birminghammail--2020-10-24--Supermarkets can't sell non-essential items under tough new Covid-19 rules

Supermarkets in Wales have blocked aisles displaying `` non-essential '' items as the country enters its first full day of firebreak lockdown .
Shoppers can no longer buy products such as clothing or homeware in line with Welsh Government supermarket rules announced on Thursday .
The fire-break lockdown is scheduled to run until November 9 , and the majority of shops will have to shut as part of tough new guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 , reports WalesOnline .
By reducing the items that supermarkets can sell , First Minister Mark Drakeford said it will help to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent businesses forced to close .
However supermarket giant Asda has said it has not yet received a list of what is or is not classed as an essential item .
A spokeswoman for Tesco added : `` Our colleagues across Wales will be working incredibly hard today so we can comply with the Welsh Government 's ban on selling ‘ non-essential ’ goods to our customers from 6pm this evening . ''
At a branch of Tesco in Cardiff , large crates were blocking one entrance to the homeware department during Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the toy and electricals department as an announcement over the tannoy system explained the changes coming into force at 6pm .
Reacting to the new restrictions in place , the Welsh Retail Consortium said it was `` disappointed '' the decision to stop shops from selling non-essential items .
Sara Jones , head of the Welsh Retail Consortium , said : `` This last minute guidance , whilst welcome , falls short of providing the level of certainty that our businesses have needed to manage and implement what is being expected of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive to reduce the R number and bear down on the Covid infection rate , however we are deeply disappointed that the Welsh Government is forging ahead with an ill-conceived policy on non-essential products which will significantly and negatively impact essential retailers off all sizes , from supermarkets to corner shops .
`` In spite of the dearth of Government clarity , our members ’ focus now will be on equipping hard-working colleagues with as much information as possible given the undoubted uncertainty and complexity that has been caused by this decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority and we will work closely with them to ensure that they are not the ones that suffer from this disproportionate decision which is lacking in any scientific basis and which may give rise to frictions with customers '' .
Meanwhile , the tough new restrictions should bring the R value – the number of people each coronavirus case infects – below one , Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething has said .
Mr Gething told BBC Breakfast the 17-day period would be followed by a set of national measures to control the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the lockdown could cost the Welsh economy more than £500 million , Mr Gething said : “ It ’ s not just about the direct costs within the firebreak , when we know there will be a challenge and loss in economic activity .
“ It ’ s about saving a much greater loss if we need to have longer , deeper , more sustained measures .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Anna Lewis, Brett Gibbons)

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Supermarkets in Wales have blocked aisles displaying "non-essential" items as the country enters its first full day of firebreak lockdown.
Shoppers can no longer buy products such as clothing or homeware in line with Welsh Government supermarket rules announced on Thursday.
The fire-break lockdown is scheduled to run until November 9, and the majority of shops will have to shut as part of tough new guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19, reports WalesOnline.
By reducing the items that supermarkets can sell, First Minister Mark Drakeford said it will help to create an "equal playing field" for independent businesses forced to close.
However supermarket giant Asda has said it has not yet received a list of what is or is not classed as an essential item.
A spokeswoman for Tesco added: "Our colleagues across Wales will be working incredibly hard today so we can comply with the Welsh Government's ban on selling ‘non-essential’ goods to our customers from 6pm this evening."
At a branch of Tesco in Cardiff, large crates were blocking one entrance to the homeware department during Friday afternoon.
Staff were seen moving items in the toy and electricals department as an announcement over the tannoy system explained the changes coming into force at 6pm.
Reacting to the new restrictions in place, the Welsh Retail Consortium said it was "disappointed" the decision to stop shops from selling non-essential items.
Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said: "This last minute guidance, whilst welcome, falls short of providing the level of certainty that our businesses have needed to manage and implement what is being expected of them.
(Image: Western Mail)
"We fully support the drive to reduce the R number and bear down on the Covid infection rate, however we are deeply disappointed that the Welsh Government is forging ahead with an ill-conceived policy on non-essential products which will significantly and negatively impact essential retailers off all sizes, from supermarkets to corner shops.
"In spite of the dearth of Government clarity, our members’ focus now will be on equipping hard-working colleagues with as much information as possible given the undoubted uncertainty and complexity that has been caused by this decision.
"Our staff will always be our priority and we will work closely with them to ensure that they are not the ones that suffer from this disproportionate decision which is lacking in any scientific basis and which may give rise to frictions with customers".
Meanwhile, the tough new restrictions should bring the R value – the number of people each coronavirus case infects – below one, Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething has said.
Mr Gething told BBC Breakfast the 17-day period would be followed by a set of national measures to control the spread of Covid-19.
Asked about economists warning that the lockdown could cost the Welsh economy more than £500 million, Mr Gething said: “It’s not just about the direct costs within the firebreak, when we know there will be a challenge and loss in economic activity.
“It’s about saving a much greater loss if we need to have longer, deeper, more sustained measures.”


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Stalker spied on victim in her own home after hacking her CCTV

A stalker has been jailed after hacking into a woman 's security CCTV to spy on her in her own home .
George Coughlan , from Wolverhampton , also created numerous bogus social media profiles to bombard the victim with abuse from December last year .
One chilling message he sent said : `` I will make it my dying breath to mek ur life end too . ''
Coughlan , 33 , hacked into her home security system and downloaded 67 videos - with one of the messages he sent containing footage showing her relaxing in the lounge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the victim – who is known to Coughlan – contacted cops .
Police seized his phone for examination and revealed internet searches on the woman ’ s name and her partner , plus phrases including “ log into iCloud without verification ” and “ free mobile phone tracker without user knowing ” .
He ’ d also researched phone spyware to track SMS messages , calls , social apps and GPS movements .
Coughlan , from St Chads Road in Bilston , initially denied one count of stalking involving serious alarm and distress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presented to the court , he later admitted the charge .
On Friday , October 23 , at Wolverhampton Crown Court he was jailed for 21 months .
He was also made subject to a five-year restraining order in order to protect the victim .
Inspector Cate Webb-Jones from our Public Protection Unit said : “ Stalking is a serious crime , an invasion of someone ’ s privacy , and as we ’ ve seen with this case can result in a significant jail term .
“ Coughlan went to extreme lengths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim ’ s life .
It was hugely upsetting and she was living day by day in fear .
It ’ s simply not acceptable .
“ Social media and easily accessible technology , such as spyware to track mobile phones , is giving stalkers more tools to harass victims and potentially put them in more danger .
“ In the last year ( April 19 to March 20 ) we saw reports of stalking and harassment rise by almost a third .
Much of that is online offending and that trend continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social media .
“ We don ’ t differentiate between people abusing or harassing others face-to-face or online : it ’ s still an offence and we will take action .
“ We wish the victim well as she continues to rebuild her life following this traumatic experience .
”

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A stalker has been jailed after hacking into a woman's security CCTV to spy on her in her own home.
George Coughlan, from Wolverhampton, also created numerous bogus social media profiles to bombard the victim with abuse from December last year.
One chilling message he sent said: "I will make it my dying breath to mek ur life end too."
Coughlan, 33, hacked into her home security system and downloaded 67 videos - with one of the messages he sent containing footage showing her relaxing in the lounge.
Officers arrested him on February 29 after the victim – who is known to Coughlan – contacted cops.
Police seized his phone for examination and revealed internet searches on the woman’s name and her partner, plus phrases including “log into iCloud without verification” and “free mobile phone tracker without user knowing”.
He’d also researched phone spyware to track SMS messages, calls, social apps and GPS movements.
Coughlan, from St Chads Road in Bilston, initially denied one count of stalking involving serious alarm and distress but in the face of compelling evidence presented to the court, he later admitted the charge.
(Image: WMP)
On Friday, October 23, at Wolverhampton Crown Court he was jailed for 21 months. He was also made subject to a five-year restraining order in order to protect the victim.
Inspector Cate Webb-Jones from our Public Protection Unit said: “Stalking is a serious crime, an invasion of someone’s privacy, and as we’ve seen with this case can result in a significant jail term.
“Coughlan went to extreme lengths to exert control and intrude on his victim’s life. It was hugely upsetting and she was living day by day in fear. It’s simply not acceptable.
“Social media and easily accessible technology, such as spyware to track mobile phones, is giving stalkers more tools to harass victims and potentially put them in more danger.
“In the last year (April 19 to March 20) we saw reports of stalking and harassment rise by almost a third. Much of that is online offending and that trend continued during lockdown as people spent more time on social media.
“We don’t differentiate between people abusing or harassing others face-to-face or online: it’s still an offence and we will take action.
“We wish the victim well as she continues to rebuild her life following this traumatic experience.”


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Agbonlahor fires cheeky Aston Villa response to Leeds United trolls

Gabby Agbonlahor has hit back at Leeds United supporters after he was targeted following their impressive 3-0 victory at Villa Park .
The former Aston Villa ace remains something of a wind-up merchant and , prior to last night 's fixture , the 34-year-old gave Leeds a series of sly digs in the build-up .
Agbonlahor , Villa 's record goal-scorer in the Premier League ( 73 ) , branded Marcelo Bielsa 's side `` a myth '' and told pundits to `` get out of Bielsa 's a*** '' after the Whites lost to Wolves on Monday night .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ talkSPORT on Tuesday , Agbonlahor said : `` I watched them ( Leeds ) last night and this season and they look like a team of hard workers .
`` They are probably the fittest team in the league .
They 're organised but going forward , they lack a bit on the wings and strikers .
Teams will find them out a bit .
If you can work as hard as Leeds , I think you 'll beat them on quality .
`` If we 're getting that excited for Bielsa then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down for Dean Smith .
Maybe because he 's English we do n't get too excited about him but what he 's doing tactics wise with Aston Villa , he deserves a lot of credit for .
`` I feel like people need to calm down with Leeds United at the moment . ''
The Villa hero , meanwhile , was trolled throughout last night 's encounter with the official Leeds United Twitter account uploading a Gabby-inspired How it started , How it ended photo .
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips , who missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also got in on the act , quoted one of Agbonlahor 's earlier tweets with the message : `` Goodnight to all Leeds fans , sleep tight @ officialga11 . ''
However , the morning after the night before and Agbonlahor seems to have been enjoying the banter and fired a cheeky - but complimentary - message back to those associated with Leeds .
He put : `` Great Performance by Leeds yesterday .
And well done Bamford .
Nothing feels better than scoring a Premier League hat-trick against a top 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-minute hat-trick against Manchester City back on the opening day of the 2008-09 season .

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Gabby Agbonlahor has hit back at Leeds United supporters after he was targeted following their impressive 3-0 victory at Villa Park.
The former Aston Villa ace remains something of a wind-up merchant and, prior to last night's fixture, the 34-year-old gave Leeds a series of sly digs in the build-up.
Agbonlahor, Villa's record goal-scorer in the Premier League (73), branded Marcelo Bielsa's side "a myth" and told pundits to "get out of Bielsa's a***" after the Whites lost to Wolves on Monday night.
Asked to elaborate on his comments on talkSPORT on Tuesday, Agbonlahor said: "I watched them (Leeds) last night and this season and they look like a team of hard workers.
"They are probably the fittest team in the league. They're organised but going forward, they lack a bit on the wings and strikers. Teams will find them out a bit. If you can work as hard as Leeds, I think you'll beat them on quality.
"If we're getting that excited for Bielsa then we must be putting the red carpet down for Dean Smith. Maybe because he's English we don't get too excited about him but what he's doing tactics wise with Aston Villa, he deserves a lot of credit for.
"I feel like people need to calm down with Leeds United at the moment."
The Villa hero, meanwhile, was trolled throughout last night's encounter with the official Leeds United Twitter account uploading a Gabby-inspired How it started, How it ended photo.
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who missed the match because of a shoulder injury, also got in on the act, quoted one of Agbonlahor's earlier tweets with the message: "Goodnight to all Leeds fans, sleep tight @officialga11."
However, the morning after the night before and Agbonlahor seems to have been enjoying the banter and fired a cheeky - but complimentary - message back to those associated with Leeds.
He put: "Great Performance by Leeds yesterday. And well done Bamford. Nothing feels better than scoring a Premier League hat-trick against a top 4 club..."
Gabby referenced his stunning seven-minute hat-trick against Manchester City back on the opening day of the 2008-09 season.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Marcus Rashford hailed 'hero' as free kids meals campaign goes viral

Footballer Marcus Rashford has been described as a “ hero of our times ” as celebrities rushed to support his campaign to provide free meals to children during half term .
The England and Manchester United striker , 22 , posted a string of tweets to his 3.6 million followers on Thursday night and throughout Friday , highlighting cafes , bars , restaurants and other organisations who had volunteered to help children going hungry .
The viral campaign came after MPs rejected a bid from Labour , backed by the footballer , to extend free school meals over the school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses and organisations around the country who offered free food were tea rooms , churches , farms and takeaways .
Birmingham and Wolverhampton were among a host of local authorities that announced subsidised food schemes in the wake of Rashford ’ s campaign .
A host of celebrities offered their support to the England star , with writer Caitlin Moran tweeting : “ Marcus Rashford ’ s timeline swells your heart – people across the country doing something about feeding kids at Christmas.
” Musician Tim Burgess , a fellow Mancunian , tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a true hero of our times .
So many MPs should feel shame over the fact that a footballer is helping the needy , more than they are.
” Support also came from across the football world , with ex-England striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker posting : “ Well played @ MarcusRashford .
Check his timeline .
Extraordinary from a remarkable young man.
” Rashford was recently awarded an MBE for campaigning efforts that prompted a Government U-turn on the subject of school meals this summer .
After the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he tweeted : “ Blown away by news of local businesses stepping up to fill the voucher scheme deficit during the October half term .
Selflessness , kindness , togetherness , this is the England I know .
“ Add # ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY to your tweets so I can track them .
I will share as many as I can.
” On Friday night he posted : “ I ’ m signing off with a feeling a pride tonight .
The superstars of this nation lie in local communities .
`` Even after taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms around your community to catch children as they fell .
I really can ’ t thank you enough , you ’ re amazing .
”

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Footballer Marcus Rashford has been described as a “hero of our times” as celebrities rushed to support his campaign to provide free meals to children during half term.
The England and Manchester United striker, 22, posted a string of tweets to his 3.6 million followers on Thursday night and throughout Friday, highlighting cafes, bars, restaurants and other organisations who had volunteered to help children going hungry.
The viral campaign came after MPs rejected a bid from Labour, backed by the footballer, to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021.
Among the businesses and organisations around the country who offered free food were tea rooms, churches, farms and takeaways.
Birmingham and Wolverhampton were among a host of local authorities that announced subsidised food schemes in the wake of Rashford’s campaign.
A host of celebrities offered their support to the England star, with writer Caitlin Moran tweeting: “Marcus Rashford’s timeline swells your heart – people across the country doing something about feeding kids at Christmas.”
Musician Tim Burgess, a fellow Mancunian, tweeted: “Wow, @MarcusRashford is a true hero of our times. So many MPs should feel shame over the fact that a footballer is helping the needy, more than they are.”
Support also came from across the football world, with ex-England striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker posting: “Well played @MarcusRashford. Check his timeline. Extraordinary from a remarkable young man.”
Rashford was recently awarded an MBE for campaigning efforts that prompted a Government U-turn on the subject of school meals this summer.
After the enormous response to his latest campaign, he tweeted: “Blown away by news of local businesses stepping up to fill the voucher scheme deficit during the October half term. Selflessness, kindness, togetherness, this is the England I know.
“Add #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY to your tweets so I can track them. I will share as many as I can.”
On Friday night he posted: “I’m signing off with a feeling a pride tonight. The superstars of this nation lie in local communities.
"Even after taking the biggest hits you have wrapped your arms around your community to catch children as they fell. I really can’t thank you enough, you’re amazing.”


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Police to patrol routes out of Wales to stop drivers defying lockdown

Police forces in the Midlands will attempt to block locked down residents making non-essential journeys out of Wales while the country is under a two-week firebreak .
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed its officers will patrol routes into the Forest of Dean area and pull over vehicles they suspect of making long journeys .
The force said drivers who have travelled out of Wales without a valid excuse would be advised to turn around and , if they refused , would then be reported to police in Wales who can issue fines .
A spokesman for the force said : “ While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling from Wales into the county we can inform the host force of those we stop about what has happened so they can take action .
“ Officers will be running an operation over the weekend that will cover routes from Wales into the Forest of Dean and if we stop someone travelling from Wales we will be engaging with them to find out why , explaining the legislation and encouraging them to turn around if we are not satisfied with their explanation .
“ If they don ’ t turn around we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area they have travelled from so that they can issue a fine .
“ It is important to stress that the vast majority of people are abiding by the rules but , in line with our policing approach , we will take action where there are flagrant breaches.
” The 17-day firebreak lockdown began at 6pm on Friday .

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Police forces in the Midlands will attempt to block locked down residents making non-essential journeys out of Wales while the country is under a two-week firebreak.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed its officers will patrol routes into the Forest of Dean area and pull over vehicles they suspect of making long journeys.
The force said drivers who have travelled out of Wales without a valid excuse would be advised to turn around and, if they refused, would then be reported to police in Wales who can issue fines.
A spokesman for the force said: “While we cannot issue fines to those travelling from Wales into the county we can inform the host force of those we stop about what has happened so they can take action.
“Officers will be running an operation over the weekend that will cover routes from Wales into the Forest of Dean and if we stop someone travelling from Wales we will be engaging with them to find out why, explaining the legislation and encouraging them to turn around if we are not satisfied with their explanation.
“If they don’t turn around we will then inform the force that polices the area they have travelled from so that they can issue a fine.
“It is important to stress that the vast majority of people are abiding by the rules but, in line with our policing approach, we will take action where there are flagrant breaches.”
The 17-day firebreak lockdown began at 6pm on Friday.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--How nationals reported Aston Villa's bruising loss to Leeds United

Aston Villa succumbed to their first Premier League defeat in eight games spanning back last season with Leeds triumphant in last night 's 3-0 victory .
It was a born-again Patrick Bamford who scored his fourth , fifth and six goals of the season after a stunning 19-minute hat-trick after the break .
The Villa defence were guilty of standing off the Leeds ace far too often but , to Dean Smith 's side credit , they had chances of their own prior to the 55th-minute opener .
Here 's how the nationals reported Villa 's defeat as Smith 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Premier League tree for the first time in 19 years : Many people said Patrick Bamford was not cut out for the Premier League .
Many people reckoned Aston Villa were about to climb to the top of the table for the first time in nine years .
All those people were made to look idiotic as Leeds ran Villa ragged here and clinched victory thanks to a wonderful hat-trick by their centre-forward .
That sent Marcelo Bielsa ’ s team to third place in the table and took Bamford ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals from six league games .
His previous 27 matches at this level had yielded just one , and his strike rate in the Championship was patchy .
“ I am very happy for him , ” said Bielsa of Bamford .
“ There have been no significant changes [ to how he plays ] , it ’ s just that now he is being more efficient.
” With the match ball clutched under one arm , Patrick Bamford wrapped the other around his manager , Marcelo Bielsa , in a warm embrace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bamford , once dismissed as a journeyman whose best work is done in the lower leagues , provided an emphatic answer to his critics with a hat-trick at Villa Park .
Bamford had endured a summer of endless speculation over which European heavyweight would replace him as Leeds United ’ s new frontman .
“ And so it starts , ” he tweeted in July after the club ’ s former manager , David O ’ Leary , told talkSPORT Bielsa would have to sign a “ top-class ” striker to survive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with the final kick of the match as the otherwise outstanding Jack Harrison drove a shot into the side-netting – while four of his team-mates queued up behind him unmarked loudly demanding the simple cut-back and Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz threw his arms up wondering just what was going on .
Who could blame him .
This was a stunning display by Leeds and from Patrick – or is it Hat-trick – Bamford as the striker claimed the trio of goals that took them up to third in the Premier League table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since September 2002 and it was 10 years before that when one of their players last scored six goals in the first six league matches of the season .
His name ?
Eric Cantona .
The Frenchman also knew all about thriving on unpopularity and although Bamford is a very different type of player and personality he is certainly not liked at Villa after the last meeting between the two sides in April 2019 .
Leeds United ended Aston Villa 's winning start and ruined their chance of going top of the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hat-trick .
Leeds United ended Aston Villa 's winning start and ruined their chance of going top of the Premier League thanks to a brilliant Patrick Bamford hat-trick .
Villa came into Friday 's game having won their first four games of a league campaign for the first time since 1930-31 , but three expert finishes from the Leeds striker prevented the hosts making it a club record five victories on the spin to open their season .
The result lifts Leeds to third - their highest position at the end of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was reward for a relentlessly positive performance from an injury-hit visiting side that should probably have yielded more goals .

Aston Villa succumbed to their first Premier League defeat in eight games spanning back last season with Leeds triumphant in last night's 3-0 victory.
It was a born-again Patrick Bamford who scored his fourth, fifth and six goals of the season after a stunning 19-minute hat-trick after the break.
The Villa defence were guilty of standing off the Leeds ace far too often but, to Dean Smith's side credit, they had chances of their own prior to the 55th-minute opener.
Here's how the nationals reported Villa's defeat as Smith's men missed the opportunity to go top of the Premier League tree for the first time in 19 years:
The Guardian, Paul Doyle
Many people said Patrick Bamford was not cut out for the Premier League. Many people reckoned Aston Villa were about to climb to the top of the table for the first time in nine years. All those people were made to look idiotic as Leeds ran Villa ragged here and clinched victory thanks to a wonderful hat-trick by their centre-forward.
That sent Marcelo Bielsa’s team to third place in the table and took Bamford’s tally for the season to six goals from six league games. His previous 27 matches at this level had yielded just one, and his strike rate in the Championship was patchy. “I am very happy for him,” said Bielsa of Bamford. “There have been no significant changes [to how he plays], it’s just that now he is being more efficient.”
The Times, Tom Roddy
With the match ball clutched under one arm, Patrick Bamford wrapped the other around his manager, Marcelo Bielsa, in a warm embrace. This had been a night when Bamford, once dismissed as a journeyman whose best work is done in the lower leagues, provided an emphatic answer to his critics with a hat-trick at Villa Park.
Bamford had endured a summer of endless speculation over which European heavyweight would replace him as Leeds United’s new frontman. “And so it starts,” he tweeted in July after the club’s former manager, David O’Leary, told talkSPORT Bielsa would have to sign a “top-class” striker to survive.
The unbridled supremacy of Leeds was summed up with the final kick of the match as the otherwise outstanding Jack Harrison drove a shot into the side-netting – while four of his team-mates queued up behind him unmarked loudly demanding the simple cut-back and Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz threw his arms up wondering just what was going on. Who could blame him.
Daily Telegraph, Jason Burt
This was a stunning display by Leeds and from Patrick – or is it Hat-trick – Bamford as the striker claimed the trio of goals that took them up to third in the Premier League table. Leeds have not been so high since September 2002 and it was 10 years before that when one of their players last scored six goals in the first six league matches of the season. His name? Eric Cantona.
The Frenchman also knew all about thriving on unpopularity and although Bamford is a very different type of player and personality he is certainly not liked at Villa after the last meeting between the two sides in April 2019.
Leeds United ended Aston Villa's winning start and ruined their chance of going top of the Premier League thanks to a brilliant Patrick Bamford hat-trick.
BBC Sport, Phil Dawkes
Leeds United ended Aston Villa's winning start and ruined their chance of going top of the Premier League thanks to a brilliant Patrick Bamford hat-trick.
Villa came into Friday's game having won their first four games of a league campaign for the first time since 1930-31, but three expert finishes from the Leeds striker prevented the hosts making it a club record five victories on the spin to open their season.
The result lifts Leeds to third - their highest position at the end of a day in the division since September 2002.
It was reward for a relentlessly positive performance from an injury-hit visiting side that should probably have yielded more goals.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Ollie Watkins provides Aston Villa assessment after Leeds defeat

Record-signing Ollie Watkins believes Aston Villa were `` unlucky '' against Leeds United after going down 3-0 on Friday night .
The striker endured a watching brief for large parts of the encounter at Villa Park with Patrick Bamford stealing the headlines with a well-taken hat-trick .
Marcelo Bielsa 's men were in inspired form and fired in a staggering 27 shots on Villa 's goal - the most since Southampton managed at St Mary 's back in February ( 28 ) .
Despite registering 140 less passes and falling way short , Watkins outlined how Villa had their moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice .
Egyptian winger Trezeguet spurned a golden chance as well after failing to punish Stuart Dallas ' first-half error .
`` It ’ s a tough one to take because first half we were definitely in the game , '' Watkins told Villa TV .
`` Jack ’ s had one cleared off the line , very even .
`` And then second half they ’ ve come out quite quick , started well , but we ’ ve had chances , Jack ’ s gone on that long mazy run .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ It may seem weird , people thinking ‘ unlucky ’ , you just got beat 3-0 , but we had chances before they scored .
`` They scored in quick succession and we fell behind , but this result doesn ’ t determine our season , it ’ s our first loss and it ’ s how we bounce back from this . ''
Watkins , 24 , added : `` It 's fine margins .
We could have had a penalty .
We need to focus on the next game now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not what people want to hear , they 're probably annoyed after that result but we 've had such a good start to the season and we 've got to keep that momentum .
`` It 's frustrating ( my chance at the end .
I get them all the time in training so I 'm disappointed with that .
I should be scoring that .
I 'll go back on the training field and will keep trying to improve . ''
Everything Dean Smith said HERE Everything Marcelo Bielsa said HERE

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Record-signing Ollie Watkins believes Aston Villa were "unlucky" against Leeds United after going down 3-0 on Friday night.
The striker endured a watching brief for large parts of the encounter at Villa Park with Patrick Bamford stealing the headlines with a well-taken hat-trick.
Marcelo Bielsa's men were in inspired form and fired in a staggering 27 shots on Villa's goal - the most since Southampton managed at St Mary's back in February (28).
(Image: Getty Images)
Despite registering 140 less passes and falling way short, Watkins outlined how Villa had their moments too which included Jack Grealish going close twice. Egyptian winger Trezeguet spurned a golden chance as well after failing to punish Stuart Dallas' first-half error.
"It’s a tough one to take because first half we were definitely in the game," Watkins told Villa TV. "Jack’s had one cleared off the line, very even.
"And then second half they’ve come out quite quick, started well, but we’ve had chances, Jack’s gone on that long mazy run.
"I think we were unlucky. It may seem weird, people thinking ‘unlucky’, you just got beat 3-0, but we had chances before they scored.
"They scored in quick succession and we fell behind, but this result doesn’t determine our season, it’s our first loss and it’s how we bounce back from this."
Watkins, 24, added: "It's fine margins. We could have had a penalty. We need to focus on the next game now. Obviously it's hard and it's not what people want to hear, they're probably annoyed after that result but we've had such a good start to the season and we've got to keep that momentum.
"It's frustrating (my chance at the end. I get them all the time in training so I'm disappointed with that. I should be scoring that. I'll go back on the training field and will keep trying to improve."
Everything Dean Smith said HERE
Everything Marcelo Bielsa said HERE
Our Aston Villa player ratings HERE
Post-match analysis HERE


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Jack Grealish moment, 27 shots against & big Villa talking points

Dean Smith 's Villa were knocked down a peg in brutal fashion by a rampant Leeds United who registered 27 shots at Villa Park .
It was Patrick Bamford who inflicted sheer devastation with a brilliantly-taken hat-trick of left-footed finishes that were straight out of the top drawer .
Leeds ' No.9 struck his sixth goal in as many Premier League games taking him within one of the early-season pace-setters , Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Heung Min-Son .
As for Villa they were top of the live Premier League table for all of an hour until Bamford 's instinctive first striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in nonchalant style .
BirminghamLive 's Villa correspondent Ashley Preece was inside Villa Park last night and here 's what he 's picked out as the biggest quirks and talking points : VILLA SHOOTING THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT ...
LITERALLY That shots against statistic is enough to give supporters an early Halloween scare as its the first time Villa have conceded such an amount since Smith hung his players out to dry at Southampton way back in February when Villa were all over the shop .
That very stat last night breaks down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal every 3.3 minutes .
OK , so only nine were on target but had Bamford 's teammates had their shooting boots on Villa could well have been on the reverse-end of another 7-2 scoreline .
Leeds , though , were relentless and sprung breakaway after breakaway while it was their one-touch passing that Smith highlighted in his post-match as well as their brilliance at shifting it as quickly as possible .
Prior to last night Villa had been rock-steady but , against newly-promoted Leeds , they were close to being embarrassed had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jack Harrison finished their opportunities .
It was an off-night as far as the likes of Tyrone Mings were concerned .
THAT GREALISH MOMENT ... SHOULD HE HAVE PASSED ?
There 's a freeze-frame doing the rounds on Twitter and it 's just before Jack Grealish strikes at goal having gone on an incredible Diego Maradona-esque run from deep inside his own half .
Every reporter sat in the Trinity Road Stand gasped at Grealish 's brilliance last night as the Villa skipper burst through , taking on as many as FIVE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his near-post .
Now there 's a certain talkSPORT host who questioned Grealish 's decision-making off the back of the Leicester win last week - that was despite BirminghamLive giving Grealish star man yet again .
But , looking back against Leeds , Villa 's insanely-talented No.10 perhaps could have teed-up Ollie Watkins who was better-placed to slot home .
Grealish is usually ice-cool in them situations and always makes the right call but a little slip into Watkins could well have put Villa ahead on 52 minutes - three minutes before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in truth , knowing Grealish is the maverick he is , it 's hard to point the finger as he was inches from scoring what would have been an early contender for Premier League goal of the season .
It was a jaw-dropping run - and who could blame him for going alone .
It would have mirrored his joke of a goal against Rotherham in front of a jam-packed Holte End in the Championship if you remember that one .
Oh , and by the way , was it Gareth Southgate who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My word ... check that clip out , Gareth .
SMITH 'S SPOT ON ... YOU 'D HAVE BIT YOUR HAND OFF FOR 12-POINT START Once again I thought Dean Smith nailed his post-match interview .
He was critical where he needed to be when outlining how open Villa were ( 27 shots against tells you that ) while he also called for calm and for Villa to not let bad habits creep in .
What he also said was he would have bitten your hand off for 12 points from a possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said is Villa 's start has been simply incredible while the Leeds defeat will act as a good - and much-needed - lesson for them not to dip below their previous sky-high standards .
The game was nip-and-tuck up until Bamford 's first with Villa having a couple of chances of their own .
Smith 's men are still riding high in second as it stands as they 'll look to get back to winning ways against Southampton next week .
As Smith pointed out though it was a bit of a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa 's eyes water and it stung a little and it 's about how they respond now that 'll truly determine what they 're all about ahead of what already promises to be an exciting season for all concerned .
Now 11am next Sunday ( November 1 ) will be fascinating as that 'll be the exact time Villa 's social media admin will publish Smith 's team sheet .
Will the gaffer stick or twist against the Saints ?
It 's an intriguing question given the manner of the defeat last night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as opposed to just four days - will be a much-needed boost .
That said , Leeds played Wolves 24 hours after Villa beat Leicester earlier this week so credit to Marcelo Bielsa 's evergreen outfit .
Looking ahead to next week though and is it time for a change ?
Bertrand Traore is yet to show he 's worth every bit of the £17 million Villa spent on him and taking Trezeguet out seems a likely change after the Egyptian 's 4/10 rating vs Leeds .
It did n't quite happen for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday night .
Will Conor Hourihane be called upon too after not playing a single minute since his goal and assist against Fulham last month ?
Another question you have to ask is just how serious a niggle is Ross Barkley 's knee injury ?
You see the midfielder referenced it again prior to Leeds and did n't reach the standard he set during his dazzling debut against Liverpool earlier this month .
A full week 's rest will do him the world of good , that 's for sure .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had off-nights against Leeds too - but you ca n't envisage Smith making drastic changes that could see the likes of Marvelous Nakamba reinstated to the starting XI .
What last night would have done is provide Smith with food for thought , that 's for sure , and he said as much afterwards .
`` There are learning points from it .
I do n't like to learn from 40 minutes of how we played in the second half but you have to . ''
Villa 's die-hard fanbase will learn a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see if Smith sticks with the same XI for a fourth-game running or , in fact , will he look for a response from players who 've been edged out in recent weeks .
You do , though , suspect it will be the former .

Dean Smith's Villa were knocked down a peg in brutal fashion by a rampant Leeds United who registered 27 shots at Villa Park.
It was Patrick Bamford who inflicted sheer devastation with a brilliantly-taken hat-trick of left-footed finishes that were straight out of the top drawer.
Leeds' No.9 struck his sixth goal in as many Premier League games taking him within one of the early-season pace-setters, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Heung Min-Son.
As for Villa they were top of the live Premier League table for all of an hour until Bamford's instinctive first striker before he added his second and third in nonchalant style.
BirminghamLive's Villa correspondent Ashley Preece was inside Villa Park last night and here's what he's picked out as the biggest quirks and talking points:
VILLA SHOOTING THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT... LITERALLY
That shots against statistic is enough to give supporters an early Halloween scare as its the first time Villa have conceded such an amount since Smith hung his players out to dry at Southampton way back in February when Villa were all over the shop.
That very stat last night breaks down at letting Leeds have a pop on goal every 3.3 minutes. OK, so only nine were on target but had Bamford's teammates had their shooting boots on Villa could well have been on the reverse-end of another 7-2 scoreline.
Leeds, though, were relentless and sprung breakaway after breakaway while it was their one-touch passing that Smith highlighted in his post-match as well as their brilliance at shifting it as quickly as possible.
Prior to last night Villa had been rock-steady but, against newly-promoted Leeds, they were close to being embarrassed had the likes of Rodrigo, Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison finished their opportunities. It was an off-night as far as the likes of Tyrone Mings were concerned.
THAT GREALISH MOMENT... SHOULD HE HAVE PASSED?
There's a freeze-frame doing the rounds on Twitter and it's just before Jack Grealish strikes at goal having gone on an incredible Diego Maradona-esque run from deep inside his own half. Every reporter sat in the Trinity Road Stand gasped at Grealish's brilliance last night as the Villa skipper burst through, taking on as many as FIVE Leeds players before Illan Meslier saved well at his near-post.
Now there's a certain talkSPORT host who questioned Grealish's decision-making off the back of the Leicester win last week - that was despite BirminghamLive giving Grealish star man yet again. But, looking back against Leeds, Villa's insanely-talented No.10 perhaps could have teed-up Ollie Watkins who was better-placed to slot home.
Grealish is usually ice-cool in them situations and always makes the right call but a little slip into Watkins could well have put Villa ahead on 52 minutes - three minutes before Bamford's gut-wrenching opener.
However, in truth, knowing Grealish is the maverick he is, it's hard to point the finger as he was inches from scoring what would have been an early contender for Premier League goal of the season. It was a jaw-dropping run - and who could blame him for going alone. It would have mirrored his joke of a goal against Rotherham in front of a jam-packed Holte End in the Championship if you remember that one. Oh, and by the way, was it Gareth Southgate who said Grealish hasn't got pace? My word... check that clip out, Gareth.
SMITH'S SPOT ON... YOU'D HAVE BIT YOUR HAND OFF FOR 12-POINT START
Once again I thought Dean Smith nailed his post-match interview. He was critical where he needed to be when outlining how open Villa were (27 shots against tells you that) while he also called for calm and for Villa to not let bad habits creep in. What he also said was he would have bitten your hand off for 12 points from a possible 15 available.
What has to be said is Villa's start has been simply incredible while the Leeds defeat will act as a good - and much-needed - lesson for them not to dip below their previous sky-high standards. The game was nip-and-tuck up until Bamford's first with Villa having a couple of chances of their own. Smith's men are still riding high in second as it stands as they'll look to get back to winning ways against Southampton next week.
As Smith pointed out though it was a bit of a "bop on the nose" that made Villa's eyes water and it stung a little and it's about how they respond now that'll truly determine what they're all about ahead of what already promises to be an exciting season for all concerned.
A POTENTIAL RE-SHUFFLE FOR SOUTHAMPTON...
Now 11am next Sunday (November 1) will be fascinating as that'll be the exact time Villa's social media admin will publish Smith's team sheet. Will the gaffer stick or twist against the Saints? It's an intriguing question given the manner of the defeat last night but a full week's rest - as opposed to just four days - will be a much-needed boost. That said, Leeds played Wolves 24 hours after Villa beat Leicester earlier this week so credit to Marcelo Bielsa's evergreen outfit.
Looking ahead to next week though and is it time for a change? Bertrand Traore is yet to show he's worth every bit of the £17 million Villa spent on him and taking Trezeguet out seems a likely change after the Egyptian's 4/10 rating vs Leeds. It didn't quite happen for 'Trez' who started his 11th-consecutive game on Friday night. Will Conor Hourihane be called upon too after not playing a single minute since his goal and assist against Fulham last month?
Another question you have to ask is just how serious a niggle is Ross Barkley's knee injury? You see the midfielder referenced it again prior to Leeds and didn't reach the standard he set during his dazzling debut against Liverpool earlier this month. A full week's rest will do him the world of good, that's for sure. The likes of John McGinn and Douglas Luiz had off-nights against Leeds too - but you can't envisage Smith making drastic changes that could see the likes of Marvelous Nakamba reinstated to the starting XI.
What last night would have done is provide Smith with food for thought, that's for sure, and he said as much afterwards. "There are learning points from it. I don't like to learn from 40 minutes of how we played in the second half but you have to."
Villa's die-hard fanbase will learn a thing or two next week as well to see if Smith sticks with the same XI for a fourth-game running or, in fact, will he look for a response from players who've been edged out in recent weeks. You do, though, suspect it will be the former.


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Bielsa outlines key difference after Leeds punish Aston Villa

Marcelo Bielsa credited his Leeds United stars after last night 's statement-like victory over Aston Villa , and simply said : `` We ’ ve been together as a group for two-and-a-half years now so the group is homogeneous . ''
Now that 's a contrast to Dean Smith 's somewhat newly-formed XI which , by the end of the 3-0 defeat , had five of his summer recruits in the line-up .
The Villa boss has built an entire new playing squad over the last 14 months while , last night , the hosts were picked apart by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier for everyone to assimilate their roles in the team , '' Bielsa explained , when asked about his game plan .
`` We ’ ve been together as a group for two-and-a-half years now so the group is homogeneous .
`` Pascal ( Struijk ) picked up an early yellow card and after this yellow card he had another foul which was a dangerous one ( he was replaced after 20 minutes ) .
`` There was a lot of mobility in the midfield , it was very dynamic and it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge out of time so as a result I was worried and made the substitution . ''
Bielsa was asked about Leeds stifling Villa 's Jack Grealish too , adding : `` That was what we hoped for from the start .
Perhaps in the second half it was harder for him as when he received the ball he had less time to transport the ball than he did in the first half where he received the ball with more space . ''
The Leeds chief remained humble about his confident No.9 Bamford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We haven ’ t been doing anything different with him , '' the Argentinian , 65 , outlined .
`` He 's been doing exactly all the same things he has been doing in the past .
The only difference is that now he is converting chances that in the past he was not converting . ''

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Marcelo Bielsa credited his Leeds United stars after last night's statement-like victory over Aston Villa, and simply said: "We’ve been together as a group for two-and-a-half years now so the group is homogeneous."
Now that's a contrast to Dean Smith's somewhat newly-formed XI which, by the end of the 3-0 defeat, had five of his summer recruits in the line-up.
The Villa boss has built an entire new playing squad over the last 14 months while, last night, the hosts were picked apart by a Patrick Bamford-inspired Leeds.
"It's easier for everyone to assimilate their roles in the team," Bielsa explained, when asked about his game plan. "We’ve been together as a group for two-and-a-half years now so the group is homogeneous.
"Pascal (Struijk) picked up an early yellow card and after this yellow card he had another foul which was a dangerous one (he was replaced after 20 minutes).
"There was a lot of mobility in the midfield, it was very dynamic and it was very easy for anyone to make a challenge out of time so as a result I was worried and made the substitution."
Bielsa was asked about Leeds stifling Villa's Jack Grealish too, adding: "That was what we hoped for from the start. Perhaps in the second half it was harder for him as when he received the ball he had less time to transport the ball than he did in the first half where he received the ball with more space."
The Leeds chief remained humble about his confident No.9 Bamford as well after his well-taken hat-trick. "We haven’t been doing anything different with him," the Argentinian, 65, outlined.
"He's been doing exactly all the same things he has been doing in the past. The only difference is that now he is converting chances that in the past he was not converting."


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Ross Barkley says summer signing has 'surprised' Villa players

Ross Barkley has lifted the lid on the true impact Ollie Watkins is having at Aston Villa - admitting the striker has surprised even his new teammates since joining the club .
Villa splashed the cash on Watkins to make him their record signing in September after identifying the 24-year-old as their top target for the summer transfer window .
Watkins finished as joint top scorer in the Championship for Brentford last season with 26 goals and Dean Smith has full faith he can go to be a success in the top-flight too .
The forward 's ability was clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a superb hat-trick in the 7-2 hammering of Liverpool before the international break with Barkley also on the scoresheet on debut .
But before Barkley joined on loan from Chelsea , Watkins had already dazzled the squad .
The 26-year-old told the Guardian : `` I heard even before I arrived that a few of the lads were surprised by just how good he is . ''
Barkley marked his first two appearances in Villa colours with two goals and the England midfielder says experience has made him a more dangerous player .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the game a lot easier now , '' he said .
`` Understanding where the goals are , how to mix things up , when to run in behind , drop deep , shoot from distance , create goals from wide areas or central areas , play the ball out wide and go into the box , anticipate balls at the back post , make runs from both .
`` Just an understanding of where the goals are .
Because I ’ ve got that now , I know that for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to score a lot more goals than I have previously . ''

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Ross Barkley has lifted the lid on the true impact Ollie Watkins is having at Aston Villa - admitting the striker has surprised even his new teammates since joining the club.
Villa splashed the cash on Watkins to make him their record signing in September after identifying the 24-year-old as their top target for the summer transfer window.
Watkins finished as joint top scorer in the Championship for Brentford last season with 26 goals and Dean Smith has full faith he can go to be a success in the top-flight too.
The forward's ability was clear for all to see when he grabbed a superb hat-trick in the 7-2 hammering of Liverpool before the international break with Barkley also on the scoresheet on debut.
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But before Barkley joined on loan from Chelsea, Watkins had already dazzled the squad.
The 26-year-old told the Guardian: "I heard even before I arrived that a few of the lads were surprised by just how good he is."
Barkley marked his first two appearances in Villa colours with two goals and the England midfielder says experience has made him a more dangerous player.
"I’m 26. I understand the game a lot easier now," he said. "Understanding where the goals are, how to mix things up, when to run in behind, drop deep, shoot from distance, create goals from wide areas or central areas, play the ball out wide and go into the box, anticipate balls at the back post, make runs from both.
"Just an understanding of where the goals are. Because I’ve got that now, I know that for the rest of my career I’m going to score a lot more goals than I have previously."


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Every word from Dean Smith on Leeds lessons & Villa bouncing back

Dean Smith lamented a sloppy 40-minute spell which left Aston Villa battered and bruised after a Patrick Bamford masterclass at Villa Park .
The Leeds United ace struck a 19-minute hat-trick in the second-half which included a stunning second from 20 yards out .
Villa , though , were second-best throughout proceedings but could have gone ahead via Jack Grealish who had an effort cleared off the line .
The skipper was at it again prior to Bamford 's opener , dribbling from deep inside his own half before forcing a save from Illan Meslier .
The 3-0 defeats leaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's action with Smith 's men taking 12 points from a possible 15 from their five games to date .
Here 's what the head coach said afterwards : '' Big moments change the game .
It was pretty even first half .
We had a couple of good chances .
Jack 's had one cleared off the line , they 've had a couple of good chances , Emi 's made a save and we got a few blocks in .
`` Half-time I thought it was even Stevens and then we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a mazy run and the keeper makes a good save .
Two minutes later they go up the other end and score .
`` I think that goal changed the game .
They gained a yard and we lost a yard .
That was the disappointing part - it was the first time we 've been behind this season and we did n't handle it the way we should have .
`` We became a little bit distracted about what to do and our reactions were n't as good . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazil years ago but he managed to get the finish .
I 'm disappointed .
We ca n't become as open as we did at 1-0 .
We still need to be a tough team to beat .
We did n't do that .
You 've got to give Leeds credit .
We matched them for 50 minutes but did n't for the last 40 . ''
`` We did n't react quick enough in the final third and they switched play very quickly .
They doubled-up on on Cash down the side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they scrambled it in .
The second goal was a super strike there was n't an awful lot you can do about that but , overall , we gave too many chances away in the second half by being too open . ''
It 's been a fabulous start , your role getting players going again ... '' I have a big role .
I 'd have bit somebody 's hand off to have had this start .
I 'm disappointed that we had the opportunity to go top of the league and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the season for the first time in the club 's history - we did n't do that and it 's our job to make history by going on another run .
`` It 's how you bounce back from this now .
It 's disappointing , frustrating but I can only question 40 minutes of this season so far with these players .
That 's a credit to them but we ca n't allow that to come into our game . ''
`` It certainly is .
We got punished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved the ball quicker .
Their one-touch play in the second half was better than ours and , ultimately , that cost us . ''

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Dean Smith lamented a sloppy 40-minute spell which left Aston Villa battered and bruised after a Patrick Bamford masterclass at Villa Park.
The Leeds United ace struck a 19-minute hat-trick in the second-half which included a stunning second from 20 yards out.
Villa, though, were second-best throughout proceedings but could have gone ahead via Jack Grealish who had an effort cleared off the line.
The skipper was at it again prior to Bamford's opener, dribbling from deep inside his own half before forcing a save from Illan Meslier.
The 3-0 defeats leaves Villa in second-place prior to this weekend's action with Smith's men taking 12 points from a possible 15 from their five games to date.
Here's what the head coach said afterwards:
Assessment of the game...
"Big moments change the game. It was pretty even first half. We had a couple of good chances. Jack's had one cleared off the line, they've had a couple of good chances, Emi's made a save and we got a few blocks in.
"Half-time I thought it was even Stevens and then we have a big moment where Jack goes on a mazy run and the keeper makes a good save. Two minutes later they go up the other end and score.
"I think that goal changed the game. They gained a yard and we lost a yard. That was the disappointing part - it was the first time we've been behind this season and we didn't handle it the way we should have.
"We became a little bit distracted about what to do and our reactions weren't as good."
Jack's brilliant run prior to opener...
"It reminded me of John Barnes against Brazil years ago but he managed to get the finish. I'm disappointed. We can't become as open as we did at 1-0. We still need to be a tough team to beat. We didn't do that. You've got to give Leeds credit. We matched them for 50 minutes but didn't for the last 40."
Coaching assessment...
"We didn't react quick enough in the final third and they switched play very quickly. They doubled-up on on Cash down the side, Emi's made the save and they scrambled it in. The second goal was a super strike there wasn't an awful lot you can do about that but, overall, we gave too many chances away in the second half by being too open."
It's been a fabulous start, your role getting players going again...
"I have a big role. I'd have bit somebody's hand off to have had this start. I'm disappointed that we had the opportunity to go top of the league and go on a five-game winning run at the start of the season for the first time in the club's history - we didn't do that and it's our job to make history by going on another run.
"It's how you bounce back from this now. It's disappointing, frustrating but I can only question 40 minutes of this season so far with these players. That's a credit to them but we can't allow that to come into our game."
A contrast to the Liverpool game...
"It certainly is. We got punished by a very good team today who moved the ball quicker. Their one-touch play in the second half was better than ours and, ultimately, that cost us."


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Birmingham child predator caught by two paedophile hunter groups

A Birmingham sex predator has been jailed after being snared by two paedophile hunter groups in a matter of months .
Anthony Loveridge asked a decoy '12-year-old girl ' what her favourite colour was before immediately asking if she 'had sex yet ' .
He had made contact with two fake Facebook profiles , purporting to be young girls , and encouraged them to perform sex acts .
The 70-year-old from Northfield also sent explicit pictures of himself as well as a graphic YouTube video .
One of the groups warned him about a 'bee sting ' moments before they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted five child sex offences and was jailed for four years and four months at Birmingham Crown Court .
In January this year he came to the attention of the Children 's Innocence Matters group .
Prosecutor David Jackson said : `` A member of that group set up a profile , under her profile picture it said ' I 'm 12 , I love dancing , I love my pets ' .
`` The defendant made a friend request followed by a message saying 'Nice to meet you , Tony ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ old are you I 'm 12 ' .
The defendant asked what her favourite colour was and then if she had had sex yet . ''
Mr Jackson explained that Loveridge sent numerous messages encouraging the girl to perform a sex act and told her 'not to say anything ' .
The defendant then asked the decoy for a photo before sending an explicit one of himself .
But the group found out where he lived and confronted him leading to his arrest .
However when Loveridge was released under investigation he struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with a profile setup by the Our Team group , purporting to be a 14-year-old girl , before switching to WhatsApp .
Initially the defendant said 'You 're too young , this is a setup ' but he continued with the conversation and started encouraging her to perform a sex act , similarly to the first decoy .
Loveridge also sent an explicit picture of himself , a video of him performing a sex act as well as a lewd YouTube video apparently instructing on how to perform a sex act .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ group went to confront him at his home they sent him a message via the decoy account saying 'watch out for a bee sting ' .
Loveridge , now of no fixed address , pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child , two counts of attempting to engage or incite a child into sexual activity and one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act .
Theresa Hunt , defending , argued that he had been assessed as posing a low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk to children but could be rehabilitated with support .
She also told the court Loveridge had had a troubled childhood and added : `` He is married .
He has had difficulty in his marriage due to the commission of these offences .
That is an additional punishment he will bare .
`` He was previously married .
His first wife passed away earlier this year .
The suffering of that trauma made his mental health deteriorate , this is of some relevance to his offending behaviour . ''
Judge Peter Carr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 , said : `` I have carefully considered if it is possible to avoid a sentence of immediate custody , given the current circumstances .
I am afraid I have concluded that I can not . ''

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A Birmingham sex predator has been jailed after being snared by two paedophile hunter groups in a matter of months.
Anthony Loveridge asked a decoy '12-year-old girl' what her favourite colour was before immediately asking if she 'had sex yet'.
He had made contact with two fake Facebook profiles, purporting to be young girls, and encouraged them to perform sex acts.
The 70-year-old from Northfield also sent explicit pictures of himself as well as a graphic YouTube video.
One of the groups warned him about a 'bee sting' moments before they turned up at his home.
Loveridge admitted five child sex offences and was jailed for four years and four months at Birmingham Crown Court.
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In January this year he came to the attention of the Children's Innocence Matters group.
Prosecutor David Jackson said: "A member of that group set up a profile, under her profile picture it said 'I'm 12, I love dancing, I love my pets'.
"The defendant made a friend request followed by a message saying 'Nice to meet you, Tony'.
"The decoy replied 'Hi, how old are you I'm 12'. The defendant asked what her favourite colour was and then if she had had sex yet."
Mr Jackson explained that Loveridge sent numerous messages encouraging the girl to perform a sex act and told her 'not to say anything'. The defendant then asked the decoy for a photo before sending an explicit one of himself.
But the group found out where he lived and confronted him leading to his arrest.
However when Loveridge was released under investigation he struck again.
In May he made Facebook contact with a profile setup by the Our Team group, purporting to be a 14-year-old girl, before switching to WhatsApp.
Initially the defendant said 'You're too young, this is a setup' but he continued with the conversation and started encouraging her to perform a sex act, similarly to the first decoy.
Loveridge also sent an explicit picture of himself, a video of him performing a sex act as well as a lewd YouTube video apparently instructing on how to perform a sex act.
Mr Jackson stated that just before the group went to confront him at his home they sent him a message via the decoy account saying 'watch out for a bee sting'.
Loveridge, now of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, two counts of attempting to engage or incite a child into sexual activity and one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.
(Image: West Midlands Police)
Theresa Hunt, defending, argued that he had been assessed as posing a low risk to the public and a medium risk to children but could be rehabilitated with support.
She also told the court Loveridge had had a troubled childhood and added: "He is married. He has had difficulty in his marriage due to the commission of these offences. That is an additional punishment he will bare.
"He was previously married. His first wife passed away earlier this year. The suffering of that trauma made his mental health deteriorate, this is of some relevance to his offending behaviour."
Judge Peter Carr, passing sentence on Tuesday, October 13, said: "I have carefully considered if it is possible to avoid a sentence of immediate custody, given the current circumstances. I am afraid I have concluded that I cannot."


birminghammail--2020-10-24--City's first drive through GP clinic opens: 'Like McDonald's for the poorly'

A new 'drive through ' GP-led clinic has opened in Erdington - with two more to follow soon .
Patients will be able to get a range of health checks from their car seat , performed by senior clinicians and healthcare workers .
Patients will drive up and , once checked in , will pull up under canvas where staff in full PPE will perform checks .
It 's a way to examine urgent symptoms like fever , severe pains , sore throats and ear infections , while clinicians can also carry out a range of diagnostic tests including blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Called a Care Referral Centre , the project is aimed initially at patients and their children who are displaying viral symptoms that could be coronavirus , to ensure they are quickly seen if they feel unwell but do n't have to come into a clinic or hospital .
Referrals will be by appointment only from a GP .
The set-up , erected in a matter of days , resembles a drive through McDonald 's or Starbucks - but for health needs .
It 's a point not lost on Paul Jennings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioning Group , which commissions health services across the area .
`` We are all used to some types of drive through - this is just a drive through for the poorly .
`` People who might be infectious do n't have to leave the safety of their car , they can be distant from others , but still get the health checks and advice they need . ''
It 's also safer for clinicians , who are delivering services in the outdoors , and for fellow patients who are nowhere in sight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chief executive of Badger healthcare , said the site in Erdington was created 'from scratch ' on land at Highcroft , just off Slade Road , with the support of Phil Clark and the estates team .
`` This centre is for people with , or suspect they may have , coronavirus or have other viral illnesses like flu .
`` We can carry out checks for blood pressure , oxygen sats , temperature , respiratory rates , all the checks that help with decision making about how best to treat someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other samples brought by the patient - pretty much the full range of basic diagnostic tests . ''
Patients will be filtered through an appointments system , with each visit expected to take no more than 20 minutes .
A clinical area is available inside if additional tests are required .
Patients attending must not be in public transport , including taxis , or walk through - patients who do not have access to a car would instead access health services in the normal way .
Only people with an appointment will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff , the CCG 's Director of Partnerships in Primary Care , said it was one of seven Care Referral Centres planned to ensure those with viral illnesses could easily access healthcare without risking others .
Three facilities would be drive-through - in Erdington , Bordesley Green and West Heath - and four others would see dedicated centres created in redundant healthcare buildings .
It 's all part of an aim to ensure primary care services are fully accessible this winter , despite the limitations on personal face to face encounters brought about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through service was trialled at the NEC campus in the spring .
`` We know it 's really safe for the patients , the clinicians and the community , '' said Mr Sheriff .
`` It 's not that we want people with viruses to feel isolated , like we do n't want them anywhere else , but it means we can keep our other premises open and operating . ''
Erdington MP Jack Dromey has been pressing for extra NHS facilities for local people and said he was delighted the new clinic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will allow people with Covid symptoms , but who yet haven ’ t been diagnosed , to receive urgent first-class medical treatment .
`` It is the first of its kind to open in the city and adds to the health care provision in the area , with the newly opened Erdington Urgent Treatment Centre ( replacing the existing walk in centre , now closed ) just down the road .
“ I want to ensure that Erdington residents have the best possible access to medical treatment whenever they need it .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for working so closely with me on ensuring that this excellent facility opens at the heart of Erdington.
” In a separate development , GPS Healthcare , which runs six GP practices in Solihull , hosted its own weekend flu clinic , using a drive through set up - and whizzed through 2,000 patients in two days .
The initiative was set up by the six GP surgeries , supported by Solihull Round Table and Solihull College .
GPS Healthcare chief executive Tom O'Sullivan said : `` It was a brilliant weekend - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jabs safely and they did n't have to leave the comfort of their cars .
`` Patients found it very reassuring , that was a real benefit .
`` The people we really need to see this flu campaign are the most vulnerable , including all our patients who have been shielding , so this gave them confidence and removed that uncertainty . ''
He said the weekend initiative also ensured clinicians and clinic space was freed up to deliver other healthcare during the week .
Car drivers who received their jabs had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a few minutes to ensure they were not adversely affected before going on their journey .
Staff also provided tea and coffee and biscuits .
`` It 's a great way to deliver health services .
The feedback was excellent , '' said Mr O'Sullivan .
One patient commented on Twitter : `` It was the best way ever to get a flu jab !
Smiling friendly staff and all done in a blink !
And no waiting in a crowded surgery . ''
Added Mr O'Sullivan : `` There are so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service . ''

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A new 'drive through' GP-led clinic has opened in Erdington - with two more to follow soon.
Patients will be able to get a range of health checks from their car seat, performed by senior clinicians and healthcare workers.
Patients will drive up and, once checked in, will pull up under canvas where staff in full PPE will perform checks.
It's a way to examine urgent symptoms like fever, severe pains, sore throats and ear infections, while clinicians can also carry out a range of diagnostic tests including blood pressure, blood tests and heart checks.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Called a Care Referral Centre, the project is aimed initially at patients and their children who are displaying viral symptoms that could be coronavirus, to ensure they are quickly seen if they feel unwell but don't have to come into a clinic or hospital.
Referrals will be by appointment only from a GP.
The set-up, erected in a matter of days, resembles a drive through McDonald's or Starbucks - but for health needs.
It's a point not lost on Paul Jennings, chief executive of Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, which commissions health services across the area.
"We are all used to some types of drive through - this is just a drive through for the poorly.
"People who might be infectious don't have to leave the safety of their car, they can be distant from others, but still get the health checks and advice they need."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
It's also safer for clinicians, who are delivering services in the outdoors, and for fellow patients who are nowhere in sight.
Dr Fay Wilson, medical director and chief executive of Badger healthcare, said the site in Erdington was created 'from scratch' on land at Highcroft, just off Slade Road, with the support of Phil Clark and the estates team.
"This centre is for people with, or suspect they may have, coronavirus or have other viral illnesses like flu.
"We can carry out checks for blood pressure, oxygen sats, temperature, respiratory rates, all the checks that help with decision making about how best to treat someone. We can also test urine and other samples brought by the patient - pretty much the full range of basic diagnostic tests."
Patients will be filtered through an appointments system, with each visit expected to take no more than 20 minutes.
A clinical area is available inside if additional tests are required.
Patients attending must not be in public transport, including taxis, or walk through - patients who do not have access to a car would instead access health services in the normal way.
Only people with an appointment will be allowed to enter the site.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Paul Sheriff, the CCG's Director of Partnerships in Primary Care, said it was one of seven Care Referral Centres planned to ensure those with viral illnesses could easily access healthcare without risking others.
Three facilities would be drive-through - in Erdington, Bordesley Green and West Heath - and four others would see dedicated centres created in redundant healthcare buildings.
It's all part of an aim to ensure primary care services are fully accessible this winter, despite the limitations on personal face to face encounters brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
The drive through service was trialled at the NEC campus in the spring.
"We know it's really safe for the patients, the clinicians and the community," said Mr Sheriff.
"It's not that we want people with viruses to feel isolated, like we don't want them anywhere else, but it means we can keep our other premises open and operating."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Erdington MP Jack Dromey has been pressing for extra NHS facilities for local people and said he was delighted the new clinic was now open.
“This centre will allow people with Covid symptoms, but who yet haven’t been diagnosed, to receive urgent first-class medical treatment.
"It is the first of its kind to open in the city and adds to the health care provision in the area, with the newly opened Erdington Urgent Treatment Centre (replacing the existing walk in centre, now closed) just down the road.
“I want to ensure that Erdington residents have the best possible access to medical treatment whenever they need it. I’d like to thank the CCG for working so closely with me on ensuring that this excellent facility opens at the heart of Erdington.”
In a separate development, GPS Healthcare, which runs six GP practices in Solihull, hosted its own weekend flu clinic, using a drive through set up - and whizzed through 2,000 patients in two days.
The initiative was set up by the six GP surgeries, supported by Solihull Round Table and Solihull College.
GPS Healthcare chief executive Tom O'Sullivan said: "It was a brilliant weekend - we saw 2,000 patients, delivered flu jabs safely and they didn't have to leave the comfort of their cars.
"Patients found it very reassuring, that was a real benefit.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"The people we really need to see this flu campaign are the most vulnerable, including all our patients who have been shielding, so this gave them confidence and removed that uncertainty."
He said the weekend initiative also ensured clinicians and clinic space was freed up to deliver other healthcare during the week.
Car drivers who received their jabs had to park up in a holding area for a few minutes to ensure they were not adversely affected before going on their journey. Staff also provided tea and coffee and biscuits.
"It's a great way to deliver health services. The feedback was excellent," said Mr O'Sullivan.
One patient commented on Twitter: "It was the best way ever to get a flu jab! Smiling friendly staff and all done in a blink! And no waiting in a crowded surgery."
Added Mr O'Sullivan: "There are so many potential uses for this type of service."


birminghammail--2020-10-24--Never mind the bollards! Shop owner's fury at traffic scheme

If it 's not a flood , then it must be Covid - and if it 's not the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing laws then it must be the new traffic measures being implemented in Kings Heath Welcome to a rollercoaster year in the life of city shop owner Gabrielle Hardicker .
As the owner of A Painted Room it 's her mission in life to calmly help people to redecorate their homes and furniture with a winning mixture of style and good taste .
But for the past year it feels like her small business has been splattered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave Moseley following a flood at her previous site , she 's about to move into her new Kings Heath address .
But with bollards having just landed outside of her door as part of the area 's new Low Traffic Neighbourhood initiative she could be forgiven for thinking : 'Oh , no ! '
.
The scheme currently being rolled out uses planters to limit access to and from many side roads in the area to stop 'rat running ' drivers from cutting through .
The theory is that people will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality of life for all - and once they get used to enjoying the freedom to walk about will actually shop more and spend more time with local hospitality businesses .
Opponents say lack of vehicular access will turn the shopping area into a 'ghost town ' and that delivery drivers wo n't be able to get through .
Until last summer , Gabrielle had a thriving Moseley business called A Painted Room .
In her retail and basement outlet next door to the Cafephilia coffee shop on Alcester Road , she ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lighting , crafts and painted or up-cycled furniture , too .
But at then of September , 2019 it rained so hard that water poured in through her landlord 's roof and threatened to ruin everything she had been building up for the past five years .
Building work dragged on for so long it was three months before she could move in again .
After reopening just before Christmas , Gabrielle decided to stay closed at the beginning of the New Year until the final week of the traditionally quiet month of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 23 was just weeks away - and that was the final straw .
`` I did n't have long left on the lease so I decided not to wait for the next flood but to try looking for somewhere else , '' says Gabrielle who sold off her remaining stock on August 29 .
She then heard that Maurice Robinson Sports - a fixture on York Road for seven decades and a supplier of rackets over the years to future Wimbledon champion Ann Jones and men 's top 30 star Dan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size .
Gabrielle then decided to take on the shop at No 6 while owner Wendy contracts into No 4 following the death of her former England badminton star mother Cicely Robinson who also played county level tennis .
Gabrielle said : `` I looked at York Road which has lots of independent businesses and thought I would fit in there very well and get more trade . ''
Never mind the bollards here come the chalk paints Workmen are currently preparing Gabrielle 's new unit at No 6 so that it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decorating comes as standard .
A `` crafter and picture framer '' by trade , Gabrielle is now hoping to open in the second week of November - but was aghast when she saw access-restricting bollards appearing in the street on Friday , October 16 .
`` i did n't know about the closure of the road when I agreed to take on the place , '' she said .
`` Once they went up last Friday , Monday was like a ghost town .
`` I did n't expect to see York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what had always appeared to be a thriving street .
`` I can understand the council wanting to pedestrianise the road , but why not just do it in the evenings and on Sundays ?
`` I sell Annie Sloan chalk paints which are delivered by an articulated lorry - I do n't know they are going to get round to me .
`` I also need to be able to get furniture in and out of my shop , too .
`` This scheme seems to be taking trade away from small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a go of it in hard times .
`` All of these measures were just brought out so quickly with no consultation beforehand .
`` But I 'm not giving up .
I hope my loyal customers will still come to find me - and new ones , too . ''
Cllr Mike Leddy and Cllr Lisa Trickett ( Lab , Brandwood and Kings Heath ) have both been meeting local traders in recent weeks .
A former Lord Mayor , Cllr Leddy told BirminghamLive : `` I want Kings Heath to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independents .
`` I am not here to close businesses .
Quite the contrary .
`` Kings Heath BID could be doing a lot more to publicise all of the existing eight car parks in the area - none of those have been closed .
`` The council ca n't do that because most of the car parks are privately owned and some are huge .
`` The BID has been failing , in my opinion , to encourage people to use these facilities .
`` Having good independents will increase footfall from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Busy Bears Nursery on the corner of Highbury Road and Vicarage Road , nursery manager Tom Bevington has noticed higher levels of traffic during the rush hour periods .
Tom said : `` It 's been a bit of a nightmare - the council has blocked roads off rather than making them one way off Vicarage Road .
`` There has been traffic all the way down Vicarage Road during rush hour .
`` It all just suddenly happened overnight without any warning - we have 48 children here and we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing so people have to find other places to park .
`` Once rush hour has gone , Vicarage Road is clear again . ''
Vicarage Road resident Tom Kightley has two young children and told BirminghamLive : `` It feels to me that , whilst obviously beneficial to the people living within the LTN , the problem is now being pushed out onto already heavily polluted roads like Vicarage Road .
`` I also fear that once fully-implemented , the road will become a car park outside our house with vehicles emitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my young children and making it a generally unpleasant place to live .
`` I imagine that most people will be delighted because of the positive impact it will have on their own road , but they won ’ t be giving a second thought to the negative impact on the residents of Vicarage Road , Avenue Road , Valentine Road , etc . ''
Fellow Kings Heath resident Jas Kaur said : `` I live on a road which is seeing increased traffic and so increase in pollution and congestion .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without sufficient input from all members of the community is a waste of money .
`` Involving everyone in how the situation can be improved and spending time on thorough research and community input before introducing measures is more likely to be accepted - there will be no solution that pleases everyone but it should satisfy the majority , rather than benefiting some and disadvantaging many . ''

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If it's not a flood, then it must be Covid - and if it's not the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing laws then it must be the new traffic measures being implemented in Kings Heath
Welcome to a rollercoaster year in the life of city shop owner Gabrielle Hardicker.
As the owner of A Painted Room it's her mission in life to calmly help people to redecorate their homes and furniture with a winning mixture of style and good taste.
But for the past year it feels like her small business has been splattered with unforeseen challenges.
Having decided to leave Moseley following a flood at her previous site, she's about to move into her new Kings Heath address.
But with bollards having just landed outside of her door as part of the area's new Low Traffic Neighbourhood initiative she could be forgiven for thinking: 'Oh, no!'.
The scheme currently being rolled out uses planters to limit access to and from many side roads in the area to stop 'rat running' drivers from cutting through.
The theory is that people will make fewer journeys and reduce pollution to improve quality of life for all - and once they get used to enjoying the freedom to walk about will actually shop more and spend more time with local hospitality businesses.
Opponents say lack of vehicular access will turn the shopping area into a 'ghost town' and that delivery drivers won't be able to get through.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / Birmingham Live)
The flood
Until last summer, Gabrielle had a thriving Moseley business called A Painted Room.
In her retail and basement outlet next door to the Cafephilia coffee shop on Alcester Road, she ran workshops and sold everything from paints to lighting, crafts and painted or up-cycled furniture, too.
But at then of September, 2019 it rained so hard that water poured in through her landlord's roof and threatened to ruin everything she had been building up for the past five years.
Building work dragged on for so long it was three months before she could move in again.
After reopening just before Christmas, Gabrielle decided to stay closed at the beginning of the New Year until the final week of the traditionally quiet month of January.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / Birmingham Live)
Sadly, the pandemic lockdown on March 23 was just weeks away - and that was the final straw.
"I didn't have long left on the lease so I decided not to wait for the next flood but to try looking for somewhere else," says Gabrielle who sold off her remaining stock on August 29.
She then heard that Maurice Robinson Sports - a fixture on York Road for seven decades and a supplier of rackets over the years to future Wimbledon champion Ann Jones and men's top 30 star Dan Evans - was preparing to halve in size.
Gabrielle then decided to take on the shop at No 6 while owner Wendy contracts into No 4 following the death of her former England badminton star mother Cicely Robinson who also played county level tennis.
Gabrielle said: "I looked at York Road which has lots of independent businesses and thought I would fit in there very well and get more trade."
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / Birmingham Live)
Never mind the bollards here come the chalk paints
Workmen are currently preparing Gabrielle's new unit at No 6 so that it will look like a shop where top class decorating comes as standard.
A "crafter and picture framer" by trade, Gabrielle is now hoping to open in the second week of November - but was aghast when she saw access-restricting bollards appearing in the street on Friday, October 16.
"i didn't know about the closure of the road when I agreed to take on the place," she said.
"Once they went up last Friday, Monday was like a ghost town.
"I didn't expect to see York Road like that with nobody around in what had always appeared to be a thriving street.
"I can understand the council wanting to pedestrianise the road, but why not just do it in the evenings and on Sundays?
"I sell Annie Sloan chalk paints which are delivered by an articulated lorry - I don't know they are going to get round to me.
"I also need to be able to get furniture in and out of my shop, too.
"This scheme seems to be taking trade away from small businesses when we are trying to make a go of it in hard times.
"All of these measures were just brought out so quickly with no consultation beforehand.
"But I'm not giving up. I hope my loyal customers will still come to find me - and new ones, too."
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
Councillor's opinion
Cllr Mike Leddy and Cllr Lisa Trickett (Lab, Brandwood and Kings Heath) have both been meeting local traders in recent weeks.
A former Lord Mayor, Cllr Leddy told BirminghamLive: "I want Kings Heath to be a destination area for shoppers with thriving independents.
"I am not here to close businesses. Quite the contrary.
"Kings Heath BID could be doing a lot more to publicise all of the existing eight car parks in the area - none of those have been closed.
"The council can't do that because most of the car parks are privately owned and some are huge.
"The BID has been failing, in my opinion, to encourage people to use these facilities.
"Having good independents will increase footfall from a wider area."
Other views
Over at the Busy Bears Nursery on the corner of Highbury Road and Vicarage Road, nursery manager Tom Bevington has noticed higher levels of traffic during the rush hour periods.
Tom said: "It's been a bit of a nightmare - the council has blocked roads off rather than making them one way off Vicarage Road.
"There has been traffic all the way down Vicarage Road during rush hour.
"It all just suddenly happened overnight without any warning - we have 48 children here and we have stopped parking on our drive for social distancing so people have to find other places to park.
"Once rush hour has gone, Vicarage Road is clear again."
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
Vicarage Road resident Tom Kightley has two young children and told BirminghamLive: "It feels to me that, whilst obviously beneficial to the people living within the LTN, the problem is now being pushed out onto already heavily polluted roads like Vicarage Road.
"I also fear that once fully-implemented, the road will become a car park outside our house with vehicles emitting fumes whilst idling, causing harm to my young children and making it a generally unpleasant place to live.
"I imagine that most people will be delighted because of the positive impact it will have on their own road, but they won’t be giving a second thought to the negative impact on the residents of Vicarage Road, Avenue Road, Valentine Road, etc."
Fellow Kings Heath resident Jas Kaur said: "I live on a road which is seeing increased traffic and so increase in pollution and congestion.
"Spending money on poorly thought out measures without sufficient input from all members of the community is a waste of money.
"Involving everyone in how the situation can be improved and spending time on thorough research and community input before introducing measures is more likely to be accepted - there will be no solution that pleases everyone but it should satisfy the majority, rather than benefiting some and disadvantaging many."