birminghammail--2020-04-30--Parents receive vaccination plea amid coronavirus crisis

Health bosses have warned child vaccinations must continue as normal throughout the coronavirus pandemic to avoid other 'outbreaks of infectious diseases ' .
Parents have been urged to keep GP appointments for routine jabs during the lockdown .
Doctors across the Black Country and West Birmingham stressed the importance of ensuring routine childhood immunisations - which offer protection from a range of serious and sometimes life-threatening infections , including measles and meningitis - are started and completed on time .
Pregnant women have also been told they should take up the offer to have the pertussis ( whooping cough ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clinical chair for Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group , said : “ As long as patients attending for vaccination - including parents and carers - are well , are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or other infections and are not self-isolating because they are contacts of suspected Covid-19 cases , immunisation should proceed and is encouraged.
” Lisa McNally , director of public health at Sandwell Council , added : “ While preventing the spread of Covid-19 and protecting those who are most vulnerable is a public health priority , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine uptake and coverage of immunisations .
`` In addition to protecting the individual , good vaccine uptake helps to prevent the spread of diseases and so protects even more people from needing support from health services.
” Patients have been assured GP practices are safe to attend for these appointments and practices continue to implement the most up-to-date guidance on maintaining social distancing in waiting rooms .
Decontamination of premises and equipment is also being strictly followed .
Practices may be adjusting appointment times to avoid waiting times in order to maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , practices may also be working with neighbouring practices to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 activity on separate sites .

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Health bosses have warned child vaccinations must continue as normal throughout the coronavirus pandemic to avoid other 'outbreaks of infectious diseases'.
Parents have been urged to keep GP appointments for routine jabs during the lockdown.
Doctors across the Black Country and West Birmingham stressed the importance of ensuring routine childhood immunisations - which offer protection from a range of serious and sometimes life-threatening infections, including measles and meningitis - are started and completed on time.
Pregnant women have also been told they should take up the offer to have the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine.
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Dr Ian Sykes, GP and clinical chair for Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “As long as patients attending for vaccination - including parents and carers - are well, are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or other infections and are not self-isolating because they are contacts of suspected Covid-19 cases, immunisation should proceed and is encouraged.”
Lisa McNally, director of public health at Sandwell Council, added: “While preventing the spread of Covid-19 and protecting those who are most vulnerable is a public health priority, it is very important to maintain good vaccine uptake and coverage of immunisations.
"In addition to protecting the individual, good vaccine uptake helps to prevent the spread of diseases and so protects even more people from needing support from health services.”
Patients have been assured GP practices are safe to attend for these appointments and practices continue to implement the most up-to-date guidance on maintaining social distancing in waiting rooms. Decontamination of premises and equipment is also being strictly followed.
Practices may be adjusting appointment times to avoid waiting times in order to maintain social distancing and, in some areas, practices may also be working with neighbouring practices to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 activity on separate sites.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--City barbers shut down for breaking coronavirus lockdown rules

A Wolverhampton barbers has been shut down for breaking lockdown rules .
Eyez Barberz in Staveley Road had been flouting social distancing restrictions by opening despite the coronavirus pandemic - and carrying out mobile hairdressing services in the area .
The owner was slapped with a prohibition notice today ( Thursday , April 30 ) following a visit from police and the City of Wolverhampton Council 's trading standards team , to stop them from trading in any form until restrictions are lifted by the Government .
It comes after a pub in the city - The Pendulum in Blaydon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ license suspended on Friday , April 24 , for opening behind closed doors .
Coun Steve Evans , Wolverhampton 's cabinet member for city environment , said : “ The council take a zero-tolerance approach to those businesses who are seen to not be adhering to the rules , and who are presenting a serious risk to members of the public during the pandemic .
“ The Governments rules and regulations are clear , and those offering the services of both barbering and hairdressing should remain closed until further notice .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses to report any concerns to the environmental health and trading standards team.
” City residents are urged to email environmental.health @ wolverhampton.gov.uk to report any issues .

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A Wolverhampton barbers has been shut down for breaking lockdown rules.
Eyez Barberz in Staveley Road had been flouting social distancing restrictions by opening despite the coronavirus pandemic - and carrying out mobile hairdressing services in the area.
The owner was slapped with a prohibition notice today (Thursday, April 30) following a visit from police and the City of Wolverhampton Council's trading standards team, to stop them from trading in any form until restrictions are lifted by the Government.
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It comes after a pub in the city - The Pendulum in Blaydon Road, Pendeford - had its premises license suspended on Friday, April 24, for opening behind closed doors.
Coun Steve Evans, Wolverhampton's cabinet member for city environment, said: “The council take a zero-tolerance approach to those businesses who are seen to not be adhering to the rules, and who are presenting a serious risk to members of the public during the pandemic.
“The Governments rules and regulations are clear, and those offering the services of both barbering and hairdressing should remain closed until further notice.
“We urge members of the public and other businesses to report any concerns to the environmental health and trading standards team.”
City residents are urged to email environmental.health@wolverhampton.gov.uk to report any issues.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--The unforgettable day when fans flocked to save Birmingham City

Three years ago yesterday came an afternoon that was so Birmingham City .
Hobbled by self inflicted wounds , both on the day and for half of the 2016/2017 campaign , Blues needed their public like never before .
The disastrous decision to replace Gary Rowett with Gianfranco Zola had left the club staring into the abyss .
The Italian ’ s record of two wins from 24 games had seen a hard-working and functional side reduced to a shadow of itself .
A possible play-off challenge had melted away to be replaced by the white heat of a relegation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three seasons Blues were on contemplating League One .
And then came Harry Redknapp , the veteran manager who had the charisma and experience to resuscitate a team that had slipped into a coma .
Redknapp ’ s first game had ended in a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa – and in the dismissal and suspension of club captain Paul Robinson .
Blues ’ fate would be decided by the final two matches , at home to Huddersfield on April 29 , 2017 and away to Bristol City a week later .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and done everything , walked out at St Andrew ’ s as Birmingham City ’ s manager for the first – and potentially only – time .
There was no fanfare , he sloped quietly down the touchline just before the game was about to kick-off , unnoticed by the biggest attendance in six years .
Nearly 27,000 had filled all four stands responding to the crisis – and answering of a call to arms that sticks out in Michael Morrison ’ s memory .
The centre half was captain that day and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after complications following surgery on a hernia had left him bed-ridden .
“ When the team ’ s at it lowest point you can always rely on the club coming together and the fans connecting with the players – especially at St Andrew ’ s , ” Morrison recalls .
“ There are a few times I have seen that , at home they can really get behind the lads and be that twelfth man .
“ I know it ’ s a cliché but certainly that day , you look at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to get behind the players – we hadn ’ t been performing for a long period – but that shows their loyalty to stick with the team.
” If the support from Bluenoses could be guaranteed , the outcome could not .
Redknapp was brought in to extinguish Zola ’ s fire for the final three matches .
“ Looking back probably keeping Gianfranco for those couple of games over Easter , we had a real bad spell where we drew at Rotherham and lost at home to Burton .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the point where he changed the manager – but we didn ’ t and that ’ s why it stretched to the last three games .
“ People were surprised Harry had taken the job , I had spoken to Paul Robinson because I thought he would .
`` I had said ‘ If they do want you to do it you will have the backing of the players ’ .
“ Somebody of Harry ’ s profile really did lift the place and he gave all the players an uplift ‘ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ .
“ And to be fair Steve Cotterill really knew his stuff at that time and him and Harry worked quite nicely together .
“ There was a clear plan how we were going to play against Huddersfield .
We had gone back to basics a bit , concentrating on being a bit more resolute and to be honest just Harry coming in gave everyone a new lease of life .
“ Going into the game Che Adams had been terrific in training , Harry had just sort of lit up Che @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see he had enjoyed training that week .
He had a little spring in his step that Harry had given him.
” Even then Blues made it hard for themselves .
The hordes watched on as Lukas Jutkiewicz missed an early penalty , before Adams was shown a nonsensical red card .
Thankfully Jonathan Grounds gave the ten men something to cling to in the 41st minute .
“ There wasn ’ t really a stoppage in the game , it wasn ’ t until half time that we got in and started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we needed to do .
“ We were lucky that we scored just before half time and gave us something to hang on to rather than have to come out and chase the game .
“ I remember we came in at half time and there was lots of talking going on , lots of ‘ We need to do this , we need to do that ’ .
“ Steve was in there saying all sorts and shouting – and Harry just came in and told everyone to sit down , take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about the second half .
“ He was really a calming influence on the team and we went out and comfortably won the game.
” Craig Gardner added a second half penalty and the full stadium was rewarded for answering the call to arms – and Morrison was paid back for also coming to his team ’ s aid .
“ A lot of the time from February to March I was at home in bed unable to get up .
“ I ’ d had injections before playing under Gary then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could have done with Gary keeping the job so he could have managed me a bit better .
“ But when you have a new manager it ’ s impossible , they want to see you training everyday – especially as captain .
“ You don ’ t want to be not playing , it can look bad on you with how controversial the change had been as well , I tried to train through it but couldn ’ t .
“ It was really hard watching the team in that period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back – the plan was not to be back at all that season after the operation didn ’ t go well .
I had a lot of problems I couldn ’ t get rid of - that was a bad time for me personally .
“ It came to it that I did need to play – the Huddersfield game was that real turning point.
” A turning point for Redknapp – who was convinced to stay on permanently , for better or worse , a turning point for Blues who completed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It didn ’ t work out for Harry in the long run – but he was crucial in that period .
“ As for the fans , other clubs ' would not have done that but they dragged us through it .
`` I ’ d give them a couple of assists – if Groundsy scored someone must have helped him.
” Someone , or 27,000 someones .

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Three years ago yesterday came an afternoon that was so Birmingham City.
Hobbled by self inflicted wounds, both on the day and for half of the 2016/2017 campaign, Blues needed their public like never before.
The disastrous decision to replace Gary Rowett with Gianfranco Zola had left the club staring into the abyss.
The Italian’s record of two wins from 24 games had seen a hard-working and functional side reduced to a shadow of itself.
A possible play-off challenge had melted away to be replaced by the white heat of a relegation battle and for the second time in three seasons Blues were on contemplating League One.
And then came Harry Redknapp, the veteran manager who had the charisma and experience to resuscitate a team that had slipped into a coma.
Redknapp’s first game had ended in a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa – and in the dismissal and suspension of club captain Paul Robinson.
Blues ’ fate would be decided by the final two matches, at home to Huddersfield on April 29, 2017 and away to Bristol City a week later.
The 70-year-old who had been everywhere and seen and done everything, walked out at St Andrew’s as Birmingham City’s manager for the first – and potentially only – time.
There was no fanfare, he sloped quietly down the touchline just before the game was about to kick-off, unnoticed by the biggest attendance in six years.
Nearly 27,000 had filled all four stands responding to the crisis – and answering of a call to arms that sticks out in Michael Morrison’s memory.
The centre half was captain that day and making his first appearance in three months after complications following surgery on a hernia had left him bed-ridden.
“When the team’s at it lowest point you can always rely on the club coming together and the fans connecting with the players – especially at St Andrew’s,” Morrison recalls.
“There are a few times I have seen that, at home they can really get behind the lads and be that twelfth man.
“I know it’s a cliché but certainly that day, you look at all the adversity – they didn’t have to get behind the players – we hadn’t been performing for a long period – but that shows their loyalty to stick with the team.”
If the support from Bluenoses could be guaranteed, the outcome could not.
Redknapp was brought in to extinguish Zola’s fire for the final three matches.
“Looking back probably keeping Gianfranco for those couple of games over Easter, we had a real bad spell where we drew at Rotherham and lost at home to Burton.
“I think many thought that should have been the point where he changed the manager – but we didn’t and that’s why it stretched to the last three games.
“People were surprised Harry had taken the job, I had spoken to Paul Robinson because I thought he would.
"I had said ‘If they do want you to do it you will have the backing of the players’.
“Somebody of Harry’s profile really did lift the place and he gave all the players an uplift ‘It’s Harry Redknapp talking to you’.
“And to be fair Steve Cotterill really knew his stuff at that time and him and Harry worked quite nicely together.
“There was a clear plan how we were going to play against Huddersfield. We had gone back to basics a bit, concentrating on being a bit more resolute and to be honest just Harry coming in gave everyone a new lease of life.
“Going into the game Che Adams had been terrific in training, Harry had just sort of lit up Che a little bit.
“You could see he had enjoyed training that week. He had a little spring in his step that Harry had given him.”
Even then Blues made it hard for themselves. The hordes watched on as Lukas Jutkiewicz missed an early penalty, before Adams was shown a nonsensical red card.
Thankfully Jonathan Grounds gave the ten men something to cling to in the 41st minute.
“There wasn’t really a stoppage in the game, it wasn’t until half time that we got in and started thinking about where we were and what we needed to do.
“We were lucky that we scored just before half time and gave us something to hang on to rather than have to come out and chase the game.
“I remember we came in at half time and there was lots of talking going on, lots of ‘We need to do this, we need to do that’.
“Steve was in there saying all sorts and shouting – and Harry just came in and told everyone to sit down, take a moment, relax and then we talked about the second half.
“He was really a calming influence on the team and we went out and comfortably won the game.”
Craig Gardner added a second half penalty and the full stadium was rewarded for answering the call to arms – and Morrison was paid back for also coming to his team’s aid.
“A lot of the time from February to March I was at home in bed unable to get up.
“I’d had injections before playing under Gary then going into Gianfranco with training changing – I could have done with Gary keeping the job so he could have managed me a bit better.
“But when you have a new manager it’s impossible, they want to see you training everyday – especially as captain.
“You don’t want to be not playing, it can look bad on you with how controversial the change had been as well, I tried to train through it but couldn’t.
“It was really hard watching the team in that period of time, I wanted to be back – the plan was not to be back at all that season after the operation didn’t go well. I had a lot of problems I couldn’t get rid of - that was a bad time for me personally.
“It came to it that I did need to play – the Huddersfield game was that real turning point.”
A turning point for Redknapp – who was convinced to stay on permanently, for better or worse, a turning point for Blues who completed the salvage operation at Ashton Gate.
“It didn’t work out for Harry in the long run – but he was crucial in that period.
“As for the fans, other clubs' would not have done that but they dragged us through it.
"I’d give them a couple of assists – if Groundsy scored someone must have helped him.” Someone, or 27,000 someones.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Police release new picture of missing boy, seven

Police have issued a new picture of a missing seven-year-old who vanished during a shopping trip with his father .
Denis Beran was taken to a store on Hagley Road at 10am on Wednesday by his dad Rene Klempar .
But the boy was not returned to his mother , who has full parental responsibility .
The West Midlands force has appealed to anyone who spots the pair to contact officers .
Earlier today ( Thursday , April 30 ) Birmingham Police tweeted : “ We are searching for seven-year-old Denis Beran who disappeared yesterday morning in # Birmingham .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop on Hagley Road by his father at around 10am , but he was not returned back to his mother , who has full parental responsibility .
“ We are seeking any information on the whereabouts of Denis and asking for anyone who may have seen him with his dad Rene Klempar , to get in touch .
Rene is not wanted for any offences , but we need to know the child is safe .
“ If you have any info , please call 999 immediately .
Denis is described as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ olive toned skin , is 3ft 9ins tall , has short hair and brown eyes .
“ He was wearing a green jumper with blue jogging bottoms , a blue jacket and brown trainers yesterday .
”

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Police have issued a new picture of a missing seven-year-old who vanished during a shopping trip with his father.
Denis Beran was taken to a store on Hagley Road at 10am on Wednesday by his dad Rene Klempar. But the boy was not returned to his mother, who has full parental responsibility.
The West Midlands force has appealed to anyone who spots the pair to contact officers.
Earlier today (Thursday, April 30) Birmingham Police tweeted: “We are searching for seven-year-old Denis Beran who disappeared yesterday morning in #Birmingham.
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“Denis was taken to a local shop on Hagley Road by his father at around 10am, but he was not returned back to his mother, who has full parental responsibility.
“We are seeking any information on the whereabouts of Denis and asking for anyone who may have seen him with his dad Rene Klempar, to get in touch. Rene is not wanted for any offences, but we need to know the child is safe.
(Image: WMP)
“If you have any info, please call 999 immediately.
Denis is described as being from a South European descent and has olive toned skin, is 3ft 9ins tall, has short hair and brown eyes.
“He was wearing a green jumper with blue jogging bottoms, a blue jacket and brown trainers yesterday.”


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Tim Sherwood piles into Newcastle United and Steve Bruce debate

Former Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has accused Newcastle United fans of wanting a ‘ sexy ’ and ‘ fashionable ’ manager .
Speculation about Steve Bruce ’ s position at St James ’ Park has increased in recent days with Mauricio Pochettino tipped to take the Newcastle hotseat when their takeover goes through .
Ex- Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor voiced his support for Bruce on Wednesday – saying the 59-year-old deserves to be given a chance by the incoming owners .
But Sherwood , who was in charge at Villa Park for ten months in 2015 , doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Bruce has done a good job , ” Sherwood told the Breakfast Show on talkSPORT .
“ No-one up there wanted him but he ’ s strung some results together , pulled them in a position of safety and has done a fantastic job .
“ He ’ s done just as good as job as Benitez did when he was up there .
“ The Newcastle fans – they laud Rafa and what sort of job did he do ?
It is fashionable and sexy to have a foreign manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sherwood understands Bruce ’ s postion having been in a similar one himself when Pochettino succeeded him at Spurs in 2014 .
He added : “ It ’ s fashionable to bring in a foreign manager ; Pochettino is obviously a very good manager , he ’ s done a fantastic building job at Tottenham .
“ He ’ s on the market and available and there ’ s an opportunity to bring him in in the summer .
Brucey ’ s no fool .
If you ’ re a manager , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not , you ’ re always in a precarious position .
“ New owners always put you at risk , they come in with fresh ideas .
“ Would Newcastle fans like Pochettino ?
I ’ m sure they would .
Would they like Pochettino over Steve Bruce ?
Probably .
“ I ’ m all for giving it [ transfer money ] to Steve Bruce but the reality is the guys coming in probably know very little about football , they probably think throwing a load of money at it gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It doesn ’ t guarantee anything .
”

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Former Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has accused Newcastle United fans of wanting a ‘sexy’ and ‘fashionable’ manager.
Speculation about Steve Bruce’s position at St James’ Park has increased in recent days with Mauricio Pochettino tipped to take the Newcastle hotseat when their takeover goes through.
Ex- Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor voiced his support for Bruce on Wednesday – saying the 59-year-old deserves to be given a chance by the incoming owners.
But Sherwood, who was in charge at Villa Park for ten months in 2015, doesn’t think he’ll get that.
“Bruce has done a good job,” Sherwood told the Breakfast Show on talkSPORT.
“No-one up there wanted him but he’s strung some results together, pulled them in a position of safety and has done a fantastic job.
“He’s done just as good as job as Benitez did when he was up there.
“The Newcastle fans – they laud Rafa and what sort of job did he do? It is fashionable and sexy to have a foreign manager and Rafa was sexy to them.”
Sherwood understands Bruce’s postion having been in a similar one himself when Pochettino succeeded him at Spurs in 2014.
He added: “It’s fashionable to bring in a foreign manager; Pochettino is obviously a very good manager, he’s done a fantastic building job at Tottenham.
“He’s on the market and available and there’s an opportunity to bring him in in the summer. Brucey’s no fool. If you’re a manager, it doesn’t matter if you win or not, you’re always in a precarious position.
“New owners always put you at risk, they come in with fresh ideas.
“Would Newcastle fans like Pochettino? I’m sure they would. Would they like Pochettino over Steve Bruce? Probably.
“I’m all for giving it [transfer money] to Steve Bruce but the reality is the guys coming in probably know very little about football, they probably think throwing a load of money at it gives you a better chance of success. It doesn’t guarantee anything.”


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Stark warning that Birmingham could be 'broke' by June

Birmingham is in dire straits after counting the full cost of the impact of coronavirus on the city and its people - and a feared 'second wave ' would be catastrophic , the city 's leader warned the PM today .
In a plea to Boris Johnson , city leader Cllr Ian Ward has set out how Birmingham could be 'broke ' by June without more help .
He says the city needs the best part of £190 million to hold steady as it reels from the impact of a virus that has seen hundreds of lives lost , thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the city 's future on hold .
Cllr Ward stopped short of his counterparts in Liverpool and Cumbria who say bankruptcy is likely - but only just .
He warns of `` a shortfall of £15 million emerging by June '' and goes on : `` Without sufficient funding from central Government , the ability of the city council to recover financially from the position ... will be compromised and with it our ability to deliver vital public services in the medium term - at a time when our communities need us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care and vulnerable children , buying PPE and distributing emergency food , ensuring thousands of schoolkids are fed while off , housing the homeless , supporting domestic violence victims , preventing scams and the extra costs of bereavement services have added up to £15 million in a single month .
So far the Government has given an extra £70 million in two packages of emergency support to cover costs .
But before the virus impact is over , says Cllr Ward , the council will have spent an estimated £112 million just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have lost an estimated £149 million of the income it expected to get in to run services .
That leaves a staggering £190 million gap - and that 's before the risks from a potential and much feared `` second wave '' of the virus are accounted for .
The numbers are so big as to be unfathomable - but what 's clear is that without significant extra funding the city faces a future of crippling unemployment and support services cut to the bone .
Birmingham could ultimately end up having to issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspend all spending except on vital statutory services like waste collection and schools .
Speaking for the first time about the toll on the council 's finances , Cllr Ward said he hoped his letter to the PM would have an impact , adding : `` It has to . ''
Other councils - notably Liverpool and Cumbria - have already triggered emergency measures ahead of feared bankruptcy because of the high and continuing costs of keeping people safe through the pandemic .
Both councils are considering having to declare 'bankruptcy ' by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
It 's clear in Birmingham the situation is equally precarious .
Adult social care and children 's services together need £76 million extra just to keep going until the autumn , warned Cllr Ward .
In his letter , sent today , he urges the Prime Minister to make good on his Government 's pledge to `` ensure ( councils ) had the resources needed to do the job ... '' and foot the bill for extra spending on Covid-19 and the indirect cost of lost income .
Cllr Ward said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial burden of this battle , either now or as we look to rebuild in the future .
`` The government need to act now to offer financial help to councils .
We have taken them at their word when they promised they would pay .
`` We have spent money in that expectation .
It is also important to get right the preparations for the time after lockdown , to ensure we avoid a second wave of this virus .
The council is losing out on millions in crucial revenue streams .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer bringing in money , income from business rates is down dramatically and council tax income is reduced , with more requesting help .
The city 's Clean Air Zone is on hold .
Says Cllr Ward in his letter : `` This is creating concerns around our cashflow , with a shortfall of £15 million emerging by June .
`` Without sufficient funding from central Government , the ability of the city council to recover financially from the position ... will be compromised and with it our ability to deliver vital public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time when our communities need us the most . ''
He added : `` A lack of appropriate funding moving forward will also compromise our ability to lead the city ’ s recovery , post-coronavirus .
It is essential that we enter into further dialogue with Government , as soon as is practicable , to understand how it will support social and economic recovery in Birmingham . ''
Why is the city struggling ?
Every council in the country is struggling as the impact of the pandemic strikes but the city is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest local authority in the country and is one of the most deprived .
Nearly half of our 1.1 million citizens live in areas that are considered among the most deprived 10 % of places in the country .
The rate of free school meals , used as an indication of child poverty , is double the national average .
During the years of austerity since 2010 , the city has had to make cuts to services totalling £728 million and has shed thousands of jobs along the way .
The council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time over its spending - first for keeping too much money in reserve , then for spending too much of its reserves .
Indeed , early last year it faced an unprecedented third financial warning - called a Section 24 notice - over its 'financial incompetence ' .
But in the year since , the situation had steadied , with external advisors supporting the leadership team to reach a balanced budget for the financial year that began on April 1 .
That was before coronavirus .
Famously called the city of 1,000 trades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of small and medium businesses .
Around 99.5 % of businesses are small and medium sized enterprises , yet so far only about 70 % of them qualify for the coronavirus emergency grants announced - so there 's a higher reliance on local government support .
The city also relies heavily on manufacturing and tourism , the creative industries and hospitality - all sectors worst hit by the pandemic .
Massive projects are under way in the city , on which its economic prosperity relies - and all face huge delay and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Among those big hitting projects at risk of delay are schemes linked to the Commonwealth Games , the Curzon Street projects linked to HS2 , the Paradise developments and Midland Metro and sprint bus plans .
Said Cllr Ward : `` We are having to keep all the capital projects under review .
We have lost a lot of ground .
There are delays in timescales because not much activity has been possible , and we do not yet have any clear guidance about what 's happening .
`` We need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we move into easing lockdown we are not risking a second wave - but we also have to support businesses in their recovery or we are going to have huge levels of unemployment . ''
He said his fear was that the Government would seek to diminish its support by saying its promise only covered direct spending costs , not the impact of loss of income - but without the full package , councils would struggle .
He added : `` We should not expect the people of Birmingham to pick up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Birmingham is in dire straits after counting the full cost of the impact of coronavirus on the city and its people - and a feared 'second wave' would be catastrophic, the city's leader warned the PM today.
In a plea to Boris Johnson, city leader Cllr Ian Ward has set out how Birmingham could be 'broke' by June without more help.
He says the city needs the best part of £190 million to hold steady as it reels from the impact of a virus that has seen hundreds of lives lost, thousands of businesses in freefall and projects vital to the city's future on hold.
Cllr Ward stopped short of his counterparts in Liverpool and Cumbria who say bankruptcy is likely - but only just.
He warns of "a shortfall of £15 million emerging by June" and goes on: "Without sufficient funding from central Government, the ability of the city council to recover financially from the position...will be compromised and with it our ability to deliver vital public services in the medium term - at a time when our communities need us the most."
Support for adult social care and vulnerable children, buying PPE and distributing emergency food, ensuring thousands of schoolkids are fed while off, housing the homeless, supporting domestic violence victims, preventing scams and the extra costs of bereavement services have added up to £15 million in a single month.
So far the Government has given an extra £70 million in two packages of emergency support to cover costs.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
But before the virus impact is over, says Cllr Ward, the council will have spent an estimated £112 million just on pandemic-specific costs. It will also have lost an estimated £149 million of the income it expected to get in to run services.
That leaves a staggering £190 million gap - and that's before the risks from a potential and much feared "second wave" of the virus are accounted for.
The numbers are so big as to be unfathomable - but what's clear is that without significant extra funding the city faces a future of crippling unemployment and support services cut to the bone.
Birmingham could ultimately end up having to issue a Section 114 notice, which would suspend all spending except on vital statutory services like waste collection and schools.
Speaking for the first time about the toll on the council's finances, Cllr Ward said he hoped his letter to the PM would have an impact, adding: "It has to."
Other councils - notably Liverpool and Cumbria - have already triggered emergency measures ahead of feared bankruptcy because of the high and continuing costs of keeping people safe through the pandemic.
Both councils are considering having to declare 'bankruptcy' by cancelling all but emergency spending on statutory services.
It's clear in Birmingham the situation is equally precarious.
Adult social care and children's services together need £76 million extra just to keep going until the autumn, warned Cllr Ward.
In his letter, sent today, he urges the Prime Minister to make good on his Government's pledge to "ensure (councils) had the resources needed to do the job..." and foot the bill for extra spending on Covid-19 and the indirect cost of lost income.
Cllr Ward said: "Councils cannot shoulder the financial burden of this battle, either now or as we look to rebuild in the future.
"The government need to act now to offer financial help to councils. We have taken them at their word when they promised they would pay.
"We have spent money in that expectation. It is also important to get right the preparations for the time after lockdown, to ensure we avoid a second wave of this virus.
"We need increased support."
The council is losing out on millions in crucial revenue streams. Leisure centres and car parks are no longer bringing in money, income from business rates is down dramatically and council tax income is reduced, with more requesting help. The city's Clean Air Zone is on hold.
Says Cllr Ward in his letter: "This is creating concerns around our cashflow, with a shortfall of £15 million emerging by June.
"Without sufficient funding from central Government, the ability of the city council to recover financially from the position...will be compromised and with it our ability to deliver vital public services in the medium term - at a time when our communities need us the most."
He added: "A lack of appropriate funding moving forward will also compromise our ability to lead the city’s recovery, post-coronavirus. It is essential that we enter into further dialogue with Government, as soon as is practicable, to understand how it will support social and economic recovery in Birmingham."
Why is the city struggling?
Every council in the country is struggling as the impact of the pandemic strikes but the city is more vulnerable than others.
Birmingham has the biggest local authority in the country and is one of the most deprived.
Nearly half of our 1.1 million citizens live in areas that are considered among the most deprived 10% of places in the country.
The rate of free school meals, used as an indication of child poverty, is double the national average.
During the years of austerity since 2010, the city has had to make cuts to services totalling £728 million and has shed thousands of jobs along the way.
The council has come in for criticism during that time over its spending - first for keeping too much money in reserve, then for spending too much of its reserves. Indeed, early last year it faced an unprecedented third financial warning - called a Section 24 notice - over its 'financial incompetence'.
But in the year since, the situation had steadied, with external advisors supporting the leadership team to reach a balanced budget for the financial year that began on April 1.
That was before coronavirus.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
Famously called the city of 1,000 trades, Birmingham also has a very high number of small and medium businesses.
Around 99.5% of businesses are small and medium sized enterprises, yet so far only about 30% of them qualify for the coronavirus emergency grants announced - so there's a higher reliance on local government support.
The city also relies heavily on manufacturing and tourism, the creative industries and hospitality - all sectors worst hit by the pandemic.
Massive projects are under way in the city, on which its economic prosperity relies - and all face huge delay and potentially cancellation as a result of the pandemic.
Among those big hitting projects at risk of delay are schemes linked to the Commonwealth Games, the Curzon Street projects linked to HS2, the Paradise developments and Midland Metro and sprint bus plans.
Said Cllr Ward: "We are having to keep all the capital projects under review. We have lost a lot of ground. There are delays in timescales because not much activity has been possible, and we do not yet have any clear guidance about what's happening.
"We need to work carefully to ensure that as we move into easing lockdown we are not risking a second wave - but we also have to support businesses in their recovery or we are going to have huge levels of unemployment."
He said his fear was that the Government would seek to diminish its support by saying its promise only covered direct spending costs, not the impact of loss of income - but without the full package, councils would struggle.
He added: "We should not expect the people of Birmingham to pick up the price tag for this pandemic."


birminghammail--2020-04-30--UK coronavirus deaths have now reached a new total of 26,711

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed there have now been 26,711 deaths from coronavirus in the UK .
The new figures include not only hospital cases but also deaths in care homes and in the wider community .
The total is an increase of 674 since yesterday .
- Ahead of today 's deadline for carrying out 100,000 tests a day , 81,611 were performed on Wednesday - 171,253 people have tested positive overall , an increase of 6,032 since Wednesday - 15,043 coronavirus patients are in hospital , down from 15,359 - There have been 26,711 deaths in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday .
Figures released earlier on Thursday revealed the number of hospital deaths in the UK from coronavirus dropped for the second day in a row .
England reported 391 new deaths , Scotland had 60 , Wales recorded 22 and Northern Ireland 's count increased by nine , taking the UK 's hospital toll to 22,861 .
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said there has been a decrease in the number of cases , as well as a decrease in the number of deaths from Covid-19 .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is down , that 's turning into fewer admissions , fewer people in hospital , fewer people in intensive care and we 're beginning to see that decrease in deaths . ''
The PM declared that the UK was officially past the peak of coronavirus infections .
`` At no stage has our NHS been overwhelmed , no patient went without a ventilator , no patient was deprived of intensive care , we have five of the seven projected Nightingale wards , '' he said .
`` It is thanks to that massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we avoided an uncontrollable and catastrophic epidemic where the reasonable worst-case scenario was 500,000 deaths .
`` I can confirm today that for the first time we are past the peak of this disease .
`` We are past the peak and on the downward slope . ''

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed there have now been 26,711 deaths from coronavirus in the UK.
The new figures include not only hospital cases but also deaths in care homes and in the wider community.
The total is an increase of 674 since yesterday.
Mr Johnson also revealed:
- Ahead of today's deadline for carrying out 100,000 tests a day, 81,611 were performed on Wednesday
- 171,253 people have tested positive overall, an increase of 6,032 since Wednesday
- 15,043 coronavirus patients are in hospital, down from 15,359
- There have been 26,711 deaths in all settings, an increase of 674 since yesterday.
Figures released earlier on Thursday revealed the number of hospital deaths in the UK from coronavirus dropped for the second day in a row.
England reported 391 new deaths, Scotland had 60, Wales recorded 22 and Northern Ireland's count increased by nine, taking the UK's hospital toll to 22,861.
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said there has been a decrease in the number of cases, as well as a decrease in the number of deaths from Covid-19.
He said: "The number of new cases is down, that's turning into fewer admissions, fewer people in hospital, fewer people in intensive care and we're beginning to see that decrease in deaths."
The PM declared that the UK was officially past the peak of coronavirus infections.
"At no stage has our NHS been overwhelmed, no patient went without a ventilator, no patient was deprived of intensive care, we have five of the seven projected Nightingale wards," he said.
"It is thanks to that massive collective effort to shield the NHS that we avoided an uncontrollable and catastrophic epidemic where the reasonable worst-case scenario was 500,000 deaths.
"I can confirm today that for the first time we are past the peak of this disease.
"We are past the peak and on the downward slope."


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Boris to explain next week how children return to school and businesses re-open

Boris Johnson will next week reveal plans to get children back in school , get workers back to work and restart the economy .
He pledged to reveal plans for the next stages of the lockdown , as he spoke at his first Downing Street press conference since recovering from the disease .
And he said : `` For the first time we are past the peak of this disease .
We are past the peak and we are on the downward slope .
`` And we have so many reasons to be hopeful for the long term . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait until next week - and gave no information today about how lockdown restrictions might be lifted or changed .
Next week 's announcement would be a `` roadmap '' , he said .
Mr Johnson also insisted that the Government would do nothing that undermined the fight against coronavirus It was the first time Mr Johnson had appeared at the daily Downing Street press conference since recovering from his illness , and since his fiancee , Carrie Symonds , gave birth to their baby .
He said the UK was leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the covid-19 coronavirus .
But he said `` until this day comes ... we are going to have to beat this disease by our growing resolve and ingenuity '' .
Mr Johnson said he would set out `` a comprehensive plan next week to explain how we can get our economy moving , how we can get our children back into school , back into childcare , and how we can travel to work and how we can make life in the workplace safer .
`` In short , how we can continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same restart the economy . ''
He also paid fulsome tribute to NHS staff who kept him alive when he was in intensive care with the virus , and to those involved in the birth of his new child .
Mr Johnson said : `` I want to thank the NHS for so much , including getting me back here and , I might add , a much happier hospital visit yesterday . ''
He admitted that there had been failings providing vital protective equipment to health and care home workers - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson said : `` I am not going to minimise the logistical problems we have faced in getting the right protective gear to the right people at the right time , both in the NHS and in care homes , or the frustrations that we have experienced in expanding the numbers of tests .
`` But what I can tell you is that everyone responsible for tackling these problems , whether in government or the NHS or Public Health England , local authorities , we are throwing everything at it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to get it right .
`` And we will get it right .
we are making huge progress . ''
He pointed out there were `` global shortages in a global pandemic '' .
The Government appears to have failed to meet a target of carrying out 100,000 coronavirus tests each day .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said that there would be 100,000 tests every day by the end of April , today .
Figures showing how many tests were carried out today wo n't actually be published until tomorrow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target wo n't be met .
Mr Johnson said 81,611 tests were carried out yesterday .
Today 's figures show 26,711 people who have tested positive for coronavirus have now died .
This includes deaths in hospitals and in other settings , such as care homes .
More than 110 frontline NHS and care workers are confirmed to have died during the coronavirus pandemic .
Police revealed a total of 8,877 fines for alleged breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws had been issued nationwide .

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Boris Johnson will next week reveal plans to get children back in school, get workers back to work and restart the economy.
He pledged to reveal plans for the next stages of the lockdown, as he spoke at his first Downing Street press conference since recovering from the disease.
And he said: "For the first time we are past the peak of this disease. We are past the peak and we are on the downward slope.
"And we have so many reasons to be hopeful for the long term."
However, he said details would have to wait until next week - and gave no information today about how lockdown restrictions might be lifted or changed.
Next week's announcement would be a "roadmap", he said.
Mr Johnson also insisted that the Government would do nothing that undermined the fight against coronavirus
It was the first time Mr Johnson had appeared at the daily Downing Street press conference since recovering from his illness, and since his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, gave birth to their baby.
He said the UK was leading international efforts to find a vaccine for the covid-19 coronavirus.
But he said "until this day comes ... we are going to have to beat this disease by our growing resolve and ingenuity".
Mr Johnson said he would set out "a comprehensive plan next week to explain how we can get our economy moving, how we can get our children back into school, back into childcare, and how we can travel to work and how we can make life in the workplace safer.
"In short, how we can continue to suppress the disease and at the same restart the economy."
He also paid fulsome tribute to NHS staff who kept him alive when he was in intensive care with the virus, and to those involved in the birth of his new child.
Mr Johnson said: "I want to thank the NHS for so much, including getting me back here and, I might add, a much happier hospital visit yesterday."
He admitted that there had been failings providing vital protective equipment to health and care home workers - and in increasing the number of coronavirus tests.
Mr Johnson said: "I am not going to minimise the logistical problems we have faced in getting the right protective gear to the right people at the right time, both in the NHS and in care homes, or the frustrations that we have experienced in expanding the numbers of tests.
"But what I can tell you is that everyone responsible for tackling these problems, whether in government or the NHS or Public Health England, local authorities, we are throwing everything at it, heart and soul and night and day, to get it right.
"And we will get it right. we are making huge progress."
He pointed out there were "global shortages in a global pandemic".
The Government appears to have failed to meet a target of carrying out 100,000 coronavirus tests each day.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said that there would be 100,000 tests every day by the end of April, today. Figures showing how many tests were carried out today won't actually be published until tomorrow, but Ministers have already admitted that the target won't be met.
Mr Johnson said 81,611 tests were carried out yesterday.
Today's figures show 26,711 people who have tested positive for coronavirus have now died. This includes deaths in hospitals and in other settings, such as care homes.
More than 110 frontline NHS and care workers are confirmed to have died during the coronavirus pandemic.
Police revealed a total of 8,877 fines for alleged breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws had been issued nationwide.


birminghammail--2020-05-01--The real reason behind the hole at the top of McDonald's McFlurry spoons

Have you ever ordered a McFlurry and wondered to yourself : why on Earth does the spoon have a hole at the top ?
Well , the reason for the iconic gap has now been revealed .
McDonald 's operates more fast food restaurants in Birmingham than any other UK city outside of London .
And the reports an employer uploaded a video to TikTok to finally put an end to the debate , and it 's already racked up more than 3.8 million views .
User shared a video asking : `` Ever wondered why you ca n't drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She then makes a McFlurry with a big dollop of ice cream and sprinkles on the chosen topping , before putting on the lid and dropping the spoon in the centre .
Writing 'what the spoon is really for ' , she then slots it onto a machine using the square opening at the top , which spins the spoon to mix the delicious chocolate all the way down through the ice cream .
Although many viewers said they thought the reason for the design was obvious , it came as news to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
You just solved one of my entire life mysteries . ''
And another thanked the user for explaining the mystery .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Luke Matthews, James Rodger)

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Have you ever ordered a McFlurry and wondered to yourself: why on Earth does the spoon have a hole at the top?
Well, the reason for the iconic gap has now been revealed.
McDonald's operates more fast food restaurants in Birmingham than any other UK city outside of London.
And the Mirror reports an employer uploaded a video to TikTok to finally put an end to the debate, and it's already racked up more than 3.8 million views.
User @Marzpire shared a video asking: "Ever wondered why you can't drink out of a McFlurry spoon?"
She then makes a McFlurry with a big dollop of ice cream and sprinkles on the chosen topping, before putting on the lid and dropping the spoon in the centre.
(Image: marzpire/TIKTOK)
Writing 'what the spoon is really for', she then slots it onto a machine using the square opening at the top, which spins the spoon to mix the delicious chocolate all the way down through the ice cream.
Although many viewers said they thought the reason for the design was obvious, it came as news to others as one wrote: "Wow! You just solved one of my entire life mysteries."
And another thanked the user for explaining the mystery.


birminghammail--2020-05-01--Jack Grealish drops huge transfer hint amid Villa exit talk

Speculation surrounding the future of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish continues to intensify .
The England hopeful has been in superb form this season with seven goals and six assists in 26 Premier League starts and holds the keys to keeping his boyhood club in the Premier League .
And , according to the MEN , United 's preference is to sign Grealish over Leicester City star James Maddison .
United are expected to make a move for Grealish in the next transfer window and some reports suggest Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be willing to spend up to £70million to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also been linked with Manchester City , as well as Spanish duo Barcelona and Real Madrid .
And , during an Instagram Q & A on Thursday evening , Grealish admitted his ambition to play in Spain one day , while also suggesting he 'd like to finish his career in MLS .
Asked where he 'd like to play outside England in the future , the 24-year-old said : `` Spain , but later on in life ( I 'd like to ) play in the US . ''
Grealish 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playmaker is too good to be playing with Dean Smith 's squad at present .
`` He 's top , top class .
In terms of pure ability and sheer skill and technique level he 's easily the best player I 've played with to date , '' Hourihane told the Southern Star 's podcast .
`` He 's just got that gift .
He runs quicker with the ball , when he faces someone up you 're in real trouble .
He 's skipping by the best players in this league so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the three years I 've been here - he 's taken his game to a new level - especially this year in the Premier League .
`` He 's taken it by storm really .
You know , England team and getting that big move is only a matter of time because , if I 'm being brutally honest , he 's too good for our team at Aston Villa . ''

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Speculation surrounding the future of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish continues to intensify.
The England hopeful has been in superb form this season with seven goals and six assists in 26 Premier League starts and holds the keys to keeping his boyhood club in the Premier League.
And, according to the MEN, United's preference is to sign Grealish over Leicester City star James Maddison.
United are expected to make a move for Grealish in the next transfer window and some reports suggest Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be willing to spend up to £70million to prise him away from Villa.
Grealish has also been linked with Manchester City, as well as Spanish duo Barcelona and Real Madrid.
And, during an Instagram Q&A on Thursday evening, Grealish admitted his ambition to play in Spain one day, while also suggesting he'd like to finish his career in MLS.
Asked where he'd like to play outside England in the future, the 24-year-old said: "Spain, but later on in life (I'd like to) play in the US."
Grealish's Villa teammate Conor Hourihane recently admitted the playmaker is too good to be playing with Dean Smith's squad at present.
"He's top, top class. In terms of pure ability and sheer skill and technique level he's easily the best player I've played with to date," Hourihane told the Southern Star's podcast.
"He's just got that gift. He runs quicker with the ball, when he faces someone up you're in real trouble. He's skipping by the best players in this league so easily.
"He's developed over the three years I've been here - he's taken his game to a new level - especially this year in the Premier League.
"He's taken it by storm really. You know, England team and getting that big move is only a matter of time because, if I'm being brutally honest, he's too good for our team at Aston Villa."


birminghammail--2020-05-01--Mail on Sunday wins first stage of court fight with Meghan Markle

The publisher of the Mail on Sunday has won the first High Court skirmish in the Duchess of Sussex 's privacy claim against it over publication of a letter to her estranged father .
In a ruling on Friday , Mr Justice Warby struck out parts of Meghan 's case , following an application by Associated Newspapers at a hearing last week .
However , the judge said those parts of the duchess 's case may be revived at a later stage if they are put on a proper legal basis .
The judge said : `` Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the purpose for which they are pleaded .
`` Some are struck out on the further or alternative ground that they are inadequately detailed .
`` I have also acted so as to confine the case to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate for the purpose of doing justice between these parties .
`` I do not consider that the allegations struck out on that basis go to the 'heart ' of the case , which at its core concerns the publication of five articles disclosing the words of , and information drawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimant to her father in August 2018 .
`` Some aspects of the case that I have struck out at this stage may be revived if they are put in proper form . ''

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The publisher of the Mail on Sunday has won the first High Court skirmish in the Duchess of Sussex's privacy claim against it over publication of a letter to her estranged father.
In a ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Warby struck out parts of Meghan's case, following an application by Associated Newspapers at a hearing last week.
However, the judge said those parts of the duchess's case may be revived at a later stage if they are put on a proper legal basis.
The judge said: "Some of the allegations are struck out as irrelevant to the purpose for which they are pleaded.
"Some are struck out on the further or alternative ground that they are inadequately detailed.
"I have also acted so as to confine the case to what is reasonably necessary and proportionate for the purpose of doing justice between these parties.
"I do not consider that the allegations struck out on that basis go to the 'heart' of the case, which at its core concerns the publication of five articles disclosing the words of, and information drawn from, the letter written by the claimant to her father in August 2018.
"Some aspects of the case that I have struck out at this stage may be revived if they are put in proper form."


birminghammail--2020-05-01--David Icke Facebook page removed over coronavirus conspiracy theories

A page belonging to David Icke has been removed from Facebook amid concerns about the peddling of dangerous conspiracy theories around coronavirus .
The former footballer 's page had more than 770,000 followers on the platform , but a secondary account with some 68,000 followers remains active .
Among Icke 's most controversial claims is the unproven suggestion that 5G is linked to the Covid-19 outbreak , a theory which has been widely discredited as `` utter rubbish '' by the scientific community , Government and industry .
In the weeks during lockdown , a number of mobile masts were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering the area near Birmingham 's Nightingale Hospital .
A screenshot taken by Icke shows that he received a notice from Facebook , saying : `` Your page has been unpublished for going against the Facebook Community Standards on health misinformation that could cause physical harm . ''
A verified account for him remains on Twitter , where it hit out at Facebook 's decision and accused the company of being fascist .
The move comes as a group of famous medics including Dr Christian Jessen , Dr Dawn Harper , and Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former junior doctor , Adam Kay , join a call by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate ( CCDH ) , telling all social networks to remove the accounts of Icke from their platforms .
A report by the organisation claims that Icke 's conspiracies about coronavirus have been viewed over 30 million times .
`` While people around the world make enormous sacrifices to stall this pandemic , social media firms are instead profiting from the proliferation of misinformation on their platforms , '' said Imran Ahmed , chief executive of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our lives at risk by encouraging the public not to comply with clinical guidance .
`` It 's time to stop giving valuable airtime on their platform to the most dangerous voices and instead join with the rest of us in trying to contain this lethal pandemic .
The reckless endangerment of public safety by greedy social media firms must stop .
`` Facebook must now look at the vast network of pages and groups in which Icke 's content is shared . ''
An interview with the conspiracy theorist was recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he shared some of his unsubstantiated views on the causes behind the outbreak of Covid-19 .
Ofcom imposed a sanction on ESTV over the incident , saying Icke 's words `` risked causing significant harm to viewers '' .
The Hope Not Hate advocacy group said : `` It is welcome news that Facebook have removed David Icke 's page .
`` He has promoted dangerous conspiracy theories , including the idea that Covid-19 is a hoax .
Icke is also accused of making racist and anti-Semitic remarks on social media .
Rachel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The hate preacher was banned from Australia .
`` Big arenas have rejected him , yet social media orgs allow him a megaphone ( & pocket the profits ) .

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A page belonging to David Icke has been removed from Facebook amid concerns about the peddling of dangerous conspiracy theories around coronavirus.
The former footballer's page had more than 770,000 followers on the platform, but a secondary account with some 68,000 followers remains active.
Among Icke's most controversial claims is the unproven suggestion that 5G is linked to the Covid-19 outbreak, a theory which has been widely discredited as "utter rubbish" by the scientific community, Government and industry.
In the weeks during lockdown, a number of mobile masts were attacked across the country, including one covering the area near Birmingham's Nightingale Hospital.
A screenshot taken by Icke shows that he received a notice from Facebook, saying: "Your page has been unpublished for going against the Facebook Community Standards on health misinformation that could cause physical harm."
A verified account for him remains on Twitter, where it hit out at Facebook's decision and accused the company of being fascist.
The move comes as a group of famous medics including Dr Christian Jessen, Dr Dawn Harper, and Dr Pixie McKenna, as well as author and former junior doctor, Adam Kay, join a call by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), telling all social networks to remove the accounts of Icke from their platforms.
A report by the organisation claims that Icke's conspiracies about coronavirus have been viewed over 30 million times.
"While people around the world make enormous sacrifices to stall this pandemic, social media firms are instead profiting from the proliferation of misinformation on their platforms," said Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the CCDH.
"Misinformation puts all of our lives at risk by encouraging the public not to comply with clinical guidance.
"It's time to stop giving valuable airtime on their platform to the most dangerous voices and instead join with the rest of us in trying to contain this lethal pandemic. The reckless endangerment of public safety by greedy social media firms must stop.
"Facebook must now look at the vast network of pages and groups in which Icke's content is shared."
An interview with the conspiracy theorist was recently aired on London Live, in which he shared some of his unsubstantiated views on the causes behind the outbreak of Covid-19.
Ofcom imposed a sanction on ESTV over the incident, saying Icke's words "risked causing significant harm to viewers".
The Hope Not Hate advocacy group said: "It is welcome news that Facebook have removed David Icke's page.
"He has promoted dangerous conspiracy theories, including the idea that Covid-19 is a hoax.
"Icke's deluded, often anti-Semitic, posts encourage harmful lies to spread.
"Other platforms should follow Facebook's lead."
Icke is also accused of making racist and anti-Semitic remarks on social media.
Rachel Riley welcomed Facebook's decision, saying: "The hate preacher was banned from Australia.
"Big arenas have rejected him, yet social media orgs allow him a megaphone (& pocket the profits).
"Facebook have finally deleted him today!!"


birminghammail--2020-05-01--Lichfield Camera Club announce winners of weekly competition

The final week of the first round of the Lichfield Camera Club Photography Leagues delivered three decisive winners .
Anne Anderson was first in League 1 , Debra Dingley won League 2 and Dean Borgazzi came top in League 3 .
Members of the club have found a way of keeping themselves active in spite of the lockdown and have formed a photography league which allows them enter their images .
The leagues aim to keep members ’ photographic skills ticking over until normal meetings can be resumed .
Each participating member enters one image each week which is judged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The final week of each round has a theme – this time it was ‘ The Kitchen – views , items and activities ’ .
And to spice things up , there will also be promotions and demotions .
Here are the top three winners for each league for week four .
First place in league one with ‘ Eggstravaganza ’ was Anne Anderson .
A club spokesperson said : “ Anne ’ s superb creativity is seen once again in this beautifully composed image .
The careful positioning of the eggs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background , together with the reflections on the container and table combine to give a wonderfully balanced image .
The placing of the feathers is a final stroke of genius.
” Joe Anderson came second with ‘ Cutlery Composition ’ He has used cutlery to create a geometric pattern .
The diagonally placed elements left and right combine very well with the central circular array to draw the viewer ’ s eye into the image .
Third place went to Graham Slight , with ‘ Coffee Time ’ Graham has used highly contrasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ image .
All the elements are perfectly spaced and the suspended milk jug is a piece of wonderfully creative magic .
In league two , Debra Dingley took the top spot with ‘ Just Missing the Gin ’ .
The spokesperson said : “ Debra has again showed us her skilful technique in composing still-life images .
All the lemons and the mint leaves have been perfectly placed to give great visual balance .
“ The simple table , clever use of lighting and photographic technique have combined to produce a very pleasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came second with ‘ The Heat Is On ’ He has captured the steamy atmosphere in a commercial kitchen ; the lighting helps to highlight the two figures and shows a nice interaction between them .
In third place with David Causer , with ‘ My Lockdown Culinary Survival Kit ’ .
David has created another very well balanced still-life image .
The framing of the book by the two taller bottles is particularly effective .
First place in league three was ‘ Glasses ’ by Lily Pavey .
Lichfield Camera Club ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation for producing highly creative images .
A club spokesperson said : “ Lily ’ s use of the three glasses placed in a triangular arrangement draws the eye into the image .
The three different colours in the background are refracted by the water to make a highly effective image.
” Second was ‘ Homemade Prawn Stir Fry ’ by Ivan Shaw .
Ivan chose a triptych of images for his kitchen theme .
“ The three images naturally flow from left to right , taking raw ingredients to the cooker ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All elements are beautifully sharp and the hand in the central image adds a nice human touch.
” Peter Luca took third place with ‘ Cutlery ’ .
“ He has displayed splendid creativity in his arrangement of items of cutlery .
The choice of a dark background makes the items really stand out and the star-like reflections and specks of light in the background give feeling of looking into the night sky .
The result is a highly effective and pleasing image.
” To view all entries in the Lichfield Camera Club @ @ @ @

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The final week of the first round of the Lichfield Camera Club Photography Leagues delivered three decisive winners.
Anne Anderson was first in League 1, Debra Dingley won League 2 and Dean Borgazzi came top in League 3.
Members of the club have found a way of keeping themselves active in spite of the lockdown and have formed a photography league which allows them enter their images.
The leagues aim to keep members’ photographic skills ticking over until normal meetings can be resumed. Each participating member enters one image each week which is judged by fellow members with points being awarded. The final week of each round has a theme – this time it was ‘The Kitchen – views, items and activities’.
And to spice things up, there will also be promotions and demotions.
Here are the top three winners for each league for week four.
First place in league one with ‘Eggstravaganza’ was Anne Anderson. A club spokesperson said: “Anne’s superb creativity is seen once again in this beautifully composed image. The careful positioning of the eggs and the simple, dark, uncluttered background, together with the reflections on the container and table combine to give a wonderfully balanced image. The placing of the feathers is a final stroke of genius.”
Joe Anderson came second with ‘Cutlery Composition’
He has used cutlery to create a geometric pattern. The diagonally placed elements left and right combine very well with the central circular array to draw the viewer’s eye into the image.
Third place went to Graham Slight, with ‘Coffee Time’
Graham has used highly contrasting lighting to produce an extremely effective monochrome image. All the elements are perfectly spaced and the suspended milk jug is a piece of wonderfully creative magic.
In league two, Debra Dingley took the top spot with ‘Just Missing the Gin’.
The spokesperson said: “Debra has again showed us her skilful technique in composing still-life images. All the lemons and the mint leaves have been perfectly placed to give great visual balance.
“The simple table, clever use of lighting and photographic technique have combined to produce a very pleasing image with excellent detail.”
Peter Evans came second with ‘The Heat Is On’
He has captured the steamy atmosphere in a commercial kitchen; the lighting helps to highlight the two figures and shows a nice interaction between them.
In third place with David Causer, with ‘My Lockdown Culinary Survival Kit’.
David has created another very well balanced still-life image. The framing of the book by the two taller bottles is particularly effective.
First place in league three was ‘Glasses’ by Lily Pavey.
Lichfield Camera Club’s youngest member has already built a reputation for producing highly creative images. A club spokesperson said: “Lily’s use of the three glasses placed in a triangular arrangement draws the eye into the image. The three different colours in the background are refracted by the water to make a highly effective image.”
Second was ‘Homemade Prawn Stir Fry’ by Ivan Shaw.
Ivan chose a triptych of images for his kitchen theme. “The three images naturally flow from left to right, taking raw ingredients to the cooker ending up with the final cooked dishes. All elements are beautifully sharp and the hand in the central image adds a nice human touch.”
Peter Luca took third place with ‘Cutlery’.
“He has displayed splendid creativity in his arrangement of items of cutlery. The choice of a dark background makes the items really stand out and the star-like reflections and specks of light in the background give feeling of looking into the night sky. The result is a highly effective and pleasing image.”
To view all entries in the Lichfield Camera Club Leagues go to www.lichfieldcameraclub.org


birminghammail--2020-05-01--West Brom handed major boost as expert claims football could restart safely

Research in Denmark has claimed that the risk of footballers catching coronavirus during games is small and that the return of the game is ‘ perfectly justifiable ’ .
Football across Europe has been suspended for the last month , with a number of countries now beginning to end seasons completely .
Within the last week , the Dutch and French Football Associations have decided to end the current campaign , with the former cancelling all promotions and relegations .
It ’ s a precedent that will concern West Brom and Leeds United , with both well placed to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should the season restart .
Leeds are currently top of the Championship , with Albion trailing by a solitary point – it is then a further six points to the nearest contender , with Fulham occupying third .
The EFL have remained committed to completing the season , but fears have been heightened that some fixtures may not be fulfilled .
A number of players have also now voiced their concern about football restarting , with Manchester City ’ s Sergio Aguero the latest .
However , according to research carried out by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen , the risk to be players would be minimum .
Based on the analysis of 14 Denmark Superliga games , even if a player is infected he would only be within infection distance with another for one minute and 28 seconds of the match .
This compares to the 15 minutes that Denmark ’ s National Board of Health believes it takes for a person to come under serious threat of infection .
`` With the new figures from Aarhus University , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ of risk ] , '' Thomsen said .
`` I would say that it underpins the conclusion I myself came through just by thinking through it logically : football does not pose a real infection risk . ''
Claus Thomsen , a director of lower league football in Denmark has said : `` We think it 's a really interesting study .
`` This study confirms that if we operate within those guidelines [ which we have drawn up ] , it is perfectly justifiable to restart the Superliga .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ button when we get the feeling and assurance that the authorities agree . ''
Should any football in the UK return , it is expected to be on the proviso that no supporters would be in attendance and players would be routinely tested for the COVID-19 disease .

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Research in Denmark has claimed that the risk of footballers catching coronavirus during games is small and that the return of the game is ‘perfectly justifiable’.
Football across Europe has been suspended for the last month, with a number of countries now beginning to end seasons completely.
Within the last week, the Dutch and French Football Associations have decided to end the current campaign, with the former cancelling all promotions and relegations.
(Image: PA)
It’s a precedent that will concern West Brom and Leeds United, with both well placed to win promotion back to the Premier League, should the season restart.
Leeds are currently top of the Championship, with Albion trailing by a solitary point – it is then a further six points to the nearest contender, with Fulham occupying third.
The EFL have remained committed to completing the season, but fears have been heightened that some fixtures may not be fulfilled. A number of players have also now voiced their concern about football restarting, with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero the latest.
However, according to research carried out by Allan Randrup Thomsen, a professor at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen, the risk to be players would be minimum.
Based on the analysis of 14 Denmark Superliga games, even if a player is infected he would only be within infection distance with another for one minute and 28 seconds of the match. This compares to the 15 minutes that Denmark’s National Board of Health believes it takes for a person to come under serious threat of infection.
"With the new figures from Aarhus University, we are down to a minute size [of risk]," Thomsen said.
"I would say that it underpins the conclusion I myself came through just by thinking through it logically: football does not pose a real infection risk."
Claus Thomsen, a director of lower league football in Denmark has said: "We think it's a really interesting study.
"This study confirms that if we operate within those guidelines [which we have drawn up], it is perfectly justifiable to restart the Superliga. We are pretty much ready to press the go button when we get the feeling and assurance that the authorities agree."
Should any football in the UK return, it is expected to be on the proviso that no supporters would be in attendance and players would be routinely tested for the COVID-19 disease.


birminghammail--2020-05-01--Doctor tackles marathon challenge in aid of charity close to her heart

A Lichfield doctor has raised more than £750 for a charity close to her heart after taking part in a 26-mile challenge .
Jess Cooper , a doctor who works in the maternity department at Royal Stoke Hospital , is hoping to raise £2,000 in total for Child Bereavement UK in memory of her brother Harry , who died tragically of cot death .
Jess , who plays for Tamworth Hockey Club , was due to run the London Marathon on Sunday but the event was postponed due the coronavirus outbreak .
As a result , she teamed up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own marathon – each running around nine miles to make the 26-mile mark .
Mollie had been due to run in London for Whizzkids while Jack was running for the St John ’ s Ambulance .
“ We did the run on Sunday , ” Jess said .
“ We decided to split the distance between the three of us which worked out at 14km , just over nine miles to get up to the 26.2 miles that we needed .
“ They are both in Bath , in lockdown with my parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home yesterday .
“ I ran my local route around Lichfield through Beacon Park and around the outskirts.
” Jess admits it was a real challenge , saying : “ It was a bit hot !
“ I haven ’ t done much running of late .
Since the marathon was cancelled I haven ’ t been quite on the training .
“ With the new rota at the hospital it has been challenging but it was nice to get out running .
It can be an important for those working in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t necessarily just an exercise but a way of de-stressing , taking your mind away from the hospital and refocusing before you have to go back.
” Jess says she is particularly pleased to have been able to support her chosen charity .
“ I used to live with my family in Marlow and it the Child Bereavement Trust was a very local charity at the time when my brother died , ” she said .
“ We were one of the first families they saw many years ago and helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done loads of fundraising for them and they have just grown and grown over the years and have become a nationwide charity .
“ It was only with the help of the Child Bereavement team that my family grew stronger and closer and learned there was life after Harry .
“ As my husband ( Simon ) and I think about starting our own family , I think about the Child Bereavement UK more and more .
“ I can not imagine the pain of losing a child .
My experience was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s help I moved on and now it is time to give back . ''
“ It ’ s incredible people have found the money to support me , ” she added .
“ Lichfield Running Club have been really good .
“ There are people there who run marathons all the time and have different training programmes .
“ They have ways of supporting each other in the long runs that can be done .
Tamworth hockey girls have been really awesome in supporting me too.
” For details on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessCooper3

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A Lichfield doctor has raised more than £750 for a charity close to her heart after taking part in a 26-mile challenge.
Jess Cooper, a doctor who works in the maternity department at Royal Stoke Hospital, is hoping to raise £2,000 in total for Child Bereavement UK in memory of her brother Harry, who died tragically of cot death.
Jess, who plays for Tamworth Hockey Club, was due to run the London Marathon on Sunday but the event was postponed due the coronavirus outbreak.
As a result, she teamed up with siblings Mollie and Jack to complete their own marathon – each running around nine miles to make the 26-mile mark.
Mollie had been due to run in London for Whizzkids while Jack was running for the St John’s Ambulance.
“We did the run on Sunday,” Jess said. “We decided to split the distance between the three of us which worked out at 14km, just over nine miles to get up to the 26.2 miles that we needed.
“They are both in Bath, in lockdown with my parents, so they ran out of their home yesterday.
“I ran my local route around Lichfield through Beacon Park and around the outskirts.”
Jess admits it was a real challenge, saying: “It was a bit hot!
“I haven’t done much running of late. Since the marathon was cancelled I haven’t been quite on the training.
“With the new rota at the hospital it has been challenging but it was nice to get out running. It can be an important for those working in the NHS at the moment.
“Running isn’t necessarily just an exercise but a way of de-stressing, taking your mind away from the hospital and refocusing before you have to go back.”
Jess says she is particularly pleased to have been able to support her chosen charity.
“I used to live with my family in Marlow and it the Child Bereavement Trust was a very local charity at the time when my brother died,” she said.
“We were one of the first families they saw many years ago and helped us a lot.
“We have done loads of fundraising for them and they have just grown and grown over the years and have become a nationwide charity.
“It was only with the help of the Child Bereavement team that my family grew stronger and closer and learned there was life after Harry.
“As my husband (Simon) and I think about starting our own family, I think about the Child Bereavement UK more and more.
“I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. My experience was to lose a brother and with the charity’s help I moved on and now it is time to give back."
“It’s incredible people have found the money to support me,” she added.
“Lichfield Running Club have been really good.
“There are people there who run marathons all the time and have different training programmes.
“They have ways of supporting each other in the long runs that can be done. Tamworth hockey girls have been really awesome in supporting me too.”
For details on how to support Jess’ fundraising, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessCooper3


birminghammail--2020-05-01--Twycross Zoo launches fundraising drive to help to safeguard its future

Twycross Zoo is appealing for support for its biggest fundraising initiative to date and anyone who helps them doesn ’ t even have to leave home .
The zoo has to cover costs of £650,000 per month to keep and care for 500 animals .
And , with the country still in lockdown , they have launched sponsored Trek to Africa which will take place this month , which people can do from the comfort of their own home .
The Twycross team is encouraging people to walk the distance between zoo and Cameroon – a collective 3,200 miles to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the zoo is home to many critically endangered species from Africa such as its chimpanzees and gorillas .
It was also recently heavily involved in the return of Freedom , a male gorilla , in collaboration with Ape Action Africa based in Cameroon , earlier in the year .
Ape Action Africa has a dear place in the heart of Twycross Zoo as a vital conservation partner that addresses the immediate threats faced by chimpanzees and gorillas in the wild .
Twycross Zoo ’ s CEO , Dr Sharon Redrobe , OBE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody to break the Government lockdown rules but as more people are out walking , as part of their hourly daily exercise , we were hoping the community would commit to walking a number of miles .
“ We hope to collectively walk 3,200 miles and raise some much needed funds to support Twycross Zoo during this uncertain time .
“ It costs over £650,000 per month to keep and care for our 500 animals , many of whom are endangered , so we thought a collaborative walk to Africa , a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great fundraiser .
“ We want everyone to get involved and we don ’ t mind how people clock up the miles , whether it ’ s like the inspirational , Colonel Tom Moore with some laps outside your home or in your garden , on a treadmill , or a couple of miles a day exploring the area where you live during your hourly exercise . ''
“ It also doesn ’ t matter how long it takes to complete your target miles - it can be done across a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month of May to complete , we just hope people will get behind us and ask friends and family to sponsor them on their mission – as every penny counts right now.
” To get involved , you just need to message the Twycross Zoo Facebook page to register your interest .
There is also a Total Giving page , where everyone can help to collect sponsorship .
Visit https : //www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/trek-to-africa for details .

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Twycross Zoo is appealing for support for its biggest fundraising initiative to date and anyone who helps them doesn’t even have to leave home.
The zoo has to cover costs of £650,000 per month to keep and care for 500 animals.
And, with the country still in lockdown, they have launched sponsored Trek to Africa which will take place this month, which people can do from the comfort of their own home.
The Twycross team is encouraging people to walk the distance between zoo and Cameroon – a collective 3,200 miles to be exact.
They selected Cameroon as the zoo is home to many critically endangered species from Africa such as its chimpanzees and gorillas.
It was also recently heavily involved in the return of Freedom, a male gorilla, in collaboration with Ape Action Africa based in Cameroon, earlier in the year.
Ape Action Africa has a dear place in the heart of Twycross Zoo as a vital conservation partner that addresses the immediate threats faced by chimpanzees and gorillas in the wild.
Twycross Zoo’s CEO, Dr Sharon Redrobe, OBE, said: “We are not asking anybody to break the Government lockdown rules but as more people are out walking, as part of their hourly daily exercise, we were hoping the community would commit to walking a number of miles.
“We hope to collectively walk 3,200 miles and raise some much needed funds to support Twycross Zoo during this uncertain time.
“It costs over £650,000 per month to keep and care for our 500 animals, many of whom are endangered, so we thought a collaborative walk to Africa, a place close to our hearts, would be a great fundraiser.
“We want everyone to get involved and we don’t mind how people clock up the miles, whether it’s like the inspirational, Colonel Tom Moore with some laps outside your home or in your garden, on a treadmill, or a couple of miles a day exploring the area where you live during your hourly exercise."
“It also doesn’t matter how long it takes to complete your target miles - it can be done across a day, a week or even the whole month of May to complete, we just hope people will get behind us and ask friends and family to sponsor them on their mission – as every penny counts right now.”
To get involved, you just need to message the Twycross Zoo Facebook page to register your interest.
There is also a Total Giving page, where everyone can help to collect sponsorship. Visit https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/trek-to-africa for details.


birminghammail--2020-05-01--Dad-to-be charged with terror offences set to face trial next month

A 25-year-old expectant father accused of terrorism offences is set to face trial next month .
Salim Youssoufi , an Italian national living in Birmingham at the time of his arrest in December last year , did not appear for a brief hearing at the city 's Crown Court on Friday .
He has been charged with four counts of possessing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism .
Youssoufi , formerly of Coventry Road , Small Heath , is due to become a father for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had been due to appear at the hearing by video-link but the line `` failed '' , Judge Mark Wall QC told the court .
After hearing submissions from barristers for both the defence and Crown Prosecution Service over Skype , the judge said the original trial date of May 26 would be vacated .
He set a new prospective date for the trial , due to be heard at the same court , of June 16 .
Judge Wall said : `` I hope the new date proposed is a realistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that we will be having jury trials , in whatever form they take , by then . ''

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A 25-year-old expectant father accused of terrorism offences is set to face trial next month.
Salim Youssoufi, an Italian national living in Birmingham at the time of his arrest in December last year, did not appear for a brief hearing at the city's Crown Court on Friday.
He has been charged with four counts of possessing information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
Youssoufi, formerly of Coventry Road, Small Heath, is due to become a father for the first time in July, the court heard.
He had been due to appear at the hearing by video-link but the line "failed", Judge Mark Wall QC told the court.
After hearing submissions from barristers for both the defence and Crown Prosecution Service over Skype, the judge said the original trial date of May 26 would be vacated.
He set a new prospective date for the trial, due to be heard at the same court, of June 16.
Judge Wall said: "I hope the new date proposed is a realistic one and that everybody will be ready and that we will be having jury trials, in whatever form they take, by then."