birminghammail--2020-06-10--A34 community campaigners now facing £4,000 debt to the council

When Annette Pereira first started up the A34 Safety Action Group in 2018 , she never could have imagined just two years later she would find herself saddled with a debt of £4,000 .
Having lived along the Walsall Road for most of her life , she and other residents had been shocked to discover plans by the authorities to take away their slip road and replace it with a Sprint bus lane .
Safety was their main concern , and they spent the next 12 months fighting a campaign to have the proposals changed - a campaign they won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced changes to their plans .
It was their next battle , though , which would have the biggest impact on the group .
`` To be honest I didn ’ t expect to be sitting here up to my eyes in debt for doing the right thing and just asking questions , '' Annette said , holding back tears .
`` I ’ m a bit stunned by it all to be honest and I don ’ t know where we are going to get the money from .
It was £7,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t award the £7,000 so it ’ s been reduced to £4,000 .
`` But we were only expecting about a thousand because this was the initial permission stage . ''
When Birmingham City Council announced plans last year to tear down the Perry Barr flyover there was outrage in the local community , with subsequent petitions against the proposals gaining more than 15,000 signatures from local residents .
The A34 Safety Action Group decided to take on the cause themselves , organising protests and petitioning the council for the next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group was even invited to a meeting with council leader Ian Ward and other top officials , in which they presented an hour-long Powerpoint presentation of alternative proposals that the council could look to adopt .
However their voices went unheard , leading to a judicial review of the decision which the council won .
The group has now been told to pay the council 's £4,000 legal fees and Annette , who has spent the better part of two years dedicating herself to the group , says she now does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We ’ ve got until the 19th to pay it by .
Now we might have been able to stand a little bit of a chance if we had been able to have our meetings and rallies and go door-to-door , but we can ’ t do that at the moment .
`` And none of our people are really online , it ’ s just like another planet to them going online , that ’ s not our cohort group .
`` And that in itself shows that the council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with the people of Great Barr and Perry Barr .
They just do n't understand . ''
The group had applied to the High Court for permission to seek judicial review of the council ’ s decision to approve the flyover demolition in December , objecting on the grounds of a lack of a safety assessment , financial assessment , meaningful consultation or equalities impact assessment .
But in the court ’ s latest decision , His Honour Judge David Cooke rejected each of the group ’ s grounds for objection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopeless on the facts ” .
With just ten days left to find nearly £3,700 the three people named on the review - Ms Pereira , Owen O'Neil and Bishop Desmong Jaddoo - are pleading with the public to support them , while also asking for the council to drop the charges altogether .
And their plea has been supported by opposition parties , with Lib Dem councillor Moriam Jan calling the council a 'ruthless juggernaut ' during full council this week .
The Conservative Group have also backed the A34 Group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The council have played a heavy hand on this issue from the outset , ignoring the concerns of thousands of petitioners , neighbouring councils and even Highways England .
`` Individuals have paid the price for trying to stand up to this .
`` You have to question why they would need to ramp up costs by seeking external legal advice given the number of lawyers they already have on their payroll , and if it is fair that those inflated costs are then passed on to residents who were simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very real converns of so many people about the removal of the flyover .
`` Birmingham City Council have ignored the wishes of overwhelming objections and so , while it may have been legal , was it really morally right to punish those local residents wanting the council to consider the objections fully . ''
'Don ’ t mess with us , we ’ re the council' And Bishop Desmond Jaddoo , who was named on the judicial review himself , shared these sentiments , stating : `` I think the city is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of local residents .
I don ’ t think the plan has been thought through .
`` Let me make this crystal clear - the courts did not make this award on their own autonomy .
`` The council asked for £7,000 in costs , and the courts awarded them £4,000 .
`` And the city may well say ‘ well the courts have made their adjudication .
But if the city hadn ’ t asked for costs the judge wouldn ’ t have awarded costs , it 's as simple as that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the group , this is against three individuals , who are seeking justice for the voices of the people .
`` And it ’ s as if they ’ re saying ‘ don ’ t mess with us , we ’ re the council , how dare you , who do you think you are ?
’ '' Responding to calls to cancel the group 's debt during a council meeting yesterday ( June 9 ) , council leader Ian Ward said : Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said : “ Clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and go to court they do carry a risk that they are going to lose that court action and that costs may well be awarded against them .
“ That is what has happened in this particular instance .
I think what I am being asked to do by Cllr Jan would not be a sensible use of taxpayers ’ money .
“ Effectively , she is asking that the city council underwrites any legal action taken against it and that the city council does not recover its costs in the future of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That simply would not be a sensible position for the council to adopt and would not be an appropriate use of council taxpayers ’ money.
” Annette says she is now planning on going door-to-door to raise the funds she needs , though she added that she 's not optimistic about her chances during a pandemic .
She also said that the whole saga has robbed her of her appetite to take up local causes .
'We don ’ t have access to massive resources' Sarah Woulfe , a local resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of the A34 Safety Action Group from the start , says that she now considers the matter closed , given the court 's decision .
But she also pleaded with the public to help out the group in any way they can , stating : `` I think it was included in the application that we had limited funds to do it , and I think it ’ s always been understood that , as a community group , we don ’ t have access to massive resources .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s any real hope for us now .
I think , with the costs , that they have to recognise that as a group we ’ ve always been reasonable , and there ’ s always been a sense of fairness in all of the correspondence that Annette and the group have sent to the council .
`` Annette in particular has donated two years of her life to this cause .
And now at the end of it to be lumped with this massive bill , when she really has done so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just not fair .
`` She brought us together as a road as well , which is something that perhaps gets overlooked , and if anybody would be willing to support her in terms of this bill then it really would be amazing . ''
The group 's fundraising page can be seen here .

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When Annette Pereira first started up the A34 Safety Action Group in 2018, she never could have imagined just two years later she would find herself saddled with a debt of £4,000.
Having lived along the Walsall Road for most of her life, she and other residents had been shocked to discover plans by the authorities to take away their slip road and replace it with a Sprint bus lane.
Safety was their main concern, and they spent the next 12 months fighting a campaign to have the proposals changed - a campaign they won in 2019 when Transport for West Midlands announced changes to their plans.
It was their next battle, though, which would have the biggest impact on the group.
"To be honest I didn’t expect to be sitting here up to my eyes in debt for doing the right thing and just asking questions," Annette said, holding back tears.
"I’m a bit stunned by it all to be honest and I don’t know where we are going to get the money from. It was £7,000 to begin with and the judge didn’t award the £7,000 so it’s been reduced to £4,000.
"But we were only expecting about a thousand because this was the initial permission stage."
A two-year fight
When Birmingham City Council announced plans last year to tear down the Perry Barr flyover there was outrage in the local community, with subsequent petitions against the proposals gaining more than 15,000 signatures from local residents.
The A34 Safety Action Group decided to take on the cause themselves, organising protests and petitioning the council for the next year to make changes to their proposals.
The group was even invited to a meeting with council leader Ian Ward and other top officials, in which they presented an hour-long Powerpoint presentation of alternative proposals that the council could look to adopt.
However their voices went unheard, leading to a judicial review of the decision which the council won.
The group has now been told to pay the council's £4,000 legal fees and Annette, who has spent the better part of two years dedicating herself to the group, says she now does not know where to turn.
She said: "We’ve got until the 19th to pay it by. Now we might have been able to stand a little bit of a chance if we had been able to have our meetings and rallies and go door-to-door, but we can’t do that at the moment.
"And none of our people are really online, it’s just like another planet to them going online, that’s not our cohort group.
"And that in itself shows that the council are completely out of touch with reality and with the people of Great Barr and Perry Barr. They just don't understand."
The group had applied to the High Court for permission to seek judicial review of the council’s decision to approve the flyover demolition in December, objecting on the grounds of a lack of a safety assessment, financial assessment, meaningful consultation or equalities impact assessment.
But in the court’s latest decision, His Honour Judge David Cooke rejected each of the group’s grounds for objection, stating that campaigners’ objections were “hopeless on the facts”.
With just ten days left to find nearly £3,700 the three people named on the review - Ms Pereira, Owen O'Neil and Bishop Desmong Jaddoo - are pleading with the public to support them, while also asking for the council to drop the charges altogether.
And their plea has been supported by opposition parties, with Lib Dem councillor Moriam Jan calling the council a 'ruthless juggernaut' during full council this week.
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'Individuals have paid the price'
The Conservative Group have also backed the A34 Group, with deputy leader Cllr Ewan Mackey stating: "The council have played a heavy hand on this issue from the outset, ignoring the concerns of thousands of petitioners, neighbouring councils and even Highways England.
"Individuals have paid the price for trying to stand up to this.
"You have to question why they would need to ramp up costs by seeking external legal advice given the number of lawyers they already have on their payroll, and if it is fair that those inflated costs are then passed on to residents who were simply trying to give a voice to the very real converns of so many people about the removal of the flyover.
"Birmingham City Council have ignored the wishes of overwhelming objections and so, while it may have been legal, was it really morally right to punish those local residents wanting the council to consider the objections fully."
'Don’t mess with us, we’re the council'
And Bishop Desmond Jaddoo, who was named on the judicial review himself, shared these sentiments, stating: "I think the city is leaving a sour taste in the mouths of local residents. I don’t think the plan has been thought through.
"Let me make this crystal clear - the courts did not make this award on their own autonomy.
"The council asked for £7,000 in costs, and the courts awarded them £4,000.
"And the city may well say ‘well the courts have made their adjudication. But if the city hadn’t asked for costs the judge wouldn’t have awarded costs, it's as simple as that.
"This isn’t just against the group, this is against three individuals, who are seeking justice for the voices of the people.
"And it’s as if they’re saying ‘don’t mess with us, we’re the council, how dare you, who do you think you are?’"
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Closures
Responding to calls to cancel the group's debt during a council meeting yesterday (June 9), council leader Ian Ward said: Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said: “Clearly when anyone seeks to take legal action and go to court they do carry a risk that they are going to lose that court action and that costs may well be awarded against them.
“That is what has happened in this particular instance. I think what I am being asked to do by Cllr Jan would not be a sensible use of taxpayers’ money.
“Effectively, she is asking that the city council underwrites any legal action taken against it and that the city council does not recover its costs in the future of any legal action taken against the council.
“That simply would not be a sensible position for the council to adopt and would not be an appropriate use of council taxpayers’ money.”
Annette says she is now planning on going door-to-door to raise the funds she needs, though she added that she's not optimistic about her chances during a pandemic. She also said that the whole saga has robbed her of her appetite to take up local causes.
'We don’t have access to massive resources'
Sarah Woulfe, a local resident along the Walsall Road who's been a member of the A34 Safety Action Group from the start, says that she now considers the matter closed, given the court's decision.
But she also pleaded with the public to help out the group in any way they can, stating: "I think it was included in the application that we had limited funds to do it, and I think it’s always been understood that, as a community group, we don’t have access to massive resources.
"I don’t see that there’s any real hope for us now. I think, with the costs, that they have to recognise that as a group we’ve always been reasonable, and there’s always been a sense of fairness in all of the correspondence that Annette and the group have sent to the council.
"Annette in particular has donated two years of her life to this cause. And now at the end of it to be lumped with this massive bill, when she really has done so much good for the residents, is just not fair.
"She brought us together as a road as well, which is something that perhaps gets overlooked, and if anybody would be willing to support her in terms of this bill then it really would be amazing."
The group's fundraising page can be seen here.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Campaigners demanding removal of Robert Peel statues may have wrong man

An interactive map detailing where controversial monuments stand across the UK has identified Sir Robert Peel as a target - but there may be a mix-up .
Sir Robert Peel , whose name is carried on Tamworth 's NHS hospital , lived in Staffordshire , at Drayton Manor , and is credited with founding the Metropolitan Police .
A new map - 'Topple the Racists ' - details five statues carrying his name , in the North West , where he grew up , as well as Leeds and Glasgow over accusations he 'celebrated slavery and racism ' .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports some campaigners are calling for the removal of Sir Robert Peel statues because they have confused him with his less famous father - who was also called Sir Robert Peel .
The Glasgow citation describes Sir Robert Peel as `` Conservative PM ( 1834-35 and 1841-46 ) and creator of the modern police force .
Actively petitioned against the Foreign Slave Trade Abolition Bill '' .
In Leeds , the map listing says `` Sir Robert saw the Foreign Slave Trade Abolition Bill as a threat to the cotton industry and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised a petition highlighting the risk it presented to the merchants and their trade interests . ''
It was actually Sir Robert Peel 's father , the 1st Baronet Sir Robert Peel , who petitioned against the Foreign Slave Trade Abolition Bill in 1806 , when his son was still a teenager and had yet to embark on a political career .
Other campaigners have argued that father and son would have shared a similar worldview .
They say because the Peel family fortune was founded on a cotton industry which exploited slave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Robert Peel should no longer be honoured in UK cities .
Robert Peel Jnr was born in the township of Elton , close to Bury , in 1788 .
He was the third of eleven children but was the eldest son .
While he was still a child the family moved to Staffordshire so that his father could pursue business interests in the area .
Sir Robert is perhaps best known for founding the Metropolitan Police Service - the first modern policing organisation .
He was also responsible for the creation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tories of the time .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Seamus McDonnell, James Rodger)

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An interactive map detailing where controversial monuments stand across the UK has identified Sir Robert Peel as a target - but there may be a mix-up.
Sir Robert Peel, whose name is carried on Tamworth's NHS hospital, lived in Staffordshire, at Drayton Manor, and is credited with founding the Metropolitan Police.
A new map - 'Topple the Racists' - details five statues carrying his name, in the North West, where he grew up, as well as Leeds and Glasgow over accusations he 'celebrated slavery and racism'.
But our sister title the Manchester Evening News reports some campaigners are calling for the removal of Sir Robert Peel statues because they have confused him with his less famous father - who was also called Sir Robert Peel.
The Glasgow citation describes Sir Robert Peel as "Conservative PM (1834-35 and 1841-46) and creator of the modern police force. Actively petitioned against the Foreign Slave Trade Abolition Bill".
In Leeds, the map listing says "Sir Robert saw the Foreign Slave Trade Abolition Bill as a threat to the cotton industry and to the cotton industry in Manchester. He raised a petition highlighting the risk it presented to the merchants and their trade interests."
It was actually Sir Robert Peel's father, the 1st Baronet Sir Robert Peel, who petitioned against the Foreign Slave Trade Abolition Bill in 1806, when his son was still a teenager and had yet to embark on a political career.
Other campaigners have argued that father and son would have shared a similar worldview. They say because the Peel family fortune was founded on a cotton industry which exploited slave labour in the US, the younger Sir Robert Peel should no longer be honoured in UK cities.
Robert Peel Jnr was born in the township of Elton, close to Bury, in 1788. He was the third of eleven children but was the eldest son.
While he was still a child the family moved to Staffordshire so that his father could pursue business interests in the area.
Sir Robert is perhaps best known for founding the Metropolitan Police Service - the first modern policing organisation.
He was also responsible for the creation of the modern Conservative Party which emerged from the Tories of the time.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--West Ham face major blow ahead of Wolves Premier League clash

West Ham could be without first-choice central defender Angelo Ogbonna for their Premier League return against Wolves next week .
Nuno Espirito Santo 's side head to the London Stadium on June 20 , as both look to kick-start their season after the three-month break due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Wolves travel with a fully-fit squad available , the break will hopefully have eased Adama Traore 's shoulder injuries , while also providing a relief to the team that have played in more fixtures than any other top-flight outfit .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves 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 Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
Google Play Store and App Store A win for Wolves will see them close the gap on the top-four , with Manchester United in fifth just two points ahead of them before next week 's restart .
West Ham meanwhile , are deep in relegation trouble , level on points with Bournemouth , who currently occupy the final spot in the bottom three .
And the Hammers could be forced to face off against Wolves without Ogbonna , who according to our colleagues at Football.London has been nursing a knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
Ogbonna 's defensive colleague Aaron Cresswell is also a doubt for the game , although he is expected to shrug off his injury concerns .
Wolves will be looking to continue their recent , fine record against the Hammers , since promotion back to the Premier League in 2018 , Nuno 's men have beaten them on three occasions , including a comfortable win at Molineux earlier this season .
Before the visit to East London , Wolves will have one final friendly game on Saturday , where they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday , a much-changed team was beaten 2-0 by Nottingham Forest in an informal friendly match .

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West Ham could be without first-choice central defender Angelo Ogbonna for their Premier League return against Wolves next week.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side head to the London Stadium on June 20, as both look to kick-start their season after the three-month break due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Wolves travel with a fully-fit squad available, the break will hopefully have eased Adama Traore's shoulder injuries, while also providing a relief to the team that have played in more fixtures than any other top-flight outfit.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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
A win for Wolves will see them close the gap on the top-four, with Manchester United in fifth just two points ahead of them before next week's restart.
West Ham meanwhile, are deep in relegation trouble, level on points with Bournemouth, who currently occupy the final spot in the bottom three.
And the Hammers could be forced to face off against Wolves without Ogbonna, who according to our colleagues at Football.London has been nursing a knee injury since the reintroduction of contact training last month.
Ogbonna's defensive colleague Aaron Cresswell is also a doubt for the game, although he is expected to shrug off his injury concerns.
Wolves will be looking to continue their recent, fine record against the Hammers, since promotion back to the Premier League in 2018, Nuno's men have beaten them on three occasions, including a comfortable win at Molineux earlier this season.
Before the visit to East London, Wolves will have one final friendly game on Saturday, where they will face off against local rivals Birmingham City. On Tuesday, a much-changed team was beaten 2-0 by Nottingham Forest in an informal friendly match.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Mourner numbers range from 12 to 'no hard limit' in region

Solihull is the latest area to increase the number of mourners allowed at funerals , while restrictions vary widely across the West Midlands .
Solihull Council yesterday ( June 9 ) announced numbers allowed at a graveside for a burial will increase from ten to 20 mourners , while guests at cremations will increase from ten to 14 mourners .
The new restrictions come into force on June 15 , and come after a drop in the number of funerals being held , cabinet member for stronger and safer communities Cllr Alison Rolf has said .
In Walsall , 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ten mourners can sit in the east chapel at Streetly Crematorium , while 15 can sit in the west chapel - and up to 15 can stand outside .
Similar arrangements are in place in Dudley , where 30 mourners can attend burials in cemeteries .
Up to 16 mourners are allowed to attend inside the chapel at Gornal Wood , with 15 mourners allowed to stand outside .
At Stourbridge Crematorium , just ten persons are allowed in the chapel but an additional 15 are allowed outside .
In Sandwell , 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while 16 are allowed at Rowley Regis Cemetery and Crematorium .
Coventry City Council allows 16 mourners in both Charter and Canon Hill crematorium chapels .
The number allowed directly around the grave remains limited to six - but up to 20 additional mourners can stand in the wider cemetery provided they are socially distanced .
In Wolverhampton , a maximum of 12 people can now reportedly attend funerals .
Meanwhile , in the districts of Bromsgrove and Redditch which neighbour the West Midlands , there is no now hard limit - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close family .
The number of mourners allowed at funerals in Birmingham went up from six to 16 at the beginning of this month .
The Birmingham Council of Mosques has called for numbers to be increased to 30 , as is happening elsewhere .
The issue was addressed by Birmingham City Council ’ s cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods Cllr Sharon Thompson in yesterday ’ s full council meeting .
Cllr Thompson ( Lab ) said : “ One of the things we did was we looked at the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of the time and we saw a reduction in the number of people passing away across the city .
“ That means that when we are preparing graves for other funerals the next day , there ’ s more space available because there ’ s not as many vacant graves or open graves , or graves being prepared .
“ For health and safety , we thought that it was safe enough to increase the numbers .
We also went along with looking at the changes made to Government guidance around numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Across the region , other councils are setting different numbers and they have never shared their methodology with us but we have shared ours with them .
“ As we have always said , it ’ s about keeping people as safe as possible and we will continue to review this .
“ Long term , we don ’ t want to have to restrict numbers at funerals or anything like that , but the reality of it is that we are not completely out of the woods when it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider the safety of the staff as well and we do need to consider the safety of the public .
”

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Solihull is the latest area to increase the number of mourners allowed at funerals, while restrictions vary widely across the West Midlands.
Solihull Council yesterday (June 9) announced numbers allowed at a graveside for a burial will increase from ten to 20 mourners, while guests at cremations will increase from ten to 14 mourners.
The new restrictions come into force on June 15, and come after a drop in the number of funerals being held, cabinet member for stronger and safer communities Cllr Alison Rolf has said.
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In Walsall, 30 mourners can now attend a burial. Ten mourners can sit in the east chapel at Streetly Crematorium, while 15 can sit in the west chapel - and up to 15 can stand outside.
Similar arrangements are in place in Dudley, where 30 mourners can attend burials in cemeteries.
Up to 16 mourners are allowed to attend inside the chapel at Gornal Wood, with 15 mourners allowed to stand outside.
At Stourbridge Crematorium, just ten persons are allowed in the chapel but an additional 15 are allowed outside.
In Sandwell, 20 mourners are allowed at Sandwell Valley Crematorium while 16 are allowed at Rowley Regis Cemetery and Crematorium.
Coventry City Council allows 16 mourners in both Charter and Canon Hill crematorium chapels.
The number allowed directly around the grave remains limited to six - but up to 20 additional mourners can stand in the wider cemetery provided they are socially distanced.
In Wolverhampton, a maximum of 12 people can now reportedly attend funerals.
Meanwhile, in the districts of Bromsgrove and Redditch which neighbour the West Midlands, there is no now hard limit - but families are asked to limit guests to close family.
The number of mourners allowed at funerals in Birmingham went up from six to 16 at the beginning of this month.
The Birmingham Council of Mosques has called for numbers to be increased to 30, as is happening elsewhere.
The issue was addressed by Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods Cllr Sharon Thompson in yesterday’s full council meeting.
Cllr Thompson (Lab) said: “One of the things we did was we looked at the number of funerals that were taking place over the course of the time and we saw a reduction in the number of people passing away across the city.
“That means that when we are preparing graves for other funerals the next day, there’s more space available because there’s not as many vacant graves or open graves, or graves being prepared.
“For health and safety, we thought that it was safe enough to increase the numbers. We also went along with looking at the changes made to Government guidance around numbers of people that can meet in groups.
“Across the region, other councils are setting different numbers and they have never shared their methodology with us but we have shared ours with them.
“As we have always said, it’s about keeping people as safe as possible and we will continue to review this.
“Long term, we don’t want to have to restrict numbers at funerals or anything like that, but the reality of it is that we are not completely out of the woods when it comes to coronavirus.
“We do need to consider the safety of the staff as well and we do need to consider the safety of the public.”


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Motorcyclist rushed to hospital after Great Barr crash

A motorcyclist was rushed to hospital after being injured in a crash in Great Barr .
The incident sparked a major response from emergency services on Tuesday , June 9 , with police , an air ambulance and two land ambulances sent to the scene .
It was thought the motorcyclist - a man - had come off his bike in a park but today ( June 10 ) , West Midlands Ambulance Service said the biker had fallen on Turnberry Road , at around 4.15pm .
The exact nature of his injuries are unclear , but the man was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulance after receiving treatment at the scene .
`` We were called at 4:15pm yesterday to reports a motorcyclist had come off their bike on Turnberry Road , '' a WMAS spokeswoman said .
`` Two ambulances , a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care car attended the scene .
`` We treated one patient , a man , for injuries not believed to be life threatening before taking him on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further treatment . ''
Footage captured the moment medics were called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency crews parked up on nearby Cardington Avenue .
Emergency units from West Midlands Ambulance – including a team from the Midlands Air Ambulance – can be seen working in Cardington Avenue after the drama on Tuesday , June 9 .
Mobile phone footage captures a marked police vehicle , an air ambulance care car and several paramedics at the scene - close to Full House Takeaway .
An eyewitness told BirminghamLive that the major response was sparked after a 'motorcyclist had fallen ' .

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A motorcyclist was rushed to hospital after being injured in a crash in Great Barr.
The incident sparked a major response from emergency services on Tuesday, June 9, with police, an air ambulance and two land ambulances sent to the scene.
It was thought the motorcyclist - a man - had come off his bike in a park but today (June 10), West Midlands Ambulance Service said the biker had fallen on Turnberry Road, at around 4.15pm.
The exact nature of his injuries are unclear, but the man was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital by land ambulance after receiving treatment at the scene.
"We were called at 4:15pm yesterday to reports a motorcyclist had come off their bike on Turnberry Road," a WMAS spokeswoman said.
(Image: Handout)
"Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care car attended the scene.
"We treated one patient, a man, for injuries not believed to be life threatening before taking him on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further treatment."
Footage captured the moment medics were called to the scene, and pictures showed emergency crews parked up on nearby Cardington Avenue.
Emergency units from West Midlands Ambulance – including a team from the Midlands Air Ambulance – can be seen working in Cardington Avenue after the drama on Tuesday, June 9.
Mobile phone footage captures a marked police vehicle, an air ambulance care car and several paramedics at the scene - close to Full House Takeaway.
An eyewitness told BirminghamLive that the major response was sparked after a 'motorcyclist had fallen'.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers set to face off

Birmingham City will face Wolverhampton Wanderers in a warm-up match this weekend , BirminghamLive understands .
The game will be played behind closed doors at St Andrew ’ s on Saturday , June 13 – and under strict coronavirus protocols and is not open to fans .
As things stand it is likely to be Blues ’ only friendly against an opposition club – although they have been playing regular 11 v 11 games during training at Wast Hills .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Birmingham City news with our daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Blues 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 The game takes place seven days before both clubs resume their respective seasons .
Blues do so against West Brom at 3pm on Saturday June 20 , while Wolves are at West Ham on the same day , kicking off at 5.30pm .
Wolves have also played a warm-up match against Nottingham Forest .
Blues will resume their campaign in 16th place in the Championship with work to secure their second tier status still to be done – and against the backdrop of the news head coach Pep Clotet will be moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing in on a Champions League berth , two points from fifth-placed Manchester United and keenly watching the outcome of Manchester City ’ s appeal against their two-year ban , which is currently at the Court of Arbitration .
The teams last met in April 2018 when a 2-0 victory saw Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s men secure promotion to the Premier League .
This weekend ’ s friendly will likely see Jeremie Bela involved for the first time since injuring his hamstring in February .

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birminghammail--2020-06-10--Dad-of-six fugitive arrested in Birmingham after mobile phone shop robbery

A Romanian national arrested in Birmingham has been jailed after he stole mobile phones and skipped bail .
The 30-year-old was part of a gang who stole expensive devices from a shop in Wrexham , in Wales .
David Bucuresteanu was charged with the robbery of the O2 store in Hope Street two years ago .
The 30-year-old of Banner Street , Liverpool was said to have purchased a car specifically for the purpose of stealing .
The dad-of-six was among three arrested after running from the shop to the vehicle and driving away , reports NorthWalesLive .
But Bucuresteanu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mold Crown Court in July 2018 and a warrant for his arrest was issued .
Prosecuting barrister Karl Scholz said Bucuresteanu was arrested in the Birmingham area 12 days ago .
He said the three men had entered the shop , went to the display and started taking the devices worth £3,000 .
One of the men threw a punch at an assistant manager who was also pushed out of the way before fleeing .
The registration number of their getaway car had been noted by witnesses and police spotted them on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sentencing Bucuresteanu to a total of 21 months in prison , the judge said : `` This was planned and showed a degree of sophistication .
Valuable mobile phones were targeted .
`` You had absolutely no qualms about carrying out the offence in front of others in the shop , customers as well as staff , and at least two women were quite badly affected by what you did . ''
Defence counsel Robert Edwards accepted a prison sentence was inevitable and asked for credit for his guilty plea .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his wife is unwell .
A prison sentence will cause hardship , '' he said .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Eryl Crump, James Rodger)

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A Romanian national arrested in Birmingham has been jailed after he stole mobile phones and skipped bail.
The 30-year-old was part of a gang who stole expensive devices from a shop in Wrexham, in Wales.
David Bucuresteanu was charged with the robbery of the O2 store in Hope Street two years ago.
The 30-year-old of Banner Street, Liverpool was said to have purchased a car specifically for the purpose of stealing.
The dad-of-six was among three arrested after running from the shop to the vehicle and driving away, reports NorthWalesLive.
But Bucuresteanu had failed to attend as directed at Mold Crown Court in July 2018 and a warrant for his arrest was issued.
Prosecuting barrister Karl Scholz said Bucuresteanu was arrested in the Birmingham area 12 days ago.
He said the three men had entered the shop, went to the display and started taking the devices worth £3,000.
One of the men threw a punch at an assistant manager who was also pushed out of the way before fleeing.
The registration number of their getaway car had been noted by witnesses and police spotted them on the M56 at the turn-off for Warrington.
Sentencing Bucuresteanu to a total of 21 months in prison, the judge said: "This was planned and showed a degree of sophistication. Valuable mobile phones were targeted.
"You had absolutely no qualms about carrying out the offence in front of others in the shop, customers as well as staff, and at least two women were quite badly affected by what you did."
Defence counsel Robert Edwards accepted a prison sentence was inevitable and asked for credit for his guilty plea.
"He is a family man with six children and his wife is unwell. A prison sentence will cause hardship," he said.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--The top five new titles coming to the Nintendo Switch in June

It 's been a turbulent time for the game industry with development , manufacturing and the marketing side of operations grinding to a halt over the past few months .
Gears , however , are slowly beginning to move back into motion - and the upcoming summer months have plenty for gamers to sink their teeth into .
Below we 've taken a specific look at the Nintendo Switch and what 's still to come in June , with a particular focus on the titles that have currently been pre-ordered most through Amazon .
To take a look at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes a number of exciting titles ready for their July release date , go to : amazon.co.uk/nintendo-switch/new-releases This Friday , June 12 , three new games will be made available .
Racing game Gear Club Unlimited is a cheap and cheerful title at just £12.99 .
It contains over 400 racetracks to choose from , as well as over 30 cars from some of the world 's leading manufacturers like Mercedes , BMW and Bugatti .
The same amount of money can also get your Super Chariot , the enchanting fantasy adventure with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's throwback 2D platform contains `` epic challenges '' within it 's 25 levels set in a world `` peppered with unique characters and items '' .
Elsewhere , Spirit of the North is the intriguing new release from Merge Games .
With no dialog or narrative , players - taking the form of of a red fox - make their way through a mysterious Icelandic terrain in search for the meaning of a lost civilisation .
The ardent gamers among you may already be aware of Burnout Paradise .
Originally released for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 , a remastered version is now coming to the Nintendo Switch for the first time .
`` Meticulously recreated '' , the upcoming release includes the 'Cops and Robbers Pack ' , legendary cars and burnout bikes alongside new , never-before-seen locations , challenges and vehicles .
On the same day , Ion Fury from Excalibur Games is available for the first time to Nintendo Switch users .
The game was released on other consoles last year and received a positive response from critics .
The first-person shooter contains seven zone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harrison and runs on a modified version of Ken Silverman 's infamous build engine popularised by the game Doom .
Second in the list of Amazon pre-orders is SpongeBob SquarePants : Battle for Bikini Bottom , second only to Paper Mario : The Origami King coming up in July .
Like other upcoming releases , the Battle for Bikini Bottom is a remastered version of a classic early noughties game released on the PS2 , Xbox and GameCube .
The game allows players to take control of either SpongeBob , Patrick or Sandy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evil plan to rule Bikini Bottom .
Last but not least , the end of the month marks the release of the 'extracirricular ' edition of The Legend of Heroes : Trails of Cold Steel III .
The story is said to have been `` crafted for new and old fans alike '' and is set nearly a year and a half since the 'Erebonian civil war ' .
Players traverse through a world of intrigue and excitement , utilising `` an incredible cast of characters and a combat system refined over decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @

It's been a turbulent time for the game industry with development, manufacturing and the marketing side of operations grinding to a halt over the past few months.
Gears, however, are slowly beginning to move back into motion - and the upcoming summer months have plenty for gamers to sink their teeth into.
Below we've taken a specific look at the Nintendo Switch and what's still to come in June, with a particular focus on the titles that have currently been pre-ordered most through Amazon.
To take a look at the list in its entirety, which also includes a number of exciting titles ready for their July release date, go to: amazon.co.uk/nintendo-switch/new-releases
June 12
This Friday, June 12, three new games will be made available.
Racing game Gear Club Unlimited is a cheap and cheerful title at just £12.99. It contains over 400 racetracks to choose from, as well as over 30 cars from some of the world's leading manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW and Bugatti.
The same amount of money can also get your Super Chariot , the enchanting fantasy adventure with over 60 hours of gameplay. It's throwback 2D platform contains "epic challenges" within it's 25 levels set in a world "peppered with unique characters and items".
Elsewhere, Spirit of the North is the intriguing new release from Merge Games. With no dialog or narrative, players - taking the form of of a red fox - make their way through a mysterious Icelandic terrain in search for the meaning of a lost civilisation.
June 19
The ardent gamers among you may already be aware of Burnout Paradise . Originally released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2008, a remastered version is now coming to the Nintendo Switch for the first time.
"Meticulously recreated", the upcoming release includes the 'Cops and Robbers Pack', legendary cars and burnout bikes alongside new, never-before-seen locations, challenges and vehicles.
On the same day, Ion Fury from Excalibur Games is available for the first time to Nintendo Switch users. The game was released on other consoles last year and received a positive response from critics.
The first-person shooter contains seven zone, where players control bomb disposal expert Shelly Harrison and runs on a modified version of Ken Silverman's infamous build engine popularised by the game Doom .
June 23
Second in the list of Amazon pre-orders is SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom , second only to Paper Mario: The Origami King coming up in July.
Like other upcoming releases, the Battle for Bikini Bottom is a remastered version of a classic early noughties game released on the PS2, Xbox and GameCube.
The game allows players to take control of either SpongeBob, Patrick or Sandy with the aim of thwarting Plankton's evil plan to rule Bikini Bottom.
June 30
Last but not least, the end of the month marks the release of the 'extracirricular' edition of The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III .
The story is said to have been "crafted for new and old fans alike" and is set nearly a year and a half since the 'Erebonian civil war'.
Players traverse through a world of intrigue and excitement, utilising "an incredible cast of characters and a combat system refined over decades of innovative RPG world building".


birminghammail--2020-06-10--'Boycott Sainsbury's' campaign sparked by removal of slave trader statue

Sainsbury 's shoppers are threatening to boycott the supermarket chain after the removal of a statue of Robert Milligan .
The hashtag # boycottsainsburys trended on Wednesday morning in the wake of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations which are sweeping the globe .
The death of George Floyd , a black man in Minneapolis , has led to an outpouring of grief .
Thousands have peacefully demonstrated , including 4,000 in Birmingham 's Centenary Square last week .
And the protests culminated with the toppling of a slave trader statue in Bristol this weekend .
Today , it has emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , paying tribute to a slave trader , came after the Museum of London funded it .
Lord Sainsbury , whose great-grandfather established the supermarket chain , funds the Museum .
Milligan was a merchant , slaveholder and founded West India Docks in the capital .
One Twitter user wrote : `` People are going to # BoycottSainsburys because Lord Sainsbury has urged statues of slave owners to be taken down ?
Are these people actually for real ? ''
A second added : `` apparently one of the sainsbury ’ s bosses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that ’ s why boycott sainsburys is trending rn ?
?
?
i ’ m not even surprised at how explicit the racism has become .
as in they ’ re not even trying to hide it '' A third wrote : `` So , Sainsburys rightfully want to remove an offensive statue , and the UK wants to boycott Sainsbury ’ s because of it ?
?
Talk about the UK ‘ not being racist '' '' Can we get a full list of everywhere racists are boycotting please ?
Imagine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to encounter a single one of them '' another wrote .

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Sainsbury's shoppers are threatening to boycott the supermarket chain after the removal of a statue of Robert Milligan.
The hashtag #boycottsainsburys trended on Wednesday morning in the wake of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations which are sweeping the globe.
The death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis, has led to an outpouring of grief.
Thousands have peacefully demonstrated, including 4,000 in Birmingham's Centenary Square last week.
And the protests culminated with the toppling of a slave trader statue in Bristol this weekend.
Today, it has emerged the removal of the Robert Milligan statue, paying tribute to a slave trader, came after the Museum of London funded it.
Lord Sainsbury, whose great-grandfather established the supermarket chain, funds the Museum.
Milligan was a merchant, slaveholder and founded West India Docks in the capital.
One Twitter user wrote: "People are going to #BoycottSainsburys because Lord Sainsbury has urged statues of slave owners to be taken down? Are these people actually for real?"
A second added: "apparently one of the sainsbury’s bosses got rid of a slave trader statue and that’s why boycott sainsburys is trending rn??? i’m not even surprised at how explicit the racism has become. as in they’re not even trying to hide it"
A third wrote: "So, Sainsburys rightfully want to remove an offensive statue, and the UK wants to boycott Sainsbury’s because of it?? Talk about the UK ‘not being racist"
"Can we get a full list of everywhere racists are boycotting please? Imagine a world where you no longer have to encounter a single one of them" another wrote.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Graffiti found on cenotaph after city Black Lives Matter protest

The cenotaph at St Philip 's Cathedral was daubed with graffiti saying `` End Racism Now ' after a Black Lives Matter protest in the city centre .
'Black is Blessing ' was also painted on the war monument , while 'Time for Action ' was sprayed onto the walls of the cathedral .
The graffiti was discovered a day after the Black Lives Matter march in Birmingham last Thursday ( June 4 ) which saw 4,000 protesters in the city centre .
The protest was organised following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis , USA .
Mr Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filmed kneeling on his neck for at least eight minutes , while he was handcuffed .
Chauvin has been charged with third degree murder over the death , which has sparked riots across America and London .
Three other police officers who were present during the incident have also been charged .
On Sunday Black Lives Matter protesters in Bristol pulled down a statue of a 17th century slave trader - and pushed it into the city harbour .
The bronze memorial of Edward Colston , known as a great English philanthropist as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1895 .
It had been the subject of an 11,000-strong petition to have it removed .
The vast majority of Black Lives Matter demonstrations have been largely peaceful including the one in Birmingham city centre and one in Wolverhampton , which attracted 1,000 people .
However , on Saturday night there were chaotic scenes in London as police officers were hurt during a demo , including one officer who was thrown from a police horse as it bolted .
And in London a protester painted ‘ was a racist ’ on the statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country during World War Two .
West Midlands Police said no report of a crime had been received .

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The cenotaph at St Philip's Cathedral was daubed with graffiti saying ''End Racism Now' after a Black Lives Matter protest in the city centre.
'Black is Blessing' was also painted on the war monument, while 'Time for Action' was sprayed onto the walls of the cathedral.
The graffiti was discovered a day after the Black Lives Matter march in Birmingham last Thursday (June 4) which saw 4,000 protesters in the city centre.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
The protest was organised following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA.
Mr Floyd died after US cop Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on his neck for at least eight minutes, while he was handcuffed.
Chauvin has been charged with third degree murder over the death, which has sparked riots across America and London.
Three other police officers who were present during the incident have also been charged.
On Sunday Black Lives Matter protesters in Bristol pulled down a statue of a 17th century slave trader - and pushed it into the city harbour.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
The bronze memorial of Edward Colston, known as a great English philanthropist as well as slave trader was erected in 1895.
It had been the subject of an 11,000-strong petition to have it removed.
The vast majority of Black Lives Matter demonstrations have been largely peaceful including the one in Birmingham city centre and one in Wolverhampton, which attracted 1,000 people.
However, on Saturday night there were chaotic scenes in London as police officers were hurt during a demo, including one officer who was thrown from a police horse as it bolted.
And in London a protester painted ‘was a racist’ on the statue of Sir Winston Churchill, who led the country during World War Two.
BirminghamLive has contacted St Phillip's Cathedral for a statement.
West Midlands Police said no report of a crime had been received.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Morrisons launch two new 'fakeaway' food boxes for £30

Morrisons is adding to its food boxes line up with two new ‘ fakeaway ’ boxes containing some of Brits favourite meals from the high street .
With many high-street chains , like Wagamama , Nandos and Las Iguanas either closed or open in a limited capacity , Morrisons has created new meal boxes to satisfy the nation ’ s cravings for their takeaway favourites – all at a fraction of the cost .
Hannah Munns , Head of Market Street at Morrisons said : “ These new food boxes offer our customers the chance to still enjoy their favourite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been created using authentic recipes and good ingredients .
We hope they ’ ll go some way to satisfying our cravings for some of our favourite takeaways.
” Launched at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to help feed the nation , Morrisons has now sold tens of thousands of food boxes delivered to customers ' doorsteps .
As the nation ’ s shopping habits continue to change , Morrisons has increased production to cater for all customers , not just those vulnerable and self-isolating .
The Market Kitchen Takeaway Favourites and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others in Morrisons Food Box range including ; the Vegan Essentials Food Box ; British Food Box ; and Family Meat Box .
In May , Morrisons also announced it was going to be delivering flowers in a box with a range of Bouquet Boxes costing just £20 , including next day delivery .
The Market Kitchen Takeaway Favourites Box contains two Hot Peri Peri Chicken with Spicy Rice , two Garlic Peri Peri Chicken with Spicy Rice , two Southern Fried Chicken and BBQ Sauce , and two Naked Burrito Bowls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which contains two Chicken Katsu with Sticky Rice , two Chicken Pad Thai , two Satay Chicken , and two Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curries .
Each box costs £30 , including delivery , which works out at just £3.75 per meal .

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Morrisons is adding to its food boxes line up with two new ‘fakeaway’ boxes containing some of Brits favourite meals from the high street.
With many high-street chains, like Wagamama, Nandos and Las Iguanas either closed or open in a limited capacity, Morrisons has created new meal boxes to satisfy the nation’s cravings for their takeaway favourites – all at a fraction of the cost.
Hannah Munns, Head of Market Street at Morrisons said: “These new food boxes offer our customers the chance to still enjoy their favourite high-street eats at home. They’ve been created using authentic recipes and good ingredients. We hope they’ll go some way to satisfying our cravings for some of our favourite takeaways.”
Launched at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to help feed the nation, Morrisons has now sold tens of thousands of food boxes delivered to customers' doorsteps. As the nation’s shopping habits continue to change, Morrisons has increased production to cater for all customers, not just those vulnerable and self-isolating.
The Market Kitchen Takeaway Favourites and Market Street Food Menu Boxes join ten others in Morrisons Food Box range including; the Vegan Essentials Food Box; British Food Box; and Family Meat Box. In May, Morrisons also announced it was going to be delivering flowers in a box with a range of Bouquet Boxes costing just £20, including next day delivery.
The two box options include:
The Market Kitchen Takeaway Favourites Box contains two Hot Peri Peri Chicken with Spicy Rice, two Garlic Peri Peri Chicken with Spicy Rice, two Southern Fried Chicken and BBQ Sauce, and two Naked Burrito Bowls.
The Market Kitchen Street Food Menu Box which contains two Chicken Katsu with Sticky Rice, two Chicken Pad Thai, two Satay Chicken, and two Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curries.
Each box costs £30, including delivery, which works out at just £3.75 per meal.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Only concrete structure left after blaze rips through Claverley home

A house has been completely destroyed in Claverley after fire ripped through it during the early hours of this morning .
Fire crews were called to Long Common just after 2.30am today ( June 10 ) after a blaze engulfed a house and caravan .
The fire has devastated the two-storey building , only leaving a concrete skeleton standing .
Pictures shared online by the fire service show the property alight as well as the aftermath left behind .
Thankfully no one was injured or inside the property and an investigation is now under way to determine what caused the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Rescue said : `` Firefighters were called to a report of a fire at a property on Long Common in Claverley just after 2.30am today ( June 10 ) .
`` Crews from Wombourne , Kinver , Penkridge , Brewood , two crews from Cannock and firefighters from West Midlands Fire attended the scene which involved a two-storey house and a caravan .
`` Around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze from outside the property using two hose reel jets and one main jet .
Crews split the fire into sectors to fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured or in the property at the time .
`` A building inspector is assessing the property which has been devastated and left as a concrete structure .
Investigations into the cause are under way . ''

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A house has been completely destroyed in Claverley after fire ripped through it during the early hours of this morning.
Fire crews were called to Long Common just after 2.30am today (June 10) after a blaze engulfed a house and caravan.
The fire has devastated the two-storey building, only leaving a concrete skeleton standing.
Pictures shared online by the fire service show the property alight as well as the aftermath left behind.
Thankfully no one was injured or inside the property and an investigation is now under way to determine what caused the fire.
A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said: "Firefighters were called to a report of a fire at a property on Long Common in Claverley just after 2.30am today (June 10).
"Crews from Wombourne, Kinver, Penkridge, Brewood, two crews from Cannock and firefighters from West Midlands Fire attended the scene which involved a two-storey house and a caravan.
(Image: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue)
"Around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze from outside the property using two hose reel jets and one main jet. Crews split the fire into sectors to fight the flames.
"No one was injured or in the property at the time.
"A building inspector is assessing the property which has been devastated and left as a concrete structure. Investigations into the cause are under way."


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Police probe soccer disorder as thugs hurl missiles and brandish knife

Police have launched an investigation after trouble flared when hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Coventry City FC 's promotion to the Championship .
Several hundred people met from 5pm at Broadgate , in the city centre , to mark the team 's promotion on Tuesday , June 9 .
The celebration was 'good natured ' until around 9.15pm when some of the group chased two men who were not part of the gathering .
It 's alleged one of the pair brandished a knife towards the group .
West Midlands Police officers put themselves between the crowd and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bottles and other missiles were thrown but no-one was injured .
A window was broken during the disturbance .
Both men were searched and lead away from the scene .
A knife was later recovered from a bin and police will continue their CCTV enquiries today .
Coventry Police Superintendent Phil Healy , said : `` Our officers acted with great courage to put themselves between the group and the two men to prevent the situation escalating further .
`` I would like to pay credit to the professionalism they demonstrated in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This type of disorder is totally unacceptable and we have launched an enquiry into the violence and the damage to property .
`` We will also be investigating suggestions that the men were armed with a knife . ''
No-one was injured during the incident but an intoxicated 17-year-old was taken to hospital after falling and suffering a head injury .
[ olice are urging anyone with information or video footage to get in touch via Live Chat at WMP Online or by calling 101 .
Quote log 2731 from 9 June @

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Police have launched an investigation after trouble flared when hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Coventry City FC's promotion to the Championship.
Several hundred people met from 5pm at Broadgate, in the city centre, to mark the team's promotion on Tuesday, June 9.
The celebration was 'good natured' until around 9.15pm when some of the group chased two men who were not part of the gathering.
It's alleged one of the pair brandished a knife towards the group.
West Midlands Police officers put themselves between the crowd and the two men to prevent further disorder.
Bottles and other missiles were thrown but no-one was injured.
A window was broken during the disturbance.
Both men were searched and lead away from the scene.
A knife was later recovered from a bin and police will continue their CCTV enquiries today.
Coventry Police Superintendent Phil Healy, said: "Our officers acted with great courage to put themselves between the group and the two men to prevent the situation escalating further.
"I would like to pay credit to the professionalism they demonstrated in what was clearly a very challenging situation.
"This type of disorder is totally unacceptable and we have launched an enquiry into the violence and the damage to property.
"We will also be investigating suggestions that the men were armed with a knife."
No-one was injured during the incident but an intoxicated 17-year-old was taken to hospital after falling and suffering a head injury.
[olice are urging anyone with information or video footage to get in touch via Live Chat at WMP Online or by calling 101. Quote log 2731 from 9 June.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Twycross Zoo handed  'great first step' as plans unveiled for reopening

Bosworth MP Dr Luke Evans says the prospect of Zoos being able to reopen next week as part of new lockdown easing measures is a 'great first step . '
Boris Johnson is expected to announce a raft of measures to reopen the economy while keeping the coronavirus transmission rate down on Wednesday , June 10 .
Zoos across the UK – including Twycross Zoo – have been desperate to reopen after admitting they could face permanent closure if restrictions continued .
But under the new plans , Mr Johnson will reportedly say that they can reopen on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can uphold social-distancing rules .
Zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions , such as reptile houses , and must ensure amenities including cafés are takeaway .
And Dr Evans tweeted : `` Pleased to say the campaigning has paid off and Twycross Zoo and all zoos will be able to open with socially distance measures .
`` Great to work with Sharon Redrobe - still plenty more to be done to secure the zoo 's future , but this is a great first step ! ''
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thank you , Thank you , Thank you !
We ’ ve been on a rollercoaster ride over the last few weeks , and because of you and your amazing support , the government has listened .
`` Now we ’ re expecting the government to announce later today that zoos can reopen next week from June 15 .
`` Our fight isn ’ t over just yet , we still need the government to step in with vital financial support for large zoos .
We will continue to work with other zoos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still ask that you contact your MP to attend the debate in UK Parliament tomorrow .
`` We really couldn ’ t have done this without you all and we sincerely hope that this is the start of our recovery .
We have been overwhelmed by every donation , membership purchase , and message of support over the last few months .
`` We can ’ t wait to welcome you back for a safe day out .
We ’ ll let you know soon when and how you ’ ll be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thank you from the whole team at Twycross Zoo '' Last week , Tamworth MP Chris Pincher had expressed his desire to get zoos open again .
He said : `` I am keen to see both Drayton Manor and Twycross zoos re-open safely and to have a secure future moving forwards .
“ Attractions of this nature are facing a seriously unique set of circumstances and their commitment to welfare of their creatures in their care is striking .
“ Ministers are listening to the concerns and have launched a £14 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help cover costs such as feed , heating and security .
“ This is on top of a number of support schemes already available such as business rates relief , the business interruption loan scheme , VAT deferral and the job retention scheme .
“ I have fed the concerns that have been put to me straight to my colleagues at the Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs who have assured me they are working with the main industry association , the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual zoos .
“ Behind the DEFRA team is a cohort of expert advice straight from their Zoo Expert Committee .
“ At a local level , my team and I have been working alongside local attractions , as well as with the leading hospitality trade association ‘ UKHospitality ’ to understand and discuss how and when zoos and aquariums may be able to reopen in a safe way to the public while also maintaining social distancing.
” Twycross has been plunged into financial problems by Covid-19 restrictions .
It costs more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoo operating and providing quality care for its endangered animals but reserves have now been all but used up .
A Twycross statement last week read : “ The zoo finds itself entering a period of massive uncertainty as it saddles itself with enormous debts for many years to come , and clings on for survival .
“ Over the last few weeks the zoo has been preparing to reopen safely with significant changes and measures put in place so visitors could enjoy a safe day out on its 100-acre site .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and parks have opened with very limited measures in place , sure that they would be able to welcome visitors safely soon and therefore gain a much-needed injection of income .
”

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Bosworth MP Dr Luke Evans says the prospect of Zoos being able to reopen next week as part of new lockdown easing measures is a 'great first step. '
Boris Johnson is expected to announce a raft of measures to reopen the economy while keeping the coronavirus transmission rate down on Wednesday, June 10.
Zoos across the UK – including Twycross Zoo – have been desperate to reopen after admitting they could face permanent closure if restrictions continued.
But under the new plans, Mr Johnson will reportedly say that they can reopen on Monday, June 15, as long as they can uphold social-distancing rules.
Zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafés are takeaway.
And Dr Evans tweeted: "Pleased to say the campaigning has paid off and Twycross Zoo and all zoos will be able to open with socially distance measures.
"Great to work with Sharon Redrobe - still plenty more to be done to secure the zoo's future, but this is a great first step!"
In a separate tweet, Twycross said: "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! We’ve been on a rollercoaster ride over the last few weeks, and because of you and your amazing support, the government has listened.
"Now we’re expecting the government to announce later today that zoos can reopen next week from June 15.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Our fight isn’t over just yet, we still need the government to step in with vital financial support for large zoos. We will continue to work with other zoos by lobbying to government, and we still ask that you contact your MP to attend the debate in UK Parliament tomorrow.
"We really couldn’t have done this without you all and we sincerely hope that this is the start of our recovery. We have been overwhelmed by every donation, membership purchase, and message of support over the last few months.
"We can’t wait to welcome you back for a safe day out. We’ll let you know soon when and how you’ll be able to book a ticket to visit. Thank you from the whole team at Twycross Zoo"
Last week, Tamworth MP Chris Pincher had expressed his desire to get zoos open again.
He said: "I am keen to see both Drayton Manor and Twycross zoos re-open safely and to have a secure future moving forwards.
“Attractions of this nature are facing a seriously unique set of circumstances and their commitment to welfare of their creatures in their care is striking.
“Ministers are listening to the concerns and have launched a £14 million support fund for zoos and aquariums which will help cover costs such as feed, heating and security.
“This is on top of a number of support schemes already available such as business rates relief, the business interruption loan scheme, VAT deferral and the job retention scheme.
“I have fed the concerns that have been put to me straight to my colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who have assured me they are working with the main industry association, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), as well as individual zoos.
“Behind the DEFRA team is a cohort of expert advice straight from their Zoo Expert Committee.
“At a local level, my team and I have been working alongside local attractions, as well as with the leading hospitality trade association ‘UKHospitality’ to understand and discuss how and when zoos and aquariums may be able to reopen in a safe way to the public while also maintaining social distancing.”
(Image: Hinckley Times)
Twycross has been plunged into financial problems by Covid-19 restrictions.
It costs more than £500,000 a month to keep the 57-year-old zoo operating and providing quality care for its endangered animals but reserves have now been all but used up.
A Twycross statement last week read: “The zoo finds itself entering a period of massive uncertainty as it saddles itself with enormous debts for many years to come, and clings on for survival.
“Over the last few weeks the zoo has been preparing to reopen safely with significant changes and measures put in place so visitors could enjoy a safe day out on its 100-acre site.
“Twycross Zoo has watched on as beaches and parks have opened with very limited measures in place, sure that they would be able to welcome visitors safely soon and therefore gain a much-needed injection of income.”


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Alison Hammond's celeb pals rally to give support after dad's death

The celebrity pals of Alison Hammond have rushed to send the Brummie TV personality all their love and well-wishes today .
News emerged this morning of Alison 's dad Clifford 's heartbreaking death in Jamaica .
Tragically , mum-of-one Alison , who lives in Birmingham , will not be able to attend the funeral in the Caribbean due to ongoing travel restrictions .
And after the Instagram tribute from the former Big Brother contestant , who now stars on ITV1 daytime programme This Morning , pals rushed to have their say .
Holly Willoughby wrote : `` Alison ... sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also tributes from TOWIE cast members and stars of the Real Housewives of Cheshire .
And Celebs Go Dating host , Paul Carrick Brunson , said : `` Because of him , we have you sis .
You are a wonderfully made masterpiece .
Loved and cherished by us all . ''
The reality TV star turned daytime TV presence wrote on Instagram : `` This is my real Dad Clifford Hammond who passed away last week in Jamaica .
`` I ’ m saddened that I won ’ t be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wasn ’ t part of my life as much as I would have liked but I still have a sense of loss and emptiness .
`` Sleep well Daddy , love leaves a memory no on can steal .
RIP . ''

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The celebrity pals of Alison Hammond have rushed to send the Brummie TV personality all their love and well-wishes today.
News emerged this morning of Alison's dad Clifford's heartbreaking death in Jamaica.
Tragically, mum-of-one Alison, who lives in Birmingham, will not be able to attend the funeral in the Caribbean due to ongoing travel restrictions.
And after the Instagram tribute from the former Big Brother contestant, who now stars on ITV1 daytime programme This Morning, pals rushed to have their say.
Holly Willoughby wrote: "Alison...sending you so much love."
Peter Andre added: "All our love."
Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan and Dr Ranj Singh also posted love hearts.
There were also tributes from TOWIE cast members and stars of the Real Housewives of Cheshire.
And Celebs Go Dating host, Paul Carrick Brunson, said: "Because of him, we have you sis. You are a wonderfully made masterpiece. Loved and cherished by us all."
The reality TV star turned daytime TV presence wrote on Instagram: "This is my real Dad Clifford Hammond who passed away last week in Jamaica.
"I’m saddened that I won’t be able to make his funeral and saddened that he wasn’t part of my life as much as I would have liked but I still have a sense of loss and emptiness.
"Sleep well Daddy, love leaves a memory no on can steal . RIP."


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Phil and Holly hit out at Little Britain saying they now 'wince' at show

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have admitted Little Britain now makes them `` wince '' .
The pair were on This Morning discussing the BBC 's decision to remove the sketch show from streaming services .
The hit show , created by Matt Lucas and David Walliams , was removed from Netflix , BBC iPlayer and Britbox yesterday following a fierce backlash .
Critics have demanded the show 's removal after its use of blackface and other controversial segments .
On ITV today , Phil and Holly welcomed Matthew Wright to discuss the removal .
Phil said : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredibly popular .
`` But you watch those sketches now and you wince , you think 'oh my God ' .
`` It strikes at you and that 's exactly what they should do . ''
Matthew Wright replied : `` But we have Mrs Brown 's Boys - man dressing as woman .
`` It is a complicated time we are in and we are asking questions , all of us are asking questions .
`` All I can say , as a way of conclusion , is that there are no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's a matter of public debate .
`` Where does it end ?
My nephew was killed in a car accident but car accidents feature in movies all the time .
`` Do I need to be warned ?
Should car accidents be removed out of sensitivity to me ?
No , I do n't think they can . ''
But Peta Cavendish replied : `` Tragedies happen but racism is n't a tragedy like a car accident , ''

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Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have admitted Little Britain now makes them "wince".
The pair were on This Morning discussing the BBC's decision to remove the sketch show from streaming services.
The hit show, created by Matt Lucas and David Walliams, was removed from Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Britbox yesterday following a fierce backlash.
Critics have demanded the show's removal after its use of blackface and other controversial segments.
On ITV today, Phil and Holly welcomed Matthew Wright to discuss the removal.
Phil said: "It was a great series. It was incredibly popular.
"But you watch those sketches now and you wince, you think 'oh my God'.
"It strikes at you and that's exactly what they should do."
Matthew Wright replied: "But we have Mrs Brown's Boys - man dressing as woman.
"It is a complicated time we are in and we are asking questions, all of us are asking questions.
"All I can say, as a way of conclusion, is that there are no clear answers yet."
He continued: "It's a matter of public debate.
"Where does it end? My nephew was killed in a car accident but car accidents feature in movies all the time.
"Do I need to be warned? Should car accidents be removed out of sensitivity to me? No, I don't think they can."
But Peta Cavendish replied: "Tragedies happen but racism isn't a tragedy like a car accident,"


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Arrests after £600k cannabis factory raided by cops

Two people have been arrested after a £600,000 cannabis factory was raided in Brierley Hill .
Cops executed a drugs warrant at an address and discovered a staggering 677 illict plants , last night ( June 9 ) .
The crop was being grown across two floors of the property .
Police say two people are in custody .
Footage of the farm was shared online by cops and it shows a room absolutely packed with plants - you can watch the video at the top of the article .
The force took to Twitter to post about the bust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the support of the DY NTF , have executed a S.23 Misuse of drugs act warrant at a location in Brierley Hill this evening .
`` A total of 677 plants were found across two floors at the address , with two persons currently in custody . ''
Black Country Live has contacted West Midlands Police for more information .
Key warning signs include blacked out windows , a pungent smell and strong , constant lighting throughout the day and night .
Anyone who suspects a property is being used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101 .

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Two people have been arrested after a £600,000 cannabis factory was raided in Brierley Hill.
Cops executed a drugs warrant at an address and discovered a staggering 677 illict plants, last night (June 9).
The crop was being grown across two floors of the property.
Police say two people are in custody.
Footage of the farm was shared online by cops and it shows a room absolutely packed with plants - you can watch the video at the top of the article.
The force took to Twitter to post about the bust and said: "Brierley Hill NHT, with the support of the DY NTF, have executed a S.23 Misuse of drugs act warrant at a location in Brierley Hill this evening.
"A total of 677 plants were found across two floors at the address, with two persons currently in custody."
(Image: Brierley Hill Police)
Black Country Live has contacted West Midlands Police for more information.
Key warning signs include blacked out windows, a pungent smell and strong, constant lighting throughout the day and night.
Anyone who suspects a property is being used to grow drugs is urged to contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Villa favourite Tammy Abraham's response to Timo Werner signing

Tammy Abraham reportedly has an ‘ open mind ’ about Timo Werner signing for Chelsea .
The Chelsea striker enjoyed a stunning season for Aston Villa in 2018/19 , firing 26 goals as Dean Smith ’ s side won promotion back to the Premier League .
Smith made no secret of his desire to land the England international on a permanent basis , but Frank Lampard instead integrated him into the first team .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 region .
Google Play Store and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rewarded , with Abraham netting 15 goals in 34 games in all competitions .
But , with Chelsea set to trigger Werner ’ s £49m release clause , Abraham ’ s immediate future with the Londoners has been thrown into doubt .
Reports have suggested that contract talks have stalled between player and club , with Abraham believed to be looking for a similar weekly wage to the £120,000 Callum Hudson-Odoi was offered .
However , according to the Athletic ( via Express ) , the 22-year-old has an open mind about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has previously been suggested that Abraham wasn ’ t notified of Chelsea ’ s plan to sign a striker , but this report claims he was always under the illusion they would bring in competition when the window opens .
Lampard is said to still see Abraham in his plans and the striker is willing to battle to remain as the number one option .
Both Villa fans and decision makers on B6 will be keeping a close eye on any developments , with supporters across social media keen for him to @ @ @ @ @

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birminghammail--2020-06-10--Police called to 'body in lake' in city park but false alarm

Police were called to reports of a 'body ' in a lake at a popular Birmingham park - but discovered a bag of wet rags instead .
A Hazardous Area Response Team ( HART ) , one ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene in Small Heath Park , off Coventry Road , just before 11am yesterday morning ( Tuesday June 9 ) .
A fire crew and police officers began to search the area as the HART team entered the lake to trawl through the water .
After some searching around the Birmingham beauty spot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gruesome finding .
They discovered that the sighting had not been a body or a 'human leg ' as reported by one site online - but a bag of wet rags .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said : `` We were called by the fire service at 10:56am on Tuesday to reports of a patient in the water at Small Heath Park . ''
She added : `` We sent the Hazardous Area Response Team ( HART ) , one ambulance and a paramedic officer to the scene .
`` Crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search the area .
`` A bag of wet rags was found when the HART team went into the water .
No patient was found and crews were stood down . ''
A West Midlands Police spokesman added : `` Officers and other emergency services attended Small Heath Park following a report a body could have been dumped in the lake yesterday morning ( 9 June ) .
`` A search was carried out but nothing was found . ''
Also in the news today Elsewhere , four people were taken to hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a garden wall in Lichfield Road , Walsall in the early hours of this morning ( June 10 ) .
Dramatic images showed a garden wall destroyed as the car ended up on its roof on top of the debris .
It is not yet clear what injuries they have suffered .
One man was seriously injured in the smash in the Shelfield area .

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Police were called to reports of a 'body' in a lake at a popular Birmingham park - but discovered a bag of wet rags instead.
A Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), one ambulance and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene in Small Heath Park, off Coventry Road, just before 11am yesterday morning (Tuesday June 9).
A fire crew and police officers began to search the area as the HART team entered the lake to trawl through the water.
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After some searching around the Birmingham beauty spot, they were relieved to make a less gruesome finding.
They discovered that the sighting had not been a body or a 'human leg' as reported by one site online - but a bag of wet rags.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We were called by the fire service at 10:56am on Tuesday to reports of a patient in the water at Small Heath Park."
She added: "We sent the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), one ambulance and a paramedic officer to the scene.
"Crews liaised with fire and police colleagues to search the area.
"A bag of wet rags was found when the HART team went into the water. No patient was found and crews were stood down."
A West Midlands Police spokesman added: "Officers and other emergency services attended Small Heath Park following a report a body could have been dumped in the lake yesterday morning (9 June).
"A search was carried out but nothing was found."
Also in the news today
Elsewhere, four people were taken to hospital after a car lost control and hit a garden wall in Lichfield Road, Walsall in the early hours of this morning (June 10).
Dramatic images showed a garden wall destroyed as the car ended up on its roof on top of the debris. It is not yet clear what injuries they have suffered.
One man was seriously injured in the smash in the Shelfield area.


birminghammail--2020-06-10--Dr Hilary sparks teacher fury with suggestion for getting kids back in school

Dr Hilary Jones has argued for schools to return at weekends to ensure kids can socially distance .
The medical professional was discussing the government 's abandonment of plans to return all schools to the classroom before the summer holidays today .
Dr Hilary , a resident medical expert on ITV1 , was on Good Morning Britain before appearing on Lorraine , where he discussed the move with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly .
Asked about schoolchildren heading back into the classroom to avoid a `` lost generation '' of kids in the education system , Dr Hilary had a solution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Well when people say 'how are we going to get children back into school ?
We ca n't socially distance ' , well , let me throw this idea out .
`` It probably will upset lots of childre .
But we have weekends .
There are workers who work Saturdays and Sundays elsewhere .
`` If we open schools at weekends , on Saturdays and Sundays , you 've got immediately 28 per cent more capacity . ''
But teachers on Twitter branded his idea `` ridiculous '' and argued it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments came after Susanna Reid used her platform on GMB to lay in to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson .
After Mr Williamson 's words to MPs on Tuesday , Susanna - who was presenting the show alongside co-host Piers Morgan - accused Mr Williamson of being `` asleep at the wheel '' during the lockdown crisis .

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Dr Hilary Jones has argued for schools to return at weekends to ensure kids can socially distance.
The medical professional was discussing the government's abandonment of plans to return all schools to the classroom before the summer holidays today.
Dr Hilary, a resident medical expert on ITV1, was on Good Morning Britain before appearing on Lorraine, where he discussed the move with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.
Asked about schoolchildren heading back into the classroom to avoid a "lost generation" of kids in the education system, Dr Hilary had a solution.
The TV medic told Lorraine: "Well when people say 'how are we going to get children back into school? We can't socially distance', well, let me throw this idea out.
"It probably will upset lots of childre. But we have weekends. There are workers who work Saturdays and Sundays elsewhere.
"Police, nurses, doctors.
"If we open schools at weekends, on Saturdays and Sundays, you've got immediately 28 per cent more capacity."
But teachers on Twitter branded his idea "ridiculous" and argued it made "no sense."
His comments came after Susanna Reid used her platform on GMB to lay in to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
After Mr Williamson's words to MPs on Tuesday, Susanna - who was presenting the show alongside co-host Piers Morgan - accused Mr Williamson of being "asleep at the wheel" during the lockdown crisis.