months , you hear about knife crime and never expect it to be one of your own . ''

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Three teenagers have been locked up for killing a 15-year-old aspiring musician in a pre-planned gang attack.
Tashaun Aird was knifed nine times in the chest and back after he and his friends fled through a Hackney park on the evening of May 1 last year.
Following an Old Bailey trial, a 16-year-old youth was found guilty of murdering Tashaun and wounding a 16-year-old boy with intent.
Judge Angela Rafferty QC said he "showed no mercy" as she sentenced him to life with a minimum term of 17 years, with a further four years to run concurrently.
Romaine Williams-Reid, 18, who played a lesser role, was jailed for 12 years for manslaughter and two-and-a-half years, concurrent, for wounding.
Another 16-year-old youth was jailed for 12 years for Tashaun's manslaughter and four years, concurrent, for wounding with intent.
The judge told the defendants: "A group of unarmed young people posing no threat whatsoever to you were attacked by you in the park."
She said the "planned and targeted attack" was in full view of members of the public and involved the use of weapons including a Samurai sword and zombie knife.
Tashaun was said to have had a "passion for music" and his family only learned he had been accepted by a music college after his death.
The judge said: "It may be that his music was somehow connected to this attack but it is unlikely we will ever truly know."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Neither victim was connected with the targeted gang, she said, adding: "This was a terrible waste of a young life."
A fourth defendant, 16-year-old Caden Stewart, became unwell in custody and was transferred to hospital where he died on June 27, 20 days after he was charged with murder.
During the trial, prosecutor Julian Evans had told how Tashaun, who had been attacked before, was socialising with friends in Somerford Gardens in Hackney, north-east London.
Earlier that day, he had told Williams-Reid that he was not part of the Red Pitch Hackney-based gang, jurors heard.
Williams-Reid then spoke to Stewart who set off in an Uber taxi with the other defendants, the court heard.
Mr Evans said Williams-Reid had been keeping watch on Tashaun and his friends before the others arrived "intent on violence".
As the targeted group scattered, the two youths, both armed with blades, ran after Tashaun and one of them repeatedly "lunged" at him.
Meanwhile, Stewart, who was said to have had a sword, chased after the 16-year-old victim and stabbed him in the back, the court heard.
Tashaun managed to get out of the park but was stabbed again by the same youth, who was convicted of murder.
The youths made off in the Uber and Williams-Reid cycled away on the injured boy's bike, jurors were told.
Trending stories and why we write them Every day, BirminghamLive's award-winning journalists write a variety of articles - on everything from HS2 and city schools, to Aston Villa and Birmingham City FC, breaking crime incidents and live traffic and travel updates. But over the course of each of these days, BirminghamLive also writes stories on showbiz and television, well-known personalities, celebrities and popular figures. These stories - "trending" stories - are often the sorts of articles which get social media talking, eliciting reaction across social media platforms, sparking debate and drawing response. BirminghamLive uses analytics to decide which stories we produce - and, while these articles are among the most popular among our most loyal readers, they can often receive negative feedback from social media. Among the most common negative responses we receive are "this is not real news" or "this is not real journalism". Another complaint might be "this is nothing to do with Birmingham" or, "nobody cares." In response to this, it is worth re-iterating BirminghamLive uses analytics to help us decide what we write about and where to place our resources. Trending stories are not just popular among social media users, but also massively popular in terms of our most regular visitors. Trending news is different to other subjects we cover - be it crime, education, health, sport - but no less important to some readers, whose passions may lie in anything from Love Island and money-saving, to the latest Netflix true crime series or The Masked Singer (seriously, give it a chance, it may change your life). And while a story may not have geographically taken place in Birmingham, that absolutely does not mean the story does not resonate with our readers. Our stories are written by trained and experienced journalists, responding quickly to events. Since the very first edition of the Birmingham Mail, UK and World News has been a prominent feature. We will never stop doing so - and we'll never apologise for serving our readers. We’ve got lots of local content in Midlands News, local food and drink in What’s On, news for families in Brummie Mummies and information tailored to your postcode through In Your Area. If you want to ask us any more questions about BirminghamLive's trending stories, please email james.rodger@reachplc.com.
The 16-year-old victim, bleeding from a wound in his back, sought help in a nearby shop and went on to make a full recovery.
Tashaun managed to walk a short distance before he collapsed face-down on the floor. He was pronounced dead 45 minutes later.
A post-mortem examination found nine wounds, with a fatal 11cm-deep stab wound to the chest.
Williams-Reid, from Romford, east London, and the two boys, from Hackney, denied all the charges against them.
Tashaun's family said: "Our beautiful and talented Tashaun was just 15 years old when he was attacked and murdered, in what was a senseless and unprovoked attack on him.
"There can be no comfort to us other than these individuals being off the streets and out of harm's way.
"However, no words could ever describe the pain, numbness and sheer anguish that we as a family have felt since he was taken away from us so suddenly on May 1.
"No family should be put through what we have experienced these past seven months, you hear about knife crime and never expect it to be one of your own."


birminghammail--2020-03-30--Cops slammed over lockdown enforcement as 'timid' Brits left scared to go out

Police have been criticised over their handling of new powers to enforce the Covid-19 lockdown .
Lancashire Police issued 123 fines for breaches of the rules over the weekend , while officers in Cheshire summonsed six people for various offences , including multiple people from the same house going out to buy `` non-essential '' items .
South Wales Police hit out at MP Stephen Kinnock for visiting his father , former Labour leader Neil Kinnock , on his birthday ; while Derbyshire dyed the Blue Lagoon in Buxton black to deter groups of people from gathering at the beauty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation Lord Anderson told the PA news agency : `` Police in their words and actions need to be clear about the difference between rules and guidance , both to maintain public confidence in their role and to discourage snoopers , snitches and vigilantes .
`` Serious breaches should attract fines , but news reports of over-enforcement by police and public are deterring the timid from exercising even the limited freedoms they have . ''
The move by Cheshire to curtail `` multiple people from the same household going to the shops for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misinterpretation of the law .
The lawyer who tweets as The Secret Barrister said : `` There is nothing in the legislation that prohibits multiple people from the same household going to the shops .
Nor is there a bar on going out to buy 'non-essential items ' .
`` Such things may not be desirable , but they are not crimes .
This does the police no credit . ''
Jules Carey from Bindmans said the police need to make a `` cultural shift '' in using the new powers to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told PA : `` We are not taking about a public order emergency , we are talking about a public health crisis and these laws have been enacted to help protect society from illness .
`` The credibility of officers and forces will quickly be called into question if they fail to understand what is required of them .
`` What is required of them is the necessary and proportionate enforcement of the restrictions put in place to protect society ; what they must avoid is overlaying the current health crisis with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dystopia by setting up roadblocks , flying drones and overzealous policing on the ground . ''
Britain 's most senior police officer , Dame Cressida Dick , has told her force only to use the new powers , which allow them to fine or arrest those who break lockdown laws , as a last resort .
She told LBC : `` We are all getting used to the new restrictions and I 've been very clear that in the first instance I want my officers to be engaging with people , talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Explaining , of course , if they do n't understand - already we have had examples of people who simply had n't quite heard all the messages - and , only as a very last resort with the current restrictions , using firm direction or even enforcement . ''
Guidance has been issued to the 43 police forces in England and Wales by the National Police Chiefs ' Council , but it has not yet been made public .
Gracie Bradley from the human rights charity Liberty said the goodwill of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harsh and heavy handed policing '' .
She said : `` Despite the broad scope of these powers , we 've seen various incidents of police going even further - and beyond their lawful remit .
`` This makes it impossible for people to know how to comply with these new rules , and challenge police when they overreach . ''
Former High Court judge Lord Sumption criticised Derbyshire Police for having `` shamed our policing traditions '' .
Before the full lockdown , the force shared pictures on social media of queues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord Sumption told Radio Four 's World At One : `` In some parts of the country the police have been trying to stop people from doing things like travelling to take exercise in the open country which are not contrary to the regulations simply because ministers have said that they would prefer us not to .
`` The police have no power to enforce ministers ' preferences but only legal regulations which do n't go anything like as far as the Government 's guidance .
`` I have to say that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shame people in using their undoubted right to travel to take exercise in the country and wrecking beauty spots in the fells so people do n't want to go there is frankly disgraceful . ''
He added : `` Derbyshire Police have shamed our policing traditions . ''
The force has been approached for comment

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Police have been criticised over their handling of new powers to enforce the Covid-19 lockdown.
Lancashire Police issued 123 fines for breaches of the rules over the weekend, while officers in Cheshire summonsed six people for various offences, including multiple people from the same house going out to buy "non-essential" items.
South Wales Police hit out at MP Stephen Kinnock for visiting his father, former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, on his birthday; while Derbyshire dyed the Blue Lagoon in Buxton black to deter groups of people from gathering at the beauty spot.
Former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation Lord Anderson told the PA news agency: "Police in their words and actions need to be clear about the difference between rules and guidance, both to maintain public confidence in their role and to discourage snoopers, snitches and vigilantes.
"Serious breaches should attract fines, but news reports of over-enforcement by police and public are deterring the timid from exercising even the limited freedoms they have."
The move by Cheshire to curtail "multiple people from the same household going to the shops for non-essential items" appears to be a misinterpretation of the law.
The lawyer who tweets as The Secret Barrister said: "There is nothing in the legislation that prohibits multiple people from the same household going to the shops. Nor is there a bar on going out to buy 'non-essential items'.
"Such things may not be desirable, but they are not crimes. This does the police no credit."
(Image: PA)
Jules Carey from Bindmans said the police need to make a "cultural shift" in using the new powers to protect public health rather than prevent disorder.
He told PA: "We are not taking about a public order emergency, we are talking about a public health crisis and these laws have been enacted to help protect society from illness.
"The credibility of officers and forces will quickly be called into question if they fail to understand what is required of them.
"What is required of them is the necessary and proportionate enforcement of the restrictions put in place to protect society; what they must avoid is overlaying the current health crisis with an atmosphere of tyranny and a sense of dystopia by setting up roadblocks, flying drones and overzealous policing on the ground."
Britain's most senior police officer, Dame Cressida Dick, has told her force only to use the new powers, which allow them to fine or arrest those who break lockdown laws, as a last resort.
She told LBC: "We are all getting used to the new restrictions and I've been very clear that in the first instance I want my officers to be engaging with people, talking to people, encouraging them to comply.
"Explaining, of course, if they don't understand - already we have had examples of people who simply hadn't quite heard all the messages - and, only as a very last resort with the current restrictions, using firm direction or even enforcement."
Guidance has been issued to the 43 police forces in England and Wales by the National Police Chiefs' Council, but it has not yet been made public.
Gracie Bradley from the human rights charity Liberty said the goodwill of the public would be "undermined by harsh and heavy handed policing".
She said: "Despite the broad scope of these powers, we've seen various incidents of police going even further - and beyond their lawful remit.
"This makes it impossible for people to know how to comply with these new rules, and challenge police when they overreach."
Former High Court judge Lord Sumption criticised Derbyshire Police for having "shamed our policing traditions".
Before the full lockdown, the force shared pictures on social media of queues of cars visiting the Peak District.
Lord Sumption told Radio Four's World At One: "In some parts of the country the police have been trying to stop people from doing things like travelling to take exercise in the open country which are not contrary to the regulations simply because ministers have said that they would prefer us not to.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"The police have no power to enforce ministers' preferences but only legal regulations which don't go anything like as far as the Government's guidance.
"I have to say that the behaviour of Derbyshire Police in trying to shame people in using their undoubted right to travel to take exercise in the country and wrecking beauty spots in the fells so people don't want to go there is frankly disgraceful."
He added: "Derbyshire Police have shamed our policing traditions."
The force has been approached for comment


birminghammail--2020-03-30--Sam Smith changes title of new album - because of coronavirus

Sam Smith has announced that upcoming album To Die For will be renamed because it `` does n't feel right '' amid the Covid-19 outbreak .
The release date of the record , which will be the British singer 's third , has also been pushed back from May 1 .
Smith said that `` some important changes and additions '' would be made to the record .
In a statement , Smith said : `` Firstly , I want to send love and strength to everyone who has been affected by this situation .
`` I hope you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upsetting and unprecedented time .
`` I have done a lot of thinking the last few weeks and feel that the title of my album and imminent release does n't feel right , so I have come to the decision to continue working on the album and make some important changes and additions .
`` I will be renaming my album and pushing back the release date - both of which are to be confirmed at this time . ''
Smith said that `` there will be an album this year '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am still going to bring out some new music over the next few months , which I 'm incredibly excited about . ''
A single that shares the album 's title was released by the Grammy Award-winner last month .

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Sam Smith has announced that upcoming album To Die For will be renamed because it "doesn't feel right" amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
The release date of the record, which will be the British singer's third, has also been pushed back from May 1.
Smith said that "some important changes and additions" would be made to the record.
In a statement, Smith said: "Firstly, I want to send love and strength to everyone who has been affected by this situation.
"I hope you are all alright during this incredibly weird, upsetting and unprecedented time.
"I have done a lot of thinking the last few weeks and feel that the title of my album and imminent release doesn't feel right, so I have come to the decision to continue working on the album and make some important changes and additions.
"I will be renaming my album and pushing back the release date - both of which are to be confirmed at this time."
Smith said that "there will be an album this year", adding: "But until then I am still going to bring out some new music over the next few months, which I'm incredibly excited about."
A single that shares the album's title was released by the Grammy Award-winner last month.


birminghammail--2020-03-31--Lichfield City's new man at the helm aims to put 'smile on people's faces'

Ivor Green says he ’ s excited by the challenge that awaits him at Midland League One side Lichfield City and says he ’ s in it for the ‘ long haul ’ after being announced as the club ’ s new manager .
The former Atherstone Town boss , who replaces Jamie Hawkins , has a strong reputation locally and has enjoyed success at Midland League One level .
He led the Adders to three cup final victories , including retaining the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup .
Green departed Sheepy Road during the 2019-20 with the side well placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s back in the game and said : “ I wasn ’ t looking to get back in the game really but this opportunity at Lichfield was too good to pass up .
“ As a club it has everything in place to kick on .
There ’ s a first-class set-up here .
“ There are a lot of kids teams and an academy .
There ’ s a fantastic 3G pitch .
the facilities are some of the best around .
“ There are passionate people running the club , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And you look at the first team and Jamie Hawkins did a great job with them .
There ’ s a great squad already in place .
“ It ’ s actually an unusual job for me because I normally go into something where there ’ s a rebuilding job to do .
“ But here it ’ s a case of just trying to build on the good work that ’ s already been done , push it on and hopefully win some silverware.
” He added : “ I see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be my last job .
“ I think the club want me to become part of the furniture , settle things and take the club on .
“ The key thing is that we all enjoy the football .
I have always had that same philosophy .
“ The biggest thing for me has always been putting a spring in people ’ s step and making sure the players enjoy what they are doing .
“ The platform for success is always being in an environment where you love being .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and win games as well and hopefully , if we can do that , we can start working to bring in more people through the gates .
“ This is a city club and we will try and generate more interest in the club . ''
`` If you get the right type of football and become an exciting team to watch then that will hopefully bring more people into the club as we move forward .
We want this to become a great place to watch football.
” Green will be joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Lichfield coaches Scott Cooper and Darren Walkeden will also be on board .
“ We ’ ll be a four-man team , ” Green said .
“ I know Wayne very well and Scott and Darren are smashing lads .
I have a really good feeling about this .
“ I ’ m looking forward to a time when I can meet the players face to face as well .
“ With the current situation , I can only call them but will sit down with them in time .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the feedback has been good .
they seem a great group.
” Green will also be joined by Mark Brookes , who will film matches , generating a strong social media presence for the club .
The move to city means that , once the new season comes , Green will face former club Atherstone .
As he reflected on his time at Atherstone , he said : `` The Adders will always have a special place in my heart .
`` I had a fantastic time when I was there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was proud as punch of the position it was in when I left it .
`` Everyone has a shelf life and when your time is up , it 's up but there are some fantastic die-hard fans there .
`` I wanted to help give them their club back and only have good words to say about them . ''

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Ivor Green says he’s excited by the challenge that awaits him at Midland League One side Lichfield City and says he’s in it for the ‘long haul’ after being announced as the club’s new manager.
The former Atherstone Town boss, who replaces Jamie Hawkins, has a strong reputation locally and has enjoyed success at Midland League One level.
He led the Adders to three cup final victories, including retaining the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup.
(Image: Paul Barber)
Green departed Sheepy Road during the 2019-20 with the side well placed for a promotion push.
Now he’s back in the game and said: “I wasn’t looking to get back in the game really but this opportunity at Lichfield was too good to pass up.
“As a club it has everything in place to kick on. There’s a first-class set-up here.
“There are a lot of kids teams and an academy. There’s a fantastic 3G pitch. the facilities are some of the best around.
“There are passionate people running the club, who really sold it to me.
“And you look at the first team and Jamie Hawkins did a great job with them. There’s a great squad already in place.
“It’s actually an unusual job for me because I normally go into something where there’s a rebuilding job to do.
“But here it’s a case of just trying to build on the good work that’s already been done, push it on and hopefully win some silverware.”
He added: “I see this as a long-term project. It will be my last job.
“I think the club want me to become part of the furniture, settle things and take the club on.
“The key thing is that we all enjoy the football. I have always had that same philosophy.
“The biggest thing for me has always been putting a spring in people’s step and making sure the players enjoy what they are doing.
“The platform for success is always being in an environment where you love being.
“Hopefully we can play an attractive style and win games as well and hopefully, if we can do that, we can start working to bring in more people through the gates.
“This is a city club and we will try and generate more interest in the club."
"If you get the right type of football and become an exciting team to watch then that will hopefully bring more people into the club as we move forward. We want this to become a great place to watch football.”
Green will be joined by his former Adders coach Wayne Chapman but Lichfield coaches Scott Cooper and Darren Walkeden will also be on board.
“We’ll be a four-man team,” Green said. “I know Wayne very well and Scott and Darren are smashing lads. I have a really good feeling about this.
“I’m looking forward to a time when I can meet the players face to face as well.
“With the current situation, I can only call them but will sit down with them in time.
“We have had quick conversations on the phone and the feedback has been good. they seem a great group.”
Green will also be joined by Mark Brookes, who will film matches, generating a strong social media presence for the club.
The move to city means that, once the new season comes, Green will face former club Atherstone.
As he reflected on his time at Atherstone, he said: "The Adders will always have a special place in my heart.
"I had a fantastic time when I was there. It was a massive rebuild and I was proud as punch of the position it was in when I left it.
"Everyone has a shelf life and when your time is up, it's up but there are some fantastic die-hard fans there.
"I wanted to help give them their club back and only have good words to say about them."


birminghammail--2020-03-31--PL to discuss £762m plan for football to return in May

Members from all 20 Premier League clubs , including Wolves , will share a conference call on Friday to discuss £762m plans to complete the league season behind closed doors .
That is according to a report by Mail Online who claim to reveal ambitious plans that will see the league season resume in May .
The EFL and Premier League have both in the past , via statements from themselves and the FA , have promised to align their plans meaning any decision on Friday could have repercussions throughout the top four professional divisions .
The National League , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English football 's non-league , have already deemed their season null-and-void meaning no sides will be relegated or promoted - despite an open-letter , signed by 60 non-league sides , asking them to reverse their decision .
Should the same decision be made in the top four divisions , Liverpool would not be crowned champions despite their 25-point lead and 30-year wait for title success .
West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United would also miss out on promotion to the top flight and with that the lucrative prize money that follows each season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid this nightmare , their main concern currently is a £762m rebate that television rights holders , who forked out upwards of £3b in the summer to secure broadcast rights to bring all the action into our living rooms , could demand should the season be cancelled .
That £762m of combined income , now under threat , is not divided equally amongst teams and is instead offered out on league finishing position and would range from £57m for the Premier League winners to £20m for the team who finish bottom - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay the lucrative wages of their players .
However , that plan would do little to help EFL clubs who simply can not afford to play their fixtures behind closed doors .
The EFL jumped to help struggling lower league clubs earlier this month via a £50m relief-package that saw each and every Championship club land an £800,000 slice of the pie .
That has helped them pay wages for now , but with no matchday income , it is predicted that the money will last only until the end of April @

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Members from all 20 Premier League clubs, including Wolves, will share a conference call on Friday to discuss £762m plans to complete the league season behind closed doors.
That is according to a report by Mail Online who claim to reveal ambitious plans that will see the league season resume in May.
The EFL and Premier League have both in the past, via statements from themselves and the FA, have promised to align their plans meaning any decision on Friday could have repercussions throughout the top four professional divisions.
The National League, who commend the top three divisions of English football's non-league, have already deemed their season null-and-void meaning no sides will be relegated or promoted - despite an open-letter, signed by 60 non-league sides, asking them to reverse their decision.
Should the same decision be made in the top four divisions, Liverpool would not be crowned champions despite their 25-point lead and 30-year wait for title success.
West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United would also miss out on promotion to the top flight and with that the lucrative prize money that follows each season.
While the Premier League are keen to avoid this nightmare, their main concern currently is a £762m rebate that television rights holders, who forked out upwards of £3b in the summer to secure broadcast rights to bring all the action into our living rooms, could demand should the season be cancelled.
That £762m of combined income, now under threat, is not divided equally amongst teams and is instead offered out on league finishing position and would range from £57m for the Premier League winners to £20m for the team who finish bottom - huge sums of money that would help to pay the lucrative wages of their players.
However, that plan would do little to help EFL clubs who simply cannot afford to play their fixtures behind closed doors.
The EFL jumped to help struggling lower league clubs earlier this month via a £50m relief-package that saw each and every Championship club land an £800,000 slice of the pie.
That has helped them pay wages for now, but with no matchday income, it is predicted that the money will last only until the end of April.


birminghammail--2020-03-31--Man transforms garden shed into pub for coronavirus lockdown

A caravan salesman is still managing to enjoy trips to the pub during the coronavirus lockdown - after building his own boozer in his GARDEN SHED .
Jim Sangwell , 34 , opened his establishment , Fred 's Bar , four years ago - but says it is more popular now than it is when people were able to come round .
Jim , from Clacton-on-Sea , Essex , has been paying regular visits to the bottom of his garden , where he has been live-streaming pub quizzes and DJ sets for his friends during isolation .
And Jim has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheeky pints behind the bar at Fred 's Bar - which he says he is treating as `` just an extra room '' for him to isolate in .
Jim set up the 10 ft x 12 ft ( 3m x 3.7m ) pub shed in his garden four years ago - and it cost him just £300 to lay the foundations , move the shed into his garden , and equip the pub .
Jim said : `` Everyone seems to think I 've just built it as a way to still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
`` But that 's not the point at all .
It 's actually a lot more lonely down there now .
`` It 's just nice to have a little extra room for me to come down to and chat with the boys .
`` We 've been having quiz nights among ourselves , and I 'll come down here and do a bit of music which I 'll live-stream to them .
`` I 've got everything that I need in here .
And with this whole thing going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chatting to people more than I would usually .
`` I just come down here to call friends and catch up .
It has a good benefit to it .
And of course I 've had a couple of drinks down here myself , too . ''
Fred 's Bar was moved down to Jim 's garden four years ago after it was gifted to him by his friend Matt - whose grandad , Fred , originally used it as his potting shed .
After finding a set of ice buckets , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eBay for just £36 in all , Jim used some old paints from his work - at a holiday park - to do up the inside of the shed .
Fred 's Bar now boasts four seats at the bar - and Jim takes great pleasure in hosting small groups of his closest friends and family .
He said : `` I do n't have a licence or anything - so usually it 's just the boys that 'll come down here , a couple of times a week , for social events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of the guys provide their own drinks - and I have a 'tab ' system in place where if they leave any drinks behind , they can have a free drink from my collection the next time they come . ''
He added : `` I 'm looking forward to things getting back to normal and people coming down to Fred 's again .
`` It is nice to have , but at the minute , because it 's just me , it feels a bit lonely . ''

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A caravan salesman is still managing to enjoy trips to the pub during the coronavirus lockdown - after building his own boozer in his GARDEN SHED.
Jim Sangwell, 34, opened his establishment, Fred's Bar, four years ago - but says it is more popular now than it is when people were able to come round.
Jim, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, has been paying regular visits to the bottom of his garden, where he has been live-streaming pub quizzes and DJ sets for his friends during isolation.
And Jim has also helped himself to a couple of cheeky pints behind the bar at Fred's Bar - which he says he is treating as "just an extra room" for him to isolate in.
Jim set up the 10 ft x 12 ft (3m x 3.7m) pub shed in his garden four years ago - and it cost him just £300 to lay the foundations, move the shed into his garden, and equip the pub.
(Image: Jim Sangwell / SWNS.COM)
Jim said: "Everyone seems to think I've just built it as a way to still go to the pub during the coronavirus lockdown.
"But that's not the point at all. It's actually a lot more lonely down there now.
"It's just nice to have a little extra room for me to come down to and chat with the boys.
"We've been having quiz nights among ourselves, and I'll come down here and do a bit of music which I'll live-stream to them.
"I've got everything that I need in here. And with this whole thing going on, I think I've ended up chatting to people more than I would usually.
"I just come down here to call friends and catch up. It has a good benefit to it. And of course I've had a couple of drinks down here myself, too."
(Image: Jim Sangwell / SWNS.COM)
Fred's Bar was moved down to Jim's garden four years ago after it was gifted to him by his friend Matt - whose grandad, Fred, originally used it as his potting shed.
After finding a set of ice buckets, a bar, and some fairy lights on eBay for just £36 in all, Jim used some old paints from his work - at a holiday park - to do up the inside of the shed.
Fred's Bar now boasts four seats at the bar - and Jim takes great pleasure in hosting small groups of his closest friends and family.
He said: "I don't have a licence or anything - so usually it's just the boys that'll come down here, a couple of times a week, for social events like football or boxing.
"A lot of the guys provide their own drinks - and I have a 'tab' system in place where if they leave any drinks behind, they can have a free drink from my collection the next time they come."
He added: "I'm looking forward to things getting back to normal and people coming down to Fred's again.
"It is nice to have, but at the minute, because it's just me, it feels a bit lonely."


birminghammail--2020-03-31--Calls for coronavirus compensation scheme for families of NHS heroes who die

A host of ex-ministers and senior MPs have backed a campaign to provide the families of NHS front line `` heroes '' with compensation if they die in the fight against Covid-19 .
A senior collection of cross-party backbenchers - including ex-police minister Mike Penning , former health minister Dan Poulter and Sir Charles Walker , joint vice-chair of the influential Conservative Party 1922 Committee - have added their names to a call for Boris Johnson to offer financial support to loved ones of NHS workers in the event of their death .
Ear , nose and throat consultant Amged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first doctor to be recognised by the NHS as having died after contracting coronavirus from his patients following his death at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Saturday .
The Royal College of Physicians ( RCP ) has confirmed that about one in four NHS doctors are off work sick or in isolation while the Health Care Supply Association ( HCSA ) has warned of `` serious supply issues '' in personal protective equipment in hospitals .
In their letter to the Prime Minister , co-ordinated by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran , 50 MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ style compensation package for NHS workers who lose their lives .
They wrote : `` Those on the front line of this battle against coronavirus are heroes .
`` However , the risks to themselves and their families that they are taking on a daily basis are not recognised as much as they should be .
Show your support for our NHS Heroes Please pledge your support for all the amazing NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus crisis on the frontline .
At BirminghamLive , we ’ re proud to be part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , launched to make sure all these incredible people know exactly how much they mean to the nation .
We ’ re asking you to show them love by helping us create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain .
By dropping a heart on our online map , you ’ re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS .
To pledge your support , just go to Thanks A Million NHS .
Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And please do share the page to encourage others to show their support too .
We also want to hear your stories of NHS Heroes too - it could be something as simple as bringing cakes in for the team or making endless cups of tea to looking after each other 's children when no childcare is available and being available to swap shifts even when caring for people at home .
Please email details of your hero to zoe.chamberlain @ reachplc.com - we 'd love to feature them .
You can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BrumKIND campaign '' We are writing to you to call on the UK Government to create a coronavirus compensation scheme for those who , as dedicated and committed professionals , are bravely putting themselves in harm 's way to protect us all . ''
The group of MPs argued that those who die after contracting the illness from patients should be eligible for payment to their families , on top of their pension benefit .
A contribution should also be made to their funeral costs , they told the PM , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed income for the family and child payments to those eligible under 18-years-old .
Other MPs to have signed the letter include acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey , Labour 's shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin , Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts , the DUP 's Jim Shannon and the SNP 's Angus MacNeil , chair of the Commons international trade committee .
Ms Moran , who is set to run in the postponed Lib Dem leadership race next year , said 1,150 members of the public had also signed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure compensation follows a Daily Mirror campaign to give a medal to those NHS workers putting their lives in jeopardy to battle Covid-19 .

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A host of ex-ministers and senior MPs have backed a campaign to provide the families of NHS front line "heroes" with compensation if they die in the fight against Covid-19.
A senior collection of cross-party backbenchers - including ex-police minister Mike Penning, former health minister Dan Poulter and Sir Charles Walker, joint vice-chair of the influential Conservative Party 1922 Committee - have added their names to a call for Boris Johnson to offer financial support to loved ones of NHS workers in the event of their death.
Ear, nose and throat consultant Amged El-Hawrani, aged 55, became the first doctor to be recognised by the NHS as having died after contracting coronavirus from his patients following his death at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Saturday.
(Image: PA)
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has confirmed that about one in four NHS doctors are off work sick or in isolation while the Health Care Supply Association (HCSA) has warned of "serious supply issues" in personal protective equipment in hospitals.
In their letter to the Prime Minister, co-ordinated by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, 50 MPs have united in calling for an armed-forces style compensation package for NHS workers who lose their lives.
They wrote: "Those on the front line of this battle against coronavirus are heroes.
"However, the risks to themselves and their families that they are taking on a daily basis are not recognised as much as they should be.
Show your support for our NHS Heroes Please pledge your support for all the amazing NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus crisis on the frontline. At BirminghamLive, we’re proud to be part of the Reach nationwide NHS Heroes campaign, launched to make sure all these incredible people know exactly how much they mean to the nation. We’re asking you to show them love by helping us create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain. By dropping a heart on our online map, you’re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS. To pledge your support, just go to Thanks A Million NHS. Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS. And please do share the page to encourage others to show their support too. We also want to hear your stories of NHS Heroes too - it could be something as simple as bringing cakes in for the team or making endless cups of tea to looking after each other's children when no childcare is available and being available to swap shifts even when caring for people at home. Please email details of your hero to zoe.chamberlain@reachplc.com - we'd love to feature them. You can also read heartwarming stories in our #BrumKIND campaign Thank you
"We are writing to you to call on the UK Government to create a coronavirus compensation scheme for those who, as dedicated and committed professionals, are bravely putting themselves in harm's way to protect us all."
The group of MPs argued that those who die after contracting the illness from patients should be eligible for payment to their families, on top of their pension benefit.
(Image: PA)
A contribution should also be made to their funeral costs, they told the PM, with the scheme providing a lump sum payment, guaranteed income for the family and child payments to those eligible under 18-years-old.
Other MPs to have signed the letter include acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, Labour's shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin, Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts, the DUP's Jim Shannon and the SNP's Angus MacNeil, chair of the Commons international trade committee.
Ms Moran, who is set to run in the postponed Lib Dem leadership race next year, said 1,150 members of the public had also signed up to her campaign.
The bid to secure compensation follows a Daily Mirror campaign to give a medal to those NHS workers putting their lives in jeopardy to battle Covid-19.


birminghammail--2020-03-31--The reason the UK coronavirus death toll probably isn't true

The true toll of deaths across the country from Covid-19 is higher than reports from hospitals suggest , according to new figures .
Data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) for England and Wales shows there were 24 % more deaths relating to Covid-19 up to and including March 20 , compared to hospital-only data for the same period .
The ONS looked at all deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned as a factor , including hospital deaths and those in the community and care homes .
A total of 210 deaths in England and Wales for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death certificate , compared with 170 coronavirus-related deaths reported by NHS England and Public Health Wales .
The ONS looked at deaths that occurred up to March 20 but which were registered up to March 25 .
Hospital figures are of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 , whereas the ONS includes all deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate , even if only suspected .
However , the ONS data does provide a much wider picture of what is happening in the community .
Separate new figures from ONS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to March 20 where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate , 45 ( or 42 % ) were people aged 85 and over while 34 ( 31 % ) were people aged 75 to 84 .
A total of 21 deaths ( 19 % ) were people aged 65 to 74 , seven ( 6 % ) were people aged 45 to 64 and one death was among somebody aged 15 to 44 .
As of 5pm on Sunday , 1,408 people are confirmed to have died in UK hospitals after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Boris Johnson chairs a meeting of his Cabinet by videolink on Tuesday , as he continues to self-isolate in Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus .
The Prime Minister has faced heavy criticism over shortages of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for frontline NHS staff as well as the slow rollout of testing - issues which are likely to be discussed by ministers on Tuesday .
Last week , four people attended the meeting in person - including Mr Johnson , Health Secretary Matt Hancock , Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitty - while others dialled in on the Zoom app .
The PM and Mr Hancock have since tested positive for Covid-19 , while Prof Whitty is self-isolating after developing symptoms .
In Tuesday 's meeting , all attendees are expected to join by videolink .
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has voiced further concerns about the lack of testing in the UK after it emerged the Government had still not hit its target of 10,000 tests a day .
This is despite earlier claims by Mr Hancock that the target had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO ) has urged countries to `` test , test , test '' as a key part of its strategy to beat the virus .
But officials have admitted the UK does not have the same capacity as other countries that are testing more , including Germany which is conducting around 70,000 per day .
Mr Hunt told the Guardian : `` The big advantage we now have is evidence that testing works in other countries .
`` We can see that Asian countries have been spectacularly more successful than European ones in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transport Secretary Grant Shapps addressed concerns over whether police were being heavy-handed in dealing with enforcement measures .
He told BBC Breakfast : `` There will be one or two instances where they have perhaps not approached it in the right way but in general , actually , across the country not only are people complying very well but , generally speaking , the police are taking a very sensible approach to it . ''
Asked why the National Police Chiefs ' Council had thought it necessary to call for consistent guidelines to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been issues that the police were trying to iron out .
`` I think there are , if I may describe them as such , teething problems or the police trying to work out which is the most effective and best approach , '' he added .
`` I will leave that to the police . ''
Mr Shapps also urged people just to go to the shops once a week and said people 's once-daily exercise should take place `` as near home as possible '' .
It comes as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarity from ministers about what risks they should not have to take if they do not have adequate PPE .
On Monday , Sir Simon Stevens , chief executive of NHS England , revealed there had been almost a 50 % rise in a few days in the number of people being treated for coronavirus in England 's hospitals .
He said on Friday that more than 6,200 patients were in hospital with Covid-19 , but on Monday this figure had jumped to more than 9,000 .
England 's chief scientific adviser Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around an additional 1,000 patients a day and described this daily rise as `` stable '' .
Sir Patrick also said social distancing measures were `` making a difference '' .
Meanwhile , a Covid-19 test centre for NHS workers has opened at Ikea 's store in Wembley , north-west London .

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The true toll of deaths across the country from Covid-19 is higher than reports from hospitals suggest, according to new figures.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England and Wales shows there were 24% more deaths relating to Covid-19 up to and including March 20, compared to hospital-only data for the same period.
The ONS looked at all deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned as a factor, including hospital deaths and those in the community and care homes.
A total of 210 deaths in England and Wales for the time period had Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate, compared with 170 coronavirus-related deaths reported by NHS England and Public Health Wales.
The ONS looked at deaths that occurred up to March 20 but which were registered up to March 25.
Hospital figures are of people who have tested positive for Covid-19, whereas the ONS includes all deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate, even if only suspected.
However, the ONS data does provide a much wider picture of what is happening in the community.
Separate new figures from ONS show that for the 108 deaths registered up to March 20 where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, 45 (or 42%) were people aged 85 and over while 34 (31%) were people aged 75 to 84.
A total of 21 deaths (19%) were people aged 65 to 74, seven (6%) were people aged 45 to 64 and one death was among somebody aged 15 to 44.
As of 5pm on Sunday, 1,408 people are confirmed to have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for Covid-19.
It comes as Boris Johnson chairs a meeting of his Cabinet by videolink on Tuesday, as he continues to self-isolate in Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The Prime Minister has faced heavy criticism over shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline NHS staff as well as the slow rollout of testing - issues which are likely to be discussed by ministers on Tuesday.
Last week, four people attended the meeting in person - including Mr Johnson, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty - while others dialled in on the Zoom app.
The PM and Mr Hancock have since tested positive for Covid-19, while Prof Whitty is self-isolating after developing symptoms. In Tuesday's meeting, all attendees are expected to join by videolink.
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has voiced further concerns about the lack of testing in the UK after it emerged the Government had still not hit its target of 10,000 tests a day.
This is despite earlier claims by Mr Hancock that the target had been reached.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to "test, test, test" as a key part of its strategy to beat the virus.
But officials have admitted the UK does not have the same capacity as other countries that are testing more, including Germany which is conducting around 70,000 per day.
Mr Hunt told the Guardian: "The big advantage we now have is evidence that testing works in other countries.
"We can see that Asian countries have been spectacularly more successful than European ones in avoiding mass lockdown."
Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps addressed concerns over whether police were being heavy-handed in dealing with enforcement measures.
(Image: Getty Images)
He told BBC Breakfast: "There will be one or two instances where they have perhaps not approached it in the right way but in general, actually, across the country not only are people complying very well but, generally speaking, the police are taking a very sensible approach to it."
Asked why the National Police Chiefs' Council had thought it necessary to call for consistent guidelines to be followed, Mr Shapps said there had been issues that the police were trying to iron out.
"I think there are, if I may describe them as such, teething problems or the police trying to work out which is the most effective and best approach," he added.
"I will leave that to the police."
(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Shapps also urged people just to go to the shops once a week and said people's once-daily exercise should take place "as near home as possible".
It comes as the British Medical Association said healthcare workers need clarity from ministers about what risks they should not have to take if they do not have adequate PPE.
On Monday, Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, revealed there had been almost a 50% rise in a few days in the number of people being treated for coronavirus in England's hospitals.
He said on Friday that more than 6,200 patients were in hospital with Covid-19, but on Monday this figure had jumped to more than 9,000.
England's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said the NHS was seeing around an additional 1,000 patients a day and described this daily rise as "stable".
Sir Patrick also said social distancing measures were "making a difference".
Meanwhile, a Covid-19 test centre for NHS workers has opened at Ikea's store in Wembley, north-west London.


birminghammail--2020-03-31--Jack Grealish latest: Man United's transfer stance after apology

Manchester United are reportedly still keen on securing a move for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish despite the events of the weekend .
The 24-year-old was pictured in Dickens Heath near the Waterside apartments complex on Sunday despite strict government guidelines preventing the movement of the general public during the coronavirus pandemic .
Grealish himself took to social media to echo the government 's 'stay at home ' message through a video to fans on Saturday .
He will be fined and disciplined by Villa , with the money going to the University Hospital charity in Birmingham and he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grealish 's fine performances for his struggling side have caught the eyes of top clubs , but it is United who are thought to be his most keen admirers .
Here 's everything that has been said and the current situation ... United are reportedly expected to press on with a deal to sign Grealish despite the controversy surrounding his actions .
The Daily Mail say the incident has n't put United off from securing a summer transfer .
And the Manchester Evening News have this morning revealed that United are working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer window despite the uncertainty created by coronavirus .
They say such a deal could end up being 'routine ' for United if Villa suffer relegation .
Villa would want to be handsomely compensated for the player they have nurtured since age six – and on the other side of the deal it has been suggested United are willing to offer him a wage hike to the tune of £150,000-a-week .
According to the Mirror , United are willing to part with up to £70m to complete a move .
They add that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tie up deals in the spring to ensure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a full pre-season to work with new players .
Chelsea , meanwhile , are a new club to be linked with Grealish .
Frank Lampard 's side are on course to finish in the top four of the Premier League , when it does eventually restart and would be in a position to offer Grealish Champions League football next season .
Italian website Calciomercato say Chelsea are ready to rival United in the summer .
Manchester City will not pursue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to reports .
Pep Gaurdiola has heaped praise on the Villa skipper throughout the season , singling him out in pre-match press conferences .
However , the Manchester Evening News ’ City correspondent Simon Bajikowski has explained why he is n't on the club 's wishlist .
Tottenham are also being linked .
How Purslow has responded to claims about selling players Villa chief executive Christian Purslow , back in November , is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail : `` We can say no .
We do have a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big compliment that we have brilliant players that attract the attention of lots of clubs around Europe .
`` I 'm absolutely proud to say these boys love playing for Aston Villa and we are a club these days who do n't have to worry about selling our assets to survive .
We are in a different situation now .
`` We have a team of very young players with great international futures ahead of them and that is the most important thing for the financial and footballing health of a club - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are improving all the time and whose values are improving .
`` That gives you the flexibility summer to summer to look at those players and sometimes sell players and then go again .
`` We , like every club in the Premier League , may have to do that in future but the important thing is to have a collection of really valuable assets and we do . ''
Man United hero Rio Ferdinand has blasted a fan of his old side who rang into radio station talkSPORT and claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the summer .
One United fan rang talkSPORT to claim Grealish and fellow playmaker James Maddison , at Leicester City , are too good for United .
Ferdinand took to social media to brand the caller a 'loon ' .
He tweeted : `` What am I hearing from the caller on @ talkSPORT ... he doesn ’ t think @ JackGrealish would leave Villa for United !
# loon . ''
Grealish has caught the attentions of La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona , according to reports in the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Real Madrid and Barca are tracking Grealish , as they begin to identify their top targets for the summer .
The report suggests that Villa are readying themselves for a series of bids this summer and claim that the claret and blue talisman will have his pick over clubs in the summer .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Richard Cusack)

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Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish continues to be linked with a move away from Villa Park.
Grealish has been in stunning form this season with nine goals and eight assists in all competitions.
The 24-year-old, who is under contract until 2023, has most heavily been linked with Manchester United while the likes of Everton and Chelsea are also said to be interested.
Here's the latest and what's been said:
Grealish no longer a top target for Man Utd
Grealish is no longer a top summer transfer target for Manchester United, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now prioritising a defensive midfielder, The Athletic reports, with United seemingly keen on keeping Paul Pogba.
Solskjaer wants to bolster up his back line and sees a holding midfielder as a priority rather than a play-maker of Grealish's ilk.
United remain interested in but, if Villa survive this season, the B6 club could slap a sky-high price of up to £90million on their prized asset.
More HERE.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
Everton confident
The transfer speculation surrounding Grealish continues to grow, despite the suspension of English football.
Fellow Premier League outfit Everton have been credited with an interest in Grealish’s services, and now a fresh report has emerged.
According to a report in Football Insider, quoted by the Daily Star, the Toffees are “secretly confident” of signing Grealish this summer.
More HERE.
'£70m fee' and £150,000-a-week wages
Villa would want to be handsomely compensated for the player they have nurtured since he was six – while it has previously been suggested United could offer him a wage hike to the tune of £150,000-a-week.
According to the Mirror, United would be willing to part with up to £70m to complete a move. They add that executive vice chairman Ed Woodward is keen to tie up deals as soon as possible to ensure Solskjaer has a full pre-season to work with new players, depending on when the current campaign finishes.
More HERE.
Chelsea make their interest known
Chelsea have also been linked with Grealish.
Frank Lampard's side are on course to finish in the top four of the Premier League, when it does eventually restart and would be in a position to offer Grealish Champions League football next season.
Italian website Calciomercato say Chelsea are ready to rival United in the summer.
More HERE.
Bent says Grealish will have choice of clubs
Former Villa striker Darren Bent has claimed that Manchster United, as well as Manchester City and Tottenham will be keen to sign Grealish this summer.
Bent also reckons that Grealish will be looking at leaving if the club are relegated from the top flight.
"I think Jack Grealish has got his sights set on maybe three teams,” Bent told Football Insider.
More HERE.
Man City stance clarified while Spurs also linked
Manchester City will not pursue a move for Grealish this summer, according to reports.
Pep Guardiola has heaped public praise on the Villa skipper throughout the season, singling him out in pre-match press conferences.
However, the Manchester Evening News’ City correspondent Simon Bajikowski has explained why he isn't on the club's wishlist. Tottenham are also being linked.
More HERE.
Carragher's advice
Grealish has made such an impression on Jamie Carragher that the Liverpool legend has picked the Villa captain in his Premier League team of the season.
Carragher also said he has no doubt the 24-year-old would take a move to Old Trafford - or to any top club - in his stride.
The former defender said: "Who knows how the season is going to end up and whether Villa go down or not, but there's no doubt he's got the quality to play for one of the top clubs in the Premier League or Europe."
More HERE.
How Purslow has responded to claims about selling players
Villa chief executive Christian Purslow, back in November, is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail : "We can say no. We do have a number of wonderful players. It's a big compliment that we have brilliant players that attract the attention of lots of clubs around Europe.
"I'm absolutely proud to say these boys love playing for Aston Villa and we are a club these days who don't have to worry about selling our assets to survive. We are in a different situation now.
"We have a team of very young players with great international futures ahead of them and that is the most important thing for the financial and footballing health of a club - that you have players that are assets, who are improving all the time and whose values are improving.
"That gives you the flexibility summer to summer to look at those players and sometimes sell players and then go again.
"We, like every club in the Premier League, may have to do that in future but the important thing is to have a collection of really valuable assets and we do."
(Image: PA)
Ferdinand shocked
Man United hero Rio Ferdinand blasted a fan of his old side who rang into radio station talkSPORT and claimed Grealish wouldn't move to the club in the summer.
One United fan rang talkSPORT to claim Grealish and fellow playmaker James Maddison, at Leicester City, are too good for United.
Ferdinand took to social media to brand the caller a 'loon'.
He tweeted : "What am I hearing from the caller on @talkSPORT...he doesn’t think @JackGrealish would leave Villa for United! #loon."
'No chance' says McGrath
Villa legend Paul McGrath says there is 'no chance' of Grealish moving to United when the window opens.
McGrath revealed he doesn't think the playmaker will make the move as he conducted a Q&A on Instagram.
The former Villa hero, who joined from the club from United, addressed the speculation by saying: "No chance".
More HERE.
Spanish giants linked
Grealish has caught the attentions of La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, according to reports in the national press.
According to The Sun, both Real Madrid and Barca are tracking Grealish, as they begin to identify their top targets for the summer.
The report suggests that Villa are readying themselves for a series of bids this summer and claim that the claret and blue talisman will have his pick over clubs in the summer.
More HERE.


birminghammail--2020-03-31--Watch: Wild goats take over streets in town during lockdown

With streets across Britain now empty of humans as the coronavirus lockdown continues , some animals have been claiming parts of the country as their own .
And it would seem this has been the case for one town in Wales as a herd of wild mountain goats have decided to take over for the past week .
The goats , which normally spend their time up the Great Orme , have been filmed hilariously wandering the streets of Llandudno - which is normally packed with humans .
From nibbling on hedges to trotting along people 's garden walls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured on camera by one resident - who admits to potentially getting the goats 'arrested ' when he first spotted the herd , YorkshireLive reports .
Andrew Stuart , who has lived in Llandudno for almost 22 years , took to Twitter to share footage he had taken of the goats when he first saw them running around Trinity Square on Friday night ( March 27 ) .
Click on the video above to watch the videos of the goats in full In a post to his followers , he said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of goats in Llandudno arrested .
`` Let me explain ... first , I saw this from inside a dark pub ( the one I live in currently ) .
I thought I was seeing things .
So I took some video ... '' Andrew then went on to share further footage he had taken of the four-legged creatures as they began eating away at some hedges .
`` They stopped on Trinity Square , '' He said .
`` And decided the hedges there looked very tasty ( tbf , they probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
'' They continued on with their `` midnight feast '' for a short while and `` were probably going to run riot on the town , what with nobody being about due to the lockdown . ''
He also joked : `` I also wasn ’ t sure if they were keeping the required 2m apart . ''
Andrew then decided to give the police a call on 101 `` to tell them a load of kids ( geddit ? )
were running riot ( I didn ’ t actually say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they ’ d pass it on to officers . ''
The video editor posted a video of a patrol car chasing the goats down the road shortly after , with the caption : `` I ’ m sorry if the goats got arrested .
But they were being very naughty .
Also , close the gates behind you on the Orme .
And stay 2m apart at all times . ''
The Welsh resident posted a 'goat update ' the following day ( March 28 ) when he saw the herd had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathering in groups of more than two '' .
In an array of pictures and videos -which you can look at in the video above - the goats can be seen continuing with their antics , including munching away at flowers in people 's gardens .
In another funny turn of events , the goats were spotted wandering around the town on Sunday ( March 29 ) , and again on Monday ( March 30 ) .
`` Can ’ t believe I ’ m writing this ... they ’ re back ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his followers .
He quipped : `` I think I am now the man who stares at goats ( in the middle of the road ) '' Since his first video of the goats was shared on Twitter , it has been watched more than 386k times and have garnered more than 8k likes and 3k retweets .
Speaking about the goats , Andrew Stuart said : `` You don ’ t normally see the goats this far down - they can come down and get to the bottom of the Great Orme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think people and cars usually stop them going much further .
`` They appear to have come down because it ’ s windy - and because there ’ s no one else around , they take their chance and go further and further into the town .
`` They still seek to be wary of people , so it must be the lack of people due to the lockdown that ’ s got them . ''
According to Wales Online , the herd of Kashmiri goats were a gift to Lord Mostyn from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the heights of the Great Orme .
The are currently around 110 goats and they are now regarded as wild which means no-one is legally responsible for them , but wardens at the country park do keep an eye .
It is thought that they have come down into the town at this time while they wait for the spring growth of grass on the Orme , and have been wandering the streets because they have been so quiet during the coronavirus lockdown .

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With streets across Britain now empty of humans as the coronavirus lockdown continues, some animals have been claiming parts of the country as their own.
And it would seem this has been the case for one town in Wales as a herd of wild mountain goats have decided to take over for the past week.
The goats, which normally spend their time up the Great Orme, have been filmed hilariously wandering the streets of Llandudno - which is normally packed with humans.
From nibbling on hedges to trotting along people's garden walls, the goats' hilarious antics have been captured on camera by one resident - who admits to potentially getting the goats 'arrested' when he first spotted the herd, YorkshireLive reports.
Andrew Stuart, who has lived in Llandudno for almost 22 years, took to Twitter to share footage he had taken of the goats when he first saw them running around Trinity Square on Friday night (March 27).
Click on the video above to watch the videos of the goats in full
In a post to his followers, he said: "I think I just got a group of goats in Llandudno arrested.
"Let me explain... first, I saw this from inside a dark pub (the one I live in currently). I thought I was seeing things. So I took some video..."
Andrew then went on to share further footage he had taken of the four-legged creatures as they began eating away at some hedges.
"They stopped on Trinity Square," He said. "And decided the hedges there looked very tasty (tbf, they probably are if you’re a goat.)"
They continued on with their "midnight feast" for a short while and "were probably going to run riot on the town, what with nobody being about due to the lockdown."
He also joked: "I also wasn’t sure if they were keeping the required 2m apart."
Andrew then decided to give the police a call on 101 "to tell them a load of kids (geddit?) were running riot (I didn’t actually say that... sadly).
"They said they’d pass it on to officers."
The video editor posted a video of a patrol car chasing the goats down the road shortly after, with the caption: "I’m sorry if the goats got arrested. But they were being very naughty. Also, close the gates behind you on the Orme. And stay 2m apart at all times."
The Welsh resident posted a 'goat update' the following day (March 28) when he saw the herd had returned to the streets and were "gathering in groups of more than two".
In an array of pictures and videos -which you can look at in the video above - the goats can be seen continuing with their antics, including munching away at flowers in people's gardens.
In another funny turn of events, the goats were spotted wandering around the town on Sunday (March 29), and again on Monday (March 30).
"Can’t believe I’m writing this... they’re back (again)." Andrew wrote to his followers.
He quipped: "I think I am now the man who stares at goats (in the middle of the road)"
Since his first video of the goats was shared on Twitter, it has been watched more than 386k times and have garnered more than 8k likes and 3k retweets.
Speaking about the goats, Andrew Stuart said: "You don’t normally see the goats this far down - they can come down and get to the bottom of the Great Orme and do so regularly - but I think people and cars usually stop them going much further.
"They appear to have come down because it’s windy - and because there’s no one else around, they take their chance and go further and further into the town.
"They still seek to be wary of people, so it must be the lack of people due to the lockdown that’s got them."
According to Wales Online, the herd of Kashmiri goats were a gift to Lord Mostyn from Queen Victoria and spend their time living on the heights of the Great Orme.
The are currently around 110 goats and they are now regarded as wild which means no-one is legally responsible for them, but wardens at the country park do keep an eye.
It is thought that they have come down into the town at this time while they wait for the spring growth of grass on the Orme, and have been wandering the streets because they have been so quiet during the coronavirus lockdown.


birminghammail--2020-03-31--Port Office makes huge changes to Travel Money amid coronavirus

Post Office Travel Money , the UK 's largest foreign currency provider , has suspended the ability to buy travel money online as well as its branch pre-order service .
It said that both the ability to purchase travel money online from the Post Office website and the use of its branch pre-order service will remain suspended `` whilst strict self-isolation measures remain in place '' .
The provider accounts for around one in four UK foreign exchange transactions .
Its multi-currency travel money card remains operational .
It is also reminding its 700,000-plus Post Office Travel Money card customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card can be transferred back into sterling , in case this helps with expenses during the coronavirus epidemic .
The Post Office Travel Money card has the ability to hold 23 currencies .
The Post Office said customers who want to swap funds back into sterling can do so without incurring a fee .
Conversions will be made at the advertised rate of the day .
Its travel money card customers who remain abroad during the coronavirus pandemic can continue to load their card with foreign currency .
A statement from the Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not at the forefront of people 's minds right now , we want to remind travel money card holders who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic that they may have foreign currency sitting on their card right now that can be transferred to pounds to help with day-to-day expenses .
`` For Britons who are stuck abroad at the moment and who already have our travel money card it can still be loaded with foreign currency to help navigate expenses incurred trying to get home .
Any currency that is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card for a number of years . ''

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Post Office Travel Money, the UK's largest foreign currency provider, has suspended the ability to buy travel money online as well as its branch pre-order service.
It said that both the ability to purchase travel money online from the Post Office website and the use of its branch pre-order service will remain suspended "whilst strict self-isolation measures remain in place".
The provider accounts for around one in four UK foreign exchange transactions. Its multi-currency travel money card remains operational.
It is also reminding its 700,000-plus Post Office Travel Money card customers that any foreign currency held on their card can be transferred back into sterling, in case this helps with expenses during the coronavirus epidemic.
The Post Office Travel Money card has the ability to hold 23 currencies.
The Post Office said customers who want to swap funds back into sterling can do so without incurring a fee. Conversions will be made at the advertised rate of the day.
Its travel money card customers who remain abroad during the coronavirus pandemic can continue to load their card with foreign currency.
A statement from the Post Office said: "Whilst travelling abroad is not at the forefront of people's minds right now, we want to remind travel money card holders who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic that they may have foreign currency sitting on their card right now that can be transferred to pounds to help with day-to-day expenses.
"For Britons who are stuck abroad at the moment and who already have our travel money card it can still be loaded with foreign currency to help navigate expenses incurred trying to get home. Any currency that is not used can be held over on the card for a number of years."


birminghammail--2020-03-31--Poundland closing 32 branches amid coronavirus crisis - FULL LIST

Poundland will temporarily shut up shop at 100 sites across the UK - including Birmingham .
Workers will be placed on furlough , with 80 per cent of their wages paid by the government .
Poundland , based in Willenhall , in the West Midlands , has stores across the country .
`` Poundland is addressing the disruption caused by coronavirus by placing about 100 of its stores into temporary hibernation this week , '' a spokesperson said .
`` Largely these are in places where we 've got two stores close to each other or we 're in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's difficult to stay open for just us .
`` Hibernation will allow us to focus colleagues in a slightly smaller number of locations , provide better service to communities in consolidated stores as some colleagues transfer nearby and fill the gaps caused by other colleagues who are currently self-isolation '' Where it 's not possible to transfer colleagues to a nearby store or other work , we 'll be seeking to actively use the government 's furlough scheme to protect jobs for the future . ''
The spokesman added : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 70 per cent of what we sell is groceries and essential household items .
`` The actions allow Poundland to continue to serve communities through this period of disruption , but also position the business for recovery once the country emerges from current measures .
`` Poundland is a retailer relied on by its customers for essentials - especially those that live within walking distance , manage their budgets week-to-week , find it hard to bulk buy and usually purchase what they can carry home . ''
Barry Williams , managing director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served nearly three million customers last week with groceries and household essentials .
It has been an amazing effort by all our colleagues .
But people 's buying patterns are naturally changing as they stick to the government 's advice to stay at home and this is having an impact .
`` The measures we 're taking , such as putting some stores into hibernation , will help us better serve communities from the majority of stores that remain open during this period of disruption .
`` It will make sure we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerges from its current battle . ''
First list of temporary store closures - Poundland has released the names of 32 hibernating branches

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Poundland will temporarily shut up shop at 100 sites across the UK - including Birmingham.
Workers will be placed on furlough, with 80 per cent of their wages paid by the government.
Poundland, based in Willenhall, in the West Midlands, has stores across the country.
"Poundland is addressing the disruption caused by coronavirus by placing about 100 of its stores into temporary hibernation this week," a spokesperson said.
"Largely these are in places where we've got two stores close to each other or we're in a shopping centre that's told us it's difficult to stay open for just us.
"Hibernation will allow us to focus colleagues in a slightly smaller number of locations, provide better service to communities in consolidated stores as some colleagues transfer nearby and fill the gaps caused by other colleagues who are currently self-isolation
"Where it's not possible to transfer colleagues to a nearby store or other work, we'll be seeking to actively use the government's furlough scheme to protect jobs for the future."
The spokesman added: "We served nearly three million people last week and 70 per cent of what we sell is groceries and essential household items.
"The actions allow Poundland to continue to serve communities through this period of disruption, but also position the business for recovery once the country emerges from current measures.
"Poundland is a retailer relied on by its customers for essentials - especially those that live within walking distance, manage their budgets week-to-week, find it hard to bulk buy and usually purchase what they can carry home."
Barry Williams, managing director, Poundland, said: "We served nearly three million customers last week with groceries and household essentials. It has been an amazing effort by all our colleagues. But people's buying patterns are naturally changing as they stick to the government's advice to stay at home and this is having an impact.
"The measures we're taking, such as putting some stores into hibernation, will help us better serve communities from the majority of stores that remain open during this period of disruption.
"It will make sure we're well placed for recovery once the country emerges from its current battle."
First list of temporary store closures - Poundland has released the names of 32 hibernating branches
Meadowhall SC
Manchester Arndale SC
York Monks Cross RP
Carlisle Scotch Street
Hammersmith Kings Street
Sutton Coldfield
Oswestry
Newport Spytty RP
Rotherham Parkgate RP
Kings Lynn Vancouver SC
Birmingham Corporation Street
Farnham
Ilford The Mall SC
Nottingham Chilwell RP
Truro
Swansea Fforestfach RP
Gateshead Team Valley RP
Ebbw Vale FOC
Crewe
Watford 77 High Street
Chester Old Sealand RP
Falmouth
Ormskirk Two Saints RP
Pontefract
Wick RP
Walsall Saddlers SC
Christchurch
Selly Oak RP
Whitehaven
Droylsden
Barrow in Furness Hindpool RP
Yardley Swan SC