birminghammail--2020-05-07--City to examine health inequalities facing black community

Birmingham and Lewisham councils will hold their own investigation into health inequalities as questions are raised about the `` narrow '' scope of the Government 's Covid-19 review .
The joint project comes as it is reported black Britons are two to four times more likely to die from coronavirus than the white population , according to analysis by the Office for National Statistics .
Cllr Paulette Hamilton , cabinet member for health and social care at Birmingham City Council , has expressed concerns about Public Health England ’ s ( PHE ) review into the disproportionate impact of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on the investigation being carried out by UK health chiefs to be upgraded into a public inquiry rather than something that is “ held privately ” and “ goes nowhere ” .
The Birmingham and Lewisham African & Caribbean Health Inequalities Review ( BLACHIR ) will run over an 18-month period and is intended to recommend changes “ to address decades of inequalities ” .
It will examine health inequalities affecting black communities in both local authority areas , including “ wider determinants of health ” such as housing , employment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council states these problems “ have been exacerbated by Covid-19 and undoubtedly underpin some of the excess deaths in these populations ” .
Black African and Black Caribbean residents made up 7.2 per cent of the population of Birmingham in the 2011 census , compared to 2.9 per cent in England .
Residents in the Black African , Black Caribbean and Black Other groups made up 27.2 per cent of the population of Lewisham the same year .
The two local authorities have previously worked together as part of the Childhood Obesity Trailblazer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct a project along these lines before the pandemic .
Speaking at the weekly West Midlands Combined Authority media briefing today ( May 7 ) , Cllr Hamilton said : “ We have been doing work for nearly a year now relating to Childhood Obesity Trailblazer which was run by Public Health England .
“ We found a similarity between ourselves and Lewisham as such that we were going to start this piece of work [ … ] before the pandemic actually started .
“ With the advent of the pandemic we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But as everybody knows , because I haven ’ t hidden it , I do not agree with the remits of the review being undertaken by PHE .
It ’ s become very narrow and it ’ s something to bury the issues .
“ For me , unless we have a public inquiry or something that is looking into the deeper inequalities you are not going to get to some of the real answers that we want .
“ That ’ s why in Birmingham and Lewisham we felt this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that piece of work .
“ We will start with the African and Caribbean communities but we will move straight onto the southern Asian community .
“ The plan is to have an ongoing piece of work so we don ’ t get to the point where we are at at this moment ever again around equalities.
” Also at the briefing was Dr Rashmi Shukla CBE , Public Health England ’ s regional director for the Midlands and East of England .
Dr Shukla talked about the review which had been commissioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publish findings by the end of this month .
She said : “ The review will analyse how different factors including ethnicity , deprivation , age , gender and obesity can impact on people ’ s health outcomes from the virus .
“ PHE will also be looking at available data on health outcomes for NHS staff to develop a better understanding of how the virus affects the frontline workforce .
“ We will also look at vulnerable groups such as people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping .
“ This review will entail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people with Covid-19 so that we can have more robust data on the factors that impact on cases and health outcomes for these different population groups .
“ This will give us insight into emerging evidence on how Covid-19 may be having a disproportionate impact on different groups .
“ We have talked in the past about the concerns we have about the impact on black , Asian and minority ethnic groups which will be an important focus of this work too .
She said the work will engage devolved administrations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local government , academics , Royal Medical Colleges and others .

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Birmingham and Lewisham councils will hold their own investigation into health inequalities as questions are raised about the "narrow" scope of the Government's Covid-19 review.
The joint project comes as it is reported black Britons are two to four times more likely to die from coronavirus than the white population, according to analysis by the Office for National Statistics.
Cllr Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member for health and social care at Birmingham City Council, has expressed concerns about Public Health England’s (PHE) review into the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on ethnic minority communities.
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She has called on the investigation being carried out by UK health chiefs to be upgraded into a public inquiry rather than something that is “held privately” and “goes nowhere”.
The Birmingham and Lewisham African & Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR) will run over an 18-month period and is intended to recommend changes “to address decades of inequalities”.
It will examine health inequalities affecting black communities in both local authority areas, including “wider determinants of health” such as housing, employment and education.
A statement from Birmingham City Council states these problems “have been exacerbated by Covid-19 and undoubtedly underpin some of the excess deaths in these populations”.
Black African and Black Caribbean residents made up 7.2 per cent of the population of Birmingham in the 2011 census, compared to 2.9 per cent in England.
Residents in the Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other groups made up 27.2 per cent of the population of Lewisham the same year.
The two local authorities have previously worked together as part of the Childhood Obesity Trailblazer Programme, and were already planning to conduct a project along these lines before the pandemic.
(Image: Birmingham City Council)
Speaking at the weekly West Midlands Combined Authority media briefing today (May 7), Cllr Hamilton said: “We have been doing work for nearly a year now relating to Childhood Obesity Trailblazer which was run by Public Health England.
“We found a similarity between ourselves and Lewisham as such that we were going to start this piece of work […] before the pandemic actually started.
“With the advent of the pandemic we had to hold back for a little bit.
“But as everybody knows, because I haven’t hidden it, I do not agree with the remits of the review being undertaken by PHE. It’s become very narrow and it’s something to bury the issues.
“For me, unless we have a public inquiry or something that is looking into the deeper inequalities you are not going to get to some of the real answers that we want.
“That’s why in Birmingham and Lewisham we felt this was the right time to actually start that piece of work.
“We will start with the African and Caribbean communities but we will move straight onto the southern Asian community.
“The plan is to have an ongoing piece of work so we don’t get to the point where we are at at this moment ever again around equalities.”
Also at the briefing was Dr Rashmi Shukla CBE, Public Health England’s regional director for the Midlands and East of England.
Dr Shukla talked about the review which had been commissioned by the Government, which aims to publish findings by the end of this month.
She said: “The review will analyse how different factors including ethnicity, deprivation, age, gender and obesity can impact on people’s health outcomes from the virus.
“PHE will also be looking at available data on health outcomes for NHS staff to develop a better understanding of how the virus affects the frontline workforce.
“We will also look at vulnerable groups such as people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.
“This review will entail examination of thousands of existing health records of people with Covid-19 so that we can have more robust data on the factors that impact on cases and health outcomes for these different population groups.
“This will give us insight into emerging evidence on how Covid-19 may be having a disproportionate impact on different groups.
“We have talked in the past about the concerns we have about the impact on black, Asian and minority ethnic groups which will be an important focus of this work too.
She said the work will engage devolved administrations, faith groups, voluntary sector organisations, local government, academics, Royal Medical Colleges and others.


birminghammail--2020-05-07--Driver arrested for impersonating officer as car with blue lights spotted on M6

A man has been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer after a car that was kitted out with @ @ @ @ @ was pulled over on the M6 .
The 60-year-old was detained after traffic officers from @ @ @ @ @ travelling at junction 15 , close to the A500 , at around 8.30am on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ has been released under investigation , a spokesman for the force said .
A short @ @ @ @ @ by officers - shows the blue lights and flashing aerials that were taken from the @ @ @ @ @ : `` Vehicle stopped on the M6 at junction 15 fitted with blue lights and @ @ @ @ @ public into thinking it was an emergency services vehicle .
`` A 60-year-old man from @ @ @ @ @ of impersonating a police officer .
He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries @ @ @ @ @ is found guilty of impersonating a member of a police force or special constable could @ @ @ @ @ and up to six months in prison .

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer after a car that was kitted out with blue lights and false aerials was pulled over on the M6.
The 60-year-old was detained after traffic officers from Staffordshire Police stopped the car travelling at junction 15, close to the A500, at around 8.30am on Thursday, May 7.
He has been released under investigation, a spokesman for the force said.
A short clip - which was taken by officers - shows the blue lights and flashing aerials that were taken from the motor.
The spokesman added: "Vehicle stopped on the M6 at junction 15 fitted with blue lights and false aerials to dupe the public into thinking it was an emergency services vehicle.
"A 60-year-old man from Worcester was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer. He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries."
Any person who is found guilty of impersonating a member of a police force or special constable could be liable to a fine and up to six months in prison.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Cops chasing stolen car uncover boy, aged 16, behind wheel

Police pursuing a stolen car after it fled discovered a boy aged just 16 behind the wheel .
The chase was launched when the driver failed to stop for police in a Birmingham street on Thursday , May 7 .
As officers caught up with the suspect , he jumped from the vehicle and ran away .
Police said the boy - arrested for dangerous driving , failing to stop and driving without a licence - was just 16-years-old .
He was also detained on suspicion of supplying heroin , car theft and possession of weapons .
Birmingham 's Organised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wrote : `` Car theft , heroin supply , weapons , no driving licence , dangerous driving failing to stop .
`` The offences a 16 year old under arrest for , after stolen car he was driving failed to get away from our pursuit driver earlier .
Ran out of talent quickly but could n't run as quickly on foot . ''
It comes amid a force-wide effort to crackdown on gangs , with officers redeployed from CID , traffic and local policing into organised crime teams .
West Midlands Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall in 'traditional ' crime during the lockdown in order to focus on disrupting violent gangs .
Just last month , in April , officers uncovered 16 deadly firearms across the region including in Edgbaston and Solihull .
Speaking of the shift in resources and successful raids , Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne previously said : “ These are really significant gun seizures ; most of the weapons we ’ ve recovered have been found following police proactive operations or pre-planned warrants .
“ I don ’ t think there can be any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may well have saved lives .
There will be no let-up in our focus on drugs gangs and people linked to firearms .
`` And I would urge communities across the West Midlands to work with us and provide information on suspicious activity or people suspected to have access to weapons .
“ Crimes rates are falling due to the lockdown and that ’ s presented us with a real opportunity to refocus our resources on criminals who cause the most harm in our communities . ''
Information from the public is crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and associated crime .
Anyone who has suspicions about drug dealing is urged to contact the force via Live Chat at the West Midlands Police website or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

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Police pursuing a stolen car after it fled discovered a boy aged just 16 behind the wheel.
The chase was launched when the driver failed to stop for police in a Birmingham street on Thursday, May 7.
As officers caught up with the suspect, he jumped from the vehicle and ran away.
Police said the boy - arrested for dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without a licence - was just 16-years-old.
He was also detained on suspicion of supplying heroin, car theft and possession of weapons.
Birmingham's Organised Crime team shared the news to Twitter and wrote: "Car theft, heroin supply, weapons, no driving licence, dangerous driving failing to stop.
"The offences a 16 year old under arrest for, after stolen car he was driving failed to get away from our pursuit driver earlier. Ran out of talent quickly but couldn't run as quickly on foot."
It comes amid a force-wide effort to crackdown on gangs, with officers redeployed from CID, traffic and local policing into organised crime teams.
West Midlands Police vowed to take advantage of the sharp fall in 'traditional' crime during the lockdown in order to focus on disrupting violent gangs.
Just last month, in April, officers uncovered 16 deadly firearms across the region including in Edgbaston and Solihull.
Weapons recovered included five deadly machine pistols, sawn-off shotguns, handguns, a viable antique revolver and a Colt 45.
(Image: WMP)
Speaking of the shift in resources and successful raids, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne previously said: “These are really significant gun seizures; most of the weapons we’ve recovered have been found following police proactive operations or pre-planned warrants.
“I don’t think there can be any doubt the seizures have prevented shootings and may well have saved lives. There will be no let-up in our focus on drugs gangs and people linked to firearms.
"And I would urge communities across the West Midlands to work with us and provide information on suspicious activity or people suspected to have access to weapons.
“Crimes rates are falling due to the lockdown and that’s presented us with a real opportunity to refocus our resources on criminals who cause the most harm in our communities."
Information from the public is crucial in the police fight against drug dealing and associated crime.
Anyone who has suspicions about drug dealing is urged to contact the force via Live Chat at the West Midlands Police website or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--'Bemusing' - Leeds United pundit blasts Aston Villa's stance

Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow 's comments on Talksport have encouraged heated debate over the conclusion of the season - with one Leeds United pundit describing Purslow 's stance as 'shallow ' .
Speaking on talkSPORT the Villa chief executive stressed health and safety must come first - but aimed a critique at the suggestion that Villa should play in a neutral stadium to see the season out .
“ I really do want to be crystal clear on this , [ Operation ] Restart has a basic principle that until and unless we have health and safety protocols in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generally , by government and by key players then of course Restart is entirely hypothetical and we are not there yet , ” said Purslow .
“ Until we crack the code of making our great contact sport safe the conversation we are having is hypothetical .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here “ Neutral grounds is just one component in a whole package of measures that are going to have to be debated and discussed .
“ We have got a radically different product that we are all trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and neutral grounds which was revealed on Friday as something we are going to have to look at carefully is just one example .
“ Personally I am against it .
“ We are a club that prides itself on our home form , I think two thirds of our wins this season have come at home , we have got six home games left to play so I think any Villa fan would agree giving up that advantage is a massive decision for somebody running Aston Villa and I certainly wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were right.
” However , Purslow 's comments - which you can hear in the video player above - have attracted attention , with former Leeds player Noel Whelan hitting out at the CEO 's comments .
“ I think the majority of players want to get back playing football – it doesn ’ t matter if it ’ s a park or St George ’ s Park , it doesn ’ t matter .
It ’ s been this long that they should be wanting to get a ball at their feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whelan to Football Insider .
“ That doesn ’ t matter where it is , either way you ’ re going to be privileged because you ’ re playing for importance , you ’ re playing for points .
Why does it matter where you play football ?
When you look at what ’ s going on around the world , it ’ s just about getting out there with your strip on , playing competitive football .
“ I ’ d be chomping at the bit , I ’ d play anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in their shoes right now I ’ d just want to get a ball out , play with my teammates , get out there playing competitive football .
It doesn ’ t matter where it is , it ’ ll make no difference – there ’ s going to be no fans there , no kind of advantage for either side .
“ I find it bemusing that people get paid this amount of money in this day and age , knowing what ’ s going on around them , people passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people struggling with their own jobs , to struggle to pay the mortgage , that someone would come out and say something as shallow as that when they ’ re in such a massively privileged position .
“ They ’ re getting paid to go out there and play some football .
I mean come on , get some perspective.
” Whelan is n't the only Purslow critic speaking out either - Mark Roberts , the police chief tasked with managing football games , has slammed his comments .
Speaking to ITV , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing on a way to bring the country forward , in the most risk-free manner possible .
“ [ People are saying ] the integrity of the game may be somehow compromised if some teams have to play at a neutral venue – if you played someone at home earlier in the season with a crowd and now they ’ re being asked to play in a neutral venue with no crowd , ” said Roberts .
“ They stress the importance of picking up trophies , fine .
These are all in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But in a broader context , where the country has seen 30,000 and rising deaths , then really , some of the people making these comments need to get a grip .
“ We ’ ve all got a responsibility .
Yes to make progress for the benefit of the country , but equally to do it in a way that minimises the risk that anything we do , adds to that death toll .
”

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Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow's comments on Talksport have encouraged heated debate over the conclusion of the season - with one Leeds United pundit describing Purslow's stance as 'shallow'.
Speaking on talkSPORT the Villa chief executive stressed health and safety must come first - but aimed a critique at the suggestion that Villa should play in a neutral stadium to see the season out.
“I really do want to be crystal clear on this, [Operation] Restart has a basic principle that until and unless we have health and safety protocols in place that have been agreed by football generally, by government and by key players then of course Restart is entirely hypothetical and we are not there yet,” said Purslow.
“Until we crack the code of making our great contact sport safe the conversation we are having is hypothetical.
“Neutral grounds is just one component in a whole package of measures that are going to have to be debated and discussed.
“We have got a radically different product that we are all trying to find a way to put back on and neutral grounds which was revealed on Friday as something we are going to have to look at carefully is just one example.
“Personally I am against it.
“We are a club that prides itself on our home form, I think two thirds of our wins this season have come at home, we have got six home games left to play so I think any Villa fan would agree giving up that advantage is a massive decision for somebody running Aston Villa and I certainly wouldn’t agree to that unless the circumstances were right.”
However, Purslow's comments - which you can hear in the video player above - have attracted attention, with former Leeds player Noel Whelan hitting out at the CEO's comments.
“I think the majority of players want to get back playing football – it doesn’t matter if it’s a park or St George’s Park, it doesn’t matter. It’s been this long that they should be wanting to get a ball at their feet and play competitive matches," said Whelan to Football Insider.
“That doesn’t matter where it is, either way you’re going to be privileged because you’re playing for importance, you’re playing for points. Why does it matter where you play football? When you look at what’s going on around the world, it’s just about getting out there with your strip on, playing competitive football.
“I’d be chomping at the bit, I’d play anywhere. I really would, if I was in their shoes right now I’d just want to get a ball out, play with my teammates, get out there playing competitive football. It doesn’t matter where it is, it’ll make no difference – there’s going to be no fans there, no kind of advantage for either side.
“I find it bemusing that people get paid this amount of money in this day and age, knowing what’s going on around them, people passing away left, right and centre, people struggling with their own jobs, to struggle to pay the mortgage, that someone would come out and say something as shallow as that when they’re in such a massively privileged position.
“They’re getting paid to go out there and play some football. I mean come on, get some perspective.”
Whelan isn't the only Purslow critic speaking out either - Mark Roberts, the police chief tasked with managing football games, has slammed his comments.
Speaking to ITV, Roberts has said that people should be focusing on a way to bring the country forward, in the most risk-free manner possible.
“[People are saying] the integrity of the game may be somehow compromised if some teams have to play at a neutral venue – if you played someone at home earlier in the season with a crowd and now they’re being asked to play in a neutral venue with no crowd,” said Roberts.
“They stress the importance of picking up trophies, fine. These are all in a football sense, really important. But in a broader context, where the country has seen 30,000 and rising deaths, then really, some of the people making these comments need to get a grip.
“We’ve all got a responsibility. Yes to make progress for the benefit of the country, but equally to do it in a way that minimises the risk that anything we do, adds to that death toll.”


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Liverpool favourite reveals the Wolves and Chelsea stars who tortured him

Liverpool superstar Andy Robertson has identified the two Premier League stars who have given him most bother .
The accomplished left back has been one of the stars of the Reds ’ bid for a first title in 30 years - producing a season of composed performances which have made him one of the most shrewd acquisitions of recent seasons .
However , that hasn ’ t always been the case with the modest Scot revealing two top flight wingers who have caused him problems .
Sign up to our Wolves newsletter here Before moving to Anfield Robertson spent three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first of those when he came up against Eden Hazard who was in full flow on the way to winning the PFA Player of the Year award and the Premier League in 2014/15 .
Chelsea beat Hull 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the December of that season , and Robertson was given a torrid time .
“ When I was at Hull I played against Hazard when he won the player of the year , and he ripped me apart at Stamford Bridge , ” Robertson told That Peter Crouch Podcast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ never thought I ’ d recover from but luckily I did.
” Robertson then namechecked Wolves ' Adama Traore as another tough opponent , even though Virgil van Dijk can deal with him .
“ Traore this season ripped me apart , to be fair , ” he continued .
“ I think he could give most Premier League defenders a 15 yard start and he would win the race .
“ Big Virg and him had a great race , to be fair .
Big Virg has just got his big long @ @ @

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Liverpool superstar Andy Robertson has identified the two Premier League stars who have given him most bother.
The accomplished left back has been one of the stars of the Reds’ bid for a first title in 30 years - producing a season of composed performances which have made him one of the most shrewd acquisitions of recent seasons.
However, that hasn’t always been the case with the modest Scot revealing two top flight wingers who have caused him problems.
Before moving to Anfield Robertson spent three seasons at Hull and it was in the first of those when he came up against Eden Hazard who was in full flow on the way to winning the PFA Player of the Year award and the Premier League in 2014/15.
Chelsea beat Hull 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the December of that season, and Robertson was given a torrid time.
“When I was at Hull I played against Hazard when he won the player of the year, and he ripped me apart at Stamford Bridge,” Robertson told That Peter Crouch Podcast.
“It’s a game I never thought I’d recover from but luckily I did.”
Robertson then namechecked Wolves ' Adama Traore as another tough opponent, with Adama now emerging as a potential target for Liverpool and Manchester United.
Robertson did add as a caveat, that Virgil van Dijk can deal with him.
“Traore this season ripped me apart, to be fair,” he continued.
“I think he could give most Premier League defenders a 15 yard start and he would win the race.
“Big Virg and him had a great race, to be fair. Big Virg has just got his big long legs.”


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Erdington and Kings Heath to get 'wider pavements' so shoppers can keep distance

Council chiefs have responded to complaints about crowded high streets in Erdington and Kings Heath by unveiling plans to widen pavements so people can keep their distance .
The move by Birmingham City Council is a 'first step ' to ensure people can stay two metres apart in busy streets .
It follows complaints that it was impossible to walk along both high streets without risking close contact with fellow shoppers .
In Erdington , the street has been 'packed ' with shoppers during lockdown as people buy essential supplies .
Some residents have boycotted the area all together because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high streets in Kings Heath and Erdington were both identified as `` high priority '' by council officers because the narrow pavements and their popularity make it difficult for pedestrians to pass each other safely while adhering to social distance guidance .
Parking will be 'temporarily removed ' from various sections of the high streets to give more space for pedestrians .
`` With a large number of essential shops and services still open , Erdington High Street was experiencing issues with people social distancing safely due to narrow pavements and on-street parking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Parking will be temporarily removed from various sections of the High Street to temporarily widen pavements . ''
Similar steps will be taken in Kings Heath High Street .
In Erdington , some residents had called for traffic to be banned all together .
Coun Rob Alden ( Con ) , who represents Erdington , said he believed the natural makeup of the high street was problematic .
He said nearly half of businesses had remained open because a large number of traders , such as butchers , pharmacies and greengrocers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also pointed to narrow pavements and small shop fronts .
He said : `` It 's partly to do with the layout .
We tried to get it pedestrianised several years ago .
The pavements are very narrow , only one-and-a-half people wide in some places .
There have always been complaints of a lack of space , particularly from young parents with pushchairs or disabled people . ''
Councillor Waseem Zaffar , Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment said : “ The pandemic has highlighted the need to provide more safe spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycling and social distancing .
“ These two schemes are just the start .
We will continue to monitor travel patterns as lockdown restrictions are eased to review where further action is needed .
`` This will look at safety issues , but also how to encourage and enable people to walk and cycle , so car-free travel is seen as a viable option for many trips , especially in local areas.
” He added : “ Longer term , we want to see a low-carbon recovery in Birmingham in line with our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusive transport network that supports economic growth , tackles climate change and promotes the health and wellbeing of all citizens.
” In Erdington , parking will be removed from the right-hand side of the high street from Six Ways to the pedestrianised area and one smaller section on the left-hand side from opposite Church Road to Barnabas Road .
In Kings Heath a total of 17 parking bays will be suspended from two sections of the high street between Poplar Road and Heathfield Road and between Silver Street .
In both areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any disabled parking spaces are being retained .

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Council chiefs have responded to complaints about crowded high streets in Erdington and Kings Heath by unveiling plans to widen pavements so people can keep their distance.
The move by Birmingham City Council is a 'first step' to ensure people can stay two metres apart in busy streets.
It follows complaints that it was impossible to walk along both high streets without risking close contact with fellow shoppers.
In Erdington, the street has been 'packed' with shoppers during lockdown as people buy essential supplies. Some residents have boycotted the area all together because of the increased infection risk.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
The high streets in Kings Heath and Erdington were both identified as "high priority" by council officers because the narrow pavements and their popularity make it difficult for pedestrians to pass each other safely while adhering to social distance guidance.
Parking will be 'temporarily removed' from various sections of the high streets to give more space for pedestrians.
"With a large number of essential shops and services still open, Erdington High Street was experiencing issues with people social distancing safely due to narrow pavements and on-street parking," said a council spokesperson.
"Parking will be temporarily removed from various sections of the High Street to temporarily widen pavements."
Similar steps will be taken in Kings Heath High Street.
In Erdington, some residents had called for traffic to be banned all together.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Coun Rob Alden (Con), who represents Erdington, said he believed the natural makeup of the high street was problematic.
He said nearly half of businesses had remained open because a large number of traders, such as butchers, pharmacies and greengrocers, sold food and other essentials. He also pointed to narrow pavements and small shop fronts.
He said: "It's partly to do with the layout. We tried to get it pedestrianised several years ago. The pavements are very narrow, only one-and-a-half people wide in some places. There have always been complaints of a lack of space, particularly from young parents with pushchairs or disabled people."
Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment said: “The pandemic has highlighted the need to provide more safe spaces in our local centres for walking, cycling and social distancing.
“These two schemes are just the start. We will continue to monitor travel patterns as lockdown restrictions are eased to review where further action is needed.
"This will look at safety issues, but also how to encourage and enable people to walk and cycle, so car-free travel is seen as a viable option for many trips, especially in local areas.”
He added: “Longer term, we want to see a low-carbon recovery in Birmingham in line with our vision for a sustainable, green, inclusive transport network that supports economic growth, tackles climate change and promotes the health and wellbeing of all citizens.”
In Erdington, parking will be removed from the right-hand side of the high street from Six Ways to the pedestrianised area and one smaller section on the left-hand side from opposite Church Road to Barnabas Road.
In Kings Heath a total of 17 parking bays will be suspended from two sections of the high street between Poplar Road and Heathfield Road and between Silver Street. In both areas, alternative free parking is available nearby and any disabled parking spaces are being retained.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Ian Harte demands promotion in Leeds United and West Brom debate

Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion should not be denied promotion to the Premier League .
That ’ s the view of ex-Elland Road star Ian Harte who has called on the sport ’ s power brokers to show leadership in the current crisis .
The Championship has been locked down for the last couple of months - leaving Leeds and the Baggies with one toe in the top flight .
And Harte says they shouldn ’ t be denied .
“ They ’ ve been by far the two best teams this season , ” Harte told Football League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newsletter here “ It would be an absolute disaster ( if promotion didn ’ t happen ) .
“ There ’ s going to be legal cases all over the shop if Leeds didn ’ t get promoted because they ’ ve been waiting patiently to try and get back into the Premier League .
“ They ’ ve been unbelievable this season and if they didn ’ t achieve that I think they would be suing.
” Indeed Harte says promotion and relegation should be observed at all levels .
“ Teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get promoted , it filters all the way down .
“ Whether it ’ s Coventry , down to the National League ; Barrow , Harrogate , are they going to get promoted to the Football League ?
“ There ’ s a big knock-on effect , but that ’ s why these people are in these jobs , whether it ’ s Gordon Taylor or the chairman of the EFL , they are going to have to stand up and make those tough decisions , you can not please everyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going on .
”

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Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion should not be denied promotion to the Premier League.
That’s the view of ex-Elland Road star Ian Harte who has called on the sport’s power brokers to show leadership in the current crisis.
The Championship has been locked down for the last couple of months - leaving Leeds and the Baggies with one toe in the top flight.
And Harte says they shouldn’t be denied.
“They’ve been by far the two best teams this season,” Harte told Football League World.
“It would be an absolute disaster (if promotion didn’t happen).
“There’s going to be legal cases all over the shop if Leeds didn’t get promoted because they’ve been waiting patiently to try and get back into the Premier League.
“They’ve been unbelievable this season and if they didn’t achieve that I think they would be suing.”
Indeed Harte says promotion and relegation should be observed at all levels.
“Teams have to get relegated and teams have to get promoted, it filters all the way down.
“Whether it’s Coventry, down to the National League; Barrow, Harrogate, are they going to get promoted to the Football League?
“There’s a big knock-on effect, but that’s why these people are in these jobs, whether it’s Gordon Taylor or the chairman of the EFL, they are going to have to stand up and make those tough decisions, you cannot please everyone, but football needs to know what’s going on.”


birminghammail--2020-05-08--What Aston Villa's relegation rivals have said about Project Restart

Aston Villa find themselves at a crossroads during the current suspension of football .
The Premier League has suspended fixtures since March due to the coronavirus pandemic , and while a return to action is planned - it remains unclear as to how the League will organise the remaining fixtures that are still to be played .
However , everyone has had a say - including Villa boss Dean Smith .
`` Everybody wants to get back into training but they also want to see what the medical protocols are first , '' said Smith when discussing Villa 's own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Aston Villa newsletter here '' There 's a certain risk attached to the return to training for all players and I think they want to make sure they tick the boxes so it 's safe to do so .
`` The players ' health and safety is paramount and if they 're not comfortable to return then you have to return without them , when it 's safe to do so .
We have to listen to our players , we have to listen to their concerns .
If the protocols say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can do will do so .
Football in England still remains suspended but , with the Bundesliga on the brink of a return , a boost has been provided for the Premier League 's own plans to complete the season .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to update the nation on the coronavirus situation on Sunday , with the Premier League then convening on Monday to discuss 'Project Restart ' and the plans to return to action .
A number of proposals have been mentioned and there are some huge issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left to be decided in the top-flight , the intention is for the Premier League season to be completed .
We know what Smith thinks - but what about the teams in the bottom half of the table ?
Here 's what they had to say .
“ Speaking to all our players , I know there is one or two that really miss football .
They really miss the high that they get , the actual game , the feeling of being around their team-mates every day .
“ I think the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I miss the lads .
I miss the laughter and the camaraderie that brings .
I think mentally there is a bit of work to do with the players when they come back .
I am sure they have missed the game greatly.
” '' No player has spoken to me directly about this but I think there is a concern generally that if social distance rules are there , they are there for a reason and that is to protect the nation and to protect the health of our vulnerable people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to be outside of that situation on a football pitch .
It seems to me that everyone is talking about social distancing and saying that means the crowd can not be there , but no-one is talking about the footballers on the pitch .
`` Those rules are there not because anyone wants to stop us playing football .
They are there for a reason , which is to protect people from dying .
So , we have to be very , very serious about those measures . ''
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whatever that takes , everybody wants that .
We can have a 'Festival of Football ' month , games every day , teams playing two or three games a week .
“ It is not ideal , but if we can play 10 to 15 games in December and the start of January , we can do it to get this season finished . ''
`` For us we deserve the chance to work on our little miracle and stay in this league and my general attitude is that we should try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But , if it is the situation that – by not finishing the season – we save one life then we should do that ( not finish the season ) .
” '' It ’ s not easy for them because there is no motivation at the moment and they don ’ t know the exact target .
It ’ s very different from a summer break as they don ’ t know when they can start again and it makes it difficult for them .
“ But now it looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the tunnel and hopefully it won ’ t be too long until we are back on the pitch , maybe with smaller groups and strict rules like they are doing in Germany now.
” “ I think we ’ ve got to realise there are a lot of people whose lives we could be putting at risk .
We can ’ t let that happen .
I think until we have the testing , which we need for the nurses and the doctors .
`` I ’ m finding it really difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we can start to play . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Challies, James Rushton)

Aston Villa find themselves at a crossroads during the current suspension of football.
The Premier League has suspended fixtures since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and while a return to action is planned - it remains unclear as to how the League will organise the remaining fixtures that are still to be played.
However, everyone has had a say - including Villa boss Dean Smith.
"Everybody wants to get back into training but they also want to see what the medical protocols are first," said Smith when discussing Villa's own return to training.
"There's a certain risk attached to the return to training for all players and I think they want to make sure they tick the boxes so it's safe to do so.
"The players' health and safety is paramount and if they're not comfortable to return then you have to return without them, when it's safe to do so. We have to listen to our players, we have to listen to their concerns. If the protocols say we can move forward then the ones who can do will do so.
Football in England still remains suspended but, with the Bundesliga on the brink of a return, a boost has been provided for the Premier League's own plans to complete the season.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to update the nation on the coronavirus situation on Sunday, with the Premier League then convening on Monday to discuss 'Project Restart' and the plans to return to action.
A number of proposals have been mentioned and there are some huge issues that need resolving but, with plenty left to be decided in the top-flight, the intention is for the Premier League season to be completed.
We know what Smith thinks - but what about the teams in the bottom half of the table? Here's what they had to say.
Bournemouth - Eddie Howe
“Speaking to all our players, I know there is one or two that really miss football. They really miss the high that they get, the actual game, the feeling of being around their team-mates every day.
“I think the most common conversation I have is ‘I miss the lads. I miss the laughter and the camaraderie that brings. I think mentally there is a bit of work to do with the players when they come back. I am sure they have missed the game greatly.”
Brighton - Graham Potter
"No player has spoken to me directly about this but I think there is a concern generally that if social distance rules are there, they are there for a reason and that is to protect the nation and to protect the health of our vulnerable people.
"Therefore, it is hard for us to be outside of that situation on a football pitch. It seems to me that everyone is talking about social distancing and saying that means the crowd cannot be there, but no-one is talking about the footballers on the pitch.
"Those rules are there not because anyone wants to stop us playing football. They are there for a reason, which is to protect people from dying. So, we have to be very, very serious about those measures."
Newcastle United - Steve Bruce
“We have to try and get this season finished, whatever that takes, everybody wants that. We can have a 'Festival of Football' month, games every day, teams playing two or three games a week.
“It is not ideal, but if we can play 10 to 15 games in December and the start of January, we can do it to get this season finished."
Norwich City - Daniel Farke
"For us we deserve the chance to work on our little miracle and stay in this league and my general attitude is that we should try everything we can to finish the season.
“But, if it is the situation that – by not finishing the season – we save one life then we should do that (not finish the season).”
Southampton - Ralph Hassenhuttl
"It’s not easy for them because there is no motivation at the moment and they don’t know the exact target. It’s very different from a summer break as they don’t know when they can start again and it makes it difficult for them.
“But now it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully it won’t be too long until we are back on the pitch, maybe with smaller groups and strict rules like they are doing in Germany now.”
West Ham - David Moyes
“I think we’ve got to realise there are a lot of people whose lives we could be putting at risk. We can’t let that happen. I think until we have the testing, which we need for the nurses and the doctors.
"I’m finding it really difficult to see where the conclusion is and how we can start to play."


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Boris Johnson's father admits breaking lockdown to buy paper after grandson born

Boris Johnson 's father has told how he broke Covid-19 lockdown rules to buy a newspaper after the Prime Minister 's son was born .
The PM and his fiancee Carrie Symonds announced she had given birth to a baby boy on April 29 weeks after Mr Johnson was discharged from intensive care where he had been battling coronavirus .
His father Stanley Johnson on Friday spoke of his delight after his grandchild was named Wilfred after the PM 's grandfather , a Second World War RAF pilot .
He told ITV 's Good Morning Britain : `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their boy ... after my father Wilfred .
`` It 's a wonderful strange feeling actually to see that this name is going to live on in this young boy .
`` I actually broke the lockdown rule ... but I went , I said 'there 's bound to be something in the papers ' and went across to the garage .
`` I said ' I know I 'm not really meant to be out buying a newspaper , I 'm not sure it 's an essential journey , but I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today about my 14th grandchild ' . ''
Mr Johnson also revealed how he prayed for his son when he was at `` death 's door '' after the PM was admitted to intensive care at St Thomas ' Hospital in London suffering with Covid-19 .
`` I think I was as worried as any father would be if their child is at death 's door , '' he said .
`` I was certainly worried , I 've got to tell you , I make no bones about it , I said @ @ @ @ @ @

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Boris Johnson's father has told how he broke Covid-19 lockdown rules to buy a newspaper after the Prime Minister's son was born.
The PM and his fiancee Carrie Symonds announced she had given birth to a baby boy on April 29 weeks after Mr Johnson was discharged from intensive care where he had been battling coronavirus.
His father Stanley Johnson on Friday spoke of his delight after his grandchild was named Wilfred after the PM's grandfather, a Second World War RAF pilot.
(Image: ITV)
He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "I'm thrilled that Boris and Carrie have named their boy ... after my father Wilfred.
"It's a wonderful strange feeling actually to see that this name is going to live on in this young boy.
"I actually broke the lockdown rule ... but I went, I said 'there's bound to be something in the papers' and went across to the garage.
"I said 'I know I'm not really meant to be out buying a newspaper, I'm not sure it's an essential journey, but I just think there's something in the paper today about my 14th grandchild'."
Mr Johnson also revealed how he prayed for his son when he was at "death's door" after the PM was admitted to intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital in London suffering with Covid-19.
"I think I was as worried as any father would be if their child is at death's door," he said.
"I was certainly worried, I've got to tell you, I make no bones about it, I said a prayer or two."


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Public urged to stay home this weekend and expect 'limited' easing of lockdown

The public have been warned to expect only `` limited '' changes to be made to the lockdown on Sunday .
The Government appears to be trying to lower expectations over the lifting of the coronavirus-related restrictions following earlier reports of a broader relaxation starting on Monday .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the social-distancing rules currently in place had not been lifted for the bank holiday weekend , with the country on Friday marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day , when victory was declared in Europe during the Second World War .
The lockdown is facing a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather , and concerns of mixed messaging ahead of Boris Johnson 's announcement on easing restrictions .
Mr Dowden told BBC Breakfast : `` The situation remains exactly as it has been for several weeks , that is people should be staying at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives .
That has n't changed .
`` Once again we have that temptingly sunny bank holiday weekend coming up but , please , people should not be leaving home except for the limited reasons we 've already set out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36,000 people have died with coronavirus in the UK , the PM is set to unveil his `` road map '' for easing the lockdown in a broadcast to the nation at 7pm on Sunday .
Mr Dowden said the Conservative Party leader would explain the stages involved in getting the country working again now that the rate of Covid-19 infections had been passed .
Officials will scrutinise the latest data on the spread of the disease , and ministers are expected to convene over the weekend before details are finalised for Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Dowden warned that if there was `` any indication that things are starting to get out of control '' following the lockdown easing , the Government `` wo n't hesitate to step back '' and reimpose certain bans on interactions .
He added : `` The Prime Minister will set out the next steps .
`` But as I have been at pains to say ... and as the Prime Minister said to us at Cabinet yesterday , the health of the nation comes first so we need to proceed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin with and then , over time , if those are starting to work , we can start to go further and what we will be doing is setting out the different steps we could take further along the path so people know where we 're going . ''
In an indication of tensions between the devolved administrations , the Cabinet minister also confirmed the four UK nations could move at `` different speeds '' when it comes to easing the lockdown .
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster , speaking to BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` nuanced changes '' in the region .
Her Scottish counterpart , Nicola Sturgeon , warned on Thursday that she would not be `` pressured '' by the Westminster Government into `` prematurely '' easing restrictions in Scotland .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford will announce his own plans during a press conference at 12.30pm on Friday .
The Welsh Government has warned of sending out `` mixed messages '' , after newspaper reports suggested sunbathing and picnics could be permitted as early as Monday .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has criticised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , warning of tragedy in care homes where Covid-19 is spreading - a point made in an editorial to mark VE Day and the debt owed to the generation responsible for winning the battle against Hitler .
`` The crisis in our care homes has gone on for too long and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable , many of whom protected our country in its darkest hour , '' he wrote in the Telegraph .
His plea came after it emerged the R value - the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread the virus to - had risen to between 0.75 and 1.0 because of the spread in care homes .
The Royal Hospital Chelsea said nine Chelsea Pensioners had died of coronavirus-related conditions But Mr Dowden said there was evidence that the Government was getting a `` grip '' on the situation in care homes .
Care homes are being given added funding and support to help them through the coronavirus crisis , he said .
He told the BBC that more testing was being rolled out , further personal protective equipment ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a lot of '' the £2.7 billion in extra funding for local authorities would go to social care .
`` We are starting to grip this and it is starting to have an effect , '' the former Cabinet Office minister said .
`` So while the death rate remains too high , we have seen in the latest figures the number of deaths in care homes start to fall .
`` This is a real priority for the Government . ''
Meanwhile , the nation clapped from their windows and doorsteps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday evening to show their appreciation of NHS workers and other carers .
And Mr Dowden , in a boost for sport , confirmed he would be holding a meeting next week with football authorities , including the Premier League , to determine whether matches could start to be played behind closed doors .

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The public have been warned to expect only "limited" changes to be made to the lockdown on Sunday.
The Government appears to be trying to lower expectations over the lifting of the coronavirus-related restrictions following earlier reports of a broader relaxation starting on Monday.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the social-distancing rules currently in place had not been lifted for the bank holiday weekend, with the country on Friday marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day, when victory was declared in Europe during the Second World War.
The lockdown is facing a major test from a long weekend of warm weather, and concerns of mixed messaging ahead of Boris Johnson's announcement on easing restrictions.
(Image: PA)
Mr Dowden told BBC Breakfast: "The situation remains exactly as it has been for several weeks, that is people should be staying at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives. That hasn't changed.
"Once again we have that temptingly sunny bank holiday weekend coming up but, please, people should not be leaving home except for the limited reasons we've already set out."
With official data suggesting more than 36,000 people have died with coronavirus in the UK, the PM is set to unveil his "road map" for easing the lockdown in a broadcast to the nation at 7pm on Sunday.
Mr Dowden said the Conservative Party leader would explain the stages involved in getting the country working again now that the rate of Covid-19 infections had been passed.
Officials will scrutinise the latest data on the spread of the disease, and ministers are expected to convene over the weekend before details are finalised for Sunday's announcement.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Dowden warned that if there was "any indication that things are starting to get out of control" following the lockdown easing, the Government "won't hesitate to step back" and reimpose certain bans on interactions.
He added: "The Prime Minister will set out the next steps.
"But as I have been at pains to say... and as the Prime Minister said to us at Cabinet yesterday, the health of the nation comes first so we need to proceed with caution.
"Expect limited moves to begin with and then, over time, if those are starting to work, we can start to go further and what we will be doing is setting out the different steps we could take further along the path so people know where we're going."
In an indication of tensions between the devolved administrations, the Cabinet minister also confirmed the four UK nations could move at "different speeds" when it comes to easing the lockdown.
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster, speaking to BBC Breakfast, said there would be only "nuanced changes" in the region.
Her Scottish counterpart, Nicola Sturgeon, warned on Thursday that she would not be "pressured" by the Westminster Government into "prematurely" easing restrictions in Scotland.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford will announce his own plans during a press conference at 12.30pm on Friday.
The Welsh Government has warned of sending out "mixed messages", after newspaper reports suggested sunbathing and picnics could be permitted as early as Monday.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the Government's support for care homes, warning of tragedy in care homes where Covid-19 is spreading - a point made in an editorial to mark VE Day and the debt owed to the generation responsible for winning the battle against Hitler.
"The crisis in our care homes has gone on for too long and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable, many of whom protected our country in its darkest hour," he wrote in the Telegraph.
His plea came after it emerged the R value - the number of people the average infected individual would spread the virus to - had risen to between 0.75 and 1.0 because of the spread in care homes.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea said nine Chelsea Pensioners had died of coronavirus-related conditions
But Mr Dowden said there was evidence that the Government was getting a "grip" on the situation in care homes.
Care homes are being given added funding and support to help them through the coronavirus crisis, he said.
He told the BBC that more testing was being rolled out, further personal protective equipment (PPE) was being made available and "a lot of" the £2.7 billion in extra funding for local authorities would go to social care.
"We are starting to grip this and it is starting to have an effect," the former Cabinet Office minister said.
"So while the death rate remains too high, we have seen in the latest figures the number of deaths in care homes start to fall.
"This is a real priority for the Government."
Meanwhile, the nation clapped from their windows and doorsteps for the seventh week in a row on Thursday evening to show their appreciation of NHS workers and other carers.
And Mr Dowden, in a boost for sport, confirmed he would be holding a meeting next week with football authorities, including the Premier League, to determine whether matches could start to be played behind closed doors.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Rio Ferdinand piles in to Aston Villa's neutral venue debate

How , when , where - and even if , the Premier League season should be completed is the hottest topic in football at present .
Christian Purslow this week voiced strong objections to the prospect of Aston Villa playing their remaining ten games at neutral venues .
He questioned why relegation threatened Villa would agree to a plan which would see them lose six all important home matches .
And Rio Ferdinand accepts those concerns and admits Villa would be disadvantaged by agreeing to the plan .
“ The Premier League are in a position where they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to be people whose noses are put out of joint .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here “ Teams in the relegation zone ( will be ) saying ‘ we were relying on our home form with the backing of our fans to make sure that we remain in this league ’ , which you can understand .
“ But we ’ re in uncharted territory and we ’ ve never been here before so to expect that the Premier League and the FA are going to have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to suit all parties would be very , very naive .
“ People are going to feel at a disadvantage if certain decisions are made but I don ’ t think the Premier League can have a wholehearted 100 per cent win on this no matter what decision they make , which is unfortunate.
” In his interview with talkSPORT Purslow was keen to stress that player safety would be the main factor in agreeing a return to competition .
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has already expressed his concerns about that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any situation and any walk of life the not knowing and uncertainty always leads to an element of fear and this is no different from anything else .
“ It ’ s understandable but I think the players will need to be putting their trust in the medical staffs at their clubs .
“ The Premier League , the FA and the Government , if all of those three bodies give it the green light then I ’ m sure the players ’ protection , health and well-being will be at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain healthy and not at risk .
“ That ’ s where the players ’ trust has to lie and they ’ ve got to believe that these powers that be are doing it for the right reasons and that ’ s that health is at the forefront of everything .
”

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How, when, where - and even if, the Premier League season should be completed is the hottest topic in football at present.
Christian Purslow this week voiced strong objections to the prospect of Aston Villa playing their remaining ten games at neutral venues.
He questioned why relegation threatened Villa would agree to a plan which would see them lose six all important home matches.
And Rio Ferdinand accepts those concerns and admits Villa would be disadvantaged by agreeing to the plan.
“The Premier League are in a position where they’re not going to please everybody. There are going to be people whose noses are put out of joint.
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here
“Teams in the relegation zone (will be) saying ‘we were relying on our home form with the backing of our fans to make sure that we remain in this league’, which you can understand.
“But we’re in uncharted territory and we’ve never been here before so to expect that the Premier League and the FA are going to have an absolute resolution for this that’s going to suit all parties would be very, very naive.
“People are going to feel at a disadvantage if certain decisions are made but I don’t think the Premier League can have a wholehearted 100 per cent win on this no matter what decision they make, which is unfortunate.”
In his interview with talkSPORT Purslow was keen to stress that player safety would be the main factor in agreeing a return to competition.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has already expressed his concerns about that - and Ferdinand added:
“In any situation and any walk of life the not knowing and uncertainty always leads to an element of fear and this is no different from anything else.
“It’s understandable but I think the players will need to be putting their trust in the medical staffs at their clubs.
“The Premier League, the FA and the Government, if all of those three bodies give it the green light then I’m sure the players’ protection, health and well-being will be at the top of their agenda to make sure they remain healthy and not at risk.
“That’s where the players’ trust has to lie and they’ve got to believe that these powers that be are doing it for the right reasons and that’s that health is at the forefront of everything.”


birminghammail--2020-05-08--8,000 Brummies tell us what the coronavirus lockdown has meant for them

The income for thousands of hardworking Brummies has more than halved in the pandemic , new data from almost 8,000 readers revealed .
The Great Big Lockdown Survey has provided an insight into how the coronavirus outbreak has impacted Birmingham .
Topics the public were quizzed about ranged from their income , mental health , social distancing and the Government 's handling of the pandemic .
Across the entire network of Reach newspaper sites , 402,595 users responded , while BirminghamLive received 7,866 responses .
The survey ran on 42 titles - over five days - from April 30 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial upheaval during the coronavirus crisis - but how hard has it hit people in the pocket ?
• Figures from the Birmingham survey showed that 47 per cent of people said their household income has dropped since the outbreak .
• Of those , 42 per cent said income had dropped due to being put on the Government 's furlough scheme .
• Data found that 24 per cent of those who had seen a drop in income had seen their income reduced by more than 50 per cent .
• The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having been `` forced to close their own business '' , nine per cent because of `` having to take an enforced pay cut '' , five percent because of `` having the coronavirus or its symptoms '' , four per cent because of redundancy , two per cent because of loss of pay due to childcare , and 27 per cent for `` another reason . ''
The 2m social distancing rules were introduced to stop the spread of the virus , while restaurants , bars , gyms and entertainment facilities were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to introduce floor marker distances and security limiting the amount of shoppers in store which has become the `` new normal . ''
But what does the public think of the general use of social distancing ?
• The survey found that 67 per cent of Brummies think social distancing measures were introduced too late .
• It found 27 per cent said they were introduced at the right time , three per cent said “ I don ’ t know ” , two per cent said they should not have been introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced too early .
• 39 per cent of people think the current social distancing measures will be in place for more than five months .
• 19 per cent think they will be in place for 2-3 months , 14 per cent for 3-4 months , 11 per cent for 4-5 months , 11 per cent for 1-2 months , and 6 per cent for 2-4 weeks .
• On average , people said that they were unlikely to go to the pub for a drink during the stay at home period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The impact of lockdown on people 's mental health has been revealed after strict measures were introduced on March 23 .
People have been unable to hug loved ones or see their friends and family in person .
School closures have also meant parents and guardians having to negotiate a home and work life balance .
• Of the responses received , 35 per cent of people said they have experienced more anxiety since social distancing measures have been put into place than they usually would .
• 22 per cent have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more loneliness , and 21 per cent none of the above .
• 30 per cent of respondents have children under 18 living with them .
• Of those , 29 per cent said they have found juggling childcare with their other responsibilities about the same as usual , 27 per cent somewhat difficult , 19 per cent very difficult , 16 per cent very easy , and eight per cent somewhat easy .
The Government 's grip of the pandemic has been put under the spotlight .
Results from the data discovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Government ’ s handling of the outbreak has been `` good . ''
It ranged from a score of under two as `` very poor '' , two to four as `` poor '' , four to six as `` ok '' , six to eight as `` good '' and over eight as `` very good . ''
• People rated the Government 's handling of the outbreak at 6.2 on average .
• England 's Chief Medical officer Chris Whitty received the strongest average score in terms of performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a score of 7.0 ; PM Boris Johnson 6.8 ; Health Secretary Matt Hancock 6.1 and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street 5.0 .
• 47 per cent of people said they were willing to accept a tax rise to help the economy recover once the outbreak is over , 34 percent said no and 19 percent said `` don ’ t know . ''

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The income for thousands of hardworking Brummies has more than halved in the pandemic, new data from almost 8,000 readers revealed.
The Great Big Lockdown Survey has provided an insight into how the coronavirus outbreak has impacted Birmingham.
Topics the public were quizzed about ranged from their income, mental health, social distancing and the Government's handling of the pandemic.
Across the entire network of Reach newspaper sites, 402,595 users responded, while BirminghamLive received 7,866 responses.
The survey ran on 42 titles - over five days - from April 30 to May 5.
Income loss
Workers have faced huge financial upheaval during the coronavirus crisis - but how hard has it hit people in the pocket?
• Figures from the Birmingham survey showed that 47 per cent of people said their household income has dropped since the outbreak.
• Of those, 42 per cent said income had dropped due to being put on the Government's furlough scheme.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
• Data found that 24 per cent of those who had seen a drop in income had seen their income reduced by more than 50 per cent.
• The survey found 12 per cent lost income having been "forced to close their own business", nine per cent because of "having to take an enforced pay cut", five percent because of "having the coronavirus or its symptoms", four per cent because of redundancy, two per cent because of loss of pay due to childcare, and 27 per cent for "another reason."
Social distancing
The 2m social distancing rules were introduced to stop the spread of the virus, while restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment facilities were forced to close.
It prompted supermarkets to introduce floor marker distances and security limiting the amount of shoppers in store which has become the "new normal."
But what does the public think of the general use of social distancing?
• The survey found that 67 per cent of Brummies think social distancing measures were introduced too late.
• It found 27 per cent said they were introduced at the right time, three per cent said “I don’t know”, two per cent said they should not have been introduced at all. No-one said they were introduced too early.
(Image: Media Wales John Myers)
• 39 per cent of people think the current social distancing measures will be in place for more than five months.
• 19 per cent think they will be in place for 2-3 months, 14 per cent for 3-4 months, 11 per cent for 4-5 months, 11 per cent for 1-2 months, and 6 per cent for 2-4 weeks.
• On average, people said that they were unlikely to go to the pub for a drink during the stay at home period if one on their street secretly re-opened.
Survey stats from more than 400,000 responders Reach plc teamed up with the real-time surveying platform doopoll to create the Great Big Lockdown survey to give us a unique picture of the extraordinary times we are living through.
An array of questions were posed about hopes and fears during the pandemic, how it has been handled and how things might change on the other side.
More than 400,000 people responded, a massive number which has allowed us to get a true sense of how our communities feel.
The survey ran for five days across 42 titles on the Reach plc network.
Thanks to everyone who filled it in. We are living through history, and you have helped us record it.
Mental health
The impact of lockdown on people's mental health has been revealed after strict measures were introduced on March 23.
People have been unable to hug loved ones or see their friends and family in person.
School closures have also meant parents and guardians having to negotiate a home and work life balance.
(Image: PA)
• Of the responses received, 35 per cent of people said they have experienced more anxiety since social distancing measures have been put into place than they usually would.
• 22 per cent have experienced more depression, 21 per cent more loneliness, and 21 per cent none of the above.
• 30 per cent of respondents have children under 18 living with them.
• Of those, 29 per cent said they have found juggling childcare with their other responsibilities about the same as usual, 27 per cent somewhat difficult, 19 per cent very difficult, 16 per cent very easy, and eight per cent somewhat easy.
Government's decision-making
The Government's grip of the pandemic has been put under the spotlight. Results from the data discovered:
• On average, people said that the Government’s handling of the outbreak has been "good." It ranged from a score of under two as "very poor", two to four as "poor", four to six as "ok", six to eight as "good" and over eight as "very good."
• People rated the Government's handling of the outbreak at 6.2 on average.
(Image: PA)
• England's Chief Medical officer Chris Whitty received the strongest average score in terms of performance, of 7.3; Chancellor Rishi Sunak got a score of 7.0; PM Boris Johnson 6.8; Health Secretary Matt Hancock 6.1 and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street 5.0.
• 47 per cent of people said they were willing to accept a tax rise to help the economy recover once the outbreak is over, 34 percent said no and 19 percent said "don’t know."


birminghammail--2020-05-08--VE 2020 timetable - full list of all the main events taking place today

VE Day 2020 is here - and this is how it 's being celebrated .
Lockdown means no repeats of the packed streets and busy London celebrations of VE Day 1945 , nor any public events like those just five years ago for the 70th anniversary , but commemorations are still going ahead across the UK to mark the 75th anniversary of this historic date .
For the first time , this year 's VE Day will be marked at home and online with a host of events to honour those who served , be it raising a glass during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ingredients culled from ration books or planning a £VEDay75stayathome party .
Here are the main events across the UK , and how you can see them or take part : After 10am : The Red Arrows will fly over London , and RAF Typhoon jets will fly over Cardiff , Edinburgh and Belfast .
11am : A two-minute silence will be held to honour the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation , and reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world .
Broadcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invited to join in with the Royal British Legion 's ( RBL ) VE Day 75 Livestream - https : //www.britishlegion.org.uk/stories/ve-day-75-livestream 3pm : The Nation 's Toast to the Heroes of World War Two .
Members of the public are encouraged to stand on their doorstep and raise a glass to those who served .
4pm : Historian Dan Snow will broadcast the last of his special VE Day inspired history lessons live on YouTube 's Timeline channel 8pm : Captain Tom Moore , who raised more than £32 million for the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wartime in an ITV documentary called Captain Tom 's War .
9pm : A pre-recorded address by the Queen will be broadcast at the exact moment her father , King George VI , gave a radio address on May 8 1945 .
BBC One .
9pm : After the Queen 's address , the nation is invited to come together in a rendition of Vera Lynn 's We 'll Meet Again on BBC One .
The 103-year-old singer will sing the tune alongside her family from her home in East Sussex to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War .
Dame Vera will `` raise a glass '' and spend the day watching the VE Day celebrations on television , her daughter Virginia Lewis Jones said .
Asked if her mother would join in the nation 's rendition of We 'll Meet Again , Ms Lewis-Jones , told BBC Breakfast : `` We 'll all be singing along as well , I understand in our village , everybody is going to be yelling out of their windows hoping that mummy will hear when the time comes .
`` We have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village is going to be singing very loudly hoping she will hear them all . ''
Dame Vera was said to be `` completely surprised '' when the Queen quoted the lyrics in her special televised address to the nation last month , when speaking about the challenges Britons were facing during the coronavirus pandemic .
Ms Lewis-Jones said the song is still as poignant today as people across the UK are separated from their family and friends .
She said : `` It is appropriate , it 's not exactly the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning is the same as it was all those years ago , people must have some hope that they will all meet again at some point , and I think that 's extremely important . ''
Ms Lewis Jones added : `` She ( Dame Vera ) was completely surprised when Her Majesty mentioned it at the end of her speech but , as she said herself , it is still very important today . ''

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VE Day 2020 is here - and this is how it's being celebrated.
Lockdown means no repeats of the packed streets and busy London celebrations of VE Day 1945, nor any public events like those just five years ago for the 70th anniversary, but commemorations are still going ahead across the UK to mark the 75th anniversary of this historic date.
For the first time, this year's VE Day will be marked at home and online with a host of events to honour those who served, be it raising a glass during the Nation's Toast, cooking based on ingredients culled from ration books or planning a £VEDay75stayathome party.
(Image: PA Wire)
Here are the main events across the UK, and how you can see them or take part:
After 10am: The Red Arrows will fly over London, and RAF Typhoon jets will fly over Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.
11am: A two-minute silence will be held to honour the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation, and reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world. Broadcast on BBC One
11.15am: The nation is invited to join in with the Royal British Legion's (RBL) VE Day 75 Livestream - https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/stories/ve-day-75-livestream
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3pm: The Nation's Toast to the Heroes of World War Two. Members of the public are encouraged to stand on their doorstep and raise a glass to those who served.
3pm: BBC One to broadcast Winston Churchill's victory speech
4pm: Historian Dan Snow will broadcast the last of his special VE Day inspired history lessons live on YouTube's Timeline channel
8pm: Captain Tom Moore, who raised more than £32 million for the NHS in April, will share his memories of wartime in an ITV documentary called Captain Tom's War.
9pm: A pre-recorded address by the Queen will be broadcast at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address on May 8 1945. BBC One.
9pm: After the Queen's address, the nation is invited to come together in a rendition of Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again on BBC One.
The 103-year-old singer will sing the tune alongside her family from her home in East Sussex to mark the end of the Second World War.
Dame Vera will "raise a glass" and spend the day watching the VE Day celebrations on television, her daughter Virginia Lewis Jones said.
Asked if her mother would join in the nation's rendition of We'll Meet Again, Ms Lewis-Jones, told BBC Breakfast: "We'll all be singing along as well, I understand in our village, everybody is going to be yelling out of their windows hoping that mummy will hear when the time comes.
"We have a very good community here, the whole village is going to be singing very loudly hoping she will hear them all."
Dame Vera was said to be "completely surprised" when the Queen quoted the lyrics in her special televised address to the nation last month, when speaking about the challenges Britons were facing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ms Lewis-Jones said the song is still as poignant today as people across the UK are separated from their family and friends.
She said: "It is appropriate, it's not exactly the same situation but people are apart and the meaning is the same as it was all those years ago, people must have some hope that they will all meet again at some point, and I think that's extremely important."
Ms Lewis Jones added: "She (Dame Vera) was completely surprised when Her Majesty mentioned it at the end of her speech but, as she said herself, it is still very important today."


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Aston Villa insider reveals delight at Smith's Keinan Davis decision

Injury has curtailed what was meant to be a true breakthrough season for Keinan Davis at Aston Villa in his last contracted season at the club .
A lifeline has been granted to the promising forward , though .
Reports suggest that Villa have tied him down by triggering a new 12-month extension with plans to make a decision on his long-term future at the club when Davis is fit and ready to impress .
Dean Smith saw a role for the young forward in his Premier League side drawing similarities with Villa 's record signing Wesley Moraes .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of injuries has pushed Davis into the shadows at Villa Park , with the club forced to sign another striker - Mbwana Samatta - due to a serious injury sustained by Wesley in January , with Davis unable to play .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here However , Villa will offer Davis one more year at the club to see if he has shaken his misfortune away .
The Davis decision is n't just to keep a spare striker around though , and Villa fans have plenty of reason to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's according to former Villa defender Alan Hutton .
`` I ’ ve always liked Keinan , ever since day one , he came in and you could tell he was obviously raw , he was just a young boy , but he really took to training at Villa , '' said Hutton to Football Insider .
`` He ’ s come on leaps and bounds , he ’ s so strong and powerful , I think people haven ’ t seen the best of him yet .
`` He ’ s got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ striker , whether it be holding up the ball , swivelling , pace , hitting the target and scoring goals .
`` His main thing is staying fit .
I understand it ’ s difficult – he ’ s young , he ’ s growing , he ’ s putting his body into challenges but this is the thing is you ’ ve got to be as fit as possible and some people just struggle .
`` I ’ m glad that he ’ s got the extra year because he has struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I ’ m hoping he ’ s over that and he has this year to push on .
I definitely think he can bring something to the team .
”

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Injury has curtailed what was meant to be a true breakthrough season for Keinan Davis at Aston Villa in his last contracted season at the club.
A lifeline has been granted to the promising forward, though.
Reports suggest that Villa have tied him down by triggering a new 12-month extension with plans to make a decision on his long-term future at the club when Davis is fit and ready to impress.
Dean Smith saw a role for the young forward in his Premier League side drawing similarities with Villa's record signing Wesley Moraes.
That never occurred, though. A number of injuries has pushed Davis into the shadows at Villa Park, with the club forced to sign another striker - Mbwana Samatta - due to a serious injury sustained by Wesley in January, with Davis unable to play.
However, Villa will offer Davis one more year at the club to see if he has shaken his misfortune away.
The Davis decision isn't just to keep a spare striker around though, and Villa fans have plenty of reason to be happy with the outcome.
That's according to former Villa defender Alan Hutton.
"I’ve always liked Keinan, ever since day one, he came in and you could tell he was obviously raw, he was just a young boy, but he really took to training at Villa," said Hutton to Football Insider.
"He’s come on leaps and bounds, he’s so strong and powerful, I think people haven’t seen the best of him yet.
"He’s got all the fundamentals to be an excellent striker, whether it be holding up the ball, swivelling, pace, hitting the target and scoring goals.
"His main thing is staying fit. I understand it’s difficult – he’s young, he’s growing, he’s putting his body into challenges but this is the thing is you’ve got to be as fit as possible and some people just struggle.
"I’m glad that he’s got the extra year because he has struggled with hamstring injury and pelvic problems.
"I’m hoping he’s over that and he has this year to push on. I definitely think he can bring something to the team.”


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Live updates as country celebrates VE day during lockdown

Today should traditionally be the day we all come together to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe ( VE ) Day .
It is the day we remember the official surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces on May 8 1945 , following the Second World War .
But with the Covid-19 lockdown still firmly in place , we will have to pay homage to those who fought and died in the Second World War in different ways this Bank Holiday Friday ( May 8 ) .
Although large-scale parades and commemorative events are cancelled amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians and members of the royal family , as well as through a host of other activities .
A two-minute national silence will be observed at 11am and a Red Arrows flypast over London will be taking place this morning to honour the memories of the British servicemen and women who gave their lives during the conflict .
General Sir Nick Carter , Chief of the Defence Staff , said the strict social distancing measures made it `` tough '' on the veterans and urged the public to `` spare a thought '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of celebration .
This is a live blog , we will be updating it throughout the day .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news .
We are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first .
Download it on iPhone and Android .

Today should traditionally be the day we all come together to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
It is the day we remember the official surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces on May 8 1945, following the Second World War.
But with the Covid-19 lockdown still firmly in place, we will have to pay homage to those who fought and died in the Second World War in different ways this Bank Holiday Friday (May 8).
Although large-scale parades and commemorative events are cancelled amid the restrictions, tributes will be paid by politicians and members of the royal family, as well as through a host of other activities.
A two-minute national silence will be observed at 11am and a Red Arrows flypast over London will be taking place this morning to honour the memories of the British servicemen and women who gave their lives during the conflict.
General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, said the strict social distancing measures made it "tough" on the veterans and urged the public to "spare a thought" for those stuck at home at a time of celebration.
This is a live blog, we will be updating it throughout the day.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
Download it on iPhone and Android.


birminghammail--2020-05-08--Ronny Rosenthal on THAT miss against Aston Villa

Cast your minds back to September , 1992 , if you can .
It was a great Aston Villa team with Paul McGrath , Shaun Teale , Dalian Atkinson and Dean Saunders to name a few in the line-up .
And what a win it was , a brace from Saunders , one from Atkinson , and another from Garry Parker .
Even with the Villa fans though , the game is n't famous for such a convincing win over the big boys of the league at the time .
No , it 's famous for THAT miss !
Ronny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball over the line .
He did n't of course as you can see above , he hit the bar and went down in history as one of the goal-den gaffes .
You 'd think the man would be haunted by the miss , the truth is far different .
Speaking to the Liverpool website , he reflected on the day the Villa Park crossbar made him a YouTube sensation .
He said : `` Does it bother me ?
No it does n't matter now .
I 'm glad it happened !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm still on the map [ because of it ] .
`` People are sometimes scared to ask me about it , and I tell them : 'no no , ask me ' .
`` You never forget the players who missed at the lower level , only the top level .
`` It 's nothing , OK , you 've missed , it 's finished .
You need to be strong in the head and have the [ right ] mentality . ''
Signed from Standard Liege in 1990 , Rosenthal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and helped the Reds to the league title in 1990 and the FA Cup in 1992 .

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Cast your minds back to September, 1992, if you can.
It was a great Aston Villa team with Paul McGrath, Shaun Teale, Dalian Atkinson and Dean Saunders to name a few in the line-up.
And what a win it was, a brace from Saunders, one from Atkinson, and another from Garry Parker.
Even with the Villa fans though, the game isn't famous for such a convincing win over the big boys of the league at the time.
No, it's famous for THAT miss!
Ronny Rosenthal had one job, tap the ball over the line.
He didn't of course as you can see above, he hit the bar and went down in history as one of the goal-den gaffes.
You'd think the man would be haunted by the miss, the truth is far different.
Speaking to the Liverpool website, he reflected on the day the Villa Park crossbar made him a YouTube sensation.
He said: "Does it bother me? No it doesn't matter now. I'm glad it happened!
"I'm glad I missed because I'm still on the map [because of it].
"People are sometimes scared to ask me about it, and I tell them: 'no no, ask me'.
"You never forget the players who missed at the lower level, only the top level.
"It's nothing, OK, you've missed, it's finished. You need to be strong in the head and have the [right] mentality."
Signed from Standard Liege in 1990, Rosenthal become an instant cult hero at Anfield and helped the Reds to the league title in 1990 and the FA Cup in 1992.