birminghammail--2020-10-24--Party organiser hit with massive £10k fine as police break-up lockdown parties

The organiser of a bash attended by more than 50 people has been hit with £10,000 fine for a “ blatant disregard ” of Covid-19 regulations .
DJ mixing decks , industrial speakers and a buffet were found by officers , with around 50 people in attendance , police said .
Police were called to a flat in Simpson Street , Angel Meadows , Manchester , shortly after 11.20pm on Friday .
The party was closed down and the organiser given a £10,000 fixed penalty notice for breaching coronavirus legislation – one of the first issued since Greater Manchester entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fines , for a range of rule breaches and of varying amounts , have been handed out since the area ’ s new alert status came into force on Friday .
Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said : “ This party was a blatant disregard of the rules and for public health .
“ It is totally unacceptable in the current crisis the whole world is facing and is not what we want our officers to be spending their time doing .
“ We had no alternative but to issue the maximum penalty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I hope this serves as a reminder to those considering to flout the rules – we will take action.
” Meanwhile , Metropolitan Police officers shut down a wedding party of around 250 guests in a “ flagrant breach ” of Covid-19 regulations .
The force said officers were called to a venue on Old Kent Road in south London at 8.20pm on October 18 after following concerns from nearby residents .
“ It appeared that those attending the ceremony had closed the shutters at the front of the venue , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the force said in a statement .
Officers dispersed the crowd at the scene , with the bride and one other person , who was not the groom , told they had been reported for the consideration of a fixed penalty notice .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
The organiser of a bash attended by more than 50 people has been hit with £10,000 fine for a “blatant disregard” of Covid-19 regulations.
DJ mixing decks, industrial speakers and a buffet were found by officers, with around 50 people in attendance, police said.
Police were called to a flat in Simpson Street, Angel Meadows, Manchester, shortly after 11.20pm on Friday.
The party was closed down and the organiser given a £10,000 fixed penalty notice for breaching coronavirus legislation – one of the first issued since Greater Manchester entered Tier 3 restrictions.
GMP said 52 fines, for a range of rule breaches and of varying amounts, have been handed out since the area’s new alert status came into force on Friday.
Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: “This party was a blatant disregard of the rules and for public health.
“It is totally unacceptable in the current crisis the whole world is facing and is not what we want our officers to be spending their time doing.
“We had no alternative but to issue the maximum penalty for breaching the legislation on large gatherings and I hope this serves as a reminder to those considering to flout the rules – we will take action.”
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police officers shut down a wedding party of around 250 guests in a “flagrant breach” of Covid-19 regulations.
The force said officers were called to a venue on Old Kent Road in south London at 8.20pm on October 18 after following concerns from nearby residents.
“It appeared that those attending the ceremony had closed the shutters at the front of the venue, in an attempt to mask the celebration,” the force said in a statement.
Officers dispersed the crowd at the scene, with the bride and one other person, who was not the groom, told they had been reported for the consideration of a fixed penalty notice.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Blues given Jutkiewicz boost as Aitor Karanka names team for QPR

The 31-year-old has recovered from coronavirus and is back having missed the 1-0 defeats to Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City @ @ @ @ @ the bench , as is Maikel Kieftenbeld at the end of a transfer window in @ @ @ @ @ leave the club .
Blues continue with three at the back , which sees Neil @ @ @ @ @ , Harlee Dean and George Friend , with Maxime Colin and Kristian Pedersen as wing @ @ @ @ @ suspended Adam Clayton is replaced by Mikel San Jose who will partner Ivan Sunjic and @ @ @ @ @ like a three man engineroom .
Jonathan Leko and Scott Hogan look set to start @ @ @

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Lukas Jutkiewicz returns to Birmingham City’s squad at Queen’s Park Rangers today.
The 31-year-old has recovered from coronavirus and is back having missed the 1-0 defeats to Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City.
He is back on the bench, as is Maikel Kieftenbeld at the end of a transfer window in which he was free to leave the club.
Blues continue with three at the back, which sees Neil Etheridge protected by Marc Roberts, Harlee Dean and George Friend, with Maxime Colin and Kristian Pedersen as wing backs.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
In midfield the suspended Adam Clayton is replaced by Mikel San Jose who will partner Ivan Sunjic and Gary Gardner in what looks like a three man engineroom.
Jonathan Leko and Scott Hogan look set to start in attack.
BLUES (5-3-2): Etheridge; Colin, Roberts, Dean, Friend, Pedersen; Gardner, San Jose, Sunjic; Leko, Hogan. Subs: Prieto. Kieftenbeld, Jutkiewicz, Bela, Sanchez, Dacres-Cogley, Boyd-Munce.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Secret I'm A Celebrity 2020 line up 'leaked after photoshoot'

This year 's line-up for I 'm A Celebrity ... .
Get Me Out Of Here !
appears to have been leaked as a host of famous faces were spotted at a secret photoshoot .
Photographs showing them being smuggled into the London photo session have appeared in a national newspaper .
There are 10 famous faces due to take part in this year 's series , which is being held in Wales for the first time due to the pandemic .
MirrorOnline reports how it is due to start next month and the leaked photographs show eight celebrities believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicity pictures for the show .
Also snapped were games show host Vernon Kay , tenor Russell Watson , actresses Ruthie Henshall and Beverley Callard and paralympian Hollie Arnold .
They wo n't be heading to the Australian jungle this year - instead their camp will be at Gwrych castle in Wales .
ITV bosses have remained tight-lipped about the line-up , but the images obtained by The Sun appear to have blown their cover .
It is not known if the eight stars photographed will be joined by two more celebrities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the promotional shoot and many tried to conceal who they were with face masks .
The reported photoshoot comes before the stars head into a two-week isolation period ahead of the upcoming series .
A representative for ITV has been contacted by MirrorOnline for comment .
For the first time in the show 's 20-year history , the entire series will be filmed in the UK instead of in the Australian jungle .
There have also been lots of safety measures put in place in order to keep the cast and crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one point it was feared the show might not go ahead when Wales announced a tightening of its Covid restrictions .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tamara Davison, Jane Tyler)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
This year's line-up for I'm A Celebrity.... Get Me Out Of Here! appears to have been leaked as a host of famous faces were spotted at a secret photoshoot.
Photographs showing them being smuggled into the London photo session have appeared in a national newspaper.
There are 10 famous faces due to take part in this year's series, which is being held in Wales for the first time due to the pandemic.
MirrorOnline reports how it is due to start next month and the leaked photographs show eight celebrities believed to be attending the official photocall for publicity pictures for the show.
They include EastEnders Jessica Plummer, Strictly's AJ Pritchard and BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire.
Also snapped were games show host Vernon Kay, tenor Russell Watson, actresses Ruthie Henshall and Beverley Callard and paralympian Hollie Arnold.
They won't be heading to the Australian jungle this year - instead their camp will be at Gwrych castle in Wales.
ITV bosses have remained tight-lipped about the line-up, but the images obtained by The Sun appear to have blown their cover.
It is not known if the eight stars photographed will be joined by two more celebrities.
The eight all arrived in blacked-out cars to the promotional shoot and many tried to conceal who they were with face masks.
The reported photoshoot comes before the stars head into a two-week isolation period ahead of the upcoming series.
A representative for ITV has been contacted by MirrorOnline for comment.
For the first time in the show's 20-year history, the entire series will be filmed in the UK instead of in the Australian jungle. There have also been lots of safety measures put in place in order to keep the cast and crew safe during the ongoing pandemic.
At one point it was feared the show might not go ahead when Wales announced a tightening of its Covid restrictions.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--'See you in court' - City club refusing to pay £10k Covid fine

A Birmingham nightclub is refusing to pay a £10,000 Covid fine imposed after ravers packed inside a marquee and has told cops : `` See you in court . ''
Digbeth 's Lab 11 was handed the super fine after police stormed an event and warned staff `` this is not a game anymore - people are dying '' , amid the new Tier Two rules .
Revellers from different households were illegally mixing at the same tables and were allowed to move around without wearing masks , the force said .
West Midlands Police broke up the event , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it said the marquee had walls and a roof so was classed as indoors .
But the club still insists the October 17 event was classed as 'outdoor ' .
It claims it made the decision to close the venue voluntarily after advice from a lawyer .
William Power , who works at Lab 11 , said he had no 'grievances ' with the police as they are 'doing their job in incredibly difficult circumstances ' .
But he branded the fine and issuing of the police bodyworn footage an 'insult ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate at a high standard throughout the last 3-4 months .
`` It is an insult to me , our team , the venue and professional operators within our industry .
`` Clear and purposely considered measures were in place to make every reasonable effort that the the venue was as safe and compliant as possible .
`` Beyond this we can only make every reasonable effort to ask the the customer to respect those measures .
`` Opening at this severely reduced level was an attempt to keep people in jobs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as allowing the people of Midlands who have suffered so much during the last few months to be able to , within the restrictions imposed by government , meet up , socialise and try and connect with each other , in a way that is fundamentally human .
`` Unfortunately in terms of LAB11 we can no longer offer that opportunity .
We are not paying the fine .
See you in court . ''
In footage from the venue , officers can be heard telling nightclub staff : `` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendees , your patrons alright .
This is not a game any more - people are dying OK ?
You 've got to understand this . ''
Sgt Nick Giess , from Birmingham police ’ s licensing team , had said : “ The venue tried to argue that it was an outdoor event , but there were walls and a roof so it was essentially a building and did not fall into the same category as a beer garden .
“ We spoke to people sat at five tables , and four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
“ People were being allowed to freely move around without masks on and dance to really loud music – all of which goes against the rules that have been put in place to stop the virus spreading .
“ People shouldn ’ t think that we ’ re trying to stop people ’ s fun .
It ’ s the opposite - we ’ re trying to protect people and limit the spread of the virus so that restrictions can hopefully be eased.
” The venue is the fourth to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks .
A shisha lounge , hotel manager and illegal rave organiser have all previously been hit with the fines in the West Midlands .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A Birmingham nightclub is refusing to pay a £10,000 Covid fine imposed after ravers packed inside a marquee and has told cops: "See you in court."
Digbeth's Lab 11 was handed the super fine after police stormed an event and warned staff "this is not a game anymore - people are dying", amid the new Tier Two rules.
Revellers from different households were illegally mixing at the same tables and were allowed to move around without wearing masks, the force said.
West Midlands Police broke up the event, which attracted up to 120 clubbers, as it said the marquee had walls and a roof so was classed as indoors.
(Image: WMP)
But the club still insists the October 17 event was classed as 'outdoor'. It claims it made the decision to close the venue voluntarily after advice from a lawyer.
William Power, who works at Lab 11, said he had no 'grievances' with the police as they are 'doing their job in incredibly difficult circumstances'.
But he branded the fine and issuing of the police bodyworn footage an 'insult' after the club had "endeavoured to operate at a high standard throughout the last 3-4 months.
"It is an insult to me, our team, the venue and professional operators within our industry.
"Clear and purposely considered measures were in place to make every reasonable effort that the the venue was as safe and compliant as possible.
"Beyond this we can only make every reasonable effort to ask the the customer to respect those measures.
"Opening at this severely reduced level was an attempt to keep people in jobs, support artists, promoters and neighbouring businesses as well as allowing the people of Midlands who have suffered so much during the last few months to be able to, within the restrictions imposed by government, meet up, socialise and try and connect with each other, in a way that is fundamentally human.
"Unfortunately in terms of LAB11 we can no longer offer that opportunity. We are not paying the fine. See you in court."
In footage from the venue, officers can be heard telling nightclub staff: "You've got a responsibility to control your attendees, your patrons alright. This is not a game any more - people are dying OK? You've got to understand this."
Sgt Nick Giess, from Birmingham police’s licensing team, had said: “The venue tried to argue that it was an outdoor event, but there were walls and a roof so it was essentially a building and did not fall into the same category as a beer garden.
“We spoke to people sat at five tables, and four of them had people from different households on.
“People were being allowed to freely move around without masks on and dance to really loud music – all of which goes against the rules that have been put in place to stop the virus spreading.
“People shouldn’t think that we’re trying to stop people’s fun. It’s the opposite - we’re trying to protect people and limit the spread of the virus so that restrictions can hopefully be eased.”
The venue is the fourth to be handed a £10,000 fine by the police in recent weeks.
A shisha lounge, hotel manager and illegal rave organiser have all previously been hit with the fines in the West Midlands.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Helpless Villa ace Matty Cash was harshly exposed by Leeds United

Patrick Bamford 's first goal summed up where Aston Villa 's biggest problem lay - and it was the huge gaps left between midfield and attack .
In the 55th-minute Leeds United counter-attacked in ruthless style just seconds after birthday boy Ezri Konsa had an effort well-saved by Illan Meslier .
A quick pass from Ezgjan Alioski out to the brilliant Jack Harrison and Villa were there for the taking .
A gap as big as the Bullring then appeared with Jamie Shackleton and Rodrigo busting their guts to advance beyond Douglas Luiz , Trezeguet and Ross Barkley .
John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line .
Then , all Man City loan ace Harrison had to do was play a simple ball into space , telling Rodrigo 'Go on then , hurt 'em ' .
And the Spaniard sure did , taking one touch out of his feet before forcing a save from Emi Martinez - the ever-instinctive Bamford did the rest and finished well from the rebound .
There was one Villa player , though , who was helpless and could n't have done any more and that was right-back Matty Cash .
The summer signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was at the brunt-end of a two-on-one assault time and time again with the lively left-back Alioski rampaging forward at every opportunity .
In stark contrast to Leicester last Sunday , Cash 's teammate Trezeguet did n't help out anywhere near enough and was caught in possession high up on too many occasions .
It was a forgetful night for the Egyptian who was replaced by Bertrand Traore in the second half .
As for Cash you could n't help but feel sorry for him as Leeds kept attacking his side knowing they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did so in brutal fashion for the opener .
Despite being exposed as the game went on Cash was arguably Villa 's best performer and his stats proved just that yet again as he ended up with five key tackles , four interceptions and three clearances .
Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings next to him registered just one interception between them and not one tackle according to WhoScored - such was Bamford 's majestic movement .
Villa 's endearing full-back Cash , meanwhile , can be proud of another serious shift he put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fourth in the Premier League for most-tackles ( 18 ) but , more impressively , he 's level with a certain N'golo Kante for most-interceptions ( 17 ) , averaging more than three transitions per game to date .
Cash has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and his future bodes well in B6 .
Any questions surrounding his defensive input prior to this season should now be diminished .
We are , though , yet to see Cash 's brilliance going forward which we 'll no doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to soar .
For me , it 's £14 million well spent and Cash 's early performances prove just why Dean Smith went out to get the Forest favourite despite having Ahmed Elmohamady and Frederic Guilbert in reserve .
How Matty Cash rated in our player ratings vs Leeds : Villa 's best player in the opening half - and he had to be to stop Leeds ' tag-team of Alioski and Harrison down their left .
Blocked balls for fun and timed his sliding challenges to perfection .
Could n't get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liked but showcased he 's astute in defence as he is going forward which was a question mark by some Forest fans prior to his big Premier League move .
Allowed Harrison to advance before he picked out Rodrigo in the build-up to the opener .
Harrison , in the end , had the beating of Cash .

Patrick Bamford's first goal summed up where Aston Villa's biggest problem lay - and it was the huge gaps left between midfield and attack.
In the 55th-minute Leeds United counter-attacked in ruthless style just seconds after birthday boy Ezri Konsa had an effort well-saved by Illan Meslier. A quick pass from Ezgjan Alioski out to the brilliant Jack Harrison and Villa were there for the taking.
A gap as big as the Bullring then appeared with Jamie Shackleton and Rodrigo busting their guts to advance beyond Douglas Luiz, Trezeguet and Ross Barkley. John McGinn had only just crossed the half-way line.
Then, all Man City loan ace Harrison had to do was play a simple ball into space, telling Rodrigo 'Go on then, hurt 'em'. And the Spaniard sure did, taking one touch out of his feet before forcing a save from Emi Martinez - the ever-instinctive Bamford did the rest and finished well from the rebound.
There was one Villa player, though, who was helpless and couldn't have done any more and that was right-back Matty Cash. The summer signing had a tough evening against Harrison and was at the brunt-end of a two-on-one assault time and time again with the lively left-back Alioski rampaging forward at every opportunity.
In stark contrast to Leicester last Sunday, Cash's teammate Trezeguet didn't help out anywhere near enough and was caught in possession high up on too many occasions. It was a forgetful night for the Egyptian who was replaced by Bertrand Traore in the second half.
As for Cash you couldn't help but feel sorry for him as Leeds kept attacking his side knowing they could simply out-number him - and they did so in brutal fashion for the opener.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Despite being exposed as the game went on Cash was arguably Villa's best performer and his stats proved just that yet again as he ended up with five key tackles, four interceptions and three clearances. Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings next to him registered just one interception between them and not one tackle according to WhoScored - such was Bamford's majestic movement.
Villa's endearing full-back Cash, meanwhile, can be proud of another serious shift he put in. The 23-year-old former shop worker is fourth in the Premier League for most-tackles (18) but, more impressively, he's level with a certain N'golo Kante for most-interceptions (17), averaging more than three transitions per game to date.
Cash has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and his future bodes well in B6. Any questions surrounding his defensive input prior to this season should now be diminished. We are, though, yet to see Cash's brilliance going forward which we'll no doubt see in the coming weeks should confidence continue to soar.
For me, it's £14 million well spent and Cash's early performances prove just why Dean Smith went out to get the Forest favourite despite having Ahmed Elmohamady and Frederic Guilbert in reserve.
How Matty Cash rated in our player ratings vs Leeds:
Matty Cash - 5.5
Villa's best player in the opening half - and he had to be to stop Leeds' tag-team of Alioski and Harrison down their left. Blocked balls for fun and timed his sliding challenges to perfection. Couldn't get forward as much as he would have liked but showcased he's astute in defence as he is going forward which was a question mark by some Forest fans prior to his big Premier League move. Allowed Harrison to advance before he picked out Rodrigo in the build-up to the opener. Harrison, in the end, had the beating of Cash.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Cold weather payments on way - here's who is eligible

Cold weather support payments may soon be introduced by the UK government as temperatures begin to fall .
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has issued guidelines on who may be entitled to the extra cash as the weather gets colder .
Those who live in areas that are especially colder are entitled to the payments that offer additional support for those struggling , reports The Express Baroness Stedman-Scott , the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DWP , said : `` Winter can be a difficult time for people , and our Cold Weather Payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as temperatures drop .
`` Payments are made automatically but if you think you might be eligible , you can check online to see if your area is due a payment and plan accordingly . ''
Here are the details on who may be eligible for the extra money .
Who is eligible for the Cold Weather Payments ?
For payments to be introduced , average temperature in affected area must be either recorded as , or forecast to be , 0C or colder for seven days in a row .
This will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between November 2020 and March 2021 which includes £25 for every seven-day period where the weather is extremely cold .
Where to get help if you 're struggling You do n't have to suffer in silence if you 're struggling with your mental health .
Here are some groups you can contact when you need help : Childline : Phone 0800 1111 .
Calls are free and wo n't show up on your bill Depression Alliance : A charity for people with depression .
No helpline but offers useful resources and links to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depression : A website for students who are depressed , have low mood , or are suicidal .
Click here to visit Bullying UK : A website for both children and adults affected by bullying .
Click here Campaign Against Living Miserably ( CALM ) : For young men who are feeling unhappy .
Has a website here and a helpline : 0800 58 58 58 The people who are able to claim the Cold Weather Payments are those who are receiving particular benefits or support including : Universal Credit claimants must also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five to benefit or either have a health condition or disability which limits their capacity for work .
Similarly , those who receive income-based Jobseeker 's Allowance and Income support and also have a disability or pensioner premium , a child under the age of five , a child who is disabled or a Child Tax Credit including a disability element then they will usually get the payments .
And those who are on Pension Credit , ESA and Support for Mortgage Interest will traditionally be offered the additional money if they live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entitlement .
But if you are unsure whether you are eligible then you can use the UK Government 's online checker here .
The Cold Weather Payments start from Sunday , November 1 , and do not impact any other benefits .
Therefore you can claim this additional support without worrying that it will impact any other benefits .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Madelaine Richards, Brett Gibbons)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Cold weather support payments may soon be introduced by the UK government as temperatures begin to fall.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued guidelines on who may be entitled to the extra cash as the weather gets colder.
Those who live in areas that are especially colder are entitled to the payments that offer additional support for those struggling, reports The Express
Baroness Stedman-Scott, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DWP, said: "Winter can be a difficult time for people, and our Cold Weather Payment will help you keep your home warm as temperatures drop.
"Payments are made automatically but if you think you might be eligible, you can check online to see if your area is due a payment and plan accordingly."
Here are the details on who may be eligible for the extra money.
Who is eligible for the Cold Weather Payments?
For payments to be introduced, average temperature in affected area must be either recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or colder for seven days in a row.
This will trigger the DWP's Cold Weather Payments between November 2020 and March 2021 which includes £25 for every seven-day period where the weather is extremely cold.
Where to get help if you're struggling You don't have to suffer in silence if you're struggling with your mental health. Here are some groups you can contact when you need help: Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email jo@samaritans.org, in confidence Childline: Phone 0800 1111. Calls are free and won't show up on your bill PAPYRUS: A voluntary organisation supporting suicidal teens and young adults. Phone 0800 068 4141 Depression Alliance: A charity for people with depression. No helpline but offers useful resources and links to other information on its website Students Against Depression: A website for students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal. Click here to visit Bullying UK: A website for both children and adults affected by bullying. Click here Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For young men who are feeling unhappy. Has a website here and a helpline: 0800 58 58 58
The people who are able to claim the Cold Weather Payments are those who are receiving particular benefits or support including:
Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Support for Mortgage Interest
Universal Credit claimants must also have a child under the age of five to benefit or either have a health condition or disability which limits their capacity for work.
Similarly, those who receive income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income support and also have a disability or pensioner premium, a child under the age of five, a child who is disabled or a Child Tax Credit including a disability element then they will usually get the payments.
And those who are on Pension Credit, ESA and Support for Mortgage Interest will traditionally be offered the additional money if they live in an area that falls under the entitlement.
But if you are unsure whether you are eligible then you can use the UK Government's online checker here.
The Cold Weather Payments start from Sunday, November 1, and do not impact any other benefits.
Therefore you can claim this additional support without worrying that it will impact any other benefits.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Worcestershire GP surgery sees 14 staff test positive for Covid

Fourteen staff at a GP surgery in Worcestershire have tested positive for coronavirus .
All the affected employees at Haresfield Surgery in Worcester and their close contacts are now self-isolating .
The practice remains open and has already been deep cleaned , with further cleaning planned .
All other staff at the practice have also been tested for Covid-19 as a precaution .
The BBC reports how Worcestershire 's director of public health , Dr Kathryn Cobain , revealed details of the outbreak on Saturday morning .
She said no patients had been identified as having close contact with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that Public Health England was `` working closely with the surgery to support staff and to ensure all necessary steps are being taken '' .
The infection rate in Worcestershire continues to rise , according to the latest figures .
But it is still well below that of neighbouring Birmingham and it remains in the lowest level of restrictions at Tier One .
The rate for Worcestershire ( week up to October 17 ) was 100.7 , compared to Birmingham 's of 223 , which is in Tier 2 .
A breakdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how infection rates in Worcester , Wychavon , Bromsgrove and Redditch all increased in the week up to October 18 compared to a week earlier , with Wyre Forest and Malvern 's rates falling .
Bromsgrove 's infection rate remained the highest at 175.2 per 100,000 people , according to the Public Health England figures .
The infection rate in Worcester was 91.9 per 100,000 people in the week up to October 18 .
The highest infection rate was 175.2 in Bromsgrove , followed by 120 in Redditch .
Wychavon had an infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 75 , and Wyre Forest 's was 79 .
In neighbouring areas : Warwickshire 's rate is 120.4 , Dudley is 148.6 , Staffordshire is 162 - these are all Tier One restrictions .
Solihull is in Tier 2 with an infection rate of 202.9 .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Fourteen staff at a GP surgery in Worcestershire have tested positive for coronavirus.
All the affected employees at Haresfield Surgery in Worcester and their close contacts are now self-isolating.
The practice remains open and has already been deep cleaned, with further cleaning planned.
All other staff at the practice have also been tested for Covid-19 as a precaution.
The BBC reports how Worcestershire's director of public health, Dr Kathryn Cobain, revealed details of the outbreak on Saturday morning.
She said no patients had been identified as having close contact with any of the affected staff.
And she said that Public Health England was "working closely with the surgery to support staff and to ensure all necessary steps are being taken".
The infection rate in Worcestershire continues to rise, according to the latest figures. But it is still well below that of neighbouring Birmingham and it remains in the lowest level of restrictions at Tier One.
The rate for Worcestershire (week up to October 17) was 100.7, compared to Birmingham's of 223, which is in Tier 2.
A breakdown of all the areas in Worcestershire shows how infection rates in Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove and Redditch all increased in the week up to October 18 compared to a week earlier, with Wyre Forest and Malvern's rates falling.
Bromsgrove's infection rate remained the highest at 175.2 per 100,000 people, according to the Public Health England figures.
The infection rate in Worcester was 91.9 per 100,000 people in the week up to October 18.
The highest infection rate was 175.2 in Bromsgrove, followed by 120 in Redditch.
Wychavon had an infection rate of 89.6, while Malvern's was 75, and Wyre Forest's was 79.
In neighbouring areas: Warwickshire's rate is 120.4, Dudley is 148.6, Staffordshire is 162 - these are all Tier One restrictions.
Solihull is in Tier 2 with an infection rate of 202.9.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Aston Villa supporters send Tyrone Mings message after Leeds loss

Tyrone Mings has addressed his and Aston Villa 's surprisingly-flat performance following last night 's blip at the hands of a rampant Leeds United .
The centre-back , who 's been colossal all season long , had a rare off-night and issued the following promise to the club 's supporters .
`` The better team won on the night , we ’ ll be back , '' Mings posted to his 300,000-plus social media following online .
The England defender found hat-trick hero Patrick Bamford all too tricky and failed to make a single tackle or block .
That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they peppered Villa 's and Mings ' goal with a total of 27 shots while finding the intended target on nine occasions .
Mings and the rest of the Villa squad will now prepare for Southampton next weekend as they look to get back to winning ways .
Here 's what supporters have said to Mings after last night 's disappointment : AVFC Live : Big response showing we can get back up after getting knocked down will soon put this result to bed , these things happen we 've been brilliant this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on track UTV !
!
!
Eddie Parkes : They were the better team on the day , Ty .
Leeds are a high tempo , hard working side that seem to be underrated bizarrely .
They have off games but when they get it right they 're unplayable .
Learn from this result and move on , the real AVFC fans are with you and the lads !
UTV .
TheLastAwayDay : The winning start had to end sometime but it 'll be the effort that went into making it that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last night .
We 're still over the moon with how you lads have done .
TheFace34 : Midfield went missing , overloads on the fullbacks , it was like we went back to how we started last season and not the post Project Restart were it 's tight to play through us ... Leeds had a field day , spaces everywhere .
MattAVFC : Head up Ty , onwards and upwards from here .
Vayham Lahoti : Head high , Tyrone ... you ’ ve been excellent since the restart !
Ian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about fine margins .
Still a brilliant start to the season mate .
Curtis : Very true !
!
It 's how we come back from it that counts !
!
UTV .
James : We got battered !
Onwards and upwards .
Claire Belle : True .
We move on to the next one .
Carl Gardner : Glad you kept your cool with Bamford after his back flip attempt !
Onto the next one , big 'un .
Found Bamford a tricky customer with the Leeds No.9 going close twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mings and Konsa and should have done better .
The Leeds ace soon scored though as he reacted quickest to Martinez 's parried save .
Bamford , though , came into his own after that and took full advantage of Mings stepping off him - not once but twice - as he finished with aplomb on both occasions to mark what was a well-taken hat-trick .
Gave Mings a torrid time , it has to be said .
The England man dipped below his usual standards which is credit to the way Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was to no avail as Leeds continued the onslaught .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Tyrone Mings has addressed his and Aston Villa 's surprisingly-flat performance following last night's blip at the hands of a rampant Leeds United.
The centre-back, who's been colossal all season long, had a rare off-night and issued the following promise to the club's supporters.
"The better team won on the night, we’ll be back," Mings posted to his 300,000-plus social media following online.
The England defender found hat-trick hero Patrick Bamford all too tricky and failed to make a single tackle or block.
That was purely down to Leeds' dominance as they peppered Villa's and Mings' goal with a total of 27 shots while finding the intended target on nine occasions.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Mings and the rest of the Villa squad will now prepare for Southampton next weekend as they look to get back to winning ways.
Here's what supporters have said to Mings after last night's disappointment:
AVFC Live: Big response showing we can get back up after getting knocked down will soon put this result to bed, these things happen we've been brilliant this season and end of last and get back on track UTV!!!
Eddie Parkes: They were the better team on the day, Ty. Leeds are a high tempo, hard working side that seem to be underrated bizarrely. They have off games but when they get it right they're unplayable. Learn from this result and move on, the real AVFC fans are with you and the lads! UTV.
TheLastAwayDay: The winning start had to end sometime but it'll be the effort that went into making it that defines our season, not results like last night. We're still over the moon with how you lads have done.
TheFace34: Midfield went missing, overloads on the fullbacks, it was like we went back to how we started last season and not the post Project Restart were it's tight to play through us ... Leeds had a field day, spaces everywhere.
MattAVFC: Head up Ty, onwards and upwards from here.
Vayham Lahoti: Head high, Tyrone...you’ve been excellent since the restart!
Ian Hill: Spot on Tyrone, football is about fine margins. Still a brilliant start to the season mate.
Curtis: Very true!! It's how we come back from it that counts!! UTV.
James: We got battered! Onwards and upwards.
Kye: Big response next week big man.
Claire Belle: True. We move on to the next one.
Carl Gardner: Glad you kept your cool with Bamford after his back flip attempt! Onto the next one, big 'un.
How Tyrone Mings rated vs Leeds:
Tyrone Mings - 5
Found Bamford a tricky customer with the Leeds No.9 going close twice early on as he squirmed in between Mings and Konsa and should have done better. The Leeds ace soon scored though as he reacted quickest to Martinez's parried save. Bamford, though, came into his own after that and took full advantage of Mings stepping off him - not once but twice - as he finished with aplomb on both occasions to mark what was a well-taken hat-trick. Gave Mings a torrid time, it has to be said. The England man dipped below his usual standards which is credit to the way Leeds attacked. Tried to refocus Villa but it was to no avail as Leeds continued the onslaught.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Piers Morgan would return to BGT if he can fire David Walliams

Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan has admitted he is considering a return to Britain 's Got Talent - but only if he can sack David Walliams .
The pair have been involved in a long-running feud firing a series of acid barbs at each other for more than a year .
Now , in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mirror , Piers tells how he was approached by ITV chiefs after BGT supremo Simon Cowell broke his back in an accident .
However , it was reported that David threatened to quit if Piers – a judge when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show .
Piers said : “ I do have conversations with BGT every now and again , particularly after Simon had his injury .
But I couldn ’ t work with Walliams .
I think he is a duplicitous , treacherous , piece of work .
`` He is one of those people who says one thing to your face and then sticks it to you behind your back .
If he was sitting there I wouldn ’ t be interested .
But if he wasn ’ t sitting there , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his latest ultimatum , which is sure to prolong the war of words .
He says : “ I will come back to BGT if the money is right and if they guarantee Walliams gets fired .
I might even make it a contractual clause that I get to be the one who tells him he is fired .
`` If I was him I would stick to writing his children ’ s books.
” The squabble began after Piers uncovered a series of “ nasty ” tweets David had liked in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying : “ Amusing that @ davidwalliams regularly ‘ likes ’ nastiest tweets about me , yet is such a snivelling toady to my face .
Not my fault @ BGT ratings were higher when I was in your chair Dave !
” David then liked a tweet saying Piers ’ “ transformation to Trump-loving , Farage and Johnson a**e kissing populism has been sad to behold ” .
David ’ s BGT deal ends in 2021 – the same time as Piers is tied to Good Morning Britain , which he hosts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is known for his straight talking , an acid tongue , and a litany of showbiz feuds .
Many of these are covered in his new book Wake Up , in which he dissects the “ woke ” brigade and calls for a return to less hysterical ways of communicating .
But this year he has turned the tables by calling out the Government and famously telling his old pal President Trump to “ shut the **** up ” over Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter protests .
And today Piers revealed he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has forgiven him .
Piers tweeted : “ Just had a 25-minute chat on the phone with President @ realDonaldTrump from the White House .
His last words ?
‘ Piers , I ’ m going to win.
’ “ We talked about all sorts of stuff – the election , coronavirus , this week ’ s debate , Joe Biden , Boris Johnson ... and scam phone calls he ’ d received from people pretending to be me.
” Trump then retweeted an image of Piers ’ new book , captioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Check out his very interesting new book !
” * Wake Up , by Piers Morgan , is out now .
Published by Harper Collins .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Halina Watts, Brett Gibbons)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan has admitted he is considering a return to Britain's Got Talent - but only if he can sack David Walliams.
The pair have been involved in a long-running feud firing a series of acid barbs at each other for more than a year.
Now, in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Mirror, Piers tells how he was approached by ITV chiefs after BGT supremo Simon Cowell broke his back in an accident.
However, it was reported that David threatened to quit if Piers – a judge when BGT launched in 2007 – returned to the show.
Piers said: “I do have conversations with BGT every now and again, particularly after Simon had his injury. But I couldn’t work with Walliams. I think he is a duplicitous, treacherous, piece of work.
"He is one of those people who says one thing to your face and then sticks it to you behind your back. If he was sitting there I wouldn’t be interested. But if he wasn’t sitting there, who knows?”
Controversial Piers than issued his latest ultimatum, which is sure to prolong the war of words.
(Image: Getty Images)
He says: “I will come back to BGT if the money is right and if they guarantee Walliams gets fired. I might even make it a contractual clause that I get to be the one who tells him he is fired.
"If I was him I would stick to writing his children’s books.”
The squabble began after Piers uncovered a series of “nasty” tweets David had liked in October 2019.
The row escalated with Piers saying: “Amusing that @davidwalliams regularly ‘likes’ nastiest tweets about me, yet is such a snivelling toady to my face. Not my fault @BGT ratings were higher when I was in your chair Dave!”
(Image: ITV)
David then liked a tweet saying Piers’ “transformation to Trump-loving, Farage and Johnson a**e kissing populism has been sad to behold”.
David’s BGT deal ends in 2021 – the same time as Piers is tied to Good Morning Britain, which he hosts with Susanna Reid.
Piers, 55, is known for his straight talking, an acid tongue, and a litany of showbiz feuds. Many of these are covered in his new book Wake Up, in which he dissects the “woke” brigade and calls for a return to less hysterical ways of communicating.
But this year he has turned the tables by calling out the Government and famously telling his old pal President Trump to “shut the **** up” over Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter protests.
And today Piers revealed he spoke to Donald this week – proving Trump has forgiven him.
Piers tweeted: “Just had a 25-minute chat on the phone with President @realDonaldTrump from the White House. His last words? ‘Piers, I’m going to win.’
“We talked about all sorts of stuff – the election, coronavirus, this week’s debate, Joe Biden, Boris Johnson... and scam phone calls he’d received from people pretending to be me.”
Trump then retweeted an image of Piers’ new book, captioning it: “An Apprentice Champion. Check out his very interesting new book!”
* Wake Up, by Piers Morgan, is out now. Published by Harper Collins.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--NHS frontline workers to 'receive Covid vaccine' by Christmas

The Government is said to be drawing up a the timetable for a mass roll-out for hospital and health staff , according to a report in the Mail Online .
Glen Burley , chief executive of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire , reportedly reveals the NHS is preparing for a national vaccination programme in December in a memo to workers .
The Government has introduced new laws which would allow the UK to bypass the EU approval process if a safe and effective jab is ready before the end of the post-Brexit transition period on December 31 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson to relax the social restrictions which have crippled the country since March .
In his memo to staff Mr Burley wrote : `` Our Trust , alongside NHS organisations nationally , has been told to be prepared to start a Covid-19 staff vaccine programme in early December .
`` The latest intelligence states a coronavirus vaccine should be available this year with NHS staff prioritised prior to Christmas . ''
Mr Burley added that the vaccine was `` expected to be given in two doses , 28 days apart '' and urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot by the end of November so they can qualify .
Diane Wake , chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Trust , told a recent hospital board meeting : ‘ I ’ m hoping for a Covid-19 vaccine to be available to healthcare providers some time in December .
“ It has not been confirmed yet but I ’ m hoping to be able to offer a Covid-19 vaccine to our staff.
’ Health Secretary Matt Hancock has pushed through new laws to strip the European Medicines Agency of the power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the end of December .
Instead , British watchdogs will be able to fast-track its production .
A health official said : `` Although we still think it most likely that the vaccine will be ready early next year , Matt wants the freedom to operate if it all moves more quickly . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
NHS frontline workers could reportedly receive a coronavirus vaccine before Christmas.
The Government is said to be drawing up a the timetable for a mass roll-out for hospital and health staff, according to a report in the Mail Online.
Glen Burley, chief executive of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire, reportedly reveals the NHS is preparing for a national vaccination programme in December in a memo to workers.
(Image: PA)
The Government has introduced new laws which would allow the UK to bypass the EU approval process if a safe and effective jab is ready before the end of the post-Brexit transition period on December 31.
The move could allow Prime Minister Boris Johnson to relax the social restrictions which have crippled the country since March.
In his memo to staff Mr Burley wrote: "Our Trust, alongside NHS organisations nationally, has been told to be prepared to start a Covid-19 staff vaccine programme in early December.
(Image: Getty Images)
"The latest intelligence states a coronavirus vaccine should be available this year with NHS staff prioritised prior to Christmas."
Mr Burley added that the vaccine was "expected to be given in two doses, 28 days apart" and urged his colleagues to have had their flu shot by the end of November so they can qualify.
Diane Wake, chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Trust, told a recent hospital board meeting: ‘I’m hoping for a Covid-19 vaccine to be available to healthcare providers some time in December.
“It has not been confirmed yet but I’m hoping to be able to offer a Covid-19 vaccine to our staff.’
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has pushed through new laws to strip the European Medicines Agency of the power to approve the vaccine if it is ready before the end of December.
Instead, British watchdogs will be able to fast-track its production.
A health official said: "Although we still think it most likely that the vaccine will be ready early next year, Matt wants the freedom to operate if it all moves more quickly."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Tragedy as newborn baby dies after falling ill on city estate

A newborn baby tragically died in hospital after she was taken ill from a Birmingham home , police have confirmed .
She was transported by ambulance to hospital where she was sadly pronounced dead later the same morning .
West Midlands Police officers attended the address after a call from paramedics at 6.40am .
Officers said there are `` not believed to be any suspicious circumstances '' surrounding the child 's death .
A statement from the force read : `` We received a call from ambulance colleagues at 6.40am yesterday ( 23 Oct ) who were with a baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had stopped breathing .
`` It 's believed the girl had suffered a cardiac arrest .
`` The baby , understood to be seven-weeks old , was taken to hospital but sadly pronounced dead later that morning .
`` There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death . ''
*If you have been affected by the bereavement of a baby or child , you can call the Child Bereavement UK helpline on 0800 0288840 .
You can also call stillbirth and neonatal charity Sands on 0808 164 3332 @ @ @ @ @ @

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A newborn baby tragically died in hospital after she was taken ill from a Birmingham home, police have confirmed.
The seven-week-old girl suffered a cardiac arrest inside a Weoley Castle property on Friday morning, October 23.
She was transported by ambulance to hospital where she was sadly pronounced dead later the same morning.
West Midlands Police officers attended the address after a call from paramedics at 6.40am.
Officers said there are "not believed to be any suspicious circumstances" surrounding the child's death.
A statement from the force read: "We received a call from ambulance colleagues at 6.40am yesterday (23 Oct ) who were with a baby at an address in Weoley Castle, who had stopped breathing.
"It's believed the girl had suffered a cardiac arrest.
"The baby, understood to be seven-weeks old, was taken to hospital but sadly pronounced dead later that morning.
"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death."
*If you have been affected by the bereavement of a baby or child, you can call the Child Bereavement UK helpline on 0800 0288840.
You can also call stillbirth and neonatal charity Sands on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Dean Smith tipped to grant Aston Villa exit in January window

Henri Lansbury 's Aston Villa career appears to be all but over and Kevin Phillips believes the midfielder will re-sign for Nottingham Forest in January .
Lansbury , 30 , was left out of Villa 's 25-man squad submitted to the Premier League this week having fallen out of favour .
He has played just 12 minutes of top-flight football in this calendar year with his last appearance coming as a late substitute in the crucial 1-0 win against Arsenal in July .
Lansbury was expected to leave Villa before the domestic window closed having been made available to Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with taking him back to the City Ground three years after his departure .
Nothing materialised then but former Villa striker Phillips is convinced a move is on the cards when the window reopens .
`` Yeah I think he will move back to the Championship in January , '' he told Football Insider .
`` I would imagine that his time at Villa is up .
He has had a good little run .
`` At times he has come in and done well and scored some good goals but you not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge success .
`` With the amount of players that Dean [ Smith ] has in his squad now , there was always going to be casualties .
It is no surprise that he missed out on the Premier League squad .
`` It is down to Lansbury but he looks like a player that loves his football .
`` He may go back to Forest , you never know .
He might head back there in January and help Chris Hughton tackle the Championship .
It would certainly not surprise me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Lansbury , who made three appearances in the Carabao Cup this season before Villa were eliminated , is out of contract at the end of the season .
`` It 's been tough for Henri , '' head coach Dean Smith told Villa TV when asked about the decision to leave him out of the squad .
`` He 's a really likeable character and a good footballer but there 's been too many injuries and too many players in front of him at the moment .
`` My relationship has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact there 's too many people in front of him .
He was looking for a club in the window and , unfortunately , nothing happened and we 'd already brought in Ross Barkley and other players , hence him not being in the 25-man squad .
`` He 'll continue to train with the football club but we felt it was right to omit him from the 25 with the players ahead of him .
He 'll be training with us to keep fit which is what he has to do @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Henri Lansbury's Aston Villa career appears to be all but over and Kevin Phillips believes the midfielder will re-sign for Nottingham Forest in January.
Lansbury, 30, was left out of Villa's 25-man squad submitted to the Premier League this week having fallen out of favour.
He has played just 12 minutes of top-flight football in this calendar year with his last appearance coming as a late substitute in the crucial 1-0 win against Arsenal in July.
Lansbury was expected to leave Villa before the domestic window closed having been made available to Championship clubs and former side Forest were linked with taking him back to the City Ground three years after his departure.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Nothing materialised then but former Villa striker Phillips is convinced a move is on the cards when the window reopens.
"Yeah I think he will move back to the Championship in January," he told Football Insider. "I would imagine that his time at Villa is up. He has had a good little run.
"At times he has come in and done well and scored some good goals but you not would not say that it has been a huge success.
"With the amount of players that Dean [Smith] has in his squad now, there was always going to be casualties. It is no surprise that he missed out on the Premier League squad.
"It is down to Lansbury but he looks like a player that loves his football.
"He may go back to Forest, you never know. He might head back there in January and help Chris Hughton tackle the Championship. It would certainly not surprise me if he signed for Forest in January."
Lansbury, who made three appearances in the Carabao Cup this season before Villa were eliminated, is out of contract at the end of the season.
"It's been tough for Henri," head coach Dean Smith told Villa TV when asked about the decision to leave him out of the squad. "He's a really likeable character and a good footballer but there's been too many injuries and too many players in front of him at the moment.
"My relationship has not changed with Henri it's just the fact there's too many people in front of him. He was looking for a club in the window and, unfortunately, nothing happened and we'd already brought in Ross Barkley and other players, hence him not being in the 25-man squad.
"He'll continue to train with the football club but we felt it was right to omit him from the 25 with the players ahead of him. He'll be training with us to keep fit which is what he has to do."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Man seriously hurt after brawl breaks out at pub

A man has suffered a serious head injury after violence erupted outside an Oldbury pub .
Police were called to the Phoenix pub in Martley Road , at 9.10pm last night ( October 24 ) , following reports of a disorder .
It ’ s understood a man , in his 40s , was punched in the face and suffered a serious head injury as he fell to the floor .
He ’ s been taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition .
Officers conducted initial enquiries at the venue last night and have seized CCTV for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We ’ re appealing for witnesses who ’ ve not yet spoken to us to come forward - and we would also urge the people involved in the fight to come and speak to us so we can hear their side of the story .
`` Anyone with information , suspects they know who was involved , or who witnessed what happened are urged to message us via Live Chat on our website or call us on 101 quoting crime reference SW/260613P/20 . ''
Or you can Crimestoppers anonymously on @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A man has suffered a serious head injury after violence erupted outside an Oldbury pub.
Police were called to the Phoenix pub in Martley Road, at 9.10pm last night (October 24), following reports of a disorder.
It’s understood a man, in his 40s, was punched in the face and suffered a serious head injury as he fell to the floor.
He’s been taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition.
Officers conducted initial enquiries at the venue last night and have seized CCTV for examination.
A spokesman for the force said: "We’re appealing for witnesses who’ve not yet spoken to us to come forward - and we would also urge the people involved in the fight to come and speak to us so we can hear their side of the story.
"Anyone with information, suspects they know who was involved, or who witnessed what happened are urged to message us via Live Chat on our website or call us on 101 quoting crime reference SW/260613P/20."
Or you can Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--McDonald's selling meals past 'best before' date

McDonald 's has claimed it still sells food past its `` best before '' date because it reduces waste .
It is not illegal to sell food that has exceeded its `` best before '' date in the UK , with the `` use by '' date the actual point it becomes unsafe to consume .
It has emerged that the fast-food chain had shipped items to restaurants that appeared to be more than a month past their `` best before '' dates , but the takeaway giant responded saying it was intentional .
A spokesperson told Mirror Money : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McDonald ’ s supply chain sets internal ‘ Best before ’ timeframes that are much shorter than the required 'use by ' dates for products .
`` While preparing to re-open our restaurants earlier this year , we extended the ‘ Best before ’ date on a small selection of our products , to ensure we reduced any unnecessary food waste by keeping these products in our supply chain . ''
Mountains of food that would have otherwise gone to waste during lockdown was redistributed and donated to those in need , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 100,000 litres of milk being handed out over the summer .
McDonald 's added that its internal `` best before '' dates run on a much shorter time frame than many other places .
It had claimed Chicken Nuggets had a four-month `` best before '' window at McDonald 's , while similar products in supermarkets leave as long as 18 months before they are rated as past their best .
McDonald 's said it would use up all its products long before they reached their `` use by '' dates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used comfortably within their ‘ Use By ’ date , '' the spokesperson said .
`` We worked closely with our suppliers to ensure that food safety and quality were not compromised in any way by this extension . ''
The chain said it will provide one million meals for families in need in the coming weeks through a new partnership with FareShare .
UK chief executive Paul Pomroy said : `` As a business we are committed to supporting and serving the communities in which we operate .
`` In these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s more important than ever to support those most in need . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Andrews, Brett Gibbons)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
McDonald's has claimed it still sells food past its "best before" date because it reduces waste.
It is not illegal to sell food that has exceeded its "best before" date in the UK, with the "use by" date the actual point it becomes unsafe to consume.
It has emerged that the fast-food chain had shipped items to restaurants that appeared to be more than a month past their "best before" dates, but the takeaway giant responded saying it was intentional.
A spokesperson told Mirror Money : “In order to control stock levels, McDonald’s supply chain sets internal ‘Best before’ timeframes that are much shorter than the required 'use by' dates for products.
"While preparing to re-open our restaurants earlier this year, we extended the ‘Best before’ date on a small selection of our products, to ensure we reduced any unnecessary food waste by keeping these products in our supply chain."
Mountains of food that would have otherwise gone to waste during lockdown was redistributed and donated to those in need, with more than 400 tonnes of food and 100,000 litres of milk being handed out over the summer.
McDonald's added that its internal "best before" dates run on a much shorter time frame than many other places.
It had claimed Chicken Nuggets had a four-month "best before" window at McDonald's, while similar products in supermarkets leave as long as 18 months before they are rated as past their best.
McDonald's said it would use up all its products long before they reached their "use by" dates.
"The products we extended will all be used comfortably within their ‘Use By’ date," the spokesperson said.
"We worked closely with our suppliers to ensure that food safety and quality were not compromised in any way by this extension."
The chain said it will provide one million meals for families in need in the coming weeks through a new partnership with FareShare.
UK chief executive Paul Pomroy said: "As a business we are committed to supporting and serving the communities in which we operate.
"In these challenging times, we know it’s more important than ever to support those most in need."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Eerie photos inside closed and abandoned swimming baths

These are the eerie photos from inside one of Wolverhampton 's best-known and long abandoned recreation sites .
The crowds have goneb ut , bizarrely , the smell of chlorine still hangs heavy within the shell of Heath Town Swimming Baths and Library .
It is 17 years after the splash of swimmers and children 's laughter were silenced .
A rusting running machine , charred sauna and sunbed that 's had no vitamin D for nearly two decades are just some of the things left behind at the abandoned leisure centre .
Abandoned UK - an urban exploration group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dived into the the Grade II listed building , on Tudor Road , and captured these images .
One of the explorers - who does n't want to be named - told Black Country Live the first smell to hit him was chlorine .
`` We arrived in the evening and it was so dark and eerie .
Instantly we were hit by the chemical smell , '' he said .
`` When we were walking around you could hear the old pipework making noises .
it was quite different to other pools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in better nick than other baths I 've seen .
There were two pools and one of them was a kid 's pool .
It had a yellow and blue roof .
The arches over the main pool were interesting .
`` The craziest thing I saw was a sign saying 'no smoking , accept for in rest areas ' , which I thought was mad .
`` I did n't realise there was a library there , too .
All of the books were obviously gone and it had been trashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for four months and say they are n't scared of getting caught and thrive off the adrenaline .
Pictures of the exploration , which were posted online , have been welcomed by those who visited the baths .
They have triggered a stream of nostalgic comments .
`` It 's bringing history and memories back to life '' , the explorers added .
In the past , grand plans for the centre have hit the rocks , leaving the historic building lifeless .
In 2010 three Black Country Olympians attempted to turn the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years later Wolverhampton Council placed the site within its regeneration plans .
However , as yet , there has been no movement .
A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesman said : “ City of Wolverhampton Council has selected Gaddu Associates as its preferred developer for the former Heath Town Baths and Library site .
“ The council continue to support Gaddu Associates in developing their proposal for the refurbishment of the Grade-II listed building into a multipurpose conference/wedding/banqueting centre , with associated community uses .
“ Heath Town Baths and Library has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the Heathfield Park Neighbourhood Plan .
“ We do not condone trespassing of any sort and we will be strengthening security at the site .
“ The council is eager to see the historic building put back into beneficial use to bring vibrancy to the wider area .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
These are the eerie photos from inside one of Wolverhampton's best-known and long abandoned recreation sites.
The crowds have goneb ut, bizarrely, the smell of chlorine still hangs heavy within the shell of Heath Town Swimming Baths and Library.
It is 17 years after the splash of swimmers and children's laughter were silenced.
A rusting running machine, charred sauna and sunbed that's had no vitamin D for nearly two decades are just some of the things left behind at the abandoned leisure centre.
Abandoned UK - an urban exploration group, made up of three explorers - dived into the the Grade II listed building, on Tudor Road, and captured these images.
One of the explorers - who doesn't want to be named - told Black Country Live the first smell to hit him was chlorine.
"We arrived in the evening and it was so dark and eerie. Instantly we were hit by the chemical smell," he said.
"When we were walking around you could hear the old pipework making noises. it was quite different to other pools we have been to.
"It was in better nick than other baths I've seen. There were two pools and one of them was a kid's pool. It had a yellow and blue roof. The arches over the main pool were interesting.
"The craziest thing I saw was a sign saying 'no smoking, accept for in rest areas', which I thought was mad.
"I didn't realise there was a library there, too. All of the books were obviously gone and it had been trashed."
The trio has been exploring for four months and say they aren't scared of getting caught and thrive off the adrenaline.
Pictures of the exploration, which were posted online, have been welcomed by those who visited the baths. They have triggered a stream of nostalgic comments.
"It's bringing history and memories back to life", the explorers added.
In the past, grand plans for the centre have hit the rocks, leaving the historic building lifeless. In 2010 three Black Country Olympians attempted to turn the site into a sports academy.
Six years later Wolverhampton Council placed the site within its regeneration plans. However, as yet, there has been no movement.
A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesman said: “City of Wolverhampton Council has selected Gaddu Associates as its preferred developer for the former Heath Town Baths and Library site.
“The council continue to support Gaddu Associates in developing their proposal for the refurbishment of the Grade-II listed building into a multipurpose conference/wedding/banqueting centre, with associated community uses.
“Heath Town Baths and Library has been identified as a building of community value through the Heathfield Park Neighbourhood Plan.
“We do not condone trespassing of any sort and we will be strengthening security at the site.
“The council is eager to see the historic building put back into beneficial use to bring vibrancy to the wider area.”


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Ryanair announces Canary Islands flight deals from just £29.99 - but be quick

Budget airline Ryanair has announced cut-price deals to the Canary Islands to coincide with the UK Government decision to reopen safe travel corridors to the popular winter holiday destinations .
Flights from the UK to the Canaries are available from just £29.99 one way , after quarantine restrictions were lifted for passengers returning to the UK from the holiday hotspots .
Seats are available for travel from October to the end of January from regional airports including Birmingham , Manchester , East Midlands and Liverpool .
Destinations include Gran Canaria , Lanzarote , Tenerife and Fuerteventura and the bargain deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryanair ’ s Alejandra Ruiz said : “ We are delighted that the UK has added the Canary Islands to travel corridor list .
`` This allows our UK customers to book a well-deserved winter sun getaway without the worry of having to quarantine on return .
`` To celebrate its addition to the UK travel corridor we have launched a seat sale with flights to Lanzarote , Tenerife and Fuerteventura , for travel between October until the end of January , from just £29.99 one way , which must be booked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices will be snapped quickly . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Budget airline Ryanair has announced cut-price deals to the Canary Islands to coincide with the UK Government decision to reopen safe travel corridors to the popular winter holiday destinations.
Flights from the UK to the Canaries are available from just £29.99 one way, after quarantine restrictions were lifted for passengers returning to the UK from the holiday hotspots.
Seats are available for travel from October to the end of January from regional airports including Birmingham, Manchester, East Midlands and Liverpool.
Destinations include Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura and the bargain deal is available until midnight on Monday.
Ryanair’s Alejandra Ruiz said: “We are delighted that the UK has added the Canary Islands to travel corridor list.
"This allows our UK customers to book a well-deserved winter sun getaway without the worry of having to quarantine on return.
"To celebrate its addition to the UK travel corridor we have launched a seat sale with flights to Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura, for travel between October until the end of January, from just £29.99 one way, which must be booked by midnight Monday.
"These amazing low prices will be snapped quickly."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Martin Lewis urges people to apply for overdraft payment holiday

Martin Lewis is urging anyone with credit card bills , an overdraft or a mortgage to get themselves a limited payment holiday - before it is too late .
The finance journalist told people who need help to take action by October 31 to secure the three-month long relief .
Writing on MoneySavingExpert , he said : “ While as a nation we ’ re far from out of the pandemic ’ s clutches , these schemes are gradually being dismantled .
With most , there ’ s little you can do to alter that.
” Those interested need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to apply for the payment holiday as soon as possible , reports Kent Live .
You can apply before the October 31 deadline and get a payment holiday almost automatically on mortgages , overdrafts , credit cards , personal loans , insurance , car finance , buy-now-pay-later , rent-to-own and pawnbroker loans .
Martin warns that your payments will be higher once they begin again in the new year - as interest will have accrued .
And while it won ’ t go on your credit history it may be used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new credit .
After October 31 the scheme will change and will be much more limited - with any payment holidays being registered on your file .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Martin Lewis is urging anyone with credit card bills, an overdraft or a mortgage to get themselves a limited payment holiday - before it is too late.
The finance journalist told people who need help to take action by October 31 to secure the three-month long relief.
Writing on MoneySavingExpert, he said: “While as a nation we’re far from out of the pandemic’s clutches, these schemes are gradually being dismantled. With most, there’s little you can do to alter that.”
(Image: ITV)
Those interested need to contact their lender and tell them they want to apply for the payment holiday as soon as possible, reports Kent Live.
You can apply before the October 31 deadline and get a payment holiday almost automatically on mortgages, overdrafts, credit cards, personal loans, insurance, car finance, buy-now-pay-later, rent-to-own and pawnbroker loans.
Martin warns that your payments will be higher once they begin again in the new year - as interest will have accrued.
And while it won’t go on your credit history it may be used in future to help decided whether to extend new credit.
After October 31 the scheme will change and will be much more limited - with any payment holidays being registered on your file.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Wolves set Adama Traore price tag ahead of transfer window - reports

Adama Traore is again being linked with a move away from Wolverhampton Wanderers amid claims Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in the winger .
The newly-capped Spain international has taken his game to new levels under Nuno Espirito Santo and finished last season with in excess of 20 goal contributions across all competitions .
He was handed his first three Spain caps during the international break and that has reignited rumours of interest from a number of Europe 's top clubs .
Wolves are keen to extend Traore 's contract having secured defender Conor Coady and strikerRaul Jimenez to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't stopped Liverpool , United and Barcelona - where Traore started his career - being tipped to move for the 24-year-old .
Liverpool have long been linked with interest while the Daily Mail report United see Traore as a potential alternative for Jadon Sancho , having failed to land the Borussia Dortmund winger over the summer .
Rumours that Barcelona could re-sign the attacker are still circulating , five years after they sold him to Aston Villa for around £7million .
According to the Mail , Wolves have placed an asking price of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the transfer window reopens .
Nuno last week addressed the speculation linking Traore with a move away from the club .
`` Adama is delighted to be here , '' he said .
`` You can see how happy he was just for us to be together again .
`` Things will happen naturally .
Speculation around our players does n't bother us .
We know what we have to do .
First of all you must be happy where you are . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Adama Traore is again being linked with a move away from Wolverhampton Wanderers amid claims Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in the winger.
The newly-capped Spain international has taken his game to new levels under Nuno Espirito Santo and finished last season with in excess of 20 goal contributions across all competitions.
He was handed his first three Spain caps during the international break and that has reignited rumours of interest from a number of Europe's top clubs.
Wolves are keen to extend Traore's contract having secured defender Conor Coady and strikerRaul Jimenez to new deals recently.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
But that hasn't stopped Liverpool, United and Barcelona - where Traore started his career - being tipped to move for the 24-year-old.
Liverpool have long been linked with interest while the Daily Mail report United see Traore as a potential alternative for Jadon Sancho, having failed to land the Borussia Dortmund winger over the summer.
Rumours that Barcelona could re-sign the attacker are still circulating, five years after they sold him to Aston Villa for around £7million.
According to the Mail, Wolves have placed an asking price of £90million on Traore to deter potential suitors when the transfer window reopens.
Nuno last week addressed the speculation linking Traore with a move away from the club.
"Adama is delighted to be here," he said. "You can see how happy he was just for us to be together again.
"Things will happen naturally. Speculation around our players doesn't bother us. We know what we have to do. First of all you must be happy where you are."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Man praised for paying 'ridiculous' Ryanair bags fee for upset mum

A Ryanair passenger has been praised for coming to the rescue of a distressed mum and her three children at Ibiza 's airport .
The mystery man has been hailed a hero after paying the excess baggage fee for the cash-strapped mum on the flight back to Stansted .
The moment the Good Samaritan came to her rescue at Ibiza airport was filmed on a mobile phone and has now gone viral .
MirrorOnline reports how the heartwarming video shows Ryanair staff at the holiday island airport reportedly telling the mum-of-three that she 'd have to pay a £50 fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be carried on board the flight back to Stansted .
In footage filmed by a fellow passenger , the mum can be seen looking overwhelmed as her children run in circles around her and a buggy .
As she puts her hands to her head and runs her fingers through her hair , a young man also waiting at the desk notices her anxiety and reassures her : `` It 's alright , it 's alright . ''
The tearful mum responds to his kind words , before the stranger smiles and adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for you '' before handing over his card at the desk .
A man can be heard asking if the bagging allowance size has changed as the payment goes through , while the mum 's older child can be heard telling his sibling : `` No no , mama is upset . ''
The touching moment was shared on Twitter , along with the caption : `` Well done to this young hero for paying the ridiculous Ryanair baggage charges for a distressed mother travelling with 3 kids ( who wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
`` The flight from Ibiza to Stansted was half empty , not sure what difference a few cm would make . ''
The passenger who captured the video said : `` As far as I could tell , the mother with her children had got caught out with a bag that exceeded the allowance on her ticket .
`` She was upset and rather tearful while also trying to keep an eye on her kids .
`` By the time I figured out what was going on , a young man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was heard to say 'it 's okay , I 'll pay ' . ''
The clip has racked up thousands of views on social media and when one asked if they knew the identify of the kind man , the passenger replied : `` Great kid is n't he ?
No idea who he is though , kept himself to himself and acted honourably and discreetly without a fuss . ''
One viewer commented to say : `` What a legend !
Karma will see him good . ''
Another added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Luke Matthews, Jane Tyler)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A Ryanair passenger has been praised for coming to the rescue of a distressed mum and her three children at Ibiza's airport.
The mystery man has been hailed a hero after paying the excess baggage fee for the cash-strapped mum on the flight back to Stansted.
The moment the Good Samaritan came to her rescue at Ibiza airport was filmed on a mobile phone and has now gone viral.
(Image: MirrorOnline)
MirrorOnline reports how the heartwarming video shows Ryanair staff at the holiday island airport reportedly telling the mum-of-three that she'd have to pay a £50 fee as her bag was too large to be carried on board the flight back to Stansted.
In footage filmed by a fellow passenger, the mum can be seen looking overwhelmed as her children run in circles around her and a buggy.
As she puts her hands to her head and runs her fingers through her hair, a young man also waiting at the desk notices her anxiety and reassures her: "It's alright, it's alright."
The tearful mum responds to his kind words, before the stranger smiles and adds "Don't worry, I'll pay for you" before handing over his card at the desk.
A man can be heard asking if the bagging allowance size has changed as the payment goes through, while the mum's older child can be heard telling his sibling: "No no, mama is upset."
The touching moment was shared on Twitter, along with the caption: "Well done to this young hero for paying the ridiculous Ryanair baggage charges for a distressed mother travelling with 3 kids (who wasn’t getting any leniency from ground staff).
"The flight from Ibiza to Stansted was half empty, not sure what difference a few cm would make."
The passenger who captured the video said: "As far as I could tell, the mother with her children had got caught out with a bag that exceeded the allowance on her ticket.
"She was upset and rather tearful while also trying to keep an eye on her kids.
"By the time I figured out what was going on, a young man stepped up to the ground handling staff and was heard to say 'it's okay, I'll pay'."
The clip has racked up thousands of views on social media and when one asked if they knew the identify of the kind man, the passenger replied: "Great kid isn't he? No idea who he is though, kept himself to himself and acted honourably and discreetly without a fuss."
One viewer commented to say: "What a legend! Karma will see him good."
Another added: "There's hope for humanity."
MirrorOnline contacted Ryanair for a comment.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Tough new Tier 4 rules 'on way if Covid infections continue to rise'

Government officials and local authorities could bring in more restrictions including a Tier 4 if the three-tier system in England has not made a difference to the spread of Covid-19 .
The alternative plan would consist of a `` Tier 3 plus '' or `` Tier 4 '' including shutting restaurants and non-essential retail such as clothes shops .
The measures have not been officially announced or decided but are reportedly being discussed , reports MirrorOnline .
Other options reportedly being discussed include the possibility of short-term local circuit breaker lockdowns to bring the R rate of transmission below one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been operating under a three-tier system of local restrictions which divides areas into different categories , labelled as medium , also known as Tier 1 , high , also known as Tier 2 , or very high risk , which is referred to as Tier 3 .
Areas classed as medium risk , those in Tier 1 , are subject to the same national measures that were commonplace across England earlier this year .
These include the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and a ban on most gatherings of more than six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Tier 2 - have restrictions on household mixing indoors while the rule of six continues to apply outdoors .
These apply to Birmingham and much of the West Midlands .
People must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they live with them or have formed a support bubble with them .
People living in Tier 3 areas are advised against overnight stays in other parts of the UK and should avoid travel where possible in and out of the area , unless it is for work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these areas , social mixing is banned both indoors and in private gardens , while pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as a restaurant .
The rule of six applies in some outdoor settings such as parks , public gardens and sports courts .
The UK has recorded another 174 coronavirus deaths and 23,012 more cases in the latest 24-hour period .
The total number of infections in the country is 854,010 , while the total number of fatalities is 44,745 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chiara Fiorillo, Brett Gibbons)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Government officials and local authorities could bring in more restrictions including a Tier 4 if the three-tier system in England has not made a difference to the spread of Covid-19.
The alternative plan would consist of a "Tier 3 plus" or "Tier 4" including shutting restaurants and non-essential retail such as clothes shops.
The measures have not been officially announced or decided but are reportedly being discussed, reports MirrorOnline.
Other options reportedly being discussed include the possibility of short-term local circuit breaker lockdowns to bring the R rate of transmission below one.
Since October 12, England has been operating under a three-tier system of local restrictions which divides areas into different categories, labelled as medium, also known as Tier 1, high, also known as Tier 2, or very high risk, which is referred to as Tier 3.
Areas classed as medium risk, those in Tier 1, are subject to the same national measures that were commonplace across England earlier this year.
These include the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants and a ban on most gatherings of more than six people.
Areas categorised as high risk - Tier 2 - have restrictions on household mixing indoors while the rule of six continues to apply outdoors. These apply to Birmingham and much of the West Midlands.
People must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting unless they live with them or have formed a support bubble with them.
People living in Tier 3 areas are advised against overnight stays in other parts of the UK and should avoid travel where possible in and out of the area, unless it is for work, education or caring responsibilities.
In these areas, social mixing is banned both indoors and in private gardens, while pubs and bars must close unless they can operate as a restaurant.
The rule of six applies in some outdoor settings such as parks, public gardens and sports courts.
The UK has recorded another 174 coronavirus deaths and 23,012 more cases in the latest 24-hour period.
The total number of infections in the country is 854,010, while the total number of fatalities is 44,745.