birminghammail--2020-05-18--Taskforce to find 'truth' over Covid-19 deaths among black and Asian people

A regional taskforce has been set up to attempt to uncover `` the truth '' about why black and Asian people are being hit hard by coronavirus .
The move comes amid frustrated calls from families and friends who say an urgent probe needs to take place in public to get answers about deaths in the community and among healthcare workers .
Around 1,000 people are known to have died from the virus in the city - including 'at least ' 200 from BAME backgrounds .
'Inspirational ' midwife Safaa Alam and much-loved mental health nurse Lillian Mudzivare , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children 's NHS Foundation Trust , were among those who tragically lost their lives this month , soon after Dr Vishna Rasiah , a consultant neonatologist at the trust , died .
The city has also lost Mahadaye Jagroop , known as Mary , a nurse , who died in Heartlands Hospital , where she worked .
Liam Byrne , MP for Hodge Hill and Labour 's mayoral candidate for the West Midlands , has announced he is setting up a fact finding taskforce to look urgently into the issue .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has taken too many lives - but the evidence available suggests you are four times more likely to die from Covid-19 if you are black , and if you are from a south Asian heritage you also have a significantly higher risk of dying .
`` There is an urgent need to investigate whether the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities could have been prevented or mitigated and to act on any lessons learned . ''
Majid Mahmood , a city councillor who has lost friends and relatives across the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of such intense loss - and it made it vital that questions were answered publicly .
`` Families deserve answers , '' he said .
Among those he knew were city businessman , activist and father of three Jawad Iqbal Dad , 50 , who died suddenly days after appearing to recover from the virus ; bus driver Mohammed Nehman , 36 , best known for driving the number eight bus through Alum Rock ; and the heartbroken family of midwife Safaa Alam , who died last week .
Cllr Mahmood added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People are searching for answers and they do n't seem to be coming .
They want to establish what happened , whether anyone is to blame , whether their loved ones could or should have survived , why being black or Asian has had a bigger impact than on other groups .
They need answers . ''
Public confidence has been badly damaged and it will take a lot of healing , he added .
`` I speak to a lot of people locally who are reluctant to go to hospital , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe .
They worry about catching Coronavirus , and they also worry about what treatment they will get . ''
He said : `` I have lost people I was close to and have been contacted by lots of families who have been affected who are confused about what is happening and the manner of the way the situation is being handled by various public bodies , including hospitals and other health organisations .
`` Families desperately need closure but they are not getting it . ''
The inquiry will be co chaired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for health and social care , Wolverhampton councillor Sandra Samuels and Coventry MP Taiwo Owatemi .
Veteran equalities campaigner Doreen Lawrence is backing the inquiry , which will also feature south Asian representatives .
Virtual hearings will be set up shortly so that members of the region 's affected families can share their experiences and question the evidence and submissions of public health officials , hospital trusts and GPs .
Mr Byrne , who jointly chairs a Covid response cross-party group of MPs with Sutton Coldfield counterpart Andrew Mitchell , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death rate from Covid is much higher than reported .
`` We need an urgent inquiry to expose the truth .
That 's the only way we 'll learn the lessons to protect for the future . ''
The city has already challenged Health Secretary Matt Hancock about the terms of his promised national review into deaths amid fears that some sections of the population - those who are male , poor and black of Asian - are at higher risk than others , even allowing for underlying ill health and age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched by Public Health England .
Official figures show more than a third of people in intensive care from Covid-19 are from BAME backgrounds – well over double the proportion of BAME people in the wider population .
All 15 doctors known to have died from the virus were from minority ethnic backgrounds and , while BAME staff make up 44 % of the overall NHS workforce , they account for 72 % of its deaths .
Birmingham 's two main hospital trusts say they have both been aware of and responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including carrying out new risk assessments for staff from BAME backgrounds and having conversations to ensure any issues are raised and additional risks are dealt with .
In an email to staff last week , University Hospitals Birmingham said : `` We are all aware of the widespread impact Coronavirus is having on our daily lives and on the care and support we provide to our patients , relatives and staff .
The pandemic has affected many communities in different ways both at work and at home .
`` Our Black , Asian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and communities have tragically been disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic .
This has been recognised at a national level and an inquiry to understand why this is the case is currently under way . ''
As a result , starting May 7 , the trust launched an individual risk assessment programme , `` starting with those who identify as BAME '' as part of a series of measures to ensure anyone who was vulnerable was identified and any extra steps taken to keep them safe .
Here at BirminghamLive we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from BAME backgrounds since reports first began to emerge of a 'disproportionate impact . '
An emergency meeting of Birmingham 's health and wellbeing board was organised to probe the backgrounds of Covid-19 sufferers as fear started to rise about its impact .
Cllr Paulette Hamilton said the impact of the virus was horrendous and was touching all communities and people of all colours and backgrounds .
`` I have cried many times this past week , learning of so many people whose lives have been taken by this virus .
We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
She added : `` There is a lot of fear in our communities ( across Birmingham ) .
They do n't understand why they are dying more than others . '
We reported on the findings of the special meeting , chaired by Cllr Hamilton , which revealed details of why and how people from black and Asian backgrounds appeared to be more at risk .
Birmingham academic Professor Kehinde Andrews , who leads Birmingham City University ’ s Black Studies courses , said the crisis has highlighted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minority ethnic ( BAME ) backgrounds .
We reported that Public Health England had been commissioned to conduct an urgent review into deaths among BAME communities .
'People are so scared ' said community activist Dolores Pinkney , from Handsworth , about the families of black frontline workers .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A regional taskforce has been set up to attempt to uncover "the truth" about why black and Asian people are being hit hard by coronavirus.
The move comes amid frustrated calls from families and friends who say an urgent probe needs to take place in public to get answers about deaths in the community and among healthcare workers.
Around 1,000 people are known to have died from the virus in the city - including 'at least' 200 from BAME backgrounds.
'Inspirational' midwife Safaa Alam and much-loved mental health nurse Lillian Mudzivare, who both worked at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, were among those who tragically lost their lives this month, soon after Dr Vishna Rasiah, a consultant neonatologist at the trust, died.
The city has also lost Mahadaye Jagroop, known as Mary, a nurse, who died in Heartlands Hospital, where she worked.
Liam Byrne, MP for Hodge Hill and Labour's mayoral candidate for the West Midlands, has announced he is setting up a fact finding taskforce to look urgently into the issue.
He said: "Coronavirus is a killer disease which has taken too many lives - but the evidence available suggests you are four times more likely to die from Covid-19 if you are black, and if you are from a south Asian heritage you also have a significantly higher risk of dying.
"There is an urgent need to investigate whether the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities could have been prevented or mitigated and to act on any lessons learned."
Majid Mahmood, a city councillor who has lost friends and relatives across the city, said he had never known a period of such intense loss - and it made it vital that questions were answered publicly. "Families deserve answers," he said.
Among those he knew were city businessman, activist and father of three Jawad Iqbal Dad, 50, who died suddenly days after appearing to recover from the virus; bus driver Mohammed Nehman, 36, best known for driving the number eight bus through Alum Rock; and the heartbroken family of midwife Safaa Alam, who died last week.
Cllr Mahmood added: "It has been horrendous. People are searching for answers and they don't seem to be coming. They want to establish what happened, whether anyone is to blame, whether their loved ones could or should have survived, why being black or Asian has had a bigger impact than on other groups. They need answers."
Public confidence has been badly damaged and it will take a lot of healing, he added.
"I speak to a lot of people locally who are reluctant to go to hospital, even now, because they don't feel safe. They worry about catching Coronavirus, and they also worry about what treatment they will get."
He said: "I have lost people I was close to and have been contacted by lots of families who have been affected who are confused about what is happening and the manner of the way the situation is being handled by various public bodies, including hospitals and other health organisations.
"Families desperately need closure but they are not getting it."
The inquiry will be co chaired by Paulette Hamilton, Birmingham cabinet member for health and social care, Wolverhampton councillor Sandra Samuels and Coventry MP Taiwo Owatemi.
Veteran equalities campaigner Doreen Lawrence is backing the inquiry, which will also feature south Asian representatives.
Virtual hearings will be set up shortly so that members of the region's affected families can share their experiences and question the evidence and submissions of public health officials, hospital trusts and GPs.
Mr Byrne, who jointly chairs a Covid response cross-party group of MPs with Sutton Coldfield counterpart Andrew Mitchell, said: "Chaos costs lives. It now seems the death rate from Covid is much higher than reported.
"We need an urgent inquiry to expose the truth. That's the only way we'll learn the lessons to protect for the future."
The city has already challenged Health Secretary Matt Hancock about the terms of his promised national review into deaths amid fears that some sections of the population - those who are male, poor and black of Asian - are at higher risk than others, even allowing for underlying ill health and age.
The national review has been officially launched by Public Health England.
Official figures show more than a third of people in intensive care from Covid-19 are from BAME backgrounds – well over double the proportion of BAME people in the wider population.
All 15 doctors known to have died from the virus were from minority ethnic backgrounds and, while BAME staff make up 44% of the overall NHS workforce, they account for 72% of its deaths.
(Image: Family handout)
Birmingham's two main hospital trusts say they have both been aware of and responding to the additional risks facing BAME staff, including carrying out new risk assessments for staff from BAME backgrounds and having conversations to ensure any issues are raised and additional risks are dealt with.
In an email to staff last week, University Hospitals Birmingham said: "We are all aware of the widespread impact Coronavirus is having on our daily lives and on the care and support we provide to our patients, relatives and staff. The pandemic has affected many communities in different ways both at work and at home.
"Our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues and communities have tragically been disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been recognised at a national level and an inquiry to understand why this is the case is currently under way."
As a result, starting May 7, the trust launched an individual risk assessment programme, "starting with those who identify as BAME" as part of a series of measures to ensure anyone who was vulnerable was identified and any extra steps taken to keep them safe.
Shining a light on death in BAME communities
Here at BirminghamLive we have been sharing concerns about the loss of people from BAME backgrounds since reports first began to emerge of a 'disproportionate impact.'
An emergency meeting of Birmingham's health and wellbeing board was organised to probe the backgrounds of Covid-19 sufferers as fear started to rise about its impact.
Cllr Paulette Hamilton said the impact of the virus was horrendous and was touching all communities and people of all colours and backgrounds.
"I have cried many times this past week, learning of so many people whose lives have been taken by this virus. We need to understand what is going on better," she said.
She added: "There is a lot of fear in our communities (across Birmingham). They don't understand why they are dying more than others.'
We reported on the findings of the special meeting, chaired by Cllr Hamilton, which revealed details of why and how people from black and Asian backgrounds appeared to be more at risk.
Birmingham academic Professor Kehinde Andrews, who leads Birmingham City University’s Black Studies courses, said the crisis has highlighted inequalities face by people from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
We reported that Public Health England had been commissioned to conduct an urgent review into deaths among BAME communities.
'People are so scared' said community activist Dolores Pinkney, from Handsworth, about the families of black frontline workers.


birminghammail--2020-05-18--Hunt for bus passenger who spat at no.67 driver

Police have issued an appeal after a bus driver was spat at by an 'aggressive ' passenger amidst the coronavirus crisis .
Officers said a bus user refused to pay the fare on the number 67 service before becoming 'aggressive ' towards the driver .
It is believed he banged on the protective screen of the cab then spat at the driver .
He then got off the bus and left the scene .
The incident took place at around 7.20pm on Wednesday , April 15 .
Safer Travel Police is now appealing for anyone with information to come forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , May 18 , read : `` Do you know this man ?
`` We ’ d like to speak to him after a bus driver was spat at while driving the 67 bus on 15 April around 7.20pm .
`` It is believed a man became aggressive towards the driver by banging on the protective screen of the cab after refusing to pay for a ticket , he then spat at the driver before getting off the bus .
`` If you know who he is , please get in touch .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 8am and midnight , or call 101 .
Quote crime reference number 20BE/94235P/20 . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Police have issued an appeal after a bus driver was spat at by an 'aggressive' passenger amidst the coronavirus crisis.
Officers said a bus user refused to pay the fare on the number 67 service before becoming 'aggressive' towards the driver.
It is believed he banged on the protective screen of the cab then spat at the driver.
He then got off the bus and left the scene.
The incident took place at around 7.20pm on Wednesday, April 15.
Safer Travel Police is now appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
The appeal, shared on Monday, May 18, read: "Do you know this man?
"We’d like to speak to him after a bus driver was spat at while driving the 67 bus on 15 April around 7.20pm.
"It is believed a man became aggressive towards the driver by banging on the protective screen of the cab after refusing to pay for a ticket, he then spat at the driver before getting off the bus.
"If you know who he is, please get in touch. Contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101. Quote crime reference number 20BE/94235P/20."


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Walsall special school's expansion plans given go-ahead

A special school in Walsall will be able to increase pupil numbers after proposals to expand were given the green light by planners .
Castle Business and Enterprise College , in Odell Road , Bloxwich , will have the capacity for 30 extra places once a new three-classroom teaching block is built on site .
It currently has 152 children on its roll .
Walsall Council planning officers have granted permission for the new modular building , which will also feature toilets and storage space in it .
Last year , the authority said there was a need for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents could send their children to nearby schools instead of having to look outside the borough .
Funding of around £1 million for a borough-wide extension scheme is coming from the Government 's Basic Needs Fund .
This is the second expansion plan agreed for the school as Castle has already been granted planning permission in 2018 for an extension to the existing building to cater for 30 pupils .
In the application , agents Baily Garner said : `` The local authority has reviewed and identified the specific need to develop necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thereby allow the local authority to meet its statutory duties .
`` The construction of the two extensions will enable Castle Business and Enterprise College to provide much needed additional pupil places .
`` Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council have approved the basic need expansion at Castle Business and Enterprise College .
`` The proposals seeks avoiding negative impact on the surrounding area and on neighbouring properties .
`` The application is a carefully considered , high quality scheme tailored to its location and to meet the schools requirements . ''
They added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little impact on traffic and the surrounding roads .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A special school in Walsall will be able to increase pupil numbers after proposals to expand were given the green light by planners.
Castle Business and Enterprise College, in Odell Road, Bloxwich, will have the capacity for 30 extra places once a new three-classroom teaching block is built on site. It currently has 152 children on its roll.
Walsall Council planning officers have granted permission for the new modular building, which will also feature toilets and storage space in it.
Last year, the authority said there was a need for more special school places in Walsall to ensure parents could send their children to nearby schools instead of having to look outside the borough.
Funding of around £1 million for a borough-wide extension scheme is coming from the Government's Basic Needs Fund.
This is the second expansion plan agreed for the school as Castle has already been granted planning permission in 2018 for an extension to the existing building to cater for 30 pupils.
In the application, agents Baily Garner said: "The local authority has reviewed and identified the specific need to develop necessary local and area-wide places to satisfy demand and thereby allow the local authority to meet its statutory duties.
"The construction of the two extensions will enable Castle Business and Enterprise College to provide much needed additional pupil places.
"Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council have approved the basic need expansion at Castle Business and Enterprise College.
"The proposals seeks avoiding negative impact on the surrounding area and on neighbouring properties.
"The application is a carefully considered, high quality scheme tailored to its location and to meet the schools requirements."
They added that the extension would also have very little impact on traffic and the surrounding roads.


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Easyjet cyber attack sees 9 million customers' details exposed

EasyJet has revealed that the personal information of 9 million customers was accessed in a cyber-attack .
The airline said it has now blocked the unauthorised access .
A company investigation found that the email address and travel details of about 9million customers were accessed .
The hackers also accessed the credit card details of more than 2,000 customers .
EasyJet said “ there is no evidence that any personal information of any nature has been misused ” .
All the customers affected will be contacted in the next few days .
In a statement to the stock exchange , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence that any personal information of any nature has been misused .
However , on the recommendation of the ICO , we are communicating with the approximately 9m customers whose travel details were accessed to advise them of protective steps to minimise any risk of potential phishing .
“ We are advising customers to continue to be alert as they would normally be , especially should they receive any unsolicited communications .
We also advise customers to be cautious of any communications purporting to come from easyJet or easyJet Holidays.
” Johan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We take the cyber security of our systems very seriously and have robust security measures in place to protect our customers ’ personal information .
However , this is an evolving threat as cyber attackers get ever more sophisticated .
“ Since we became aware of the incident , it has become clear that owing to COVID-19 there is heightened concern about personal data being used for online scams .
As a result , and on the recommendation of the ICO , we are contacting those customers whose travel information was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be extra vigilant , particularly if they receive unsolicited communications .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
EasyJet has revealed that the personal information of 9 million customers was accessed in a cyber-attack.
The airline said it has now blocked the unauthorised access.
A company investigation found that the email address and travel details of about 9million customers were accessed.
The hackers also accessed the credit card details of more than 2,000 customers.
EasyJet said “there is no evidence that any personal information of any nature has been misused”.
All the customers affected will be contacted in the next few days.
In a statement to the stock exchange, the company said: “There is no evidence that any personal information of any nature has been misused. However, on the recommendation of the ICO, we are communicating with the approximately 9m customers whose travel details were accessed to advise them of protective steps to minimise any risk of potential phishing.
“We are advising customers to continue to be alert as they would normally be, especially should they receive any unsolicited communications. We also advise customers to be cautious of any communications purporting to come from easyJet or easyJet Holidays.”
Johan Lundgren, easyJet chief executive, added: “We take the cyber security of our systems very seriously and have robust security measures in place to protect our customers’ personal information. However, this is an evolving threat as cyber attackers get ever more sophisticated.
“Since we became aware of the incident, it has become clear that owing to COVID-19 there is heightened concern about personal data being used for online scams. As a result, and on the recommendation of the ICO, we are contacting those customers whose travel information was accessed and we are advising them to be extra vigilant, particularly if they receive unsolicited communications.”


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Birmingham sent '23,000 defective PPE goggles' by UK Government

Birmingham front-line staff have been left with no protective goggles after 23,000 defective pairs provided by the Government had to be recalled .
The news comes after it was revealed Birmingham City Council was sent 16,000 out-of-date face masks , described as “ outrageous ” by council leader Cllr Ian Ward .
The “ Tiger eye protectors ” were provided from the Government ’ s stockpile of PPE built up in 2009 to prepare for a future influenza pandemic , and were delivered to local authorities and health trusts .
The city council received 23,000 pairs of goggles and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said it was withdrawing the goggles following a retesting which reportedly showed they provided insufficient protection .
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council confirmed this left the council with no protective goggles for front-line staff .
A DHSC spokesperson has said replacement eye protection should be requested from the National Supply Disruption Line .
In addition , it was reported last week the council has also received 16,000 face masks with use-by-dates of 2014 , and the authority repeatedly asked for assurances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use .
Council leader Ian Ward said : “ This is not acceptable and our front-line workers deserve better than out of date masks and goggles that have failed safety tests .
“ Our primary objective is to protect the health and safety of those that need PPE .
“ Workers who are putting themselves in harm ’ s way to help Birmingham get through this crisis should not be put at even greater risk with the supply of potentially defective PPE .
“ Despite repeated requests over the last three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give assurances that the face masks are safe to use .
“ It is quite frankly outrageous that we have to chase the Government on this issue .
“ We accept that sourcing and supplying PPE nationally at this time is a huge challenge .
“ But if we identify issues with equipment provided for our front-line staff , the very least the Government can do is respond quickly to reassure key workers and sort any problems .
“ It ’ s not enough to just clap for key workers – we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep them safe.
” A DHSC spokesperson said : “ The safety of health , care and all front-line staff is our top priority .
“ The ‘ Tiger Eye protectors ’ were bought in 2009 and were in CE marked boxes .
“ These were rechecked , and following these assessments , we have issued an alert to clinical settings advising against their use and we are removing them from the supply chain .
“ Based on current stock assessments , trusts should have sufficient visors and goggles to immediately stop using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If settings require replacement eye protection they should contact the National Supply Disruption Line , and we are arranging replacement stock for trusts who need immediate supply.
” Guidance from Public Health England states care workers providing home care should have access to eye protection such as goggles .
The guidance is said to apply whether the client being caring for has symptoms or not .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Birmingham front-line staff have been left with no protective goggles after 23,000 defective pairs provided by the Government had to be recalled.
The news comes after it was revealed Birmingham City Council was sent 16,000 out-of-date face masks, described as “outrageous” by council leader Cllr Ian Ward.
The “Tiger eye protectors” were provided from the Government’s stockpile of PPE built up in 2009 to prepare for a future influenza pandemic, and were delivered to local authorities and health trusts.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The city council received 23,000 pairs of goggles and had already issued them to key workers.
But the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it was withdrawing the goggles following a retesting which reportedly showed they provided insufficient protection.
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council confirmed this left the council with no protective goggles for front-line staff.
A DHSC spokesperson has said replacement eye protection should be requested from the National Supply Disruption Line.
In addition, it was reported last week the council has also received 16,000 face masks with use-by-dates of 2014, and the authority repeatedly asked for assurances from the Government the PPE was safe to use.
(Image: â€˜Birmingham City Council)
Council leader Ian Ward said: “This is not acceptable and our front-line workers deserve better than out of date masks and goggles that have failed safety tests.
“Our primary objective is to protect the health and safety of those that need PPE.
“Workers who are putting themselves in harm’s way to help Birmingham get through this crisis should not be put at even greater risk with the supply of potentially defective PPE.
“Despite repeated requests over the last three weeks, the Government has so far failed to give assurances that the face masks are safe to use.
“It is quite frankly outrageous that we have to chase the Government on this issue.
“We accept that sourcing and supplying PPE nationally at this time is a huge challenge.
“But if we identify issues with equipment provided for our front-line staff, the very least the Government can do is respond quickly to reassure key workers and sort any problems.
“It’s not enough to just clap for key workers – we have to do everything we can to keep them safe.”
A DHSC spokesperson said: “The safety of health, care and all front-line staff is our top priority.
“The ‘Tiger Eye protectors’ were bought in 2009 and were in CE marked boxes.
“These were rechecked, and following these assessments, we have issued an alert to clinical settings advising against their use and we are removing them from the supply chain.
“Based on current stock assessments, trusts should have sufficient visors and goggles to immediately stop using ‘Tiger Eye’ protection.
“If settings require replacement eye protection they should contact the National Supply Disruption Line, and we are arranging replacement stock for trusts who need immediate supply.”
Guidance from Public Health England states care workers providing home care should have access to eye protection such as goggles.
The guidance is said to apply whether the client being caring for has symptoms or not.


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Teens arrested on suspicion of drug dealing at seaside town 130 miles away

Two men from the West Midlands have been arrested on suspicion of drug dealing - more than 130 miles in Scarborough .
North Yorkshire Police raided two properties in the seaside town on Sunday , May 17 , after reports of drug-related activity which they believed to be part of a major 'County Lines ' operation .
They arrested an 18-year-old man from Sandwell from an address at Alma Square .
He was suspected of being involved in the supply of class A drugs and remains in police custody .
A 19-year-old from Erdington was arrested for the same alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with a 48-year-old Scarborough man detained on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply .
Both were released on conditional bail .
Yesterday ( Monday ) police arrested another Scarborough man , aged 36 , in connection with the investigation who remains in custody .
County lines refers to a form of organised crime where drug dealers from urban areas exploit vulnerable people - often including children - by forcing them to supply drugs in smaller towns and cities .
It is named after the mobile phone lines used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct transactions .
The North Yorkshire force say : `` The lines are used to advertise drugs for sale and mass text messages are sent to users letting them know where and when they can buy drugs .
The lines become valuable protected 'brands ' .
`` Violence and intimidation is prevalent within county lines .
Due to the exploitation of vulnerable people associated with it , it is a key , operational priority for North Yorkshire Police . ''
They emphasised that information from the public was 'invaluable ' in tackling drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 'cuckooing ' - where dealers establish a base for selling drugs out of someone 's home by physically and emotionally threatening the resident .
Signs to look out for include increased callers at a property or cars pulling up for a short period , different accents at an address , increased antisocial behaviour , not seeing residents for a long period of time , unfamiliar vehicles , windows covered or curtains closed and communal doors left propped open .
Anyone with information should call police on 101 , or 999 if a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Two men from the West Midlands have been arrested on suspicion of drug dealing - more than 130 miles in Scarborough.
North Yorkshire Police raided two properties in the seaside town on Sunday, May 17, after reports of drug-related activity which they believed to be part of a major 'County Lines' operation.
They arrested an 18-year-old man from Sandwell from an address at Alma Square. He was suspected of being involved in the supply of class A drugs and remains in police custody.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
A 19-year-old from Erdington was arrested for the same alleged offence at a property at Victoria Road along with a 48-year-old Scarborough man detained on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply. Both were released on conditional bail.
Yesterday (Monday) police arrested another Scarborough man, aged 36, in connection with the investigation who remains in custody.
County lines refers to a form of organised crime where drug dealers from urban areas exploit vulnerable people - often including children - by forcing them to supply drugs in smaller towns and cities. It is named after the mobile phone lines used by dealers to communicate between towns and conduct transactions.
The North Yorkshire force say: "The lines are used to advertise drugs for sale and mass text messages are sent to users letting them know where and when they can buy drugs. The lines become valuable protected 'brands'.
(Image: Google)
"Violence and intimidation is prevalent within county lines. Due to the exploitation of vulnerable people associated with it, it is a key, operational priority for North Yorkshire Police."
They emphasised that information from the public was 'invaluable' in tackling drug networks and urged people to look out for 'cuckooing' - where dealers establish a base for selling drugs out of someone's home by physically and emotionally threatening the resident.
Signs to look out for include increased callers at a property or cars pulling up for a short period, different accents at an address, increased antisocial behaviour, not seeing residents for a long period of time, unfamiliar vehicles, windows covered or curtains closed and communal doors left propped open.
Anyone with information should call police on 101, or 999 if a person is believed to be in immediate danger.


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Government tells schools to do six things before they can reopen

Six things schools must do to ensure a safe environment for children returning to the classroom on June 1 have been revealed by the government .
Boris Johnson 's government has provided guidance and support to schools , colleges and childcare settings on implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings to help them to reduce the risk of transmission as more children and young people return .
On its website , the government says : `` To prevent the spread of coronavirus , schools and other settings will use a range of protective measures to create safer environments in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is substantially reduced . ''
The government further adds : `` Whilst such changes are likely to look different in each setting , as they will depend upon individual circumstances , they are all designed to minimise risks to children , staff and their families . ''
Schools and other settings should communicate their plans to parents once they have had a chance to work through them in detail .
Approaches the government are asking schools and other settings to take include : The government says : `` Carrying out a risk assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people - the assessment should directly address risks associated with coronavirus so that sensible measures can be put in place to minimise those risks for children , young people and staff . ''
Schools must make sure that children and young people do not attend if they or a member of their household has symptoms of coronavirus .
Promoting regular hand washing for 20 seconds with running water and soap or use of sanitiser and ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the catch it , bin it , kill it approach Cleaning more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on frequently touched surfaces , such as door handles , handrails , tabletops , play equipment and toys Minimising contact through smaller classes or group sizes and altering the environment as much as possible , such as changing the layout of classrooms Reducing mixing between groups through timetable changes , such as staggered break times or by introducing staggered drop-off and collection times

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Six things schools must do to ensure a safe environment for children returning to the classroom on June 1 have been revealed by the government.
Boris Johnson's government has provided guidance and support to schools, colleges and childcare settings on implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings to help them to reduce the risk of transmission as more children and young people return.
On its website, the government says: "To prevent the spread of coronavirus, schools and other settings will use a range of protective measures to create safer environments in which the risk of spreading the virus is substantially reduced."
The government further adds: "Whilst such changes are likely to look different in each setting, as they will depend upon individual circumstances, they are all designed to minimise risks to children, staff and their families."
Schools and other settings should communicate their plans to parents once they have had a chance to work through them in detail. Approaches the government are asking schools and other settings to take include:
Risk assessment
The government says: "Carrying out a risk assessment before opening to more children and young people - the assessment should directly address risks associated with coronavirus so that sensible measures can be put in place to minimise those risks for children, young people and staff."
Stay away
Schools must make sure that children and young people do not attend if they or a member of their household has symptoms of coronavirus.
Hygiene
Promoting regular hand washing for 20 seconds with running water and soap or use of sanitiser and ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the catch it, bin it, kill it approach
Cleaning
Cleaning more frequently to get rid of the virus on frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, tabletops, play equipment and toys
Social distancing
Minimising contact through smaller classes or group sizes and altering the environment as much as possible, such as changing the layout of classrooms
Reducing mixing
Reducing mixing between groups through timetable changes, such as staggered break times or by introducing staggered drop-off and collection times


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Club Brugge striker shares brilliant conversations with Aston Villa duo

Marvelous Nakamba and Wesley Moraes have been in close contact with a common friend during the football lockdown .
Club Brugge striker Emmanuel Dennis has revealed he is regularly speaking to the Aston Villa duo to keep spirits high .
Both players left Brugge to join Villa in the Premier League last summer after Dean Smith 's side were promoted .
`` Nakamba is like my brother so we talk , and with Wesley also , we make jokes , '' Dennis told Sky Sports .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Delivered straight into your email 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Google Play Store and App Store '' I 'll say 'how is it over there ? '
, and they always say , 'this place is difficult , they like to gym all the time ' , and I say 'this is the Premier League my friend , you have to work ' . ''
While Villa are gearing up for a return to action in June , the season in Belgium has already been curtailed with Brugge crowned as champions on Friday .
`` I was at my friends ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Dennis .
`` I saw somebody tagged me in something and I went to look , I said to my friend , 'go and check ' , and he said 'yeah , you 're champions , congratulations ' .
`` It 's a strange way [ to win ] , but that 's life .
Normally we would have a party but that 's not possible right now so what I 'm going to do is stay home with my friends and girlfriend and just drink some champagne . ''
Wesley 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fill and Dennis has has scored nine goals in 31 outings this season including a brace against Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu in October .
He is being linked with a move to the Premier League in the next transfer window with Wolves , Arsenal and Newcastle United reported to be interested in a £22m deal .
The 22-year-old has opened the door for a potential transfer , saying : `` I like challenges .
I 've been here for three years .
My focus right now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the Cup Final - which I want to win , that 's really important to me .
`` After then , we 'll see what happens , you never know . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Marvelous Nakamba and Wesley Moraes have been in close contact with a common friend during the football lockdown.
Club Brugge striker Emmanuel Dennis has revealed he is regularly speaking to the Aston Villa duo to keep spirits high.
Both players left Brugge to join Villa in the Premier League last summer after Dean Smith's side were promoted.
"Nakamba is like my brother so we talk, and with Wesley also, we make jokes," Dennis told Sky Sports.
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
"I'll say 'how is it over there?', and they always say, 'this place is difficult, they like to gym all the time', and I say 'this is the Premier League my friend, you have to work'."
While Villa are gearing up for a return to action in June, the season in Belgium has already been curtailed with Brugge crowned as champions on Friday.
"I was at my friends', we were playing ping pong," said Dennis. "I saw somebody tagged me in something and I went to look, I said to my friend, 'go and check', and he said 'yeah, you're champions, congratulations'.
"It's a strange way [to win], but that's life. Normally we would have a party but that's not possible right now so what I'm going to do is stay home with my friends and girlfriend and just drink some champagne."
Wesley's move to Villa left a big hole to fill and Dennis has has scored nine goals in 31 outings this season including a brace against Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu in October.
He is being linked with a move to the Premier League in the next transfer window with Wolves, Arsenal and Newcastle United reported to be interested in a £22m deal.
The 22-year-old has opened the door for a potential transfer, saying: "I like challenges. I've been here for three years. My focus right now is I have one more game this season - the Cup Final - which I want to win, that's really important to me.
"After then, we'll see what happens, you never know."


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Wagamama reopening 24 restaurants this week with 67 to follow in June

Wagamama will reopen 67 of its restaurants for deliveries by the end of June .
The chain will reopen 24 @ @ @ @ @ a further 20 reopening on Thursday May 28 .
The popular restaurant , which operates @ @ @ @ @ it hopes to have 49 sites open for delivery by the start of June , @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the month .
Emma Woods , Wagamama chief executive , said @ @ @ @ @ couple of months our focus has been on creating a safe working environment for our @ @ @ @ @ trial has enabled our teams to return to work safely .
`` The next logical @ @ @ @ @ open additional sites throughout the UK , this will still very much form a test @ @ @ @ @ business .
`` The response of our return has been extremely positive and we look @ @ @ @ @ able to get their Wagamama fix . ''
It said the following sites will open @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Wagamama will reopen 67 of its restaurants for deliveries by the end of June.
The chain will reopen 24 sites this Thursday, with a further 20 reopening on Thursday May 28.
The popular restaurant, which operates eateries across Birmingham, said it hopes to have 49 sites open for delivery by the start of June, with this expanding to 67 by the end of the month.
Emma Woods, Wagamama chief executive, said: "Over the past couple of months our focus has been on creating a safe working environment for our team members and our two-week trial has enabled our teams to return to work safely.
"The next logical step for us is to open additional sites throughout the UK, this will still very much form a test and learn approach for the business.
"The response of our return has been extremely positive and we look forward to our guests being able to get their Wagamama fix."
It said the following sites will open on Thursday:
Islington
Great Marlborough Street
Hampstead
Hammersmith
Great North Finchley
Cambridge
Manchester Spinningfields (including take-out)
Liverpool
Didsbury
Nottingham (including take-out)
Reigate (including take-out)
St Albans
Newcastle
Sheffield City Centre
Fulham Broadway
Wimbledon
Putney (including take-out)
Ealing
Wandsworth
Kingston
Richmond
Victoria
Borough Market
Croydon


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Trial date set for pair charged over human remains in suitcase

The trial of a Birmingham woman and Wolverhampton man charged after human remains were found in a suitcase will take place in November .
A trial date has been set for Gareeca Conita Gordon , 27 , and Mahesh Sorathiya , aged 38 .
Gordon is charged with murdering a woman at her home address in Birmingham .
Sorathiya , of Wolverhampton , is accused of assisting an offender .
Neither defendant appeared at Bristol Crown Court where a hearing of the case took place on Tuesday morning .
He said an application to transfer the case to Birmingham Crown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage .
The judge granted conditional bail to Sorathiya .
No application for bail was made on behalf of Gordon .
`` The background to this case are allegations of the most appalling type , '' the judge said .
`` However , this applicant 's ( Sorathiya ) alleged involvement in these appalling alleged events relates to his transporting of the defendant Gordon to the place where she was stopped and they were arrested .
`` There is no suggestion that he was involved in the alleged offence of murder itself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his home address , following a curfew between 7pm and 7am , surrendering his travel documents and reporting to his local police station each day .
Gordon , from Birchfield , is accused of murdering a `` person unknown '' between April 14 and May 12 .
Sorathiya is accused of assisting Gordon between April 25 and May 12 .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
The trial of a Birmingham woman and Wolverhampton man charged after human remains were found in a suitcase will take place in November.
A trial date has been set for Gareeca Conita Gordon, 27, and Mahesh Sorathiya, aged 38.
Gordon is charged with murdering a woman at her home address in Birmingham.
Sorathiya, of Wolverhampton, is accused of assisting an offender.
Neither defendant appeared at Bristol Crown Court where a hearing of the case took place on Tuesday morning.
Mr Justice Garnham set a provisional trial date of November 10.
He said an application to transfer the case to Birmingham Crown Court would be heard at a later stage.
The judge granted conditional bail to Sorathiya. No application for bail was made on behalf of Gordon.
"The background to this case are allegations of the most appalling type," the judge said.
"However, this applicant's (Sorathiya) alleged involvement in these appalling alleged events relates to his transporting of the defendant Gordon to the place where she was stopped and they were arrested.
"There is no suggestion that he was involved in the alleged offence of murder itself."
Conditions of bail include Sorathiya living at his home address, following a curfew between 7pm and 7am, surrendering his travel documents and reporting to his local police station each day.
Gordon, from Birchfield, is accused of murdering a "person unknown" between April 14 and May 12.
Sorathiya is accused of assisting Gordon between April 25 and May 12.


birminghammail--2020-05-19--'Risks are too great' - City head refuses to open primary on June 1

The head of a city primary school has told parents he is not opening the doors on June 1 - because doing so would endanger kids , families and teachers .
Head teacher Stuart Guest says there are still `` active cases of infection right now '' among families at Colebourne Primary School in Hodge Hill - and he is not prepared to endanger pupils and staff by opening .
Other city schools are expected to follow suit amid rising concern about the risks to children and their families .
His stance puts him at odds with the guidance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged schools to reopen after half term for kids in Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 .
But for Mr Guest , it was too soon , and too dangerous .
`` We have already lost members of the close and wider Colebourne family to this virus , and we have active cases of Coronavirus in our local area and in our Colebourne families , right now , '' he said in a video message and letter to parents .
`` Maintaining social distance , especially in Nursery , Reception and Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more extreme measures . ''
He tells parents : `` We all want to be back in the school and classrooms as we miss the children dearly .
`` We want to be back , able to teach , care for , laugh and cry with the children .
`` We want them to play and interact with their friends and continue to develop as young people as part of the Colebourne family .
`` But we know we can ’ t do this at the moment and this is frustrating , upsetting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not convinced there is yet an effective testing and tracing plan in place for school or the wider community - and that his concerns are backed by parents .
`` The overwhelming feeling of the Colebourne parents and staff is that it is too risky for them and their families .
Only 20 % of parents surveyed said they would send their children back and many of these mentioned a reluctance to .
`` If any member of a group of children in school test positive , the whole group would need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more widely the ability for some movement and risking infecting their own family . ''
He concludes : `` I feel it is futile to plan for a June 1st opening because of the reasons I have given .
The risks are too great , and any benefits are not strong enough to override these .
`` We would still be endangering the lives of my staff and the community we serve if we rushed a wider opening . ''
He has pledged to review the decision fortnightly .
Some academy schools across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 1 , claiming to do otherwise would be 'calamitous ' for kids , particularly those who are vulnerable .
It 's a fear shared by some charities worried about children being 'off the radar ' for so long .
But unions including NAHT ( National Association of Head Teachers ) have opposed the plan , while the National Education Union says it is `` not fair or feasible '' for schools to re-open , and claimed the Government ’ s timetable is `` reckless and simply not safe '' .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not opening , Mr Guest says : `` The last few months have been some of the most challenging in my 13 years as head teacher at Colebourne , but what stands out to me is the amazing staff , children , families and community we have .
`` I am extremely proud of how everyone is dealing with this situation . ''
The school has worked with parents to provide home learning opportunities including : * sharing 1000s of messages and videos every week with kids and parents * classwork , challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more have been shared with pupils * the school has provided over 70 iPads and technology support to families who needed help * provided direct pastoral support to families through our teachers , teaching assistants , leadership and pastoral teams and family support worker * issued supermarket vouchers for families entitled to free school meals , despite the `` challenges '' of doing so * set up a helpline phone number and dedicated email address for families to seek support * delivered parcels of support materials , clothes , and equipment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the admissions process for new nursery and reception children He said : `` All of this is due to the hard work and dedication of the amazing staff team at Colebourne .
I will forever be in their gratitude for the work they have done and continue to do , while some are dealing with their own family commitments , illnesses , and family bereavement .
`` But I also want to thank all of you , as parents .
`` This situation will have caused many of you difficulties financially , physically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to navigate some of the learning challenges and curriculum you may not have come across or understood .
`` We know that some of you have experienced the death of family members and loved ones during this period and the whole Colebourne community sends their deepest sympathies to you .
`` Although I am desperate to get us all back , I have a core duty to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils and staff .
Therefore , I will only open the school again if it is the right thing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school 's governors have read guidance documents from the Department for Education , surveyed parents about their children 's health and well being , and asked if they would send their children in , and spoken to staff .
He has also produced a draft plan to show how the school would reopen safely under social distancing guidance , including use of PPE , arrangements for food , managing play , looking after sick kids .
And he concluded the government ’ s five key tests have not been met yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have suggested we should be opening .
`` The R value has gone up ( and according to reports there is a three-week lag for this ) and may go up further because of the recent easing of restrictions . ''
I feel it is futile to plan for a June 1st opening because of the reasons I have given .
The risks are too great , and any benefits are not strong enough to override these .
`` We would still be endangering the lives of my staff and the community we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` The decision to not open more widely will be reviewed every two weeks and will be based on the current situation , the evidence available and our own ongoing risk assessments . ''
Local councillor Majid Mahmood , representing Bromford and Hodge Hill ward , said he knew and trusted the head , and they had been at secondary school together .
`` Stuart is one of the best head teachers I know ... he told me has gone through due process to assess the risks and come to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area where the school is located has a number of active cases and understandably parents are reluctant to send their children until there is a significant change to the current situation . ''
Birmingham City Council said it would not comment on the decisions of individual schools but has said the following : '' Birmingham City Council supports the phased reopening of schools only where it is safe to do so .
`` Following the announcement made on Sunday 10 May , we look forward to the government providing us with further information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened to pupils safely .
`` In the meantime we will work with school leaders and union colleagues to produce a range of risk assessments to support schools to manage the possibility of increased numbers from next month . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
The head of a city primary school has told parents he is not opening the doors on June 1 - because doing so would endanger kids, families and teachers.
Head teacher Stuart Guest says there are still "active cases of infection right now" among families at Colebourne Primary School in Hodge Hill - and he is not prepared to endanger pupils and staff by opening.
Other city schools are expected to follow suit amid rising concern about the risks to children and their families.
His stance puts him at odds with the guidance of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, who has urged schools to reopen after half term for kids in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.
But for Mr Guest, it was too soon, and too dangerous.
"We have already lost members of the close and wider Colebourne family to this virus, and we have active cases of Coronavirus in our local area and in our Colebourne families, right now," he said in a video message and letter to parents.
"Maintaining social distance, especially in Nursery, Reception and Year 1, would be almost impossible without more extreme measures."
He tells parents: "We all want to be back in the school and classrooms as we miss the children dearly.
"We want to be back, able to teach, care for, laugh and cry with the children.
"We want them to play and interact with their friends and continue to develop as young people as part of the Colebourne family.
"But we know we can’t do this at the moment and this is frustrating, upsetting and disappointing."
He adds he is not convinced there is yet an effective testing and tracing plan in place for school or the wider community - and that his concerns are backed by parents.
"The overwhelming feeling of the Colebourne parents and staff is that it is too risky for them and their families. Only 20% of parents surveyed said they would send their children back and many of these mentioned a reluctance to.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"If any member of a group of children in school test positive, the whole group would need to self-isolate for 14 days, impacting more widely the ability for some movement and risking infecting their own family."
He concludes: "I feel it is futile to plan for a June 1st opening because of the reasons I have given. The risks are too great, and any benefits are not strong enough to override these.
"We would still be endangering the lives of my staff and the community we serve if we rushed a wider opening."
He has pledged to review the decision fortnightly.
Some academy schools across Birmingham have announced they WILL open on June 1, claiming to do otherwise would be 'calamitous' for kids, particularly those who are vulnerable. It's a fear shared by some charities worried about children being 'off the radar' for so long.
But unions including NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers) have opposed the plan, while the National Education Union says it is "not fair or feasible" for schools to re-open, and claimed the Government’s timetable is "reckless and simply not safe".
In a video message setting out his reasons for not opening, Mr Guest says: "The last few months have been some of the most challenging in my 13 years as head teacher at Colebourne, but what stands out to me is the amazing staff, children, families and community we have.
"I am extremely proud of how everyone is dealing with this situation."
The school has worked with parents to provide home learning opportunities including:
* sharing 1000s of messages and videos every week with kids and parents
* classwork, challenges, quizzes, stories, video messages and more have been shared with pupils
* the school has provided over 70 iPads and technology support to families who needed help
* provided direct pastoral support to families through our teachers, teaching assistants, leadership and pastoral teams and family support worker
* issued supermarket vouchers for families entitled to free school meals, despite the "challenges" of doing so
* set up a helpline phone number and dedicated email address for families to seek support
* delivered parcels of support materials, clothes, and equipment to those who needed it
* remotely managed the admissions process for new nursery and reception children
He said: "All of this is due to the hard work and dedication of the amazing staff team at Colebourne. I will forever be in their gratitude for the work they have done and continue to do, while some are dealing with their own family commitments, illnesses, and family bereavement.
"But I also want to thank all of you, as parents.
"This situation will have caused many of you difficulties financially, physically, emotionally and led you to attempt to navigate some of the learning challenges and curriculum you may not have come across or understood.
"We know that some of you have experienced the death of family members and loved ones during this period and the whole Colebourne community sends their deepest sympathies to you.
"Although I am desperate to get us all back, I have a core duty to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils and staff. Therefore, I will only open the school again if it is the right thing to do."
He said he and the school's governors have read guidance documents from the Department for Education, surveyed parents about their children's health and well being, and asked if they would send their children in, and spoken to staff.
He has also produced a draft plan to show how the school would reopen safely under social distancing guidance, including use of PPE, arrangements for food, managing play, looking after sick kids.
And he concluded the government’s five key tests have not been met yet, with less than two weeks until they have suggested we should be opening.
"The R value has gone up (and according to reports there is a three-week lag for this) and may go up further because of the recent easing of restrictions."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
I feel it is futile to plan for a June 1st opening because of the reasons I have given. The risks are too great, and any benefits are not strong enough to override these.
"We would still be endangering the lives of my staff and the community we serve if we rushed a wider opening."
"The decision to not open more widely will be reviewed every two weeks and will be based on the current situation, the evidence available and our own ongoing risk assessments."
Local councillor Majid Mahmood, representing Bromford and Hodge Hill ward, said he knew and trusted the head, and they had been at secondary school together. "Stuart is one of the best head teachers I know...he told me has gone through due process to assess the risks and come to a collective decision with governors.
"The area where the school is located has a number of active cases and understandably parents are reluctant to send their children until there is a significant change to the current situation."
Birmingham City Council said it would not comment on the decisions of individual schools but has said the following:
"Birmingham City Council supports the phased reopening of schools only where it is safe to do so.
"Following the announcement made on Sunday 10 May, we look forward to the government providing us with further information about how schools can start to be reopened to pupils safely.
"In the meantime we will work with school leaders and union colleagues to produce a range of risk assessments to support schools to manage the possibility of increased numbers from next month."


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Full list of every Costa branch now open across Birmingham and West Mids

Costa Coffee has now re-opened a dozen stores in and around Birmingham and the Midlands .
The hot drinks giant has reopened 46 more branches , taking the total across the UK to 79 .
Jill McDonald , chief executive of Costa , said : `` We have received some great feedback from our store team members and customers have responded well to our new ways of working .
This has given us the confidence to re-open some more stores . ''
The hot drinks company has introduced a number of changes amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Amid new measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is renowned for its hot drinks and sweet treats , are hand sanitiser stations and Perspex screens for customers .
Staff will also be wearing masks and other personal protective equipment .
Costa will only accept contactless payment and won ’ t be able to accept physical Coffee Club cards , although customers can still collect and redeem loyalty points using the Costa app .
The coffee chain also has a limited menu on offer and will not be accepting reusable cups .
The following Costa Coffee branches are now open to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services only .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Costa Coffee has now re-opened a dozen stores in and around Birmingham and the Midlands.
The hot drinks giant has reopened 46 more branches, taking the total across the UK to 79.
Jill McDonald, chief executive of Costa, said: "We have received some great feedback from our store team members and customers have responded well to our new ways of working. This has given us the confidence to re-open some more stores."
The hot drinks company has introduced a number of changes amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Amid new measures being implemented by the firm, which is renowned for its hot drinks and sweet treats, are hand sanitiser stations and Perspex screens for customers.
Staff will also be wearing masks and other personal protective equipment.
Costa will only accept contactless payment and won’t be able to accept physical Coffee Club cards, although customers can still collect and redeem loyalty points using the Costa app.
The coffee chain also has a limited menu on offer and will not be accepting reusable cups.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The following Costa Coffee branches are now open to the general public, some are offering drive-thru services only.
Tamworth
Burton
Leamington Spa
Shirley
Stafford Beacon Way
Wednesbury
Birmingham, Navigation Street


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Police raid Erdington house and issue fines following drugs tip-off

Police carried out a drugs raid on a property in Erdington .
Uniformed offices attended an address on Croydon Road @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday morning after receiving intelligence about drugs on the premisis .
A quantity of @ @ @ @ @ males have been issued with Penalty Notices for the possession of cannabis .
Tyburn Police @ @ @ @ @ , together with @ StocklandGnWMP we have completed a drugs warrant on Croydon Road , @ @ @ @ @ of cannabis were seized and two males positively dealt with at the location.
” An @ @ @ @ @ a dozen officers outside a property .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
See Our
See Our
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Police carried out a drugs raid on a property in Erdington.
Uniformed offices attended an address on Croydon Road, off Erdington Hall, on Tuesday morning after receiving intelligence about drugs on the premisis.
A quantity of cannabis was recovered and two males have been issued with Penalty Notices for the possession of cannabis.
(Image: @TyburnWMP)
Tyburn Police tweeted: “This morning, together with @StocklandGnWMP we have completed a drugs warrant on Croydon Road, Erdington Hall.
“Quantities of cannabis were seized and two males positively dealt with at the location.”
An image posted shows around half a dozen officers outside a property.


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Teen punched in face and ripped from his bike in 'nasty' robbery

A teenage boy was punched in his face and ripped from his bike in a 'nasty ' robbery in Water Orton .
The incident took place on Old Church Road , at about 4.10pm on Saturday , May 16 .
The victim had his mobile phone , keys and bike taken .
He suffered facial injuries which were not thought to be serious .
Four teenagers , two aged 14 and two of 16 , were arrested in connection with the incident .
Pc Reece Smith-Tyler said : “ This was understandably a nasty incident for the victim but fortunately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious injuries .
`` We continue to investigate and would ask anyone who was in the area at the time or who witnessed any suspicious activity to get it touch with us .
`` Any information no matter how small could help with our ongoing investigation.
” A 14-year-old boy from Sutton Coldfield along with a 14-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys from Birmingham , were arrested on suspicion of robbery .
They have been bailed until June 13 while enquiries continue .
Anyone with information should call the Warwickshire force on 101 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling 0800 555 111 .
The incident reference is 320 of May 16 .
Follow Birmingham Live 's Facebook group 'Birmingham Crime Watch : Stay alert to suspicious criminal behaviour ' for the latest on crime in the region by clicking here You can also follow Warwickshire Police 's page here for details on force incident appeals .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A teenage boy was punched in his face and ripped from his bike in a 'nasty' robbery in Water Orton.
The incident took place on Old Church Road, at about 4.10pm on Saturday, May 16. The victim had his mobile phone, keys and bike taken. He suffered facial injuries which were not thought to be serious.
Four teenagers, two aged 14 and two of 16, were arrested in connection with the incident.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Pc Reece Smith-Tyler said: “This was understandably a nasty incident for the victim but fortunately he is not believed to have suffered serious injuries.
"We continue to investigate and would ask anyone who was in the area at the time or who witnessed any suspicious activity to get it touch with us.
"Any information no matter how small could help with our ongoing investigation.”
A 14-year-old boy from Sutton Coldfield along with a 14-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys from Birmingham, were arrested on suspicion of robbery. They have been bailed until June 13 while enquiries continue.
Anyone with information should call the Warwickshire force on 101 or Crimestoppers to provide details anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. The incident reference is 320 of May 16.
Follow Birmingham Live's Facebook group 'Birmingham Crime Watch: Stay alert to suspicious criminal behaviour' for the latest on crime in the region by clicking here
You can also follow Warwickshire Police's page here for details on force incident appeals.


birminghammail--2020-05-19--72,000 new West Midlands Universal Credit claimants in just one month

The number of people claiming Universal Credit in the West Midlands region shot up by 72,700 in just one month , as the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown destroyed jobs and reduced incomes .
It meant the number of people claiming benefits in the region in April was 215,600 , up from 142,900 in March .
But most of the new claimants do not appear to be unemployed .
Instead , many are people who qualified for financial help after their incomes were cut .
New employment data published today shows that 149,000 people in the West Midlands region were unemployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early stages of the lockdown .
This is the same number as a year previously .
The West Midlands unemployment rate is 5 % , higher than the UK average of 3.9 % .
The region with the worst unemployment rate is the North East , at 5.4 % .
People are counted as employed if they are furloughed , which means the goverment is subsidising their pay , and also if they are self-employed , even if they have not been able to work during the lockdown .
It 's far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still exist once the government funding ends , and the full impact of the pandemic on unemployment in the region still is n't known .
But data also published today shows that the number of job vacancies has fallen significantly .
The Office for National Statistics said : `` February to April 2020 saw the largest quarterly decrease to the vacancies total since the current time series started in 2001 . ''
There were an estimated 637,000 vacancies in the UK in February to April 2020 and this is 210,000 fewer than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tank the Resolution Foundation , also published today , found young people will suffer most from the economic downturn caused by the lockdown .
One-third of 18-24-year-old employees have lost jobs or been furloughed , compared to one ins six adults aged 35 to 44 .
Similarly , 35 per cent of 18-24-year-old employees are earning less than they did before to the outbreak , and 30 per cent of those in their early 60s , compared to 23 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
The number of people claiming Universal Credit in the West Midlands region shot up by 72,700 in just one month, as the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown destroyed jobs and reduced incomes.
It meant the number of people claiming benefits in the region in April was 215,600, up from 142,900 in March.
But most of the new claimants do not appear to be unemployed. Instead, many are people who qualified for financial help after their incomes were cut.
New employment data published today shows that 149,000 people in the West Midlands region were unemployed at the end of March, in the early stages of the lockdown. This is the same number as a year previously. The West Midlands unemployment rate is 5%, higher than the UK average of 3.9%. The region with the worst unemployment rate is the North East, at 5.4%.
People are counted as employed if they are furloughed, which means the goverment is subsidising their pay, and also if they are self-employed, even if they have not been able to work during the lockdown. It's far from certain that every furloughed job will still exist once the government funding ends, and the full impact of the pandemic on unemployment in the region still isn't known.
But data also published today shows that the number of job vacancies has fallen significantly.
The Office for National Statistics said: "February to April 2020 saw the largest quarterly decrease to the vacancies total since the current time series started in 2001."
Get email updates with the latest Politics news This newsletter will bring you a brief round-up of the best, most important or simply quirky stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past few days in the world of politics across Birmingham and the West Midlands. To subscribe click on the link, tick the politics box and enter your email address.
There were an estimated 637,000 vacancies in the UK in February to April 2020 and this is 210,000 fewer than a year earlier.
A study by think tank the Resolution Foundation, also published today, found young people will suffer most from the economic downturn caused by the lockdown.
One-third of 18-24-year-old employees have lost jobs or been furloughed, compared to one ins six adults aged 35 to 44.
Similarly, 35 per cent of 18-24-year-old employees are earning less than they did before to the outbreak, and 30 per cent of those in their early 60s, compared to 23 per cent of 25 to 49-year-olds.


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Climate strikers slam council over Tyseley incinerator

Environmental activists and councillors have criticised Birmingham City Council 's intention to continue burning waste at the controversial Tyseley incinerator until at least 2034 .
The council is deciding on which firm to take over handling waste disposal services - including the incinerator - for another ten years from the date the current agreement with Veolia ends in 2024 .
But the suggestion of extending the life of the incinerator has been slammed by campaigners who say it goes against the idea of the “ climate emergency ” , declared by the city council last year .
As part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is committed to making Birmingham carbon neutral by 2030 .
But the contract currently being decided on would see the incinerator , described by campaigners as Birmingham ’ s biggest source of CO2 , continue to be used past this date .
The advert placed by the council on the Government ’ s Contracts Finder site said the contract is set to last from January 17 , 2024 to January 16 , 2034 , “ with an option to extend up to a further five years ” .
Birmingham ’ s Youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests in the city prior to the coronavirus lockdown , announced a social media campaign targeting the city council yesterday ( May 18 ) .
The group set out a number of challenges to the council to “ get serious about the climate ” , including being transparent around its plans for the incinerator and other projects such as the Dudley Road scheme .
A Birmingham Youth Strike 4 Climate spokesperson said : “ We are tired of being ignored , dismissed and treated as a political prop by Birmingham City Council and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fed up with striking in vain as the council continues to be stagnant on climate action .
They have all but ignored the implications of their declaration of a climate emergency made in June 2019 .
“ It sickens us to see the consideration to renew the Tyseley incinerator and the planning of non-green infrastructure , as well as the lack of transparency with its own city regarding such initiatives.
” Friends of the Earth has suggested a move to digesting food waste for biogas , increasing recycling and reducing plastic packaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incinerator .
The city council was rated 342 out of 345 English local authorities for recycling rates in December by LetsRecycle.com .
The website stated only 22 per cent of household waste was sent for reuse , recycling or composting , compared to 64.8 per cent at East Riding of Yorkshire council , the best performing local authority .
John Newson , Birmingham Friends of the Earth waste campaigner , said : “ Birmingham Friends of the Earth has opposed the incinerator since it was built in the 1990s .
“ It only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it requires that Birmingham remaining at the bottom of the national recycling league .
“ Half of what is burned is organic matter , such as food waste , which the council will soon be forced by the Government to collect separately for digestion to biogas .
“ The rest is items that should be reused or recycled or plastic packaging which again will be phased out .
“ The plant is highly polluting and inefficient and is not compatible with moving towards zero carbon emissions or clean air .
“ Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their waste , but Birmingham keeps failing to learn from them.
” Objections to the incinerator have been supported by councillors from all political groups including Cllr Julien Pritchard ( Green ) , Cllr Olly Armstrong ( Lab ) , Cllr Lisa Trickett ( Lab ) , Cllr Alex Yip ( Con ) and Cllr Roger Harmer ( Lib Dem ) .
Cllr Pritchard said : `` Looking to sign a contract to keep the Tyseley incinerator until at least 2034 means Birmingham City Council continues to burn rubbish in this dirty outdated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This flies in the face of the council 's declaration of a climate emergency and it 's ambition to be zero carbon by 2030 .
`` The council just is n't looking long term with this .
Councils are likely to be forced to provide a food waste collection by government , which will massively reduce the amount of rubbish going to an incinerator .
`` It also undermines the work of the climate emergency taskforce by starting to look for a new contract this before the climate action plan is developed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But what 's most disappointing is instead of using the current crisis to pause and think again , the council seem to be ploughing ahead with this process behind closed doors .
`` Birmingham City Council needs to be looking to the future , not re-procuring for the technologies of the past . ''
Referring to the campaign from Youth Strike 4 Climate , Cllr Waseem Zaffar , cabinet member for transport and environment , said : “ We will be responding to the group to address their concerns in due course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it clear , for the avoidance of doubt , we are absolutely committed to improving the city ’ s environment and every decision and policy we draw up takes this into full account.
” In relation to the current status of the incinerator , a Birmingham City Council spokesperson said : “ The council is currently engaged in a procurement exercise that is intended to see the Tyseley Energy Recovery Facility ( ERF ) operate through to 2034 , in line with agreed policy .
“ We aren ’ t able to comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Environmental activists and councillors have criticised Birmingham City Council's intention to continue burning waste at the controversial Tyseley incinerator until at least 2034.
The council is deciding on which firm to take over handling waste disposal services - including the incinerator - for another ten years from the date the current agreement with Veolia ends in 2024.
But the suggestion of extending the life of the incinerator has been slammed by campaigners who say it goes against the idea of the “climate emergency”, declared by the city council last year.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
As part of the climate emergency, the council says it is committed to making Birmingham carbon neutral by 2030.
But the contract currently being decided on would see the incinerator, described by campaigners as Birmingham’s biggest source of CO2, continue to be used past this date.
The advert placed by the council on the Government’s Contracts Finder site said the contract is set to last from January 17, 2024 to January 16, 2034, “with an option to extend up to a further five years”.
Birmingham’s Youth Strike 4 Climate group, which held protests in the city prior to the coronavirus lockdown, announced a social media campaign targeting the city council yesterday (May 18).
The group set out a number of challenges to the council to “get serious about the climate”, including being transparent around its plans for the incinerator and other projects such as the Dudley Road scheme.
A Birmingham Youth Strike 4 Climate spokesperson said: “We are tired of being ignored, dismissed and treated as a political prop by Birmingham City Council and the politicians of Birmingham.
“We are fed up with striking in vain as the council continues to be stagnant on climate action. They have all but ignored the implications of their declaration of a climate emergency made in June 2019.
“It sickens us to see the consideration to renew the Tyseley incinerator and the planning of non-green infrastructure, as well as the lack of transparency with its own city regarding such initiatives.”
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Friends of the Earth has suggested a move to digesting food waste for biogas, increasing recycling and reducing plastic packaging as alternatives to continuing to use the incinerator.
The city council was rated 342 out of 345 English local authorities for recycling rates in December by LetsRecycle.com.
The website stated only 22 per cent of household waste was sent for reuse, recycling or composting, compared to 64.8 per cent at East Riding of Yorkshire council, the best performing local authority.
John Newson, Birmingham Friends of the Earth waste campaigner, said: “Birmingham Friends of the Earth has opposed the incinerator since it was built in the 1990s.
“It only exists due to a huge public subsidy and it requires that Birmingham remaining at the bottom of the national recycling league.
“Half of what is burned is organic matter, such as food waste, which the council will soon be forced by the Government to collect separately for digestion to biogas.
“The rest is items that should be reused or recycled or plastic packaging which again will be phased out.
“The plant is highly polluting and inefficient and is not compatible with moving towards zero carbon emissions or clean air.
“Other local authorities are decades ahead with recycling their waste, but Birmingham keeps failing to learn from them.”
Objections to the incinerator have been supported by councillors from all political groups including Cllr Julien Pritchard (Green), Cllr Olly Armstrong (Lab), Cllr Lisa Trickett (Lab), Cllr Alex Yip (Con) and Cllr Roger Harmer (Lib Dem).
Cllr Pritchard said: "Looking to sign a contract to keep the Tyseley incinerator until at least 2034 means Birmingham City Council continues to burn rubbish in this dirty outdated incinerator for over a decade.
“This flies in the face of the council's declaration of a climate emergency and it's ambition to be zero carbon by 2030.
"The council just isn't looking long term with this. Councils are likely to be forced to provide a food waste collection by government, which will massively reduce the amount of rubbish going to an incinerator.
"It also undermines the work of the climate emergency taskforce by starting to look for a new contract this before the climate action plan is developed. Putting the cart before the horse.
"But what's most disappointing is instead of using the current crisis to pause and think again, the council seem to be ploughing ahead with this process behind closed doors.
"Birmingham City Council needs to be looking to the future, not re-procuring for the technologies of the past."
(Image: Birmingham City Council)
Referring to the campaign from Youth Strike 4 Climate, Cllr Waseem Zaffar, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “We will be responding to the group to address their concerns in due course, but we would want to make it clear, for the avoidance of doubt, we are absolutely committed to improving the city’s environment and every decision and policy we draw up takes this into full account.”
In relation to the current status of the incinerator, a Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “The council is currently engaged in a procurement exercise that is intended to see the Tyseley Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) operate through to 2034, in line with agreed policy.
“We aren’t able to comment further on that procurement at this stage.”


birminghammail--2020-05-19--Solihull dad-of-two creates stunning NHS tribute mural on garage door

A dad-of-two has paid tribute to our NHS workers by having a stunning mural of superheroes bowing down to medics painted on his garage door .
Craig Perkins , 40 , had the colourful design spray-painted on the front of his home in honour of the nation 's health workers as they battle the coronavirus pandemic .
The eye-catching image shows comic book heroes such as Superman , Spiderman and Batman bowing their heads as medics in scrubs walk down a hospital corridor .
Craig said paramedics have been posing alongside the mural since he had it permanently plastered across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solihull , West Mids .
He said : “ Obviously everybody has got a lot of respect for the NHS and all the key workers for what they ’ re doing at the present time .
It is a general thank you to them .
`` Nobody in my family has been directly affected by coronavirus , but I ’ ve got friends working in care homes and my mum used to work in a hospital .
`` I just wanted to do something to pay tribute to our health workers who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We should be proud of them . ''
Craig , who owns a foundry company , paid £500 to have the large vinyl wrap print stuck to his garage door after he found the striking design online .
He doesn ’ t know who created the emotive artwork - which also features The Incredible Hulk , Wolverine and Iron Man - and is now on a mission to find its mystery maker .
Craig added : “ Everybody loves the picture so I think they would like to know the person behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of everybody really for putting it out there .
“ If it was my artwork I would be proud of it but mine would be more like a stick drawing .
`` My friend sent it me on Facebook and I thought this was a picture that says it all about the heroes in the NHS .
“ I was just going to have it airbrushed on , but then I found a graphics company who would do a wrap .
It ’ s a vinyl wrap which they printed off and stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost roughly £500 with fitting .
It is quite durable .
When I had it done I would ’ ve been happy if it lasted a week , but it should be fairly permanent .
“ Our neighbours think it is great and because we are next to an alley lots of people walk past on their way to the shops .
It cheers the kids up as well .
`` As soon I had it fitted , there was an ambulance on the green where we live .
The timing was incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place and asked if they could take photos of it .
`` I was at work but when I got home , there was another ambulance there and those paramedics also had a photo taken with it .
`` If it makes them realise what a good job we all think they are doing , then it has been money well spent .
They deserve some recognition . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
A dad-of-two has paid tribute to our NHS workers by having a stunning mural of superheroes bowing down to medics painted on his garage door.
Craig Perkins, 40, had the colourful design spray-painted on the front of his home in honour of the nation's health workers as they battle the coronavirus pandemic.
The eye-catching image shows comic book heroes such as Superman, Spiderman and Batman bowing their heads as medics in scrubs walk down a hospital corridor.
Craig said paramedics have been posing alongside the mural since he had it permanently plastered across his 8ft by 7ft garage door in Solihull, West Mids.
He said: “Obviously everybody has got a lot of respect for the NHS and all the key workers for what they’re doing at the present time. It is a general thank you to them.
"Nobody in my family has been directly affected by coronavirus, but I’ve got friends working in care homes and my mum used to work in a hospital.
"I just wanted to do something to pay tribute to our health workers who are doing an incredible job in unimaginable circumstances. We should be proud of them."
Craig, who owns a foundry company, paid £500 to have the large vinyl wrap print stuck to his garage door after he found the striking design online.
He doesn’t know who created the emotive artwork - which also features The Incredible Hulk, Wolverine and Iron Man - and is now on a mission to find its mystery maker.
Craig added: “Everybody loves the picture so I think they would like to know the person behind it and say thank you on behalf of everybody really for putting it out there.
(Image: SWNS)
“If it was my artwork I would be proud of it but mine would be more like a stick drawing.
"My friend sent it me on Facebook and I thought this was a picture that says it all about the heroes in the NHS.
“I was just going to have it airbrushed on, but then I found a graphics company who would do a wrap. It’s a vinyl wrap which they printed off and stuck to the garage door.
(Image: SWNS)
“It cost roughly £500 with fitting. It is quite durable. When I had it done I would’ve been happy if it lasted a week, but it should be fairly permanent.
“Our neighbours think it is great and because we are next to an alley lots of people walk past on their way to the shops. It cheers the kids up as well.
"As soon I had it fitted, there was an ambulance on the green where we live. The timing was incredible.
(Image: SWNS)
"The paramedics came past our place and asked if they could take photos of it.
"I was at work but when I got home, there was another ambulance there and those paramedics also had a photo taken with it.
"If it makes them realise what a good job we all think they are doing, then it has been money well spent. They deserve some recognition."