birminghammail--2020-05-27--How to watch SpaceX rocket carrying astronauts fly over UK tonight

Two astronauts are lifting off into space tonight in a test flight that will make history .
It will be the first US space mission in almost a decade and the first involving a private company , billionaire Elon Musk 's SpaceX .
SpaceX and NASA have joined forces for the launch from Florida that will take veteran astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on a trip to the International Space Station ( ISS ) .
NASA had sent up its last shuttle , Atlantis , in 2011 when a crew of four went to the space station .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight is beginning with the launch of the first commercially-built and operated American rocket and spacecraft carrying astronauts to ISS .
The mission , called Demo-2 , will launch Behnken and Hurley into orbit on a Crew Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket .
NASA has in the past owned and operated its own space vehicles .
This time SpaceX is providing the rocket and capsule .
What time is the launch and how can I watch it ?
NASA and SpaceX are targeting a launch time of 4.33pm Eastern Daylight Time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local time at NASA 's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral , Florida .
The mission is scheduled to dock to the space station at 11.39am EDT am on Thursday , May 28 .
In the UK , those times convert to 9.33pm British Summer Time for the launch and 4.30pm on Thursday for arrival at the ISS .
We should be able to see the rocket going through the skies over the UK approximately 15-20 minutes after lift-off , which would mean around 9.45pm to 9.50pm .
MeteorWatch says : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a westerly direction and will head east .
It may be visible lower in the southern part of the sky as it flies past for around 3 to 4 minutes .
`` As the spacecraft passes over the UK we may see just the one or a collection of objects looking like bright stars moving across the sky .
# '' The sky will be fairly light for some especially for observers in places in the north such as Scotland .
The craft should be bright enough to follow once you catch a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NASA and SpaceX will provide live coverage of the event .
You can watch it on the SpaceX website here and on NASA website here .
What happens after this flight ?
NASA says this will usher in a new era of space flights and lay the foundations for taking people further - to the moon and Mars .
In a statement , NASA said : `` This test flight is a pivotal point in NASA ’ s Commercial Crew Program , which is working with the US aerospace industry to launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American soil to the space station for the first time since 2011 .
`` The goal of the Commercial Crew Program is to provide safe , reliable , and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station .
`` This could allow for additional research time and increase the opportunity for discovery aboard humanity 's testbed for exploration , including preparation for human exploration of the Moon and Mars . ''
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine added : `` We 're starting a new era in space ; it 's an era when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people than ever before .
`` We envision a future where low-Earth orbit is entirely commercialised , where NASA is one customer among many customers , and where we have many providers competing on cost , on innovation and safety . ''
SpaceX and NASA officials say crew safety is the top priority for the nation 's first astronaut launch to orbit in nearly a decade .
SpaceX would become the first private company to put astronauts in orbit , something achieved by just three countries , Russia , the US and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Mike Pence are expected at Kennedy for the planned lift-off , but `` our highest priority '' will remain the astronauts ' safety , according to NASA 's Jim Bridenstine .
Mr Bridenstine said he texted the two astronauts on Monday and told them , `` 'If you want me to stop this thing for any reason , say so .
`` I will stop it in a heartbeat if you want me to ' .
`` They both came back and they said , 'We 're go for launch ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , said on Monday evening that he and other company workers have imagined themselves in the astronauts ' shoes on launch day - `` or their helmets '' .
`` That changes the equation pretty dramatically , '' he said .
SpaceX has been launching cargo capsules to the space station since 2012 .
`` It 's a huge step , obviously , going from cargo ... to launching two people that are dads as we call them and have families , kids , wives , '' Mr Koenigsmann added .
NASA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but in the end , it will be SpaceX giving the final go , with NASA 's agreement .
`` SpaceX is controlling the vehicle , there 's no fluff about that , '' Norm Knight , a NASA flight operations manager , said on Monday .
SpaceX needs relatively calm waves and wind up the US and Canadian seaboard and across the North Atlantic to Ireland , in case Hurley and Behnken need to make an emergency splashdown .
If SpaceX does not launch during Wednesday 's split-second window , the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to transport astronauts to the space station , after commercial cargo shipments had taken off .
But the development of SpaceX 's Dragon and Boeing 's Starliner capsules took longer than expected .

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Two astronauts are lifting off into space tonight in a test flight that will make history.
It will be the first US space mission in almost a decade and the first involving a private company, billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX.
SpaceX and NASA have joined forces for the launch from Florida that will take veteran astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on a trip to the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA had sent up its last shuttle, Atlantis, in 2011 when a crew of four piloted by Hurley went to the space station.
But now a new era of human space flight is beginning with the launch of the first commercially-built and operated American rocket and spacecraft carrying astronauts to ISS.
The mission, called Demo-2, will launch Behnken and Hurley into orbit on a Crew Dragon space capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
NASA has in the past owned and operated its own space vehicles. This time SpaceX is providing the rocket and capsule.
(Image: PA)
What time is the launch and how can I watch it?
NASA and SpaceX are targeting a launch time of 4.33pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) - that's the local time at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The mission is scheduled to dock to the space station at 11.39am EDT am on Thursday, May 28.
In the UK, those times convert to 9.33pm British Summer Time for the launch and 4.30pm on Thursday for arrival at the ISS.
We should be able to see the rocket going through the skies over the UK approximately 15-20 minutes after lift-off, which would mean around 9.45pm to 9.50pm tonight.
(Image: AP)
MeteorWatch says: "The craft will pass over the UK from a westerly direction and will head east. It may be visible lower in the southern part of the sky as it flies past for around 3 to 4 minutes.
"As the spacecraft passes over the UK we may see just the one or a collection of objects looking like bright stars moving across the sky. #
"The sky will be fairly light for some especially for observers in places in the north such as Scotland. The craft should be bright enough to follow once you catch a glimpse of it."
In addition, NASA and SpaceX will provide live coverage of the event.
You can watch it on the SpaceX website here and on NASA website here.
(Image: AP)
What happens after this flight?
NASA says this will usher in a new era of space flights and lay the foundations for taking people further - to the moon and Mars.
In a statement, NASA said: "This test flight is a pivotal point in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which is working with the US aerospace industry to launch astronauts on American rockets and spacecraft from American soil to the space station for the first time since 2011.
"The goal of the Commercial Crew Program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station.
"This could allow for additional research time and increase the opportunity for discovery aboard humanity's testbed for exploration, including preparation for human exploration of the Moon and Mars."
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine added: "We're starting a new era in space; it's an era when space is going to be available to more people than ever before.
"We envision a future where low-Earth orbit is entirely commercialised, where NASA is one customer among many customers, and where we have many providers competing on cost, on innovation and safety."
(Image: AP)
SpaceX and NASA officials say crew safety is the top priority for the nation's first astronaut launch to orbit in nearly a decade.
SpaceX would become the first private company to put astronauts in orbit, something achieved by just three countries, Russia, the US and China.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are expected at Kennedy for the planned lift-off, but "our highest priority" will remain the astronauts' safety, according to NASA's Jim Bridenstine.
Mr Bridenstine said he texted the two astronauts on Monday and told them, "'If you want me to stop this thing for any reason, say so.
"I will stop it in a heartbeat if you want me to'.
"They both came back and they said, 'We're go for launch'."
Hans Koenigsmann, a SpaceX vice president, said on Monday evening that he and other company workers have imagined themselves in the astronauts' shoes on launch day - "or their helmets".
"That changes the equation pretty dramatically," he said.
SpaceX has been launching cargo capsules to the space station since 2012.
"It's a huge step, obviously, going from cargo ... to launching two people that are dads as we call them and have families, kids, wives," Mr Koenigsmann added.
NASA will have input throughout the countdown, but in the end, it will be SpaceX giving the final go, with NASA's agreement.
"SpaceX is controlling the vehicle, there's no fluff about that," Norm Knight, a NASA flight operations manager, said on Monday.
SpaceX needs relatively calm waves and wind up the US and Canadian seaboard and across the North Atlantic to Ireland, in case Hurley and Behnken need to make an emergency splashdown.
If SpaceX does not launch during Wednesday's split-second window, the next try would be Saturday.
NASA had hired SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to transport astronauts to the space station, after commercial cargo shipments had taken off. But the development of SpaceX's Dragon and Boeing's Starliner capsules took longer than expected.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Teen got pal to hit him in face with frying pan to cover up car crash

A teenager got a pal to hit him in the face with a frying pan in a bid to convince police that his car was stolen after he crashed it , a court heard .
Alex Hobbs , 19 , flipped his Ford Fiesta on a road in the early hours of the morning after crashing into a lampost .
He then fled the scene leaving his car upside down in the road .
Hobbs , from Peterborough , Cambs , was identified as the registered keeper and officers visited his home but no one was in .
Later that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been assaulted and had had his car stolen that same morning .
Police officers visited him to take a statement regarding the alleged robbery , but noted that he kept losing concentration .
Hobbs then called his car insurance company and reiterated the claims his car had been stolen .
Officers visited him again later the same day , but on this occasion Hobbs admitted driving his car at the time of the crash , and confirmed the robbery claim was in fact false .
He told the officer that he got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a pan to cause injury and make his robbery story more believable .
However , he also claimed he had stayed at the scene and called police before officers returned him home .
Further enquiries were carried out and Hobbs , who has no previous convictions , was sent a postal requisition charging him with perverting the course of justice and fraud by false representation .
He pleaded guilty to fraud and an alternative charge of wasting police time at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday , May 21 .
DC Paddy Reeve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hobbs ’ desire to run away from the scene of an accident meant an innocent person could have been arrested for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time .
“ It ’ s merely fortunate that did not happen .
“ Getting his friend to deliberately hit him in the face with a pan to cause injuries shows the extent to which Hobbs was willing to go with his lies .
“ It ’ s obvious that Hobbs made the false statements to the police and his insurance company to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is never any excuse for this behaviour and for wasting police time in such a way .
I ’ m glad justice caught up with him.
” Hobbs was sentenced to a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work .
He was also disqualified from driving for six months .

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A teenager got a pal to hit him in the face with a frying pan in a bid to convince police that his car was stolen after he crashed it, a court heard.
Alex Hobbs, 19, flipped his Ford Fiesta on a road in the early hours of the morning after crashing into a lampost.
He then fled the scene leaving his car upside down in the road.
Hobbs, from Peterborough, Cambs, was identified as the registered keeper and officers visited his home but no one was in.
Later that day Hobbs called police claiming he had been assaulted and had had his car stolen that same morning.
(Image: SWNS.com)
Police officers visited him to take a statement regarding the alleged robbery, but noted that he kept losing concentration.
Hobbs then called his car insurance company and reiterated the claims his car had been stolen.
Officers visited him again later the same day, but on this occasion Hobbs admitted driving his car at the time of the crash, and confirmed the robbery claim was in fact false.
He told the officer that he got a friend to hit him in the face with a pan to cause injury and make his robbery story more believable.
However, he also claimed he had stayed at the scene and called police before officers returned him home.
Further enquiries were carried out and Hobbs, who has no previous convictions, was sent a postal requisition charging him with perverting the course of justice and fraud by false representation.
He pleaded guilty to fraud and an alternative charge of wasting police time at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, May 21.
DC Paddy Reeve, who investigated, said: “Hobbs’ desire to run away from the scene of an accident meant an innocent person could have been arrested for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“It’s merely fortunate that did not happen.
(Image: SWNS.com)
“Getting his friend to deliberately hit him in the face with a pan to cause injuries shows the extent to which Hobbs was willing to go with his lies.
“It’s obvious that Hobbs made the false statements to the police and his insurance company to secure a successful insurance claim.
“There is never any excuse for this behaviour and for wasting police time in such a way. I’m glad justice caught up with him.”
(Image: SWNS.com)
Hobbs was sentenced to a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work.
He was also disqualified from driving for six months.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Newborn kittens 'lucky to be alive' after being dumped in bin

Five tiny kittens have been saved after being dumped 'like rubbish ' in a locked bin near a city park .
A shocked member of the public made the discovery as she walked to Arden Hall Park in Castle Bromwich with her children , on Tuesday , May 26 .
The newborn felines - who 'barely looked old enough to leave their mother ' - were found in the bottom of a public litter bin on Parkfield Drive .
Footage shows the abandoned kittens writhing around in the bin amongst rubbish .
They were eventually removed from the bin and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Byrne , who found the kittens , wrote on Facebook : `` Whoever dumped these kittens in the bin at Parkfield should be ashamed !
I do n't like animals myself but if you did n't want them all you had to do is share on social media - I am sure someone would have taken them off your hands .
`` They were so tiny .
They were n't even ready to leave their mom .
`` It 's got to be someone close - it 's not even like they put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have put them in the bin one by one .
`` These bins are locked so it was so hard to get them out !
Disgusting people out there .
Vile .
`` Me and a pal took them to vets in Solihull .
We called the RSPCA and they told us where to take them .
They said they 'd be taken care of until they were ready to be rehomed .
`` I ca n't believe how anyone could do anything like this .
Someone has got to have seen what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , outside maisonettes and next to a bus stop .
`` The kittens were screaming their heads off until we let them on the grass and the kids was playing with them . ''
The group were praised for rescuing the felines .
One woman wrote : `` Good job you were walking by and found them .
In this heat , in a metal bin ... it would have been a tortuous way for them to die . ''

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Five tiny kittens have been saved after being dumped 'like rubbish' in a locked bin near a city park.
A shocked member of the public made the discovery as she walked to Arden Hall Park in Castle Bromwich with her children, on Tuesday, May 26.
The newborn felines - who 'barely looked old enough to leave their mother' - were found in the bottom of a public litter bin on Parkfield Drive.
Footage shows the abandoned kittens writhing around in the bin amongst rubbish.
They were eventually removed from the bin and taken to a Solihull vets.
Louise Byrne, who found the kittens, wrote on Facebook: "Whoever dumped these kittens in the bin at Parkfield should be ashamed! I don't like animals myself but if you didn't want them all you had to do is share on social media - I am sure someone would have taken them off your hands.
"They were so tiny. They weren't even ready to leave their mom.
"It's got to be someone close - it's not even like they put them in a box, they must have put them in the bin one by one.
"These bins are locked so it was so hard to get them out! Disgusting people out there. Vile.
"Me and a pal took them to vets in Solihull. We called the RSPCA and they told us where to take them. They said they'd be taken care of until they were ready to be rehomed.
"I can't believe how anyone could do anything like this. Someone has got to have seen what happened as it's by a road, outside maisonettes and next to a bus stop.
"The kittens were screaming their heads off until we let them on the grass and the kids was playing with them."
The group were praised for rescuing the felines.
One woman wrote: "Good job you were walking by and found them. In this heat, in a metal bin... it would have been a tortuous way for them to die."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Pictures show devastating aftermath of fire that ripped through Cannock Chase

This is the devastating aftermath of a massive blaze that ripped through part of a Midland beauty spot .
Scorched earth , charred trees and devastation is all that remains after the flames burnt through the greenery on Cannock Chase at around 6.30pm on Friday , May 27 .
Around 70 firefighters battled the blaze for a number of hours , a spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed .
The area had to be closed off and residents were asked to keep windows shut due to the large plumes of smoke .
Cannock Chase has been affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with crews being called to more than 20 deliberate incidents .
In a separate incident also on Friday , Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said a camp fire off Stafford Brook Road in Rugeley caused `` devastating damage '' .
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said : `` Friday 's incident on Cannock Chase is a timely reminder of how quickly a fire can take hold in the current weather conditions .
With the risk of fire remaining high or very high for the next week please be extra careful around the county 's wild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 50 call outs to secondary fires over the most recent Bank Holiday week .
In total , more than 360 firefighters were called out to similar fires over the weekend at locations including back gardens , scrubland and woodland .
Most of these started as a result of people not disposing of rubbish safely or having barbecues in unsafe areas .
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said : `` Our crews work tirelessly to ensure that our communities are kept safe and that our rural areas are protected from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent Bank Holiday weekend saw our firefighters tackle some challenging incidents – some of which were not helped by people failing to dispose of their waste responsibly .
`` Fire can spread very quickly and we have seen recent examples where fires have been started and spread – causing harm to local wildlife , habitats and also damaging homes and buildings – injuring people as a direct result of burning waste and rubbish . ''

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This is the devastating aftermath of a massive blaze that ripped through part of a Midland beauty spot.
Scorched earth, charred trees and devastation is all that remains after the flames burnt through the greenery on Cannock Chase at around 6.30pm on Friday, May 22.
Around 70 firefighters battled the blaze for a number of hours, a spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed.
The area had to be closed off and residents were asked to keep windows shut due to the large plumes of smoke.
Cannock Chase has been affected by several fires during the coronavirus lockdown, with crews being called to more than 20 deliberate incidents.
In a separate incident also on Friday, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said a camp fire off Stafford Brook Road in Rugeley caused "devastating damage".
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said: "Friday's incident on Cannock Chase is a timely reminder of how quickly a fire can take hold in the current weather conditions. With the risk of fire remaining high or very high for the next week please be extra careful around the county's wild places.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue received more than 50 call outs to secondary fires over the most recent Bank Holiday week.
In total, more than 360 firefighters were called out to similar fires over the weekend at locations including back gardens, scrubland and woodland. Most of these started as a result of people not disposing of rubbish safely or having barbecues in unsafe areas.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said: "Our crews work tirelessly to ensure that our communities are kept safe and that our rural areas are protected from the devastation caused by fire.
"This most recent Bank Holiday weekend saw our firefighters tackle some challenging incidents – some of which were not helped by people failing to dispose of their waste responsibly.
"Fire can spread very quickly and we have seen recent examples where fires have been started and spread – causing harm to local wildlife, habitats and also damaging homes and buildings – injuring people as a direct result of burning waste and rubbish."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Kids being 'experimented on' at school claims Brum mum

Children are being `` experimented on '' as part of the Government 's plan to bring more pupils back to school from June 1 , a mum and councillor has claimed .
Cllr Kath Scott ( Lab ) , who chairs Birmingham City Council 's education and children 's social care overview and scrutiny committee , said she would n't send her own children back to school next week .
Cllr Scott , who represents the Sutton Vesey ward , spoke at a public meeting last night ( May 26 ) for teachers and parents in the city to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the meeting , Cllr Scott also said council leader Cllr Ian Ward has said parents who keep their children home from June 1 will not be fined , even if the Government brings back truancy fines which are currently not in force .
The online meeting titled “ No Back To School Until It ’ s Safe ” was hosted by Save Our Schools West Midlands , Birmingham Socialist Educational Association and the West Mids Coronavirus Action Group .
The Government has said primary schools are intended to bring in reception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Monday , after the majority have been at home since March 20 .
Up to a quarter of Year 10 and Year 12 are intended to be allowed `` some contact '' to help prepare for exams from June 15 , two weeks later .
The majority who spoke at the Zoom meeting last night did not feel comfortable sending children back to school next week .
References were made to the Independent SAGE group ’ s view that it is not safe to open schools on June 1 , or until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy is in place .
Cllr Scott , who had spoken to Cllr Ward prior to the meeting , said : “ I want to reassure parents that if you don ’ t want to let your children go back to school you will not be fined .
“ If the Government lifted the non-fining issue , the council would continue not fining parents even if the Government said they had to go back .
“ This is an experiment [ by the Government ] to see if it works or not .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
“ I am not sending my kids back , so that tells you everything.
” A number of parents at the meeting criticised the council for not being more specific about what it means by supporting the reopening of schools “ when it is safe to do so ” .
They called on the council to reject the June 1 start date as other councils have done , and said the decision should not be left up to individual schools .
Cllr Kerry Jenkins ( Lab ) , who is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and represents the Moseley ward , said : “ I have been lobbying for the council to take a much firmer position on this and join other local authorities and say ‘ we don ’ t think it ’ s safe yet ’ .
“ Birmingham has called on the Government to publish the scientific evidence that led it to make the decision - and obviously they haven ’ t published that , because as we know , there isn ’ t the evidence .
“ Schools shouldn ’ t be pressured to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , president of the Birmingham branch of the National Education Union ( NEU ) , said : “ I can not emphasise strongly enough that a reopening of schools on June 1 is naive , reckless , risky and it ’ s dangerous .
“ I ’ m a parent myself and will not be sending my children back .
“ Our children are not guinea pigs but that ’ s exactly how they are being used.
” A survey carried out by Childcare.co.uk showed 81.3 per cent of respondents would not send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Children are being "experimented on" as part of the Government's plan to bring more pupils back to school from June 1, a mum and councillor has claimed.
Cllr Kath Scott (Lab), who chairs Birmingham City Council's education and children's social care overview and scrutiny committee, said she wouldn't send her own children back to school next week.
Cllr Scott, who represents the Sutton Vesey ward, spoke at a public meeting last night (May 26) for teachers and parents in the city to discuss their concerns about the Government's plan.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
At the meeting, Cllr Scott also said council leader Cllr Ian Ward has said parents who keep their children home from June 1 will not be fined, even if the Government brings back truancy fines which are currently not in force.
The online meeting titled “No Back To School Until It’s Safe” was hosted by Save Our Schools West Midlands, Birmingham Socialist Educational Association and the West Mids Coronavirus Action Group.
The Government has said primary schools are intended to bring in reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils from Monday, after the majority have been at home since March 20.
Up to a quarter of Year 10 and Year 12 are intended to be allowed "some contact" to help prepare for exams from June 15, two weeks later.
The majority who spoke at the Zoom meeting last night did not feel comfortable sending children back to school next week.
References were made to the Independent SAGE group’s view that it is not safe to open schools on June 1, or until a local test, track and isolate strategy is in place.
(Image: Birmingham City Council)
Cllr Scott, who had spoken to Cllr Ward prior to the meeting, said: “I want to reassure parents that if you don’t want to let your children go back to school you will not be fined.
“If the Government lifted the non-fining issue, the council would continue not fining parents even if the Government said they had to go back.
“This is an experiment [by the Government] to see if it works or not. I believe they are experimenting on the children.
“I am not sending my kids back, so that tells you everything.”
A number of parents at the meeting criticised the council for not being more specific about what it means by supporting the reopening of schools “when it is safe to do so”.
They called on the council to reject the June 1 start date as other councils have done, and said the decision should not be left up to individual schools.
(Image: Birmingham City Council)
Cllr Kerry Jenkins (Lab), who is a cabinet adviser on young people and skills and represents the Moseley ward, said: “I have been lobbying for the council to take a much firmer position on this and join other local authorities and say ‘we don’t think it’s safe yet’.
“Birmingham has called on the Government to publish the scientific evidence that led it to make the decision - and obviously they haven’t published that, because as we know, there isn’t the evidence.
“Schools shouldn’t be pressured to open for these children.
“School should remain shut until September.”
Lucy Philpott, president of the Birmingham branch of the National Education Union (NEU), said: “I cannot emphasise strongly enough that a reopening of schools on June 1 is naive, reckless, risky and it’s dangerous.
“I’m a parent myself and will not be sending my children back.
“Our children are not guinea pigs but that’s exactly how they are being used.”
A survey carried out by Childcare.co.uk showed 81.3 per cent of respondents would not send their children to school on June 1.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Tamworth's MP on Dominc Cummings: “Most of us will understand”

Tamworth 's MP Christoper Pincher says not everyone will agree with the actions of Dominic Cummings but “ most will understand ” why he wanted to help his family .
The chief advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson travelled from London to his parents ’ home in Durham with his family during the coronavirus lockdown .
He denies any wrongdoing , saying he acted “ reasonably and legally ” .
Mr Pincher said : “ Over the last few weeks I have had an unprecedented amount of correspondence from individuals , families and businesses struggling with the consequences of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person concerned about their job , a family coping with the challenges of lockdown , a vulnerable person concerned about shielding , a sick person getting shopping or worrying about their children , every story is individual and I am always amazed and gratified by the spirit of people , especially Tamworth people , in getting through this .
“ I know that people are concerned about the news reports they have seen or read about the Government adviser Dominic Cummings .
I decided not to make any comment until I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had heard from Mr Cummings himself - I did not want to jump to conclusions .
“ I also wanted to make sure that I was able to discuss the matter myself with Government officials and pass on local people ’ s views .
Fundamentally I am glad that Mr Cummings has now made a full and clear explanation of his movements during the lockdown period and I listened to and then read very closely what he said .
“ Not everyone will agree with him - and there are quite a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not like him - but I think most of us will understand why he wanted to do his best for his wife and his little boy as they apparently came down with coronavirus .
What also strikes me as concerning is the level of very personal abuse that is being levelled at one individual .
“ Whether one agrees with him or not it seems to me the demonstrations in front of his home in London where his family live , or the media now constantly ringing the doorbell of his elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and probably rather frightening .
“ We must rise above this level and re-focus on what is most important - tackling this virus , keeping as many people as we possibly can safe whilst getting our country back to work and families back to normal as safely as we can .
“ Mr Cummings has explained himself .
He did not go to Durham for a holiday or for pleasure , he went there to try to isolate himself and his family safely as they began to suffer the symptoms of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I hope we all agree that we must not allow the Government to become distracted by this circus ; we need to get on and fight Coronavirus and beat it .
“ I am going to focus on my job : dealing with concerns as a local MP and as Housing Minister working to get the building industry , which employs 2.3million people and upon which so many local livelihoods depend , moving again.
” Meanwhile North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey said : “ Taking the politics out of it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position as an MP and what I would have advised if a constituent presented me with those same circumstances as we currently understand them to be .
“ Whilst not identical there have been several similar cases where I have been asked for this type of guidance over the last few months so , with that in mind , looking at it purely at face value , then , as a very last resort , with no other care available more locally , I believe it would be within the guidelines to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the child would be foremost in my concern .
However , in this specific case , there are wider questions that I feel have yet to be answered such as whether a return trip was made and whether there was a visit made to other areas , which , if found to be correct , completely change the complexion of things as they would indicate a a clear break of the guidelines , which pretty much every one of us has worked so hard to maintain .
“ On a purely personal note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , so can ’ t say whether or not his persona is as he is portrayed in the media , but I can ’ t help but think that had he shown a little humility in his response to date , then there may have been more sympathy at the predicament he and his wife found themselves in .
“ I will be pulling together all of the correspondence that I receive on this matter , both in support and against , and making sure that these views are made clear to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email me your thoughts at the usual address - craig.tracey.mp @ parliament.uk .
”

Tamworth's MP Christoper Pincher says not everyone will agree with the actions of Dominic Cummings but “most will understand” why he wanted to help his family.
The chief advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson travelled from London to his parents’ home in Durham with his family during the coronavirus lockdown. He denies any wrongdoing, saying he acted “reasonably and legally”.
Mr Pincher said: “Over the last few weeks I have had an unprecedented amount of correspondence from individuals, families and businesses struggling with the consequences of the coronavirus epidemic.
"Whether it is a person concerned about their job, a family coping with the challenges of lockdown, a vulnerable person concerned about shielding, a sick person getting shopping or worrying about their children, every story is individual and I am always amazed and gratified by the spirit of people, especially Tamworth people, in getting through this.
“I know that people are concerned about the news reports they have seen or read about the Government adviser Dominic Cummings. I decided not to make any comment until I had got all the facts and until I had heard from Mr Cummings himself - I did not want to jump to conclusions.
“I also wanted to make sure that I was able to discuss the matter myself with Government officials and pass on local people’s views. Fundamentally I am glad that Mr Cummings has now made a full and clear explanation of his movements during the lockdown period and I listened to and then read very closely what he said.
“Not everyone will agree with him - and there are quite a few people in the media and beyond who do not like him - but I think most of us will understand why he wanted to do his best for his wife and his little boy as they apparently came down with coronavirus. What also strikes me as concerning is the level of very personal abuse that is being levelled at one individual.
“Whether one agrees with him or not it seems to me the demonstrations in front of his home in London where his family live, or the media now constantly ringing the doorbell of his elderly parents’ home, are really unacceptable, and probably rather frightening.
“We must rise above this level and re-focus on what is most important - tackling this virus, keeping as many people as we possibly can safe whilst getting our country back to work and families back to normal as safely as we can.
“Mr Cummings has explained himself. He did not go to Durham for a holiday or for pleasure, he went there to try to isolate himself and his family safely as they began to suffer the symptoms of coronavirus. Some may still disagree with him, but I hope we all agree that we must not allow the Government to become distracted by this circus; we need to get on and fight Coronavirus and beat it.
“I am going to focus on my job: dealing with concerns as a local MP and as Housing Minister working to get the building industry, which employs 2.3million people and upon which so many local livelihoods depend, moving again.”
Meanwhile North Warwickshire MP Craig Tracey said: “Taking the politics out of it, I have looked at this from the position as an MP and what I would have advised if a constituent presented me with those same circumstances as we currently understand them to be.
“Whilst not identical there have been several similar cases where I have been asked for this type of guidance over the last few months so, with that in mind, looking at it purely at face value, then, as a very last resort, with no other care available more locally, I believe it would be within the guidelines to make that journey.
“The safety of the child would be foremost in my concern. However, in this specific case, there are wider questions that I feel have yet to be answered such as whether a return trip was made and whether there was a visit made to other areas, which, if found to be correct, completely change the complexion of things as they would indicate a a clear break of the guidelines, which pretty much every one of us has worked so hard to maintain.
“On a purely personal note, I haven’t met the man, so can’t say whether or not his persona is as he is portrayed in the media, but I can’t help but think that had he shown a little humility in his response to date, then there may have been more sympathy at the predicament he and his wife found themselves in.
“I will be pulling together all of the correspondence that I receive on this matter, both in support and against, and making sure that these views are made clear to the Government. Please feel free to email me your thoughts at the usual address - craig.tracey.mp@parliament.uk.”


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Police search Birmingham homes after arresting three people in Devon

Properties in Birmingham have been raided after arrests were made in Devon , according to police .
Birmingham homes have been searched by cops following the arrest of three people outside a pub in the south of England .
An investigation was launched by police after the arrests were made in North Devon , in Ilfracombe , on Tuesday , May 26 .
It followed intelligence from an off-duty police officer and led to a `` large quantity of suspected cocaine and cash '' being seized .
A witness who saw the arrests take place said they saw one man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car and handcuffed by two officers , reports DevonLive .
They say as this was happening more officers turned up at the scene in a police van .
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said : `` Police in Ilfracombe made three arrests relating to drugs offences yesterday afternoon , Tuesday 26 May '' Following intelligence from an off-duty police officer , officers seized a large quantity of suspected cocaine and a large amount of cash from a man and a woman in the area of Hillsborough Road .
`` A 22-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a 33-year-old man from Birmingham have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug , cocaine , and are in police custody at this time .
`` Further searches in the Ilfracombe area were carried out with more items relating to drug supply seized .
`` Searches are also being carried out in Birmingham as part of enquiries . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joel Cooper, James Rodger)

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Properties in Birmingham have been raided after arrests were made in Devon, according to police.
Birmingham homes have been searched by cops following the arrest of three people outside a pub in the south of England.
An investigation was launched by police after the arrests were made in North Devon, in Ilfracombe, on Tuesday, May 26.
It followed intelligence from an off-duty police officer and led to a "large quantity of suspected cocaine and cash" being seized.
A witness who saw the arrests take place said they saw one man pinned against the door of a police car and handcuffed by two officers, reports DevonLive.
They say as this was happening more officers turned up at the scene in a police van.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police in Ilfracombe made three arrests relating to drugs offences yesterday afternoon, Tuesday 26 May"Following intelligence from an off-duty police officer, officers seized a large quantity of suspected cocaine and a large amount of cash from a man and a woman in the area of Hillsborough Road.
"A 22-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman from Ilfracombe and a 33-year-old man from Birmingham have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, cocaine, and are in police custody at this time.
"Further searches in the Ilfracombe area were carried out with more items relating to drug supply seized.
"Searches are also being carried out in Birmingham as part of enquiries."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Aston Villa issue key update to supporters ahead of Premier League return

Aston Villa have confirmed that supporters can be reimbursed for the final six Premier League games that were due to be played at Villa Park .
Dean Smith 's men have been roared on by capacity crowds at home this season , their first back in the top-flight following promotion last term .
However , their final run-in is set to be played out in front of empty stadiums , with the coronavirus pandemic affecting how games will take place .
Further talks are planned this week on the resumption of the season , but with social distancing guidelines expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , fans will be forced to watch games on TV .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
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Google Play Store and App Store The club have revealed that supporters who had purchased single-game tickets , as well as season ticket holders will either be able to receive an e-voucher , or make a donation to the Aston Villa foundation .
A statement released on the club 's official site reads : “ Aston Villa can confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining home matches in anticipation of the current Covid-19 pandemic forcing the 2019/20 season to finish behind closed doors .
“ Supporters who have been impacted will either be provided with a refund , an e-voucher which can be used against future purchases or make a donation to the Aston Villa foundation .
“ Season ticket holders will receive a refund or an e-voucher for the six matches while supporters who purchased individual match tickets will also receive a refund .
“ Email communications will be sent out to supporters , including Claret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a set of accompanying FAQs .
Supporters are kindly asked to ensured that the email address on their account is up-to-date and accessible .
This can be checked by logging in to the online account .
“ Hospitality guests who are members or have purchased individual match packages will also be refunded or provided with an e-voucher .
Hospitality staff will be contacting the latter with further details while communications will also be sent out to members .
“ Please be aware that there are very limited staff available to answer calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised to wait for the email communications and FAQs before contacting the club with any queries .
”

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Aston Villa have confirmed that supporters can be reimbursed for the final six Premier League games that were due to be played at Villa Park.
Dean Smith's men have been roared on by capacity crowds at home this season, their first back in the top-flight following promotion last term.
However, their final run-in is set to be played out in front of empty stadiums, with the coronavirus pandemic affecting how games will take place.
Further talks are planned this week on the resumption of the season, but with social distancing guidelines expected to stay in place for the foreseeable future, fans will be forced to watch games on TV.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
The club have revealed that supporters who had purchased single-game tickets, as well as season ticket holders will either be able to receive an e-voucher, or make a donation to the Aston Villa foundation.
A statement released on the club's official site reads: “Aston Villa can confirm supporters will be reimbursed for our six remaining home matches in anticipation of the current Covid-19 pandemic forcing the 2019/20 season to finish behind closed doors.
“Supporters who have been impacted will either be provided with a refund, an e-voucher which can be used against future purchases or make a donation to the Aston Villa foundation.
“Season ticket holders will receive a refund or an e-voucher for the six matches while supporters who purchased individual match tickets will also receive a refund.
“Email communications will be sent out to supporters, including Claret and Club members, detailing further information and a set of accompanying FAQs. Supporters are kindly asked to ensured that the email address on their account is up-to-date and accessible. This can be checked by logging in to the online account.
“Hospitality guests who are members or have purchased individual match packages will also be refunded or provided with an e-voucher. Hospitality staff will be contacting the latter with further details while communications will also be sent out to members.
“Please be aware that there are very limited staff available to answer calls to the ticket office so supporters are advised to wait for the email communications and FAQs before contacting the club with any queries.”


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Butcher creates two metre sandwich so people can socially distance

A savvy chef has come up with the perfect lunch for people wary of returning to work - a TWO-METRE long sarnie The socially-distanced monster bacon and sausage baguette is the brainchild of Ethan Rodgers and is being sold for £20 .
A butchers , bakery , deli and restaurant in Cirencester , Glos.
, all teamed up to create the sandwich .
Cam Butchers , Halls Bakery , Corn Hall Deli and MBB Brasserie combined after Ethan dreamt up the massive meal - coming up with 'The Back to Work Baguette ' .
The sarnie is meant for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share lunch while still following coronavirus guidelines .
Ethan said : `` This is a fun example of what we are doing here .
`` We have been asked a lot since measures started to ease about sandwiches and take away and we were able to do take away coffees .
`` The hospitality industry will be the last to reopen , with talk of July , so we have had to diversify .
`` We are doing a grocery delivery service for the remote villages , my chef team are making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the restaurant and deli every day . ''

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A savvy chef has come up with the perfect lunch for people wary of returning to work - a TWO-METRE long sarnie
The socially-distanced monster bacon and sausage baguette is the brainchild of Ethan Rodgers and is being sold for £20.
A butchers, bakery, deli and restaurant in Cirencester, Glos., all teamed up to create the sandwich.
Cam Butchers, Halls Bakery, Corn Hall Deli and MBB Brasserie combined after Ethan dreamt up the massive meal - coming up with 'The Back to Work Baguette'.
(Image: Straight PR / SWNS.COM)
The sarnie is meant for two people - ideal for those who want to share lunch while still following coronavirus guidelines.
Ethan said: "This is a fun example of what we are doing here.
"We have been asked a lot since measures started to ease about sandwiches and take away and we were able to do take away coffees.
"The hospitality industry will be the last to reopen, with talk of July, so we have had to diversify.
"We are doing a grocery delivery service for the remote villages, my chef team are making ready meals and pastries that are available from the restaurant and deli every day."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Woman threatened with 'firearm' during attempted cashpoint robbery

Two people have been arrested after a woman was threatened with ‘ a firearm ’ during an attempted cashpoint robbery .
The victim - who was said to be in her 30s - was using the facility on Lozells Road , in Lozells , at around 7pm on Tuesday ( May 26 ) when she was approached by a man and a woman who demanded money .
She was said to have hurried to her grandfather ’ s car parked on Villa Road but was followed by the offenders .
The pair were then said to have banged on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a ‘ firearm.
’ Police were called to the scene and arrested a man and a woman on suspicion of attempted robbery .
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said : “ We are investigating reports of an attempted armed robbery at a cashpoint on Lozells Road , Lozells at 7pm yesterday ( 26 May ) .
“ A woman in her 30s was approached by another woman and a man who demanded money .
“ She then walked to Villa Road and got in her grandfather ’ s car , where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windows threatening her with what was believed to be a firearm , before they drove off .
“ A 54-year-old man and 37-year-old woman were arrested nearby on suspicion of attempted robbery.
” Officers were filmed standing on the pavement where several people were sat on the ground , near to the junction of Hamstead Road .
There were several unmarked police cars and uniformed officers later joined the scene .
Villa Road was not sealed off but pedestrians were told not to come close while the incident was being dealt with .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area at the time , said : “ I saw eight armed officers and they detained two people , one male and one female .
“ There was a lot of heated comments from passers-by .
“ Clearly it must have been a serious incident with the number of armed officers from four police cars.
” Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website .
Please quote crime reference number 20BW/121144W/20 .

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Two people have been arrested after a woman was threatened with ‘a firearm’ during an attempted cashpoint robbery.
The victim - who was said to be in her 30s - was using the facility on Lozells Road, in Lozells, at around 7pm on Tuesday (May 26) when she was approached by a man and a woman who demanded money.
She was said to have hurried to her grandfather’s car parked on Villa Road but was followed by the offenders.
The pair were then said to have banged on the windows with what was believed to have been a ‘firearm.’
Police were called to the scene and arrested a man and a woman on suspicion of attempted robbery.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: “We are investigating reports of an attempted armed robbery at a cashpoint on Lozells Road, Lozells at 7pm yesterday (26 May).
“A woman in her 30s was approached by another woman and a man who demanded money.
“She then walked to Villa Road and got in her grandfather’s car, where the offenders followed her and banged on the windows threatening her with what was believed to be a firearm, before they drove off.
“A 54-year-old man and 37-year-old woman were arrested nearby on suspicion of attempted robbery.”
Officers were filmed standing on the pavement where several people were sat on the ground, near to the junction of Hamstead Road.
There were several unmarked police cars and uniformed officers later joined the scene.
Villa Road was not sealed off but pedestrians were told not to come close while the incident was being dealt with.
Bishop Desmond Jaddoo, who was in the area at the time, said: “I saw eight armed officers and they detained two people, one male and one female.
“There was a lot of heated comments from passers-by.
“Clearly it must have been a serious incident with the number of armed officers from four police cars.”
Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website. Please quote crime reference number 20BW/121144W/20.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--This week's Clap for Carers will be the last as weekly tribute comes to end

The UK 's weekly applause for front-line workers tackling the coronavirus outbreak will end this week .
This Thursday , the weekly Clap For Carers round of applause celebrating all those who care for us , will be the tenth and last in the series .
Clap For Carers UK has become a national activity , with households across the UK getting involved .
For this last clap of the series , founder Annemarie Plas has asked that as many households in the UK as possible get involved , and make this the loudest clap yet .
After this Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clap For Our Carers , fortifying the brand in order to create an annual moment .
On the weekly event , Annemarie says : “ I am amazed at how the UK has adopted Clap For Our Carers and how it has managed to connect communities for one moment , every week .
Whether it is people standing on doorsteps , balconies , in their gardens or hanging out of windows , the round of applause hopefully brought us together when we are all distancing ourselves .
The messages I have had from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible and have made everything worthwhile .
Although this is the last clap in the series , we are hugely excited about how we can build on Clap For Our Carers and the future that the campaign holds.
” The final Clap For Our Carers will happen on Thursday 28 May at 8pm .
The event originally began as a one-off to support NHS staff on 26 March - three days after the UK went into lockdown .
Ms Plas told BBC Radio 2 's Jeremy Vine show : `` Because this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be 10 times - I think that would be beautiful , to be the end of the series . ''
She added : `` So I feel like this had its moment and then we can adapt - let 's continue to something else . ''

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The UK's weekly applause for front-line workers tackling the coronavirus outbreak will end this week.
This Thursday, the weekly Clap For Carers round of applause celebrating all those who care for us, will be the tenth and last in the series.
Clap For Carers UK has become a national activity, with households across the UK getting involved.
For this last clap of the series, founder Annemarie Plas has asked that as many households in the UK as possible get involved, and make this the loudest clap yet.
After this Thursday, Annemarie will be focusing on building Clap For Our Carers, fortifying the brand in order to create an annual moment.
On the weekly event, Annemarie says: “I am amazed at how the UK has adopted Clap For Our Carers and how it has managed to connect communities for one moment, every week. Whether it is people standing on doorsteps, balconies, in their gardens or hanging out of windows, the round of applause hopefully brought us together when we are all distancing ourselves. The messages I have had from those who care for us have been incredible and have made everything worthwhile. Although this is the last clap in the series, we are hugely excited about how we can build on Clap For Our Carers and the future that the campaign holds.”
The final Clap For Our Carers will happen on Thursday 28 May at 8pm.
The event originally began as a one-off to support NHS staff on 26 March - three days after the UK went into lockdown.
Ms Plas told BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show: "Because this is the ninth time - and next week will be 10 times - I think that would be beautiful, to be the end of the series."
She added: "So I feel like this had its moment and then we can adapt - let's continue to something else."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--McDonald's confirms reopening dates for 975 UK branches

McDonald 's has delivered a big announcement on Wednesday as the fast food chain revealed exactly when every UK branch will open .
The fast food giant has remained shut across the country since March 23 , with select branches in the south of England re-opened earlier this month .
The re-opened branches are all situated near the fast food chain 's distribution centres in the south of the country , and are operating on drive-thru and collection basis .
The restaurant chain has revealed when hundreds more stores across the UK will reopen to the public - including many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly relaxed .
In a statement today , McDonald 's said 975 branches , mainly drive-thrus , will reopen between June 2 and June 4 - including hundreds of branches in major cities up north .
This will take the total to 1,019 .
`` We can today announce that by 4 June , 1,020 of our restaurants will have reopened , either for Drive Thru or McDelivery .
This means every Drive Thru in the UK and Ireland will reopen between Tuesday and Thursday next week and we will start to expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement said .
`` This is only possible following the hard work of the teams in our 44 pilot restaurants .
Over the last fortnight , our employees , franchisees and suppliers have worked tirelessly to implement new procedures to enable safe working so that we can now help all parts of the UK and Ireland to enjoy the return of the Big Mac .
`` In the last week , on occasion , we have taken the decision to close Drive Thru lanes where demand has impacted local communities or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will continue to work with local authorities and the police as we extend our reopening plans .
With smaller teams , we will still be offering a limited menu over reduced hours , and we ask that you make contactless payments and limit your spend to £25 . ''
From June 4 , stores will start reopening at 11am in line with government guidelines and with strict social distancing measures in place .
Just one order will be allowed per car and purchases will be capped at £25 .

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McDonald's has delivered a big announcement on Wednesday as the fast food chain revealed exactly when every UK branch will open.
The fast food giant has remained shut across the country since March 23, with select branches in the south of England re-opened earlier this month.
The re-opened branches are all situated near the fast food chain's distribution centres in the south of the country, and are operating on drive-thru and collection basis.
The restaurant chain has revealed when hundreds more stores across the UK will reopen to the public - including many branches up north as coronavirus measures are slowly relaxed.
In a statement today, McDonald's said 975 branches, mainly drive-thrus, will reopen between June 2 and June 4 - including hundreds of branches in major cities up north. This will take the total to 1,019.
"We can today announce that by 4 June, 1,020 of our restaurants will have reopened, either for Drive Thru or McDelivery. This means every Drive Thru in the UK and Ireland will reopen between Tuesday and Thursday next week and we will start to expand the availability of McDelivery too," a statement said.
"This is only possible following the hard work of the teams in our 44 pilot restaurants. Over the last fortnight, our employees, franchisees and suppliers have worked tirelessly to implement new procedures to enable safe working so that we can now help all parts of the UK and Ireland to enjoy the return of the Big Mac.
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"In the last week, on occasion, we have taken the decision to close Drive Thru lanes where demand has impacted local communities or the safety of our people or customers. We will continue to work with local authorities and the police as we extend our reopening plans. With smaller teams, we will still be offering a limited menu over reduced hours, and we ask that you make contactless payments and limit your spend to £25."
From June 4 , stores will start reopening at 11am in line with government guidelines and with strict social distancing measures in place.
Just one order will be allowed per car and purchases will be capped at £25.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Gary Nevile makes Premier League demand affecting Aston Villa

Gary Neville has urged Premier League decision makers to restart by June 19 - claiming players do n't need a lengthy pre-season type period before the season resumes .
It is now more than two months since the last Premier League fixture , with the coronavirus pandemic forcing sports into a lengthy suspension .
Top-flight clubs , including Aston Villa , have returned to training pitches , with Dean Smith 's side resuming sessions at Bodymoor Heath last Monday .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Villa news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store Villa will be keen for the season to resume , they currently find themselves in 19th place in the table , with their most likely chance of Premier League survival coming through fixtures being fulfilled .
Further talks are planned this week between league bosses , with the hope that contact training can return ahead of a possible return next month .
Some teams have voiced concerns over player fitness after such a lengthy break , but Neville has told Sky Sports that the majority should be ready by the middle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks on top of the fitness work they 've been doing at home feels about right .
June 12 feels a touch early but there 's no reason to go beyond June 19 for a restart .
`` I do n't see players ' fitness being a concern - I do n't see them needing four or five weeks .
Even when they 've had six weeks off for pre-season , within 10 days of going back in they 'd be playing games again in pre-season .
He added : `` They would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are uncharted times .
I would n't expect the players to be absolutely perfect .
I feel two to three weeks is about right to get them back playing again .
`` We 're constantly told throughout the season that players are overworked , play too many matches .
What we ca n't have is a situation where the players have had an eight-week break to then say they need six weeks of training to get back to fitness .
That does n't feel right .
”

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Gary Neville has urged Premier League decision makers to restart by June 19 - claiming players don't need a lengthy pre-season type period before the season resumes.
It is now more than two months since the last Premier League fixture, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing sports into a lengthy suspension.
Top-flight clubs, including Aston Villa, have returned to training pitches, with Dean Smith's side resuming sessions at Bodymoor Heath last Monday.
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Villa will be keen for the season to resume, they currently find themselves in 19th place in the table, with their most likely chance of Premier League survival coming through fixtures being fulfilled.
Further talks are planned this week between league bosses, with the hope that contact training can return ahead of a possible return next month.
Some teams have voiced concerns over player fitness after such a lengthy break, but Neville has told Sky Sports that the majority should be ready by the middle of next month.
"Two or three weeks on top of the fitness work they've been doing at home feels about right. June 12 feels a touch early but there's no reason to go beyond June 19 for a restart.
"I don't see players' fitness being a concern - I don't see them needing four or five weeks. Even when they've had six weeks off for pre-season, within 10 days of going back in they'd be playing games again in pre-season.
He added: "They wouldn't be 100 per cent fit but these are uncharted times. I wouldn't expect the players to be absolutely perfect. I feel two to three weeks is about right to get them back playing again.
"We're constantly told throughout the season that players are overworked, play too many matches. What we can't have is a situation where the players have had an eight-week break to then say they need six weeks of training to get back to fitness. That doesn't feel right.”


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Klopp 'personally telephones' Traore over transfer - reports

The Wolves flier , 24 , has enjoyed a superb season at Molineux with six goals and 12 assists in 43 matches representing the best return of his career .
Clubs across the continent are tracking Traore with Manchester United , Manchester City , Tottenham , Barcelona , Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all reported to be interested .
However , according to TodoFichajes , Jurgen Klopp is determined to take Traore to Liverpool .
They claim Klopp ‘ has recommended the incorporation of the player and has personally telephoned ’ Traore .
Traore joined Wolves from Middlesbrough for £18million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a huge transfer profit , though it ’ s understood they aren ’ t looking to sell him .
Traore is one of several of Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s stars who are being linked with moves away from the club .
Speculation persists around the futures of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota , but it ’ s Traore and star striker Raul Jimenez who are attracting the most attention .
TodoFichajes also reports that talks between Liverpool and Wolves over a deal to take Traore to Anfield are 'advanced ' @

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Liverpool are reportedly negotiating a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore.
The Wolves flier, 24, has enjoyed a superb season at Molineux with six goals and 12 assists in 43 matches representing the best return of his career.
Clubs across the continent are tracking Traore with Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all reported to be interested.
However, according to TodoFichajes, Jurgen Klopp is determined to take Traore to Liverpool. They claim Klopp ‘has recommended the incorporation of the player and has personally telephoned’ Traore.
Traore joined Wolves from Middlesbrough for £18million two years ago and the club stands to make a huge transfer profit, though it’s understood they aren’t looking to sell him.
Traore is one of several of Nuno Espirito Santo’s stars who are being linked with moves away from the club.
Speculation persists around the futures of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota, but it’s Traore and star striker Raul Jimenez who are attracting the most attention.
TodoFichajes also reports that talks between Liverpool and Wolves over a deal to take Traore to Anfield are 'advanced'.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Live updates as road sealed off with wrecked car inside cordon

A Birmingham road was sealed off today amid a heavy police presence following reports of a serious incident .
Mary @ @ @ @ @ cordoned off at both ends , with a wrecked silver Citroen inside the no-go zone @ @ @ @ @ vans at each side of the cordon .
Detectives were on the scene and a @ @ @ @ @ We have contacted West Midlands Police and are awaiting details about the nature of the @ @ @ @ @ to have happened on Tuesday evening , May 26 .

A Birmingham road was sealed off today amid a heavy police presence following reports of a serious incident.
Mary Street in Balsall Heath was cordoned off at both ends, with a wrecked silver Citroen inside the no-go zone.
There were several police vans at each side of the cordon.
Detectives were on the scene and a search team is present.
We have contacted West Midlands Police and are awaiting details about the nature of the incident, which was said to have happened on Tuesday evening, May 26.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Police catch M6 lorry driver standing up while driving along motorway

Police were left stunned after pulling over a Polish trucker for STANDING UP as he drove along a motorway in his lorry .
Traffic cops captured the reckless HGV driver travelling along the M1 in Northamptonshire while standing in his cab and not wearing a seatbelt .
He then refused to follow a police interceptor vehicle and tried to escape onto the M6 before eventually being pulled over by officers .
Northamptonshire Police shared the details of the bizarre incident on social media on Tuesday ( 26/5 ) .
Pc Dave Lee , who works for the force 's Safer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess this Polish HGV driver who was standing up whilst driving and not wearing his seatbelt caught on camera didn ’ t want to follow the interceptor and did a Derby Dive from the M1 onto the M6 last minute .
`` Sadly for him .
He wasn ’ t expecting us to be behind him . ''
Baffled web users reacted with astonishment after the force posted a picture of the lorry pulled over on the hard shoulder .
Debra 51 wrote : `` Did you say standing up , what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` How do you manage to drive standing up ?
?
?
I ca n't even get my head around this , what goes through some people 's minds ?
?
?
Just crazy . ''
Paul Stevens put : `` Not the most upstanding citizen you 've come across then , ironically .
What a complete wally .
`` Hope he gets a severe punishment , this is beyond dangerous . ''
Elizabeth Chapman joked : `` Perhaps he was testing his eyesight ?
Darren Allez replied : `` Actually , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to test his legs were working properly .
Valid reason imho '' Stuart Baillie added : `` So that 'll be the seatbelt offence , not in control of a vehicle , AND failing to stop ? ''

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Police were left stunned after pulling over a Polish trucker for STANDING UP as he drove along a motorway in his lorry.
Traffic cops captured the reckless HGV driver travelling along the M1 in Northamptonshire while standing in his cab and not wearing a seatbelt.
He then refused to follow a police interceptor vehicle and tried to escape onto the M6 before eventually being pulled over by officers.
Northamptonshire Police shared the details of the bizarre incident on social media on Tuesday (26/5).
Pc Dave Lee, who works for the force's Safer Roads Team, said: "I guess this Polish HGV driver who was standing up whilst driving and not wearing his seatbelt caught on camera didn’t want to follow the interceptor and did a Derby Dive from the M1 onto the M6 last minute.
"Sadly for him. He wasn’t expecting us to be behind him."
Baffled web users reacted with astonishment after the force posted a picture of the lorry pulled over on the hard shoulder.
Debra 51 wrote: "Did you say standing up, what the hell."
Tommy Greenwood said: "How do you manage to drive standing up??? I can't even get my head around this, what goes through some people's minds??? Just crazy."
Paul Stevens put: "Not the most upstanding citizen you've come across then, ironically. What a complete wally.
"Hope he gets a severe punishment, this is beyond dangerous."
Elizabeth Chapman joked: "Perhaps he was testing his eyesight?
Darren Allez replied: "Actually, I think he was standing up while driving to test his legs were working properly. Valid reason imho"
Stuart Baillie added: "So that'll be the seatbelt offence, not in control of a vehicle, AND failing to stop?"


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Next will reopen 25 branches across UK from June 15

Next is set to re-open 25 branches from June 15 , it has confirmed .
The move from the homeware , menswear , womenswear and childrenswear retailer comes as the lockdown is eased .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given the go ahead for shops to re-open from the middle part of next month .
John Lewis has also confirmed moves to re-open - but confirmed its branch in Birmingham , situated in Grand Central , will not re-open just yet .
John Lewis will , however , begin operating its Solihull store once again .
Next , unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations .
But the chain , which is a huge favourite among Brit consumers , says the stores will be larger shops in out of town locations .
It adds that more of its 500 stores will reopen over the coming weeks from June 15 .
John Lewis earlier today said over a dozen stores will re-open as part of its phased plan .
John Lewis Partnership added that branches selected to reopen have been chosen primarily because of their accessibility by car and it will use the social distancing practices already in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open .
The retailer added : `` Depending on the response from customers and partners to our new ways of operating with respect to social distancing , more shops will open throughout the summer . ''

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Next is set to re-open 25 branches from June 15, it has confirmed.
The move from the homeware, menswear, womenswear and childrenswear retailer comes as the lockdown is eased.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given the go ahead for shops to re-open from the middle part of next month.
John Lewis has also confirmed moves to re-open - but confirmed its branch in Birmingham, situated in Grand Central, will not re-open just yet.
John Lewis will, however, begin operating its Solihull store once again.
Next, unfortunately, has not moved to confirm the exact locations.
But the chain, which is a huge favourite among Brit consumers, says the stores will be larger shops in out of town locations.
It adds that more of its 500 stores will reopen over the coming weeks from June 15.
John Lewis earlier today said over a dozen stores will re-open as part of its phased plan.
John Lewis Partnership added that branches selected to reopen have been chosen primarily because of their accessibility by car and it will use the social distancing practices already in place in Waitrose stores, which remain open.
The retailer added: "Depending on the response from customers and partners to our new ways of operating with respect to social distancing, more shops will open throughout the summer."


birminghammail--2020-05-27--Biker killed in horror crash with tractor is named

A motorcyclist who died following a crash with a tractor has been named by police .
Craig Clues was killed @ @ @ @ @ bike collided with a blue tractor on the A444 Church Street , Twycross , on @ @ @ @ @ The 56-year-old , who was from Tamworth , was pronounced dead at the scene .
@ @ @ @ @ injured in the incident .
Det Con John Borlase , from the Leicestershire 's serious @ @ @ @ @ Mr Clues was travelling with two other bikers at the time of the collision and @ @ @ @ @ .
The tractor was also travelling towards Twycross at the time of the crash .
@ @ @ @ @ or saw either of the vehicles beforehand is urged to contact the police .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ with dashcam footage to get in touch .

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A motorcyclist who died following a crash with a tractor has been named by police.
Craig Clues was killed after his black Suzuki GSXR bike collided with a blue tractor on the A444 Church Street, Twycross, on Saturday, May 16.
The 56-year-old, who was from Tamworth, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The tractor driver was not injured in the incident.
Det Con John Borlase, from the Leicestershire's serious collision investigation unit, said Mr Clues was travelling with two other bikers at the time of the collision and they were heading towards Twycross.
The tractor was also travelling towards Twycross at the time of the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either of the vehicles beforehand is urged to contact the police.
Officers are also appealing for those with dashcam footage to get in touch.


birminghammail--2020-05-27--The former Tamworth FC defender targeting Europa League challenge

If you ’ ve ever been asked to name a characteristic of former Tamworth FC defender Andy Burns , loyalty would have been high up on the list of responses .
Burns spent three years with the Lambs , pretty much an ever present and the way a young man from Liverpool embraced life at Tamworth won the hearts of fans .
A tearful interview he gave after relegation from the National North still resonates .
He was genuinely devastated when the club slipped into the Southern League at the end of the 2017-18 campaign .
Such was his loyalty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even with the prospect of dropping down a division , Burns undoubtedly would have stayed but then manager Mike Fowler opted against handing him a new deal as the Lambs looked to rebuild .
“ When I sign somewhere I have always said that , because they have been good enough to give me a contract , I ’ ll stay there until they don ’ t want me anymore , ” Burns said .
“ That ’ s just the way I see it .
I had a great three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the relegation , I said I was more than happy to stay .
It wasn ’ t to be.
” In many ways , though it was sad to see Burns leave back then , releasing him felt like the right thing for Tamworth to do .
After all , this was a lad who would travel down from the north west for training and matches in any weather .
He ’ d never shirk his responsibilities or the club ’ s demands of him .
Dropping down a division , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would have felt almost unfair to have exploited that loyalty and kept him on board .
And so it ’ s pleasing to see he has since flourished again and he ’ s found a new club where , once again , he ’ s shown faithfulness .
“ I ’ ve been lucky enough to be given an opportunity at Bala Town for the past two seasons , ” he says .
“ And if they are happy for me to stay with them I will be more than happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a great club , ” he adds .
“ I have always been lucky .
At Barrow , it was a good club with good people around it .
“ Tamworth was the same and I have now stepped into another one .
“ The people who run the club and the lads themselves are all good people and they all get along .
“ Sometimes when you go into a new place it can be intimidating because lads have been there a lot longer than you .
`` But I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m enjoying it .
I can ’ t complain at the minute .
`` It ’ s been a good year and we have gelled a lot more and have been consistent .
“ All being well and good I can stay there and have another good season.
” Burns can look forward to European football next season with Bala Town after the popular right back helped Bala to third place in the JD Cymru Premier before the outbreak of the coronavirus .
The Football Association of Wales Board of Directors have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League Board and agreed to curtail the season with an unweighted points per game method to be applied to determine the final standings .
It means Bala take third and have secured a place in the Europa League when a new season gets started .
For Burns , the decision is a bittersweet one .
“ It worked out well for us in one sense as we have ended up getting into Europe , ” he said .
“ It was deserved but at the same time I would rather see the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have finished higher than third .
We were kind of hitting good form .
“ We had played well all season but we were unbeaten in the second phase so far and we still had to play the two teams above us ( Connah ’ s Quay Nomads and The New Saints ) .
“ But I suppose , at the start of the season , our aim was to get into the Europa League and we have done that whatever way it was .
So it ’ s good news for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has obviously been a total nightmare for everyone.
” “ I ’ m trying to look forward now , ” he said .
“ The first time I signed for Bala we got to go to San Marino and the whole experience of travelling to a different country was fantastic .
“ It was good to be part of that and to experience that again , wherever we get drawn , will be brilliant .
“ Some people play and for the whole of their career never experience European football so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itching for football to start again when it ’ s safe to do so .
A trip to Europe will be a good start for us.
” While Burns can look forward to European football with Bala he has massive sympathy for the Lambs who saw their title dreams shattered when their season was null and voided .
“ It ’ s a real nightmare for Tamworth with the way they have just ended the league , ” he said .
“ I always check on their results and Barrow - they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
“ They were both at the top of their leagues as well so I was hoping it was going to be a good year all round before this all happened and it changed everything .
“ I still speak to a few people at Tamworth too who keep me updated on what ’ s going on .
“ From what I hear it was a good place to be and things were very much back on the up again .
I thought , looking at it from the outside , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They didn ’ t wait for any other league to make a decision .
They just went ‘ that ’ s it ’ .
It ’ s just so strange .
“ There were teams who had already won their leagues who won ’ t get promoted and there were teams pretty much relegated who can stay up now which baffles me to be honest .
“ Tamworth just have to use that for motivation for next season now and go again .
“ I ’ m guessing that , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll try and keep as many of the players as they can and hopefully go again .
”

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If you’ve ever been asked to name a characteristic of former Tamworth FC defender Andy Burns, loyalty would have been high up on the list of responses.
Burns spent three years with the Lambs, pretty much an ever present and the way a young man from Liverpool embraced life at Tamworth won the hearts of fans.
A tearful interview he gave after relegation from the National North still resonates. He was genuinely devastated when the club slipped into the Southern League at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
Such was his loyalty, had he been asked to remain, even with the prospect of dropping down a division, Burns undoubtedly would have stayed but then manager Mike Fowler opted against handing him a new deal as the Lambs looked to rebuild.
“When I sign somewhere I have always said that, because they have been good enough to give me a contract, I’ll stay there until they don’t want me anymore,” Burns said.
“That’s just the way I see it. I had a great three years at Tamworth and when I left, despite the relegation, I said I was more than happy to stay. It wasn’t to be.”
In many ways, though it was sad to see Burns leave back then, releasing him felt like the right thing for Tamworth to do.
After all, this was a lad who would travel down from the north west for training and matches in any weather. He’d never shirk his responsibilities or the club’s demands of him.
Dropping down a division, with more games in the south of England, it would have felt almost unfair to have exploited that loyalty and kept him on board.
And so it’s pleasing to see he has since flourished again and he’s found a new club where, once again, he’s shown faithfulness.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be given an opportunity at Bala Town for the past two seasons,” he says.
“And if they are happy for me to stay with them I will be more than happy to do that.
“It’s a great club,” he adds. “I have always been lucky. At Barrow, it was a good club with good people around it.
“Tamworth was the same and I have now stepped into another one.
“The people who run the club and the lads themselves are all good people and they all get along.
“Sometimes when you go into a new place it can be intimidating because lads have been there a lot longer than you.
"But I just seemed to fit straight in and I’m enjoying it. I can’t complain at the minute.
"It’s been a good year and we have gelled a lot more and have been consistent.
“All being well and good I can stay there and have another good season.”
Burns can look forward to European football next season with Bala Town after the popular right back helped Bala to third place in the JD Cymru Premier before the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The Football Association of Wales Board of Directors have now ratified the recommendation of the National League Board and agreed to curtail the season with an unweighted points per game method to be applied to determine the final standings.
It means Bala take third and have secured a place in the Europa League when a new season gets started.
For Burns, the decision is a bittersweet one.
“It worked out well for us in one sense as we have ended up getting into Europe,” he said.
“It was deserved but at the same time I would rather see the season finish and I actually think we could have finished higher than third. We were kind of hitting good form.
“We had played well all season but we were unbeaten in the second phase so far and we still had to play the two teams above us (Connah’s Quay Nomads and The New Saints).
“But I suppose, at the start of the season, our aim was to get into the Europa League and we have done that whatever way it was. So it’s good news for the club with all this going on because it has obviously been a total nightmare for everyone.”
“I’m trying to look forward now,” he said. “The first time I signed for Bala we got to go to San Marino and the whole experience of travelling to a different country was fantastic.
“It was good to be part of that and to experience that again, wherever we get drawn, will be brilliant.
“Some people play and for the whole of their career never experience European football so I feel quite lucky and I’m itching for football to start again when it’s safe to do so. A trip to Europe will be a good start for us.”
While Burns can look forward to European football with Bala he has massive sympathy for the Lambs who saw their title dreams shattered when their season was null and voided.
“It’s a real nightmare for Tamworth with the way they have just ended the league,” he said.
“I always check on their results and Barrow - they are the first two I check after I play.
“They were both at the top of their leagues as well so I was hoping it was going to be a good year all round before this all happened and it changed everything.
“I still speak to a few people at Tamworth too who keep me updated on what’s going on.
“From what I hear it was a good place to be and things were very much back on the up again. I thought, looking at it from the outside, that they made the decision way to quickly.
“They didn’t wait for any other league to make a decision. They just went ‘that’s it’. It’s just so strange.
“There were teams who had already won their leagues who won’t get promoted and there were teams pretty much relegated who can stay up now which baffles me to be honest.
“Tamworth just have to use that for motivation for next season now and go again.
“I’m guessing that, as it was a good squad, they’ll try and keep as many of the players as they can and hopefully go again.”