birminghammail--2020-07-18--Bull Ring Market families fear generations of traders could collapse

Family traders on all three Bull Ring Markets claim that Birmingham City Council 's continued demand for full rent means they are close to collapse after a huge drop in the number of visitors .
Recorded footfall for the week commencing July 6 in the Indoor Market ( the only site measured by the council ) was down by 37 per cent - meaning that it was less than two thirds of what it was in the equivalent week a year ago .
The DNA in traders ' hearts is still willing them to carry on but , their heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has spoken to generations of traders on the outdoor Open Market , the Rag Market and the Indoor Market , where the site 's history goes back to a market charter being granted in 1166 .
The market has survived everything from the English Civil War to two World Wars , the Birmingham Pub Bombings , the Spanish Flu pandemic , relocations and countless recessions including the collapse or Rover 15 years ago on April 8 , 2005 .
But if a retailer as well established as John Lewis could n't survive five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lies ahead for traders on Birmingham 's world famous 854-year-old Bull Ring Markets ?
Almost a month after the markets were able to reopen on June 16 once the coranavirus lockdown was eased , the traders ' reaction has been universal : `` Can we have some help , please ! ''
On June 20 , we revealed how traders were being expected to pay full rent despite the erection of barriers for social distancing measures and advice for people not to use public transport unless absolutely essential .
Since then some traders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it and questions about how to write redundancy notices fill the air - butcher Alan Doherty even fired his own son when he retired at the start of the pandemic .
Although the physical barriers have been relaxed and all of the doors on the Rag and Indoor Markets are operating normally again , traders say that 's only because the number of customers is much lower than during the pre Covid-19 era - when many of them were already struggling .
Since lockdown ended , official council figures show that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has increased by 56 per cent from 20,357 ( w/c 15 June ) to 31,787 ( w/c 6 July ) - but that is still 37 per cent down on last year 's equivalent recorded footfall of 50,798 for w/c 8 July 2019 .
The one concession to traders is that Rag Market businesses can enjoy half price rent for 12 weeks if they take on additional stalls .
In contrast , Wolverhampton City Council has offered its four day licence traders one day rent free per week if they maintain an 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or casual traders converting to licence and selling a different range to what it is already on offer can claim a 50 per cent rent reduction for 26 weeks , with all traders taking on additional stalls being charged £1 per additional stall .
In a statement reproduced in full below , Birmingham City Council told us today : `` We are fully committed to supporting the Bull Ring Markets , which have been dealing with difficult trading conditions brought about by the pandemic .
`` Now that the Bull Ring Markets have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day remain the same - and this decision was not taken lightly . ''
Bull Ring Open Market Traders ' chairman Nigel Harris runs Chilly Billy frozen foods as well as J & M Harris Eggs & Cheese .
He is carrying on trading in the footsteps of his father , John , 84 , who only retired last year after establishing the family business in 1975 .
Nigel says : `` I think six traders have gone from the markets already and some others have n't even begun trading again yet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get it back to where we were because people 's habits have definitely changed and more people are buying things online .
`` We are still opening at the same time , presenting the goods correctly but there are a lot of struggles , trade wise .
`` As chairman , I emailed the council two weeks ago about our concerns but have not heard back .
`` I am despondent .
Frustrated .
I am watching things falling apart at the seams because nobody ( from the council ) is coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the restrictions and health and safety , I do n't think they have time to do anything else .
`` We just have n't got the footfall ( to keep paying full rent ) and you can tell confidence is low among the public about coming back out .
`` When it rains first thing in the day that never does trade any good - some traders are not even taking a third of what they were .
`` We should be getting ready to really capitalise on the Commonwealth Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the diversity that we have here and we should be starting to think about Christmas , too .
`` There 's the threat of the Clean Air Zone charge in January which would add £200 per week to my bills as I ca n't afford to replace my 18 tonne truck with a cleaner vehicle .
`` I do n't see how it will make the city air any cleaner as HGVs will still need to come in to bring all of the goods to the shops .
`` Members of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be forced on to public transport so they would just stop coming in to town .
`` I just feel like I 'm banging my head against a brick wall . ''
As for last week 's story about John Lewis was quitting Grand Central , Nigel wonders if there will be a change of heart .
`` I do n't think that 's a done deal , '' he says .
`` I think ( Grand Central landlords ) Hammerson would like to entice them back because I ca n't see anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go in there . ''
In February , trader Sarah Roberts invited BirminghamLive to her stall inside the Rag Market .
After we 'd highlighted how many stalls were empty even before lockdown , Sarah asked us to shine a positive light on the place she loves and explained how the Rag Market offered a 'community service ' to many .
Sarah has worked on the market since she left school and has had her own stall since 2000 .
She learned the art of selling from the age of ten by working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow trader on the edge of Rag Market having been started off by his own father , Alf .
The month before lockdown , Sarah told us how she understood that things were n't as good as they could be , but she still wanted to be proactive to remind shoppers of the benefits of market shopping at stalls like the jewellery business she runs with husband Pete .
But , since lockdown , she has only opened their Pete on the Jewellery stall ( G6 & 7 ) one day per week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We are trying to develop a business now online through Facebook .
We do n't want to be taking dole money or whatever it 's called now from the Government .
`` We think ( Rag Market ) footfall is now down by 60 per cent .
`` Because it 's no longer viable to be open during the the week we are trying to do everything now on a Saturday but it 's grim down there .
`` It 's just not worth going in ( during the week ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do feel that it 's through the success of small businesses that the country can get back on its feet .
`` But because the council told everyone they no longer had to give 28 days ' notice to leave , many traders have not come back so you ca n't help but wonder ( what the council 's agenda is ) .
`` At what point does the market then become non viable ? ''
The council is currently advertising on its website that it is not currently accepting 'casual ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent stall in the good times was to keep turning up in the hope of getting one of the 'casual ' stalls for day even if that meant a wasted a journey because of demand .
Persistence would eventually pay off if a permanent trader left and you were deemed to be a suitable replacement for that spot .
Sarah says : `` People who go to trade at car boots do n't have to worry about things like public liability insurance , so it 's not a level playing field .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Rag Market , I just wish they would tell us . ''
Sarah 's uncle Mark Burrows adds : `` I 'm not going to let this bust me , but I think more than 25 per cent of the stalls are now empty and if goes above 50 per cent you then wonder if the council will then close it .
`` There 's definitely some kind of agenda here ( from the top ) when you consider what most councils - and Wolverhampton is a good example - have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark , who comes from a family of market trading uncles who worked across the region , adds : `` I am just getting on with it , trying not to moan too much because I despise with a passion having to talk negative .
`` But the lockdown in Leicester just seems to have added another dimension to footfall .
`` Trade inside the Rag Market is desperate .
There 's just no footfall .
`` And the Indoor Market is a disaster .
That 's a sight for sore eyes ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is close to throwing in the towel himself - because it is no longer viable to turn up during the early part of the week .
And he does n't mince his words about his fellow traders ' plight .
`` It 's dreadful , '' he says .
`` Trade 's just not happening .
`` We did better than expected in the first week as people clearly were waiting for us to reopen to get their shoes mended or keys cut .
`` But trade has not grown since and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I used to have women staff members coming to me from John Lewis and they were telling me before lockdown the store was n't doing very well , but with everything moving online I think they can embrace that . ''
Sean , 53 , is following in his father 's footsteps , but even 84-year-old Frank - the last trader to leave the old Bull Ring Market - has been telling him to jack it in .
`` It 's an emotional decision , but one I think I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Trade was bad before this happened , but now traders are thinking that it 's not worth coming in from Monday to Wednesday and that you are better off staying at home .
`` Too many people are no longer following their normal shopping routine - one customer came to me last Saturday and said she faced paying for more than another hour on her car parking as she had had to queue up a few times wherever she 'd been .
`` Landlords have always charged more for city centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think that model is dead now ... rents should be based on footfall because we are not at a disadvantage by being in the city .
`` I think people are now shopping more locally and the Clean Air Zone charge will only emphasise that .
`` It feels like the city centre is now becoming like a 'no go zone ' during the week .
People just do n't want to venture out .
`` On top of that , Birmingham City Council is charging us full rent so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know places like Bilston and Wolverhampton Market traders are being given a 50 per cent discount . ''
Fellow Indoor Market trader Phil Abbott runs two stalls , one selling cards and the other is a newsagent .
`` We have fiercely loyal customers who would climb over barriers to get to the card stall , but unfortunately there are just not enough of them '' he says .
`` I kept the newsagent closed til July 4 , but after reopening it 's not covering costs .
`` I have businesses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after much better by the landlord over there . ''
Now 65 , Phil has been trading for 46 years since 1974 and has followed in the footsteps of his own father .
`` We were struggling before lockdown because the rents are too high , '' he says .
`` We are trying to work out a way forward whereas the council 's attitude seems to be : 'Tough luck .
Pay up .
It 's 100 per cent ' .
`` The pain of the pandemic is not being shared equally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council just want us all to collapse one by one and that that will then play in to their hands .
`` When we moved to this site in 2000 we were given promises that 'we could have a key ' beforehand .
`` But nobody can tell me if that is going to be the case with the proposed Smithfield development across the road . ''
On May 10 , 2020 we revealed how butcher Alan Doherty had retired after working on the Bull Ring Markets for almost 60 years .
Future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about meat as a customer there in his younger days .
Alan was within ten days of his planned retirement when lockdown forced his hand .
Having never missed a day 's work in the 45 years he ran his own business A & P Doherty , Alan told BirminghamLive : `` I 'm having to make all four of my staff redundant - even my son , Daniel , who was 50 a few days ago . ''
Forecasting a bleak future , he added : `` Many people do n't even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Market after what the council has done to the roads - so will older people want to back there now in the current climate ?
`` The market itself has now become a horrible environment and the council is partly to blame - I 've been paying more than £100,000 to them per year for more than 20 years . ''
We asked the city council why traders were having to pay full rent during a period of reduced footfall , if there were any city council initiatives going forward and whether newcomers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was 'no casual trading ' at the moment .
This is its statement in full , including figures which illustrate that although Indoor Market footfall has grown by 56 per cent since lockdown ended , it is still 37 per cent down on the same week a year ago .
Birmingham City Council said : `` We are fully committed to supporting the Bull Ring Markets , which have been dealing with difficult trading conditions brought about by the pandemic .
`` Reduced footfall was an issue across the retail sector prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed , and this has been further impacted by the pandemic .
`` Across the Indoor , Open and Rag Markets , a small number of traders have chosen to either close their stalls or reduce the number of days they trade since they reopened on June 16 .
`` There is interest from potential new traders , and we are also looking at how casual traders can be safely accommodated into the markets in due course .
`` During the lockdown period , traders ’ fees , rents and service charge were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met by the council .
`` Traders were also able to access the Government ’ s business support grants to help them with fixed costs and reopening their businesses .
`` Business rate relief was not available to the council .
Now that the Bull Ring Markets have reopened , the charges for each trading day remain the same – and this decision was not taken lightly .
`` Traders wishing to leave their stalls usually give 28 days ’ notice , however in these challenging times that has been waived to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with any charges ( fees etc ) for the remaining notice period .
`` In terms of trader support , on the Rag Market businesses can benefit from half price rent for 12 weeks , if they take on additional stalls .
`` Footfall figures are only available for the Indoor Market and since the markets reopened last month it has increased by 56 per cent – from 20,357 ( w/c 15 June ) to 31,787 ( w/c 6 July ) – which is a positive sign and we hope this trajectory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recorded footfall for w/c 8 July 2019 was 50,798 and prior to lockdown ( w/c 16 March ) it was 39,579 . ''
More information about the markets , including how to apply for a stall , can be found at this link here

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Family traders on all three Bull Ring Markets claim that Birmingham City Council's continued demand for full rent means they are close to collapse after a huge drop in the number of visitors.
Recorded footfall for the week commencing July 6 in the Indoor Market (the only site measured by the council) was down by 37 per cent - meaning that it was less than two thirds of what it was in the equivalent week a year ago.
The DNA in traders' hearts is still willing them to carry on but, their heads are suggesting a different outcome.
BirminghamLive has spoken to generations of traders on the outdoor Open Market, the Rag Market and the Indoor Market, where the site's history goes back to a market charter being granted in 1166.
The market has survived everything from the English Civil War to two World Wars, the Birmingham Pub Bombings, the Spanish Flu pandemic, relocations and countless recessions including the collapse or Rover 15 years ago on April 8, 2005.
But if a retailer as well established as John Lewis couldn't survive five years in Grand Central, what future lies ahead for traders on Birmingham's world famous 854-year-old Bull Ring Markets?
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Almost a month after the markets were able to reopen on June 16 once the coranavirus lockdown was eased, the traders' reaction has been universal: "Can we have some help, please!"
On June 20, we revealed how traders were being expected to pay full rent despite the erection of barriers for social distancing measures and advice for people not to use public transport unless absolutely essential.
Since then some traders have already left, others are thinking about it and questions about how to write redundancy notices fill the air - butcher Alan Doherty even fired his own son when he retired at the start of the pandemic.
Although the physical barriers have been relaxed and all of the doors on the Rag and Indoor Markets are operating normally again, traders say that's only because the number of customers is much lower than during the pre Covid-19 era - when many of them were already struggling.
Since lockdown ended, official council figures show that the number of visitors to the Indoor Market has increased by 56 per cent from 20,357 (w/c 15 June) to 31,787 (w/c 6 July) - but that is still 37 per cent down on last year's equivalent recorded footfall of 50,798 for w/c 8 July 2019.
The one concession to traders is that Rag Market businesses can enjoy half price rent for 12 weeks if they take on additional stalls.
In contrast, Wolverhampton City Council has offered its four day licence traders one day rent free per week if they maintain an 80 per cent annual attendance, while new or casual traders converting to licence and selling a different range to what it is already on offer can claim a 50 per cent rent reduction for 26 weeks, with all traders taking on additional stalls being charged £1 per additional stall.
In a statement reproduced in full below, Birmingham City Council told us today: "We are fully committed to supporting the Bull Ring Markets, which have been dealing with difficult trading conditions brought about by the pandemic.
"Now that the Bull Ring Markets have reopened, the charges for each trading day remain the same - and this decision was not taken lightly."
(Image: Getty Images)
Open Market
Bull Ring Open Market Traders' chairman Nigel Harris runs Chilly Billy frozen foods as well as J&M Harris Eggs & Cheese.
He is carrying on trading in the footsteps of his father, John, 84, who only retired last year after establishing the family business in 1975.
Staff members include mum Maxine Harris 77, and sister Maxine George.
Nigel says: "I think six traders have gone from the markets already and some others haven't even begun trading again yet.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
"It's going to take time to get it back to where we were because people's habits have definitely changed and more people are buying things online.
"We are still opening at the same time, presenting the goods correctly but there are a lot of struggles, trade wise.
"As chairman, I emailed the council two weeks ago about our concerns but have not heard back.
"I am despondent. Frustrated. I am watching things falling apart at the seams because nobody (from the council) is coming to traverse our shop floor - with all of the restrictions and health and safety, I don't think they have time to do anything else.
(Image: Jacob King / PA Wire)
"We just haven't got the footfall (to keep paying full rent) and you can tell confidence is low among the public about coming back out.
"When it rains first thing in the day that never does trade any good - some traders are not even taking a third of what they were.
"We should be getting ready to really capitalise on the Commonwealth Games because nowhere else in the city has the diversity that we have here and we should be starting to think about Christmas, too.
"There's the threat of the Clean Air Zone charge in January which would add £200 per week to my bills as I can't afford to replace my 18 tonne truck with a cleaner vehicle.
"I don't see how it will make the city air any cleaner as HGVs will still need to come in to bring all of the goods to the shops.
"Members of the public (with older cars) won't be forced on to public transport so they would just stop coming in to town.
"I just feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall."
As for last week's story about John Lewis was quitting Grand Central, Nigel wonders if there will be a change of heart.
"I don't think that's a done deal," he says.
"I think (Grand Central landlords) Hammerson would like to entice them back because I can't see anyone else who is big enough wanting to go in there."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Rag Market
In February, trader Sarah Roberts invited BirminghamLive to her stall inside the Rag Market.
After we'd highlighted how many stalls were empty even before lockdown, Sarah asked us to shine a positive light on the place she loves and explained how the Rag Market offered a 'community service' to many.
Sarah has worked on the market since she left school and has had her own stall since 2000.
She learned the art of selling from the age of ten by working alongside uncle Mark Burrows, still a fellow trader on the edge of Rag Market having been started off by his own father, Alf.
The month before lockdown, Sarah told us how she understood that things weren't as good as they could be, but she still wanted to be proactive to remind shoppers of the benefits of market shopping at stalls like the jewellery business she runs with husband Pete.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
But, since lockdown, she has only opened their Pete on the Jewellery stall (G6&7) one day per week - on Saturdays.
Sarah now says: "We are trying to develop a business now online through Facebook. We don't want to be taking dole money or whatever it's called now from the Government.
"We think (Rag Market) footfall is now down by 60 per cent.
"Because it's no longer viable to be open during the the week we are trying to do everything now on a Saturday but it's grim down there.
"It's just not worth going in (during the week) and I feel awful saying that as I do feel that it's through the success of small businesses that the country can get back on its feet.
"But because the council told everyone they no longer had to give 28 days' notice to leave, many traders have not come back so you can't help but wonder (what the council's agenda is).
"At what point does the market then become non viable?"
(Image: BirminghamLive)
The council is currently advertising on its website that it is not currently accepting 'casual' traders.
The way to land a permanent stall in the good times was to keep turning up in the hope of getting one of the 'casual' stalls for day even if that meant a wasted a journey because of demand.
Persistence would eventually pay off if a permanent trader left and you were deemed to be a suitable replacement for that spot.
Sarah says: "People who go to trade at car boots don't have to worry about things like public liability insurance, so it's not a level playing field.
"If the council doesn't want us in the Rag Market, I just wish they would tell us."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Sarah's uncle Mark Burrows adds: "I'm not going to let this bust me, but I think more than 25 per cent of the stalls are now empty and if goes above 50 per cent you then wonder if the council will then close it.
"There's definitely some kind of agenda here (from the top) when you consider what most councils - and Wolverhampton is a good example - have done to help their traders."
Mark, who comes from a family of market trading uncles who worked across the region, adds: "I am just getting on with it, trying not to moan too much because I despise with a passion having to talk negative.
"But the lockdown in Leicester just seems to have added another dimension to footfall.
"Trade inside the Rag Market is desperate. There's just no footfall.
"And the Indoor Market is a disaster. That's a sight for sore eyes..."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Indoor Market
Traders' chairman Sean Uzell admits he is close to throwing in the towel himself - because it is no longer viable to turn up during the early part of the week.
And he doesn't mince his words about his fellow traders' plight.
"It's dreadful," he says. "Trade's just not happening.
"We did better than expected in the first week as people clearly were waiting for us to reopen to get their shoes mended or keys cut.
"But trade has not grown since and I'm just not covering my costs.
"I used to have women staff members coming to me from John Lewis and they were telling me before lockdown the store wasn't doing very well, but with everything moving online I think they can embrace that."
(Image: Iain Findlay / BirminghamLive)
Sean, 53, is following in his father's footsteps, but even 84-year-old Frank - the last trader to leave the old Bull Ring Market - has been telling him to jack it in.
"It's an emotional decision, but one I think I will have to make," says Sean.
"Trade was bad before this happened, but now traders are thinking that it's not worth coming in from Monday to Wednesday and that you are better off staying at home.
"Too many people are no longer following their normal shopping routine - one customer came to me last Saturday and said she faced paying for more than another hour on her car parking as she had had to queue up a few times wherever she'd been.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
"Landlords have always charged more for city centre sites because they were considered 'prime'. I think that model is dead now... rents should be based on footfall because we are not at a disadvantage by being in the city.
"I think people are now shopping more locally and the Clean Air Zone charge will only emphasise that.
"It feels like the city centre is now becoming like a 'no go zone' during the week. People just don't want to venture out.
"On top of that, Birmingham City Council is charging us full rent so I'm paying £300 a week when I know places like Bilston and Wolverhampton Market traders are being given a 50 per cent discount."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Fellow Indoor Market trader Phil Abbott runs two stalls, one selling cards and the other is a newsagent.
"We have fiercely loyal customers who would climb over barriers to get to the card stall, but unfortunately there are just not enough of them" he says.
"I kept the newsagent closed til July 4, but after reopening it's not covering costs.
"I have businesses in West Bromwich and we are being looked after much better by the landlord over there."
Now 65, Phil has been trading for 46 years since 1974 and has followed in the footsteps of his own father.
"We were struggling before lockdown because the rents are too high," he says.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
"We are trying to work out a way forward whereas the council's attitude seems to be: 'Tough luck. Pay up. It's 100 per cent'.
"The pain of the pandemic is not being shared equally.
"We all feel that the council just want us all to collapse one by one and that that will then play in to their hands.
"When we moved to this site in 2000 we were given promises that 'we could have a key' beforehand.
"But nobody can tell me if that is going to be the case with the proposed Smithfield development across the road."
(Image: Jeremy Pardoe / BirminghamLive)
Gone already
On May 10, 2020 we revealed how butcher Alan Doherty had retired after working on the Bull Ring Markets for almost 60 years.
Future Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell learned a lot about meat as a customer there in his younger days.
Alan was within ten days of his planned retirement when lockdown forced his hand.
Having never missed a day's work in the 45 years he ran his own business A&P Doherty, Alan told BirminghamLive: "I'm having to make all four of my staff redundant - even my son, Daniel, who was 50 a few days ago."
Forecasting a bleak future, he added: "Many people don't even know how to drive to the Indoor Market after what the council has done to the roads - so will older people want to back there now in the current climate?
"The market itself has now become a horrible environment and the council is partly to blame - I've been paying more than £100,000 to them per year for more than 20 years."
Birmingham City Council's statement in full
We asked the city council why traders were having to pay full rent during a period of reduced footfall, if there were any city council initiatives going forward and whether newcomers could still join the market given that there was 'no casual trading' at the moment.
This is its statement in full, including figures which illustrate that although Indoor Market footfall has grown by 56 per cent since lockdown ended, it is still 37 per cent down on the same week a year ago.
Birmingham City Council said: "We are fully committed to supporting the Bull Ring Markets, which have been dealing with difficult trading conditions brought about by the pandemic.
"Reduced footfall was an issue across the retail sector prior to Covid-19, as consumers shopping habits changed, and this has been further impacted by the pandemic.
"Across the Indoor, Open and Rag Markets, a small number of traders have chosen to either close their stalls or reduce the number of days they trade since they reopened on June 16.
"There is interest from potential new traders, and we are also looking at how casual traders can be safely accommodated into the markets in due course.
"During the lockdown period, traders’ fees, rents and service charge were waived – at a cost of £700,000 met by the council.
"Traders were also able to access the Government’s business support grants to help them with fixed costs and reopening their businesses.
"Business rate relief was not available to the council. Now that the Bull Ring Markets have reopened, the charges for each trading day remain the same – and this decision was not taken lightly.
"Traders wishing to leave their stalls usually give 28 days’ notice, however in these challenging times that has been waived to allow them to leave without working their notice along with any charges (fees etc) for the remaining notice period.
"In terms of trader support, on the Rag Market businesses can benefit from half price rent for 12 weeks, if they take on additional stalls.
"Footfall figures are only available for the Indoor Market and since the markets reopened last month it has increased by 56 per cent – from 20,357 (w/c 15 June) to 31,787 (w/c 6 July) – which is a positive sign and we hope this trajectory will continue.
"As a comparison, recorded footfall for w/c 8 July 2019 was 50,798 and prior to lockdown (w/c 16 March) it was 39,579."
More information about the markets, including how to apply for a stall, can be found at this link here


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Summer camp launches with high ropes, zip wires and boulder wall

High ropes , zip wires and obstacle course await adventurous youngsters this summer .
Challenge Academy has launched a Summer Reboot Camp to keep boredom at bay during the school holidays .
The outdoor learning centre , based at Baggeridge Country Park , hopes its programme will help make up for time lost during the academic year by giving children a chance to develop new skills while enjoying socially distanced fun with friends .
Starting on July 20 , the sessions - suitable for those aged between seven and 15 - will run from 10am to 3pm , Monday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are run by qualified instructors and must be booked by calling 01384 429866 .
Mel Ellis , founder of Challenge Academy , explained : “ Children and parents have had their lives turned upside down over the last four months , many losing daily routines and unable to spend time with their friends .
We believe we ’ ve come up with a solution .
“ First and foremost , we want to inject fun back into their lives and this is what is at the heart of the Summer Reboot Camp .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle our aerial rope challenges or overcome the commando crawl , trail tacks balance , boulder wall or canyon swing.
” He continued : “ However , there is a serious message here .
All the activities we do will embed key skills into young people , so not only are they enjoying themselves , but they are actually benefitting from enriched learning - crucial after missing school for many months .
“ Everything is Covid-19 secure and lots of measures are in place to ensure the safety of our participants .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so , in the event of inclement weather , we will be able to carry on with our activity and stay dry . ''

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High ropes, zip wires and obstacle course await adventurous youngsters this summer.
Challenge Academy has launched a Summer Reboot Camp to keep boredom at bay during the school holidays.
The outdoor learning centre, based at Baggeridge Country Park, hopes its programme will help make up for time lost during the academic year by giving children a chance to develop new skills while enjoying socially distanced fun with friends.
Starting on July 20, the sessions - suitable for those aged between seven and 15 - will run from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Thursdays for six weeks.
(Image: Challenge Academy)
All sessions are run by qualified instructors and must be booked by calling 01384 429866.
Mel Ellis, founder of Challenge Academy, explained: “Children and parents have had their lives turned upside down over the last four months, many losing daily routines and unable to spend time with their friends. We believe we’ve come up with a solution.
“First and foremost, we want to inject fun back into their lives and this is what is at the heart of the Summer Reboot Camp. Young people will have the chance to tackle our aerial rope challenges or overcome the commando crawl, trail tacks balance, boulder wall or canyon swing.”
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He continued: “However, there is a serious message here. All the activities we do will embed key skills into young people, so not only are they enjoying themselves, but they are actually benefitting from enriched learning - crucial after missing school for many months.
“Everything is Covid-19 secure and lots of measures are in place to ensure the safety of our participants.
"We even have sheltered areas on site so, in the event of inclement weather, we will be able to carry on with our activity and stay dry."


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Fugitive fraudster faces £116k demand - on top of ten-year jail term

Runaway fraudster Zahid Khan has been hit with a £116,000 proceeds of crime order - and still faces ten years in jail .
We previously told how the wanted fugitive was facing extradition to the UK after being tracked down to his hideaway in the United Arab Emirates .
The conman has spent two years on the run after being jailed in his absence for ten years over a £500,000 number plate fraud .
Khan , 34 , took a flight to Dubai part way through his trial at Birmingham Crown Court and later posted pictures and videos of himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the law caught up with the conman , who has been found 4,500 miles away in the UAE .
Now BirminghamLive has learned Khan was hit with a confiscation order totalling £116,319 under the Proceeds of Crime Act in October .
He must serve an extra 14 months in prison if he does not comply with the order .
Police previously obtained a restraint order against his Moseley property , meaning it could be seized and sold if he does not pay up .
Khan is now facing being brought back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A West Midlands Police spokesman previously said : `` An extradition request has been made and discussions are underway with the UAE authorities in relation to this .
`` We believe that Zahid Khan remains in the UAE at the current time . ''
The Ferrari-loving conman had targeted lottery winner Gillian Bayford in the number plate scam .
She scooped a £148 million jackpot in August 2012 .
But as the case was coming to a close in June 2018 , the fraudster fled the UK after being granted bail by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confiscated .
Khan had also received additional 30-month sentences for smuggling illegal immigrants into the UK .
Hours after fleeing the country , serial criminal Khan posted a video on his Facebook page to the judge saying : `` Sorry , I had no choice . ''
In the brazen 16-minute video , sunglasses-wearing Khan claimed he skipped the country as he had not received a fair trial .
He was convicted in his absence of conspiracy to commit fraud , perverting the course of justice , plus concealing and converting criminal property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am making this video to let you know I am very sorry .
`` I did not want to do what I did , but I I felt like I had no other choice .
`` Had I stayed in the UK , I was not having no justice and the only safest option I had was to leave this country . ''
While on the run , Khan has posted multiple videos on his Facebook page protesting his innocence - and even slamming people for breaking social distancing rules .

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Runaway fraudster Zahid Khan has been hit with a £116,000 proceeds of crime order - and still faces ten years in jail.
We previously told how the wanted fugitive was facing extradition to the UK after being tracked down to his hideaway in the United Arab Emirates.
The conman has spent two years on the run after being jailed in his absence for ten years over a £500,000 number plate fraud.
Khan, 34, took a flight to Dubai part way through his trial at Birmingham Crown Court and later posted pictures and videos of himself from abroad.
But the long arm of the law caught up with the conman, who has been found 4,500 miles away in the UAE.
Now BirminghamLive has learned Khan was hit with a confiscation order totalling £116,319 under the Proceeds of Crime Act in October.
He must serve an extra 14 months in prison if he does not comply with the order.
Police previously obtained a restraint order against his Moseley property, meaning it could be seized and sold if he does not pay up.
Khan is now facing being brought back to the UK to start his jail sentence.
A West Midlands Police spokesman previously said: "An extradition request has been made and discussions are underway with the UAE authorities in relation to this.
"We believe that Zahid Khan remains in the UAE at the current time."
The Ferrari-loving conman had targeted lottery winner Gillian Bayford in the number plate scam. She scooped a £148 million jackpot in August 2012.
Birmingham Crown Court heard Khan lived a playboy lifestyle.
But as the case was coming to a close in June 2018, the fraudster fled the UK after being granted bail by the judge. His passport was not confiscated.
Khan had also received additional 30-month sentences for smuggling illegal immigrants into the UK.
Hours after fleeing the country, serial criminal Khan posted a video on his Facebook page to the judge saying: "Sorry, I had no choice."
In the brazen 16-minute video, sunglasses-wearing Khan claimed he skipped the country as he had not received a fair trial.
He was convicted in his absence of conspiracy to commit fraud, perverting the course of justice, plus concealing and converting criminal property.
He had said: "I am making this video to let you know I am very sorry.
"I did not want to do what I did, but I I felt like I had no other choice.
"Had I stayed in the UK, I was not having no justice and the only safest option I had was to leave this country."
While on the run, Khan has posted multiple videos on his Facebook page protesting his innocence - and even slamming people for breaking social distancing rules.


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Fears over loss of Solihull post office which could shut within weeks

A Solihull estate is facing a race against time to keep a local post office after news that its branch would be shutting within weeks .
Councillors and local groups are keen to create a community-run post office to replace the outlet on Kingshurst Parade , which is expected to close on August 23 .
The news sparked fears that residents could be left without a service for several years , given the looming redevelopment of the shopping area .
This would mean locals facing longer trips to Chelmsley Wood or Castle Bromwich and some worry that the loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable to predatory `` loan sharks '' .
There is now a concerted push to put in place plans for a community-run service , possibly sharing a space with advice services .
Proposals are being drawn up amid fears the future building work will make it hard to find someone to fill the vacancy through the usual means .
Cllr Ben Groom ( Green , Smith 's Wood ) said the plans were in `` the early stages '' but would need to be put together rapidly .
`` It 's the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles radius of the area , '' he said .
`` Losing a resource like this can open residents up to the sort of person who will want to take advantage - loans sharks and things like that .
`` There are 200 community post offices around the country , lots of them in more rural areas , so it would be quite an outlier in an urban setting .
`` We have got five weeks of hard work to move things as quickly as possible . ''
Both Labour and Green councillors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea forward and talks are also being arranged with Solihull Council , which owns the precinct .
Cllr Marcus Brain ( Lab , Kingshurst & Fordbridge ) said that the issue was above party politics and there was a desire to co-operate to find a solution within a `` very tight timeframe '' .
`` It is one of the three linchpins we need to keep hold of , along with the Co-Op and the chemist .
`` It 's important , as it will be four or five years before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branches tend to be associated with villages , there have been successful projects in more built-up areas .
Cllr Brain pointed to a venture in Bethnal Green , in London 's East End .
The hope is that the campaign can avert the problems which arose at Chelmund 's Cross a few years ago , when the post office had also withdrawn ahead of the shopping parade being redeveloped .
Kingshurst is similar in that it has much lower level of car ownership than Solihull as a whole ; many residents are elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
`` There is a post office at Chelmsley Wood but for a lot of residents that may as well be a 100 miles , '' said Cllr Groom .
`` They rely on this centre . ''
Local resident Catherine Gallagher said : `` I think a post office is needed .
`` A lot of people do n't pay bills online , me for one .
I pay my rent weekly at the post office and my council tax monthly and a lot of our elderly do too .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
Do n't take that away from people . ''
And Cyndy Davison said : `` All the other ‘ local ’ post offices are too far away for a lot of our elderly population .
`` I feel , very strongly , that a post office is vital for Kingshurst . ''
A Post Office spokesman , said : `` The operator for Kingshurst Post Office resigned and the premises , that we do not own , are being withdrawn for Post Office on August 23 .
`` McColl ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the difficult decision to close the shop .
`` We understand how important a post office is to a community and we are committed to providing a post office in the area .
The vacancy is advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk • Anyone who would like to lend support to the push for a community post office can contact the Rainbow Alliance Kingshurst via Facebook .

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A Solihull estate is facing a race against time to keep a local post office after news that its branch would be shutting within weeks.
Councillors and local groups are keen to create a community-run post office to replace the outlet on Kingshurst Parade, which is expected to close on August 23.
The news sparked fears that residents could be left without a service for several years, given the looming redevelopment of the shopping area.
This would mean locals facing longer trips to Chelmsley Wood or Castle Bromwich and some worry that the loss of a banking service could leave residents more vulnerable to predatory "loan sharks".
There is now a concerted push to put in place plans for a community-run service, possibly sharing a space with advice services.
Proposals are being drawn up amid fears the future building work will make it hard to find someone to fill the vacancy through the usual means.
Cllr Ben Groom (Green, Smith's Wood) said the plans were in "the early stages" but would need to be put together rapidly.
"It's the only place offering basic banking in a few miles radius of the area," he said.
(Image: PA)
"Losing a resource like this can open residents up to the sort of person who will want to take advantage - loans sharks and things like that.
"There are 200 community post offices around the country, lots of them in more rural areas, so it would be quite an outlier in an urban setting.
"We have got five weeks of hard work to move things as quickly as possible."
Both Labour and Green councillors are working with grassroots organisations to drive the idea forward and talks are also being arranged with Solihull Council, which owns the precinct.
Cllr Marcus Brain (Lab, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said that the issue was above party politics and there was a desire to co-operate to find a solution within a "very tight timeframe".
"It is one of the three linchpins we need to keep hold of, along with the Co-Op and the chemist.
"It's important, as it will be four or five years before the redevelopment is done."
While community branches tend to be associated with villages, there have been successful projects in more built-up areas.
Cllr Brain pointed to a venture in Bethnal Green, in London's East End.
The hope is that the campaign can avert the problems which arose at Chelmund's Cross a few years ago, when the post office had also withdrawn ahead of the shopping parade being redeveloped.
(Image: Marcus Brain)
Kingshurst is similar in that it has much lower level of car ownership than Solihull as a whole; many residents are elderly or depend on the bus to get about.
"There is a post office at Chelmsley Wood but for a lot of residents that may as well be a 100 miles," said Cllr Groom. "They rely on this centre."
Local resident Catherine Gallagher said: "I think a post office is needed.
"A lot of people don't pay bills online, me for one. I pay my rent weekly at the post office and my council tax monthly and a lot of our elderly do too.
"It's like a hub of the community. Don't take that away from people."
And Cyndy Davison said: "All the other ‘ local’ post offices are too far away for a lot of our elderly population.
"I feel, very strongly, that a post office is vital for Kingshurst."
A Post Office spokesman, said: "The operator for Kingshurst Post Office resigned and the premises, that we do not own, are being withdrawn for Post Office on August 23.
"McColl’s, which operates the branch, has made the difficult decision to close the shop.
"We understand how important a post office is to a community and we are committed to providing a post office in the area. The vacancy is advertised on www.runapostoffice.co.uk
"Alternative branches include Burtons Way, Hurst Lane and Tile Cross.”


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Prolific burglar who said 'sorry' to victims raided hotel rooms

A prolific burglar stole a master key card at a hotel in Sutton Coldfield to raid the room of a family who had been flooded out of their home .
Justin Lawler , 40 , had previously been jailed for three years in 2014 for a string of burglaries after penning a letter of remorse to his victims .
After being released the repeat offender , from Slade Road , Erdington , had tried to turn his back on crime but returned to his old ways after losing his job .
And at Birmingham Crown Court Lawler was handed another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , after admitting burglary and possessing an offensive weapon .
The victims were a couple and their 14-year-old daughter who had been living in a room at the Ramada Hotel since June last year .
On December 17 Lawler , who had stayed at the hotel overnight , stole a key card from an unattended house keeper 's trolley which gave him access to all the rooms .
He checked out but before doing so used the card to gain access to a room which turned out to be empty .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured on CCTV trying to enter another room , causing distress to the person occupying it .
After pacing up and down a corridor Lawler then saw his chance after the flood victim family left .
He used the card to get in to their room and steal a laptop , around £200 in cash and a watch , which was a birthday present given to the daughter .
Tariq Shakoor , prosecuting , said the defendant had dumped the laptop at the hotel entrance and was arrested a month later after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement the victims said the theft had left them feeling insecure and with a fear that someone might come in during the night .
Lawler was bailed and on January 26 this year was stopped by police in Erdington was found to have a `` crudely adapted '' torch which had blades and spikes on it .
In passing sentence Judge Melbourne Inman QC said Lawler had a `` terrible record '' which included 16 offences of burglary .
Will Harrington , defending , said the burglary of the hotel room had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said Lawler had worked in recruitment and in 2015 , after serving a sentence .
got another job in the same profession .
However he was sacked after his employer found out about his criminal past .
Mr Harrington said the defendant had the weapon for his own protection after being attacked by `` money lenders '' who he owed a debt to .
`` He would not have had any idea that the occupants of the room would have been there for more than a night or two , '' he @ @

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A prolific burglar stole a master key card at a hotel in Sutton Coldfield to raid the room of a family who had been flooded out of their home.
Justin Lawler, 40, had previously been jailed for three years in 2014 for a string of burglaries after penning a letter of remorse to his victims.
After being released the repeat offender, from Slade Road, Erdington, had tried to turn his back on crime but returned to his old ways after losing his job.
And at Birmingham Crown Court Lawler was handed another jail sentence, this time for 876 days, after admitting burglary and possessing an offensive weapon.
The victims were a couple and their 14-year-old daughter who had been living in a room at the Ramada Hotel since June last year.
On December 17 Lawler, who had stayed at the hotel overnight, stole a key card from an unattended house keeper's trolley which gave him access to all the rooms.
He checked out but before doing so used the card to gain access to a room which turned out to be empty.
However he returned the following morning and was captured on CCTV trying to enter another room, causing distress to the person occupying it.
After pacing up and down a corridor Lawler then saw his chance after the flood victim family left. He used the card to get in to their room and steal a laptop, around £200 in cash and a watch, which was a birthday present given to the daughter.
Tariq Shakoor, prosecuting, said the defendant had dumped the laptop at the hotel entrance and was arrested a month later after being identified by CCTV footage.
In a statement the victims said the theft had left them feeling insecure and with a fear that someone might come in during the night.
Lawler was bailed and on January 26 this year was stopped by police in Erdington was found to have a "crudely adapted" torch which had blades and spikes on it.
In passing sentence Judge Melbourne Inman QC said Lawler had a "terrible record" which included 16 offences of burglary.
Will Harrington, defending, said the burglary of the hotel room had been motivated by the need for drugs.
He said Lawler had worked in recruitment and in 2015, after serving a sentence. got another job in the same profession.
However he was sacked after his employer found out about his criminal past.
Mr Harrington said the defendant had the weapon for his own protection after being attacked by "money lenders" who he owed a debt to.
"He would not have had any idea that the occupants of the room would have been there for more than a night or two," he said.


birminghammail--2020-07-18--£105m UK fund to stop homeless going back on streets after coronavirus crisis

Councils will be able to apply for £105 million in Government funds to keep people in hotels and other short-term accommodation and see `` as few people as possible '' return to rough sleeping after the coronavirus crisis .
The money will allow homeless people to continue in interim accommodation for an `` appropriate length of time '' during 2020-21 , the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government ( MHCLG ) said .
Almost 15,000 homeless people were brought off the streets and from night shelters into safe emergency accommodation at the start of the pandemic under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million of previously announced money is also available to help provide 3,300 additional supported homes this year .
This is part of a total of £433 million to provide 6,000 long-term , safe homes for those in need .
The money launched under the Government 's Next Steps Accommodation Programme will also help people move into the private rented sector , secure alternative interim accommodation and reconnect with friends or family .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he has secured £66.7m to provide 900 affordable homes which will be ready for tenants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There is still much more to do to tackle rough sleeping which will require greater support from the Government , including better protection for London 's two million renters to prevent homelessness , funding to maintain hotel accommodation for as long as it 's required and more support for rough sleepers with no recourse to public funds .
`` But this funding for long-term homes is a big step forward in our mission to end homelessness in London for good . ''
The Government has been repeatedly urged to end rough sleeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being helped into safe accommodation .
The MHCLG said the money will `` help ensure as few people as possible helped off the streets and into accommodation during the pandemic return to sleeping rough '' .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said : `` The remarkable national effort to support rough sleepers and vulnerable people during this crisis has protected many lives and I am hugely grateful to all those involved .
`` We now have a landmark opportunity to break the cycle of rough sleeping and ensure that people do not return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Today I am launching the funding to ensure that vulnerable people and rough sleepers continue to have a roof over their heads and are helped into longer-term accommodation , enabling them to start to rebuild their lives . ''
Councils and local partners have until August 20 to submit bids .

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Councils will be able to apply for £105 million in Government funds to keep people in hotels and other short-term accommodation and see "as few people as possible" return to rough sleeping after the coronavirus crisis.
The money will allow homeless people to continue in interim accommodation for an "appropriate length of time" during 2020-21, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said.
Almost 15,000 homeless people were brought off the streets and from night shelters into safe emergency accommodation at the start of the pandemic under the Everyone In scheme.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
A further £161 million of previously announced money is also available to help provide 3,300 additional supported homes this year.
This is part of a total of £433 million to provide 6,000 long-term, safe homes for those in need.
The money launched under the Government's Next Steps Accommodation Programme will also help people move into the private rented sector, secure alternative interim accommodation and reconnect with friends or family.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he has secured £66.7m to provide 900 affordable homes which will be ready for tenants by spring 2021.
He said: "There is still much more to do to tackle rough sleeping which will require greater support from the Government, including better protection for London's two million renters to prevent homelessness, funding to maintain hotel accommodation for as long as it's required and more support for rough sleepers with no recourse to public funds.
"But this funding for long-term homes is a big step forward in our mission to end homelessness in London for good."
The Government has been repeatedly urged to end rough sleeping by ensuring nobody returns to the streets after being helped into safe accommodation.
The MHCLG said the money will "help ensure as few people as possible helped off the streets and into accommodation during the pandemic return to sleeping rough".
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "The remarkable national effort to support rough sleepers and vulnerable people during this crisis has protected many lives and I am hugely grateful to all those involved.
"We now have a landmark opportunity to break the cycle of rough sleeping and ensure that people do not return to a life on the streets.
"Today I am launching the funding to ensure that vulnerable people and rough sleepers continue to have a roof over their heads and are helped into longer-term accommodation, enabling them to start to rebuild their lives."
Councils and local partners have until August 20 to submit bids.


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Fulham boss Scott Parker targets West Bromwich Albion with bold promotion claim

The outlook for promotion-chasing Fulham became a little brighter following the last round of results .
After their target of automatic promotion seemed to fall away last week , Fulham are in contention for a top-two finish after both West Bromwich Albion and Brentford failed to win .
Albion fell to Huddersfield , while Brentford could n't beat Stoke City - with Scott Parker 's side still in touch heading into the last day of action thanks to a 5-3 victory over Sheffield Wednesday .
That suits Fulham , who have now put the Baggies firmly in their sights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' Momentum is with us and this league throws up surprises .
The other teams have had negative results , but it remains out of our hands , '' said Parker in quotes picked up by West London Sport .
`` Our focus has been to worry about ourselves .
If the season ends on Wednesday , amazing .
If not , we ’ ll be ready for another three games .
`` Results-wise , it was key for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we knew what was at stake .
There ’ s two scenarios and we saw the West Brom and the Brentford results and we needed to keep our hopes alive .
`` There ’ s been some upsets along the way for everyone . ''
Fulham , on 80 points , can jump above Albion ( 2nd with 82 points ) and Brentford ( 3rd with 81 points ) with a victory over Wigan Athletic .

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The outlook for promotion-chasing Fulham became a little brighter following the last round of results.
After their target of automatic promotion seemed to fall away last week, Fulham are in contention for a top-two finish after both West Bromwich Albion and Brentford failed to win.
Albion fell to Huddersfield, while Brentford couldn't beat Stoke City - with Scott Parker's side still in touch heading into the last day of action thanks to a 5-3 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
That suits Fulham, who have now put the Baggies firmly in their sights.
Sign up for our Baggies newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
"Momentum is with us and this league throws up surprises. The other teams have had negative results, but it remains out of our hands," said Parker in quotes picked up by West London Sport.
"Our focus has been to worry about ourselves. If the season ends on Wednesday, amazing. If not, we’ll be ready for another three games.
"Results-wise, it was key for us today, we understood that, we knew what was at stake. There’s two scenarios and we saw the West Brom and the Brentford results and we needed to keep our hopes alive.
"There’s been some upsets along the way for everyone."
Fulham, on 80 points, can jump above Albion (2nd with 82 points) and Brentford (3rd with 81 points) with a victory over Wigan Athletic.


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Thorpe Park visitors 'on lockdown' amid 'stabbing' claims

Visitors at one of Britain 's most popular theme parks were said to have been locked down tonight after a reported stabbing .
Families said they were told to stay inside Thorpe Park in Surrey while the resort confirmed one guest had been `` seriously injured '' by another .
The attraction said its on-site medical staff provided emergency first aid after the incident on Saturday .
The victim was understood to be male and was in hospital with non life-threatening injuries .
Ride-goers were locked down inside the resort while police attended the scene , with pictures on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park .
The incident was not currently being treated as terror-related , it is understood .
Visitor Tony Stone told SurreyLive he was at Thorpe Park with his children , who had been shaken by the incident .
Mr Stone said : `` I ’ m here with my children who are very concerned and upset .
`` We could see paramedics working on someone on the bridge .
We have been told to come back in the park . ''
Thorpe Park said in a statement : `` On July 18 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Thorpe Park Resort where a guest was seriously injured by another guest .
`` The Resort ’ s security team and fully trained medical staff were at the scene within minutes and administered immediate care until emergency services teams arrived .
`` The police were alerted immediately and the Resort is co-operating fully with their investigations . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Laura Hartley; Emma Pengelly, James Cartledge)

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Visitors at one of Britain's most popular theme parks were said to have been locked down tonight after a reported stabbing.
Families said they were told to stay inside Thorpe Park in Surrey while the resort confirmed one guest had been "seriously injured" by another.
The attraction said its on-site medical staff provided emergency first aid after the incident on Saturday.
The victim was understood to be male and was in hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Ride-goers were locked down inside the resort while police attended the scene, with pictures on social media showing crowds bunched up inside the park.
(Image: @abbiesear29/PA Wire)
The incident was not currently being treated as terror-related, it is understood.
Visitor Tony Stone told SurreyLive he was at Thorpe Park with his children, who had been shaken by the incident.
Mr Stone said: "I’m here with my children who are very concerned and upset.
"We could see paramedics working on someone on the bridge. We have been told to come back in the park."
Thorpe Park said in a statement: "On July 18, 2020, an incident took place at the Thorpe Park Resort where a guest was seriously injured by another guest.
"The Resort’s security team and fully trained medical staff were at the scene within minutes and administered immediate care until emergency services teams arrived.
"The police were alerted immediately and the Resort is co-operating fully with their investigations."


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Girl of three dies after crash; driver arrested

A girl of three has died after she was hit by a car .
She was rushed to hospital after she collided with a black Skoda Citigo at around 5.45pm on Friday , July 17 .
But she died of her injuries tonight , Saturday , July 18 .
A woman aged 32 was arrested on suspicion of of causing injury by dangerous driving following the collision in Brunswick Street , Leamington Spa .
Warwickshire Police appealed for a driver who may have vital information about the crash to come forward .
Supt Emma Bastone said : `` Our thoughts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl following this terrible incident .
`` We have launched a thorough investigation into how the collision occurred and we ’ re keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the child or the car in the moments leading up to the collision .
`` We ’ re also keen to speak to the driver of a silver or blue Mazda we believe was driving behind the Skoda at the time of the collision but left the scene .
`` We ’ d like anyone in the area with CCTV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can check it for evidence . ''
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident 324 of 17 July 2020 or Crimestoppers , in confidence , on 0800 555 111

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A girl of three has died after she was hit by a car.
She was rushed to hospital after she collided with a black Skoda Citigo at around 5.45pm on Friday, July 17. But she died of her injuries tonight, Saturday, July 18.
A woman aged 32 was arrested on suspicion of of causing injury by dangerous driving following the collision in Brunswick Street, Leamington Spa.
Warwickshire Police appealed for a driver who may have vital information about the crash to come forward.
Supt Emma Bastone said: "Our thoughts remain with the family of the little girl following this terrible incident.
"We have launched a thorough investigation into how the collision occurred and we’re keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the child or the car in the moments leading up to the collision.
"We’re also keen to speak to the driver of a silver or blue Mazda we believe was driving behind the Skoda at the time of the collision but left the scene.
"We’d like anyone in the area with CCTV or dash cam footage from the time of incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can check it for evidence."
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident 324 of 17 July 2020 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Leeds explain Kalvin Phillips' stunning Villa transfer decision

Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear has revealed Kalvin Phillips made an 'absolutely crazy financial decision ' to stay at Elland Road last summer .
Phillips was a key transfer target for Dean Smith and Aston Villa reportedly made an offer in excess of £25million for the midfielder .
But Phillips remained with Leeds beyond the end of the summer transfer window and signed a new five-year contract with his boyhood club in September .
He 's gone on to play a key role in Leeds ' promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence and Marcelo Bielsa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Championship earlier today .
And , speaking on the matter publicly for the first time , Kinnear has detailed the huge sacrifice Phillips made .
`` Everybody wants to play for Leeds in the Premier League , '' said Kinnear , as quoted by LeedsLive .
`` Last year it was a bit more challenging .
`` If you wanted an example of what makes this club truly special , it 's very difficult to talk about club loyalty existing in football nowadays .
I do n't think it exists .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phillips made an absolutely crazy financial decision to stay with Leeds United for another year .
It made no sense .
But he did it because he believed in the club .
He loves the club .
And he wanted to take us back where we belong .
`` We asked him to give us one more year and you 'll be playing for Leeds United in the Premier League . ''

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Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear has revealed Kalvin Phillips made an 'absolutely crazy financial decision' to stay at Elland Road last summer.
Phillips was a key transfer target for Dean Smith and Aston Villa reportedly made an offer in excess of £25million for the midfielder.
But Phillips remained with Leeds beyond the end of the summer transfer window and signed a new five-year contract with his boyhood club in September.
(Image: (Dave Howarth/PA Wire))
He's gone on to play a key role in Leeds' promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence and Marcelo Bielsa's men were confirmed as champions of the Championship earlier today.
And, speaking on the matter publicly for the first time, Kinnear has detailed the huge sacrifice Phillips made.
"Everybody wants to play for Leeds in the Premier League," said Kinnear, as quoted by LeedsLive. "Last year it was a bit more challenging.
"If you wanted an example of what makes this club truly special, it's very difficult to talk about club loyalty existing in football nowadays. I don't think it exists. But it existed with Kalvin Phillips.
"Kalvin Phillips made an absolutely crazy financial decision to stay with Leeds United for another year. It made no sense. But he did it because he believed in the club. He loves the club. And he wanted to take us back where we belong.
"We asked him to give us one more year and you'll be playing for Leeds United in the Premier League."


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Woman held hostage cut with knife in 17-hour siege

A woman held hostage in a terrifying 17-hour siege was cut with a knife during her ordeal , police have revealed .
The 33-year-old was barricaded inside her Tarrant Grove flat , bordering Quinton and Harborne , by a knife-wielding man late on Friday afternoon , July 17 .
She suffered a cut to her arm as she was trapped with an armed man , who was said to be known to her .
Armed officers , police negotiators and an incident response unit from West Midlands Ambulance Service rushed to the scene , blocking off the entrance to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally freed when the man gave himself up to police just before 10.30am on Saturday , July 18 .
The shaken victim was examined by ambulance staff at the scene , but was not seriously hurt .
A 35-year-old man , from Selly Oak , was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment , threats to kill and assault .
He remained in police custody on Saturday night .
A statement from West Midlands Police read : `` A man remains in custody this evening after being arrested for false imprisonment , threats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Selly Oak barricaded himself in with the female occupant of Tarrant Grove , Harborne , around 5.30pm yesterday armed with a knife .
`` Police negotiators remained at the address with the road closed until this morning just before 10.30am when the man came out voluntarily .
`` The 33-year-old woman , who was known to him , had received a cut to her arm .
`` She was checked over by ambulance staff but was not seriously injured , although shaken by her ordeal . ''

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A woman held hostage in a terrifying 17-hour siege was cut with a knife during her ordeal, police have revealed.
The 33-year-old was barricaded inside her Tarrant Grove flat, bordering Quinton and Harborne, by a knife-wielding man late on Friday afternoon, July 17.
She suffered a cut to her arm as she was trapped with an armed man, who was said to be known to her.
Armed officers, police negotiators and an incident response unit from West Midlands Ambulance Service rushed to the scene, blocking off the entrance to the residential cul-de-sac from 5.30pm.
She was finally freed when the man gave himself up to police just before 10.30am on Saturday, July 18.
The shaken victim was examined by ambulance staff at the scene, but was not seriously hurt.
A 35-year-old man, from Selly Oak, was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, threats to kill and assault.
He remained in police custody on Saturday night.
A statement from West Midlands Police read: "A man remains in custody this evening after being arrested for false imprisonment, threats to kill and assault.
"The 35-year-old from Selly Oak barricaded himself in with the female occupant of Tarrant Grove, Harborne, around 5.30pm yesterday armed with a knife.
"Police negotiators remained at the address with the road closed until this morning just before 10.30am when the man came out voluntarily.
"The 33-year-old woman, who was known to him, had received a cut to her arm.
"She was checked over by ambulance staff but was not seriously injured, although shaken by her ordeal."


birminghammail--2020-07-18--'Short term deal' - Aston Villa icon Juan Pablo Angel has fans talking

After scoring 44 league goals for Aston Villa during his stint with the club , former Holte End hero Juan Pablo Angel has got fans talking once more with a series of pictures posted to his Twitter feed .
They 're nothing to do with football - but Villans have spoken out with Angel showcasing his incredible fitness during lockdown .
The reason the iconic Colombian forward was tweeting was to celebrate the final day of Rodrigo Garduno 's 54D virtual workout .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gruelling sessions brought internet communities together - with the exhausting high-performance workouts being a key part of Angel 's regime during lockdown .
`` Thank you # RO54D # DEOVITAS # 54D for being there , for helping so many people , for the company , for giving us their time , for the motivation , for the Attitude , 106 days non-stop . ''
said Angel on his Twitter feed .
Angel shared a number of images with his tweet , showcasing his physique following the end of the programme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done this - throughout the pandemic he 's been sharing messages of encouragement to followers - demanding that they train as hard as him .
`` There are always reasons NOT to workout , Bad weather is NOT an EXCUSE !
If it 's raining we 're still training ! ''
said Angel at the end of May .
However , it 's the latest set of images that has Villa fans talking ... Joss : Shame you 've let yourself go JPA .
Scott Leach : Need you back up front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wow !
Martyn : Are you available to play this coming Tuesday and Sunday for Villa and bag us a few goals please .
@ Yxllop : Men , what ’ s your excuse for not looking like this ?
@ AVFCwiki : JPA in better shape than our current options up front at 44 .
Short term deal maybe ?

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After scoring 44 league goals for Aston Villa during his stint with the club, former Holte End hero Juan Pablo Angel has got fans talking once more with a series of pictures posted to his Twitter feed.
They're nothing to do with football - but Villans have spoken out with Angel showcasing his incredible fitness during lockdown.
The reason the iconic Colombian forward was tweeting was to celebrate the final day of Rodrigo Garduno's 54D virtual workout.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
The end of the gruelling sessions brought internet communities together - with the exhausting high-performance workouts being a key part of Angel's regime during lockdown.
"Thank you #RO54D#DEOVITAS#54D for being there, for helping so many people, for the company, for giving us their time, for the motivation, for the Attitude, 106 days non-stop." said Angel on his Twitter feed.
Angel shared a number of images with his tweet, showcasing his physique following the end of the programme.
This isn't the first time Angel has done this - throughout the pandemic he's been sharing messages of encouragement to followers - demanding that they train as hard as him.
"There are always reasons NOT to workout, Bad weather is NOT an EXCUSE! If it's raining we're still training!" said Angel at the end of May.
However, it's the latest set of images that has Villa fans talking...
Joss: Shame you've let yourself go JPA.
Tommy: Fancy coming back to Villa?
Scott Leach: Need you back up front for Villa in that shape!! Wow!
Euan: Jesus Christ
Martyn: Are you available to play this coming Tuesday and Sunday for Villa and bag us a few goals please.
@Yxllop: Men, what’s your excuse for not looking like this?
Callum: Bloody hell
@AVFCwiki: JPA in better shape than our current options up front at 44. Short term deal maybe?


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Former Birmingham City chief Panos Pavlakis trolls Xuandong Ren

Panos Pavlakis , a former director at Birmingham City has seemingly questioned the direction that his old club are heading in - and has cheekily trolled current Blues chief Ren Xuandong .
`` Interesting name for a bus stop ... wondering where the bus finishes though ... in any case , always # KRO till the end of the road , '' tweeted Pavlakis shortly after Blues ' loss to Preston North End earlier today .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Attached to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop close to Blues ' Wast Hills training ground .
The bus stop is plastered with the sign 'Ren Out ! '
Pavlakis helped direct Birmingham City through financial difficulties and left shortly after a takeover from current owners Trillion Trophy Asia in 2017 .
The former director made the controversial decision to part ways with popular Blues gaffer Gary Rowett in 2016 , hiring Gianfranco Zola as his replacement - then bringing in Harry Redknapp when the Zola hire did not work out .
While Pavlakis came under criticism during his time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Attentions have turned to current director Ren and TTA 's ownership in recent months - leading back to the confusion that followed Garry Monk 's departure from the club , as well as a spending spree during Harry Redknapp 's short reign .
However , that pales in comparison to recent supporter feedback during a turgid run post-lockdown that has saw Blues sink without trace - with former head coach Pep Clotet leaving before his announced departure date .

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Panos Pavlakis, a former director at Birmingham City has seemingly questioned the direction that his old club are heading in - and has cheekily trolled current Blues chief Ren Xuandong.
"Interesting name for a bus stop...wondering where the bus finishes though...in any case, always #KRO till the end of the road," tweeted Pavlakis shortly after Blues' loss to Preston North End earlier today.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Attached to the tweet is a picture of a bus stop close to Blues' Wast Hills training ground. The bus stop is plastered with the sign 'Ren Out!'
Pavlakis helped direct Birmingham City through financial difficulties and left shortly after a takeover from current owners Trillion Trophy Asia in 2017.
The former director made the controversial decision to part ways with popular Blues gaffer Gary Rowett in 2016, hiring Gianfranco Zola as his replacement - then bringing in Harry Redknapp when the Zola hire did not work out.
While Pavlakis came under criticism during his time at Blues, he's not alone. Attentions have turned to current director Ren and TTA's ownership in recent months - leading back to the confusion that followed Garry Monk's departure from the club, as well as a spending spree during Harry Redknapp's short reign.
However, that pales in comparison to recent supporter feedback during a turgid run post-lockdown that has saw Blues sink without trace - with former head coach Pep Clotet leaving before his announced departure date.


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Steve Spooner makes Blues demand as reliance on the EFL grows

Steve Spooner has demanded his Birmingham City players take responsibility for their Championship safety in the final match of the season against Derby .
Speaking after seeing his side fall to a sloppy 2-0 defeat to Preston North End the caretaker manager ’ s attention must quickly turn to preparations for next Wednesday .
Under normal circumstances Blues would need to equal the results of Charlton and Luton to make sure they stay in the second tier .
However , a deduction of 12 points is currently hanging over Wigan which if enforced means they could not catch Blues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here But the Latics have appealed that penalty and if they are successful with that , Blues ’ could be plunged into crisis - unless they do the business next week .
“ You can ’ t be thinking about that , we have got to be thinking about beating Derby – that is all , Or getting something from it , ” Spooner said .
“ It ’ s not even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything like that , we have got to be able to sort that out ourselves , it ’ s nothing to do with that .
“ We have got to come out all guns blazing .
“ In many ways you don ’ t have to say anything because it ’ s everybody ’ s pride at stake .
`` Who wants to be involved with a team that potentially finishes in the bottom three and stay up or finish in the bottom three and go down ?
“ I certainly don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor should anyone want to be .
“ There is enough of a carrot dangling to make sure you go out and at least try to get something positive to hold on to through the summer – it ’ s not really a break now , it ’ s a short turnaround and you go into a new pre-season , which might be a good thing.
” Spooner was unequivocal in his criticism of his team 's defending. ''
I am fed up keeping going over the same old things , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been involved with and it ’ s the same old rhetoric .
`` Probably the difference between the Stoke game and this one is we were well in it .
To go and concede a goal so close to half time in that manner is the same old , same old .
`` If you actually look at it you are probably thinking ‘ Is there any detail and planning ?
’ [ at set pieces ] .
`` Believe me there is , what you can ’ t be responsible for is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We worked on them meticulously for two days in build ups to games and you come out there and that happens .
`` This has been a symptom that has happened far too often for far too long . ''

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Steve Spooner has demanded his Birmingham City players take responsibility for their Championship safety in the final match of the season against Derby.
Speaking after seeing his side fall to a sloppy 2-0 defeat to Preston North End the caretaker manager’s attention must quickly turn to preparations for next Wednesday.
Under normal circumstances Blues would need to equal the results of Charlton and Luton to make sure they stay in the second tier.
However, a deduction of 12 points is currently hanging over Wigan which if enforced means they could not catch Blues and Spooner’s team would be safe.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
But the Latics have appealed that penalty and if they are successful with that, Blues’ could be plunged into crisis - unless they do the business next week.
“You can’t be thinking about that, we have got to be thinking about beating Derby – that is all, Or getting something from it,” Spooner said.
“It’s not even entered my mind about EFL points or anything like that, we have got to be able to sort that out ourselves, it’s nothing to do with that.
“We have got to come out all guns blazing.
“In many ways you don’t have to say anything because it’s everybody’s pride at stake.
"Who wants to be involved with a team that potentially finishes in the bottom three and stay up or finish in the bottom three and go down?
“I certainly don’t want to be in that and nor should anyone want to be.
“There is enough of a carrot dangling to make sure you go out and at least try to get something positive to hold on to through the summer – it’s not really a break now, it’s a short turnaround and you go into a new pre-season, which might be a good thing.”
Spooner was unequivocal in his criticism of his team's defending.
" I am fed up keeping going over the same old things, it’s only the third game we have been involved with and it’s the same old rhetoric.
"Probably the difference between the Stoke game and this one is we were well in it. To go and concede a goal so close to half time in that manner is the same old, same old.
"If you actually look at it you are probably thinking ‘Is there any detail and planning?’ [at set pieces].
"Believe me there is, what you can’t be responsible for is players’ reactions during a game.
"We worked on them meticulously for two days in build ups to games and you come out there and that happens.
"This has been a symptom that has happened far too often for far too long."


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Darren Bent tips Tyrone Mings to leave Aston Villa for rivals

Former Aston Villa striker Darren Bent believes a transfer to Everton would be a 'good stepping stone ' for Tyrone Mings .
Mings , 27 , has been linked with three Premier League clubs in recent weeks with Arsenal , Manchester United and Everton all reportedly interested in signing him .
It was reported on Friday that Everton could complete the signing of England international Mings for £30million if Villa are relegated from the Premier League .
Villa 's draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Thursday pushed them closer to relegation with Dean Smith 's side likely to need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal and West Ham to stand a chance of survival .
In the event of relegation Villa would probably lose several of their key players and Bent - who spent four years on the club 's books - reckons a move to Everton would suit Mings .
“ I think he ’ s done all right , it ’ s been tough for him at times , as it has been for all the Villa defenders , '' he told Football Insider .
“ Everton would be a good stepping stone but then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be fair , I wasn ’ t his biggest fan before but he ’ s defended well until Everton went through this crazy spell , Michael Keane .
“ He had a ropey start but he ’ s come back .
I also like Mason Holgate , he ’ s the one I do really like , and he ’ s already been linked with some big clubs .
If they ’ re going to bring Mings in to replace Holgate , fair enough .
“ I don ’ t know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he changes style and goes to a back three , then potentially he could go with Keane , Mings and Holgate .
Mings , I think it would be a good move for him .
”

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Former Aston Villa striker Darren Bent believes a transfer to Everton would be a 'good stepping stone' for Tyrone Mings.
Mings, 27, has been linked with three Premier League clubs in recent weeks with Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton all reportedly interested in signing him.
It was reported on Friday that Everton could complete the signing of England international Mings for £30million if Villa are relegated from the Premier League.
Villa's draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Thursday pushed them closer to relegation with Dean Smith's side likely to need maximum points from their remaining matches against Arsenal and West Ham to stand a chance of survival.
In the event of relegation Villa would probably lose several of their key players and Bent - who spent four years on the club's books - reckons a move to Everton would suit Mings.
“I think he’s done all right, it’s been tough for him at times, as it has been for all the Villa defenders," he told Football Insider.
“Everton would be a good stepping stone but then who’s missing out because, to be fair, I wasn’t his biggest fan before but he’s defended well until Everton went through this crazy spell, Michael Keane.
“He had a ropey start but he’s come back. I also like Mason Holgate, he’s the one I do really like, and he’s already been linked with some big clubs. If they’re going to bring Mings in to replace Holgate, fair enough.
“I don’t know how Ancelotti would accommodate them all – unless he changes style and goes to a back three, then potentially he could go with Keane, Mings and Holgate. Mings, I think it would be a good move for him.”


birminghammail--2020-07-18--Winter coronavirus lockdowns will be tougher than anything we've seen so far

On the one hand Boris Johnson wants life to get back to normal .
On the other , he ’ s warned that there may be serious outbreaks of coronavirus over the winter - and if you ’ re unlucky enough to live in an affected area , you should expect a lockdown that ’ s even tougher than anything we ’ ve experienced so far .
As the Prime Minister said in Friday ’ s press conference : “ Even as we plan for the worst , I strongly believe we should also hope for the best.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close specific premises or outdoor spaces , and to cancel events .
These are designed to let authorities deal with limited outbreaks , such as those connected to individual factories or venues .
But it will also publish regulations ( a form of legislation ) this coming week giving Government Ministers powers to impose lockdowns on wider areas .
This includes the power to ban people from leaving or entering a defined area , to order them to stay at home , to close down local public transport networks and to order people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( in addition to the face covering rules that apply to the whole country ) .
If these powers are used then it will be the first time that parts of the country have been isolated , with people banned from leaving .
During the nationwide lockdown we were ordered not to travel unless necessary , but the definition of “ necessary ” was largely a matter of personal judgement .
There was nothing to stop you driving to the next town or city , if you felt you needed to .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport unless we had to , but buses , trains and trams still ran , albeit with reduced timetables in some cases .
Now , the Government is talking about restricting local or national transport systems “ by closing them entirely , or introducing capacity limits or geographical restrictions ” .
That ’ s a quote from a paper published by the Government on Friday .
And the paper explains why such draconian measures are being considered .
On the one hand , there may be no vaccine round the corner .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantee that a vaccine will be found , and even if one is , it may be at least 12 months away.
” It also warns there may be “ a resurgence in the virus between November and March ” .
But the national lockdown devastated the economy , and can not be repeated .
The paper states : “ The UK economy in May was approximately a quarter smaller than in February 2020 and ... the country is on track to record the largest annual fall in GDP in 300 years.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it takes to contain future outbreaks , even if it means people in specific towns or cities lose their liberty while life goes on as normal for the rest of the country .

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On the one hand Boris Johnson wants life to get back to normal.
On the other, he’s warned there may be serious outbreaks of coronavirus over the winter - and if you’re unlucky enough to live in an affected area, you should expect a lockdown tougher than anything we’ve experienced so far.
As the Prime Minister said in Friday’s press conference: “Even as we plan for the worst, I strongly believe we should also hope for the best.”
The Government is handing local councils powers to close specific premises or outdoor spaces, and to cancel events. These are designed to let authorities deal with limited outbreaks, such as those connected to individual factories or venues.
But it will also publish regulations (a form of legislation) this coming week giving Government Ministers powers to impose lockdowns on wider areas.
This includes the power to ban people from leaving or entering a defined area, to order them to stay at home, to close down local public transport networks and to order people to wear face coverings in public places (in addition to the face covering rules that apply to the whole country).
If these powers are used then it will be the first time that parts of the country have been isolated, with people banned from leaving. During the nationwide lockdown we were ordered not to travel unless necessary, but the definition of “necessary” was largely a matter of personal judgement. There was nothing to stop you driving to the next town or city, if you felt you needed to.
We were also urged to avoid using public transport unless we had to, but buses, trains and trams still ran, albeit with reduced timetables in some cases. Now, the Government is talking about restricting local or national transport systems “by closing them entirely, or introducing capacity limits or geographical restrictions”.
That’s a quote from a paper published by the Government on Friday. And the paper explains why such draconian measures are being considered.
On the one hand, there may be no vaccine round the corner. The paper states: “There is no guarantee that a vaccine will be found, and even if one is, it may be at least 12 months away.”
It also warns there may be “a resurgence in the virus between November and March”. But the national lockdown devastated the economy, and cannot be repeated.
The paper states: “The UK economy in May was approximately a quarter smaller than in February 2020 and ... the country is on track to record the largest annual fall in GDP in 300 years.”
Hence, the Government will do whatever it takes to contain future outbreaks, even if it means people in specific towns or cities lose their liberty while life goes on as normal for the rest of the country.