birminghammail--2020-02-09--‘Never picked a club for him’ - Fresh claims emerge over failed Aston Villa transfer interest

Krzysztof Piatek 's wife has set the record straight on claims she forced the reported Aston Villa target to snub a move to the Premier League .
The Poland international signed for Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin from AC Milan in January amid links with top-flight sides .
Villa had reportedly been looking at Piatek , as well as Tottenham and Manchester United who are both thought to have made attempts to sign him .
Reports in the German press claimed to have shed light on why Piatek made the decision to move to Hertha .
According to SportBild , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was keen to move closer to her native Poland - which meant he chose Germany over England .
But Procyk has hit out at the reports , insisting it was purely Piatek ’ s decision to sign for Jurgen Klinsmann 's side .
She wrote on Instagram : “ I don ’ t know where such information came from really , and how it got to the press .
“ Yes , my husband holds my opinion in high regard , but I have never picked a club for him based on which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will never try to do so .
“ Any place in the world , that allows my husband to grow , be happy , and make his dreams come true , is perfect for me .
“ Decisions about new clubs to play in are made solely by Krzysztof along with his managers who care only about his growth and well-being.
” Villa brought in Ally Samatta from Genk and Borja Baston from Swansea City to provide a much-needed boost to Dean Smith 's depleted forward line .

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Krzysztof Piatek's wife has set the record straight on claims she forced the reported Aston Villa target to snub a move to the Premier League.
The Poland international signed for Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin from AC Milan in January amid links with top-flight sides.
Villa had reportedly been looking at Piatek, as well as Tottenham and Manchester United who are both thought to have made attempts to sign him.
Reports in the German press claimed to have shed light on why Piatek made the decision to move to Hertha.
(Image: Mattia Ozbot/Soccrates/Getty Images)
According to SportBild, the striker's wife, Paulina Procyk, was keen to move closer to her native Poland - which meant he chose Germany over England.
But Procyk has hit out at the reports, insisting it was purely Piatek’s decision to sign for Jurgen Klinsmann's side.
She wrote on Instagram: “I don’t know where such information came from really, and how it got to the press.
“Yes, my husband holds my opinion in high regard, but I have never picked a club for him based on which city or climate I liked and I will never try to do so.
“Any place in the world, that allows my husband to grow, be happy, and make his dreams come true, is perfect for me.
“Decisions about new clubs to play in are made solely by Krzysztof along with his managers who care only about his growth and well-being.”
Villa brought in Ally Samatta from Genk and Borja Baston from Swansea City to provide a much-needed boost to Dean Smith's depleted forward line.


birminghammail--2020-02-09--Moseley funeral home reassures families after Storm Ciara damage

Staff at a Moseley funeral home have reassured families after a huge tree fell onto the building .
Ambler Brothers funeral home in Alcester Road in Moseley suffered structural damage as Storm Ciara swept through Birmingham this weekend .
Central England Co-op who own the home said they will continue to give loved ones in their care `` the highest standards of care while we await for the damage at the home to be repaired . ''
A spokesperson for Central England Co-operative told BirminghamLive : “ We can confirm that a tree has damaged our Ambler Brothers funeral home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We would like to reassure families whose loved ones are currently in our care that they have not been impacted in anyway but , as a precaution , we will be moving them to our nearby Stirchley Funeral Home to ensure they continue to get the highest standards of care while we await for the damage at the home to be repaired .
“ Any family members who have any questions or concerns can contact our team at the home 24 hours a day on 0121 449 7710.
” Heavy rain and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen trees , power cuts , travel chaos and floods in the city and all over the UK .
The Sea Life Centre in Brindleyplace was forced to close today after a foreign object hit the roof .
The centre said : `` We are working to assess the structural damage .
All of our creatures , staff and guests are unharmed and safe .
Thank you for your understanding . ''

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Staff at a Moseley funeral home have reassured families after a huge tree fell onto the building today Sunday February 9.
Ambler Brothers funeral home in Alcester Road in Moseley suffered structural damage as Storm Ciara swept through Birmingham this weekend.
Central England Co-op who own the home said they will continue to give loved ones in their care "the highest standards of care while we await for the damage at the home to be repaired."
A spokesperson for Central England Co-operative told BirminghamLive: “We can confirm that a tree has damaged our Ambler Brothers funeral home as a result of Storm Ciara.
“We would like to reassure families whose loved ones are currently in our care that they have not been impacted in anyway but, as a precaution, we will be moving them to our nearby Stirchley Funeral Home to ensure they continue to get the highest standards of care while we await for the damage at the home to be repaired.
“Any family members who have any questions or concerns can contact our team at the home 24 hours a day on 0121 449 7710.”
Heavy rain and winds of up to 60mph led to fallen trees, power cuts, travel chaos and floods in the city and all over the UK.
The Sea Life Centre in Brindleyplace was forced to close today after a foreign object hit the roof.
The centre said: "We are working to assess the structural damage. All of our creatures, staff and guests are unharmed and safe. Thank you for your understanding."


birminghammail--2020-02-09--Slaven Bilic's tactical tweak that was key to West Brom's Millwall success

Slaven Bilic assembled his West Brom players in a slightly different system at the New Den on Sunday - and it worked a treat .
Goals from Filip Krovinovic and Dara O ’ Shea secured successive league wins at Millwall and stretched Albion ’ s lead at the top of the Championship , aided in no small part by a tactical tweak which allowed Albion to dictate the running against a battle hardened Lions outfit .
The 4-2-3-1 system which the Baggies have utilised with varying degrees of success this season was altered slightly , into a 4-3-3 formation which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Callum Robinson and Matheus Pereira permitted to drift inside to affect play .
What was just as pleasing for Bilic was the application of his players - not just from those with Championship experience in abundance , but also those who in comparison possess very little .
“ We changed it because we didn ’ t want their players to come close to the halfway line and then from there to play long balls to Smith , and then they run behind and it ’ s mayday , ” “ The ball comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayhem .
Those two midfielders , Krova and Jake , had the license to get at the centre backs , with Hal of course .
“ That ’ s what they did and it worked really well .
“ We are not Barcelona , we are a fighting team .
We are West Bromwich Albion , a team that gives everything .
On top of that , we have players who are better with the ball than without , but that doesn ’ t mean we won ’ t fight .
They fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the air , not only him - Pereira and everybody .
Only then , their quality can be decisive .
Otherwise you can forget about your quality.
” The only thing Bilic was possibly able to have a bit of a groan about was the fact that Albion should ’ ve won by a number of goals - something opposing number Gary Rowett agreed with - but he took home with him plenty of pride from the home of the Lions .
“ When you play like this it makes me proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who played , everyone on the bench , the whole squad , we were better than them in physicality .
From there , we got those balls in the holes and of course then we were good at the things we know we are good .
“ We didn ’ t match them in physicality , we were better than them , this is what makes me proud .
This has to be the standard .
“ We have to continue like this .
A lot of people were talking ... ‘ Millwall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The guys showed spirit , the character , the willingness , effort .
The only thing we should ’ ve done was score more goals , because you can always get punished .
”

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Slaven Bilic assembled his West Brom players in a slightly different system at the New Den on Sunday - and it worked a treat.
Goals from Filip Krovinovic and Dara O’Shea secured successive league wins at Millwall and stretched Albion’s lead at the top of the Championship, aided in no small part by a tactical tweak which allowed Albion to dictate the running against a battle hardened Lions outfit.
The 4-2-3-1 system which the Baggies have utilised with varying degrees of success this season was altered slightly, into a 4-3-3 formation which involved Krovinovic playing deeper and narrow wingers Callum Robinson and Matheus Pereira permitted to drift inside to affect play.
What was just as pleasing for Bilic was the application of his players - not just from those with Championship experience in abundance, but also those who in comparison possess very little.
“We changed it because we didn’t want their players to come close to the halfway line and then from there to play long balls to Smith, and then they run behind and it’s mayday,”
“The ball comes into your box and it’s mayhem. Those two midfielders, Krova and Jake, had the license to get at the centre backs, with Hal of course.
“That’s what they did and it worked really well.
“We are not Barcelona, we are a fighting team. We are West Bromwich Albion, a team that gives everything. On top of that, we have players who are better with the ball than without, but that doesn’t mean we won’t fight. They fought.
(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
“Filip Krovinovic was winning balls in the air, not only him - Pereira and everybody. Only then, their quality can be decisive. Otherwise you can forget about your quality.”
The only thing Bilic was possibly able to have a bit of a groan about was the fact that Albion should’ve won by a number of goals - something opposing number Gary Rowett agreed with - but he took home with him plenty of pride from the home of the Lions.
“When you play like this it makes me proud,” he continued. “Everybody who played, everyone on the bench, the whole squad, we were better than them in physicality. From there, we got those balls in the holes and of course then we were good at the things we know we are good.
“We didn’t match them in physicality, we were better than them, this is what makes me proud. This has to be the standard.
“We have to continue like this. A lot of people were talking... ‘Millwall weather...’ - come on. The guys showed spirit, the character, the willingness, effort. The only thing we should’ve done was score more goals, because you can always get punished.”


birminghammail--2020-02-09--Deadly weapons and £300k of drugs seized from city streets during crime crackdown

Machetes , a shotgun and £300,000 worth of drugs have been taken off the streets of Wolverhampton over the last three months .
Police seized the huge haul of weapons and drugs during an ongoing crackdown on gangs and serious crime across the city .
A series of operations have led to more than 30 arrests since November - for offences ranging from suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs , possession of an offensive weapon to wounding .
During this time , cops have seized 15 weapons - including a shotgun and machetes - and an estimated £300,000 worth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephanie Furber said : `` We ’ re are actively disrupting those we believe are connected to gangs and wider criminal activities .
`` We ’ re taking potentially lethal weapons off the streets and stopping one of the biggest sources of income by targeting the drugs network .
`` These operations are ongoing across the city and we continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in crime . ''
As well as carrying out raids and making arrests West Midlands Police officers are working with the public sector , charities and the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from gangs .
Anyone with information on gang crime is urged to call the force on 101 .

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Machetes, a shotgun and £300,000 worth of drugs have been taken off the streets of Wolverhampton over the last three months.
Police seized the huge haul of weapons and drugs during an ongoing crackdown on gangs and serious crime across the city.
A series of operations have led to more than 30 arrests since November - for offences ranging from suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs, possession of an offensive weapon to wounding.
During this time, cops have seized 15 weapons - including a shotgun and machetes - and an estimated £300,000 worth of class A and B drugs.
Inspector Stephanie Furber said: "We’re are actively disrupting those we believe are connected to gangs and wider criminal activities.
"We’re taking potentially lethal weapons off the streets and stopping one of the biggest sources of income by targeting the drugs network.
"These operations are ongoing across the city and we continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in crime."
As well as carrying out raids and making arrests West Midlands Police officers are working with the public sector, charities and the community to divert children and young people away from gangs.
Anyone with information on gang crime is urged to call the force on 101.
Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.


birminghammail--2020-02-09--Alleged rape of 48-year-old woman in Moseley alleyway being investigated by police

Police are investigating reports that a 48-year-old woman was raped in an alleyway next to Moseley Park and Pool just before 4am on Saturday morning ( February 8 ) .
Officers have collected CCTV from local homes and businesses and several witnesses have been spoken to .
The victim is being supported by specially trained officers as enquiries continue .
At present no arrests have been made and police have not issued a description of an alleged attacker .
It is believed that the woman returned to Alcester Road following the incident and another passing woman then phoned the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Police are investigating reports that a 48-year-old woman was raped in an alleyway next to Moseley Park and Pool just before 4am on Saturday morning ( 8 February ) .
`` A full investigation in underway .
CCTV has been collected from local homes and businesses and a number of witnesses have been spoken to .
`` The victim is being supported by specially trained officers as enquiries continue .
At present no arrests have been made . ''
Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8am - midnight , or by calling 101 anytime .
To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote crime number 20BE/34989R/20 .
What is Moseley Park and Pool ?
The private Moseley Park covers 11 acres and has remained unaltered for more than 100 years .
It has entrances off Salisbury Road and Alcester Road but admission is by key only .
Recreational facilities include tennis , yoga and angling and each summer the park hosts various music festivals .
For membership details visit Moseley Travel at 172 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit the website here

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Police are investigating reports that a 48-year-old woman was raped in an alleyway next to Moseley Park and Pool just before 4am on Saturday morning (February 8).
Officers have collected CCTV from local homes and businesses and several witnesses have been spoken to.
The victim is being supported by specially trained officers as enquiries continue.
At present no arrests have been made and police have not issued a description of an alleged attacker.
It is believed that the woman returned to Alcester Road following the incident and another passing woman then phoned the police.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "Police are investigating reports that a 48-year-old woman was raped in an alleyway next to Moseley Park and Pool just before 4am on Saturday morning (8 February).
"A full investigation in underway. CCTV has been collected from local homes and businesses and a number of witnesses have been spoken to.
"The victim is being supported by specially trained officers as enquiries continue. At present no arrests have been made."
Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight, or by calling 101 anytime.
To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20BE/34989R/20.
What is Moseley Park and Pool?
The private Moseley Park covers 11 acres and has remained unaltered for more than 100 years.
It has entrances off Salisbury Road and Alcester Road but admission is by key only.
Recreational facilities include tennis, yoga and angling and each summer the park hosts various music festivals.
For membership details visit Moseley Travel at 172 Alcester Road, Moseley B13 8HJ or visit the website here


birminghammail--2020-02-09--Slaven Bilic shows 'pure passion' in post-match interview - and West Brom fans love it

Slaven Bilic has told Sky Sports Football that today was truly West Bromwich Albion 's day in a passionate post-match interview that Albion fans are falling in love with The Baggies boss was at his brilliant best as he spoke to the media ahead of the Sky camera 's after his side extended their lead at the top of the Championship to four points with their 2-0 win over Millwall .
The win has dealt a huge blow to their rivals hopes of challenging Albion for the title in May and has helped to put behind them what was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` This is West Brom 's day - we were terrific !
`` The performance , from the start we battered them in a physical way .
We were brilliant in a physical way and that is why I am really pleased with everyone , everyone .
He continued : `` That is what I am talking about !
It is not just three points .
We are trying every game .
We have been sloppy , but this was not like that .
Watch the interview in FULL below '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the minimum .
You have to be like this in the Championship .
You have to be on it , and we were from minute one to minute ninety . ''
As the interview surfaces on social media , Albion fans racked their brains to remember a time when they saw a Baggies boss quite as passionate as that .
Here is how they reacted to the interview on Twitter : Jonathan Ward : Pure adrenaline and passion shown here , absolutely a pleasure to be able to see how this man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to produce what will hopefully be promotion this season !
John McCreedy : Really like this .
I remember Tony Mowbray talking about having a balance between artists and soldiers in your team , Slav wants to turn his artists into soldiers .
Dave : Is there another manager in all of football who you 'd listen to a full 4 min 9 secs interview , in full , twice ?
The bloke is electric , magnetic , enchanting & mesmerising !
Chris Hall : Love him , his passion is infectious .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Happiest West Brom manager post match interview ever !

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Slaven Bilic has told Sky Sports Football that today was truly West Bromwich Albion's day in a passionate post-match interview that Albion fans are falling in love with
The Baggies boss was at his brilliant best as he spoke to the media ahead of the Sky camera's after his side extended their lead at the top of the Championship to four points with their 2-0 win over Millwall.
The win has dealt a huge blow to their rivals hopes of challenging Albion for the title in May and has helped to put behind them what was an awful January on the pitch.
Bilic said: "This is West Brom's day - we were terrific!
"The performance, from the start we battered them in a physical way. We were brilliant in a physical way and that is why I am really pleased with everyone, everyone.
He continued: "That is what I am talking about! It is not just three points. We are trying every game. We have been sloppy, but this was not like that.
Watch the interview in FULL below
"This is the standard now. This is the minimum. You have to be like this in the Championship. You have to be on it, and we were from minute one to minute ninety."
As the interview surfaces on social media, Albion fans racked their brains to remember a time when they saw a Baggies boss quite as passionate as that.
Here is how they reacted to the interview on Twitter:
Jonathan Ward: Pure adrenaline and passion shown here, absolutely a pleasure to be able to see how this man, his mind and his tactics work to produce what will hopefully be promotion this season!
Matty Perry: The passion, the relief.
(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Daniel Conway: Love, love, love, this interview.
John McCreedy: Really like this. I remember Tony Mowbray talking about having a balance between artists and soldiers in your team, Slav wants to turn his artists into soldiers.
Ryan Taylor: What passion, that’s our boss!
Dave: Is there another manager in all of football who you'd listen to a full 4 min 9 secs interview, in full, twice? The bloke is electric, magnetic, enchanting & mesmerising!
Chris Hall: Love him, his passion is infectious.
James Taylor: This has to be the Happiest West Brom manager post match interview ever!


birminghammail--2020-02-09--‘Massive’ - Aston Villa fans are delighted ahead of crucial Tottenham clash

Aston Villa haven ’ t kicked a ball this weekend – but it ’ s been a good one for Dean Smith ’ s side .
Villa are back in action next Sunday against Tottenham amid the Premier League ’ s first ever winter break .
The break has been introduced to allow players a mid-season rest period and guarantees each club goes at least 13 consecutive days without a league match .
Villa lost 2-1 at Bournemouth on February 1 in their most recent league game while Spurs beat Manchester City 2-0 the next day .
But some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s fair to say the results were positive from a claret and blue point of view .
Crystal Palace were beaten at Everton , Brighton vs Watford ended in a draw and Bournemouth lost against Sheffield United .
Those results mean Villa remain outside the relegation zone ahead of the clash with Spurs .
West Ham United ’ s match against Manchester City will be rearranged after it was called off because of the adverse weather conditions but fans were still quick to remark on a favourable weekend of top-flight results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things stand :

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Aston Villa haven’t kicked a ball this weekend – but it’s been a good one for Dean Smith’s side.
Villa are back in action next Sunday against Tottenham amid the Premier League’s first ever winter break.
The break has been introduced to allow players a mid-season rest period and guarantees each club goes at least 13 consecutive days without a league match.
Villa lost 2-1 at Bournemouth on February 1 in their most recent league game while Spurs beat Manchester City 2-0 the next day.
But some of Villa’s relegation rivals played and it’s fair to say the results were positive from a claret and blue point of view.
Crystal Palace were beaten at Everton, Brighton vs Watford ended in a draw and Bournemouth lost against Sheffield United.
Those results mean Villa remain outside the relegation zone ahead of the clash with Spurs.
West Ham United’s match against Manchester City will be rearranged after it was called off because of the adverse weather conditions but fans were still quick to remark on a favourable weekend of top-flight results.
Bottom of the Premier League as things stand:
14 Crystal Palace 30 points
15 Brighton 27 points
16 Bournemouth 26 points
17 Villa 25 points
---------------------------------
18 West Ham 24 points
19 Watford 24 points
20 Norwich 18 points.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--The 10 ground-breaking ways major investors intend to 'fix broken city'

A huge drive to attract more visitors to Wolverhampton will only be a success if we 'fix the city ' first , a leading business boss has claimed .
The council 's Enterprise leaders have unveiled an ambitious new strategy highlighting 10 major reasons why people should come to Wolverhampton , alongside a list of the city 's other unique selling points .
But Councillor Dr Paul Birch ( Lab .
Blakenhall ) , who is also the founder of Revolver Records in Goldthorn Hill , told the council that the city was 'broken ' and needed 'much more ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest .
`` We need to fix this city before we start inviting people in .
We need a conference centre and a large 4-star hotel in the city centre .
We 've only got two decent hotels - the Ramada and the Mount - and neither of these are in the city centre , '' he said .
However , Cllr Birch 's remarks quickly prompted Wolverhampton Council Leader , Cllr Ian Brookfield ( Lab .
Fallings Park ) , to leap to the city 's defence , saying he was 'cheesed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people talking the city down ' .
`` Whilst Cllr Birch is entitled to express his views and perceptions of the city , they do not represent the views of Wolverhampton Labour Group , '' he said .
`` Our group are proud of the ambitious vision and plans we have developed for the city and I am confident that we will deliver on the many exciting projects like Westside and the Civic Halls improvements to create a city centre that all Wulfrunians are proud of - one that will attract visitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just don ’ t accept or agree with these comments .
I ’ m cheesed off , to put it mildly , with this talking the city down . ''
Addressing the council 's Stronger City Economy Scrutiny Panel , Cllr Birch said : `` We 've got buildings that can be converted into good quality hotels , such as the magistrates court and Beatties .
I 've been saying this for years .
It 's simple - build it and they will come .
`` There 's a lot of office space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What good is that ?
Why do n't we knock it down and start again .
I know a lot of people come here to see Wolves play , but then they go straight back home again .
They do n't stay here .
`` You do n't invite people to a banquet if you do n't have any food .
If you invite them a second time when you do have food , they wo n't come .
People are coming here to find this city is broken .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit .
It 's not about branding , it 's about getting the city right first , '' he added .
Cllr Brookfield responded : `` I accept we ’ ve been through challenging times but we ’ re now seeing major , multi-million pound investment .
Phase 1 of the new railway station opens next month as part of a £150 million Interchange .
`` Nearby , i9 is being built bringing 52,000 square foot of Grade A office space and 300 professional jobs to the city centre .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Springfield taking shape to create a centre of construction excellence and bring thousands more to our city .
`` The success of the Wolves - phenomenal – puts us on the map internationally and brings hundreds of thousands into our city centre every year .
We have huge footfall to our fantastic Grand Theatre , our racecourse and other great city assets , not to mention the growth we ’ ll see from autumn next year when the council ’ s £38m investment in a new , world-class Civic Halls comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the up and the changes we are seeing will help us to bring in more investment and jobs .
We should be taking time to talk the city up , rather than knocking it down , '' he added .
The council 's marketing strategy follows £4.4 billion investment in major regeneration in the heart of the city , including the Westside development , the new rail and metro link and the Civic Halls refurbishment .
Other proposals in the plan include introducing ' a family day offer ' ticket with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also looking to utilise sport as a major selling point following Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 's ongoing Premier League success .
The strategy also highlights the city 's Grand Central complex at the former Low Level station , the 300-acre i54 industrial estate and the new i9 building currently being built that is set to provide 50,000 sq ft of new office space .
Richard Lawrence , the council 's Director of Regeneration , said : `` Wolverhampton has faced a lot of challenges over the years and continues to do so .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced with cutbacks and underfunding .
`` We were ranked the 17th most deprived local authority in England in 2015 and we 're now 24th , so things are improving .
`` We have to start somewhere and unfortunately all these things do take time , but we are continually working to raise our profile - which is why this strategy has been put in place .
`` Regarding hotels , we have spoken to the Marriot and the Hilton amongst others and will continue to .
Also , the reason we invested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good entrance to the city , '' he added .
Cllr Phil Bateman ( Lab .
Wednesfield North ) called on the council to look at some of the smaller assets in the city .
`` For me it 's about turning grey into green .
It 's also about discovering what we 've got at the moment and making the most out of it , '' he said .
`` Look at Wednesfield in Bloom , run entirely by volunteers .
That was so successful that we 're now one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bloom competition .
This is a big deal .
`` And look at our history .
There 's not just the fact that Wolverhampton played a major part in the Industrial Revolution .
We go back much further than that .
`` One of the biggest battles in English history - the battle of Wondensfield in 910 - was fought here .
Whether it was in Tettenhall or Wednesfield is n't important .
It was huge .
Imagine if the Anglo-Saxons had lost and the Danes had won ?
It would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ignore these things at our peril and we should be making more of them .
The biggest issue for me is communication and I would like to see that beefed up , '' he added .

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A huge drive to attract more visitors to Wolverhampton will only be a success if we 'fix the city' first, a leading business boss has claimed.
The council's Enterprise leaders have unveiled an ambitious new strategy highlighting 10 major reasons why people should come to Wolverhampton, alongside a list of the city's other unique selling points.
But Councillor Dr Paul Birch (Lab. Blakenhall), who is also the founder of Revolver Records in Goldthorn Hill, told the council that the city was 'broken' and needed 'much more' in order to attract any real outside interest.
"We need to fix this city before we start inviting people in. We need a conference centre and a large 4-star hotel in the city centre. We've only got two decent hotels - the Ramada and the Mount - and neither of these are in the city centre," he said.
However, Cllr Birch's remarks quickly prompted Wolverhampton Council Leader, Cllr Ian Brookfield (Lab. Fallings Park), to leap to the city's defence, saying he was 'cheesed off - to put it mildly - with people talking the city down'.
"Whilst Cllr Birch is entitled to express his views and perceptions of the city, they do not represent the views of Wolverhampton Labour Group," he said.
"Our group are proud of the ambitious vision and plans we have developed for the city and I am confident that we will deliver on the many exciting projects like Westside and the Civic Halls improvements to create a city centre that all Wulfrunians are proud of - one that will attract visitors from far afield."
"I just don’t accept or agree with these comments. I’m cheesed off, to put it mildly, with this talking the city down."
Addressing the council's Stronger City Economy Scrutiny Panel, Cllr Birch said: "We've got buildings that can be converted into good quality hotels, such as the magistrates court and Beatties. I've been saying this for years. It's simple - build it and they will come.
(Image: Google Street View.)
"There's a lot of office space lying empty in the city centre. What good is that? Why don't we knock it down and start again. I know a lot of people come here to see Wolves play, but then they go straight back home again. They don't stay here.
"You don't invite people to a banquet if you don't have any food. If you invite them a second time when you do have food, they won't come. People are coming here to find this city is broken.
"We've got to make this a desirable place to visit. It's not about branding, it's about getting the city right first," he added.
Cllr Brookfield responded: "I accept we’ve been through challenging times but we’re now seeing major, multi-million pound investment. Phase 1 of the new railway station opens next month as part of a £150 million Interchange.
"Nearby, i9 is being built bringing 52,000 square foot of Grade A office space and 300 professional jobs to the city centre. You can see the university’s £100m investment in Springfield taking shape to create a centre of construction excellence and bring thousands more to our city.
"The success of the Wolves - phenomenal – puts us on the map internationally and brings hundreds of thousands into our city centre every year. We have huge footfall to our fantastic Grand Theatre, our racecourse and other great city assets, not to mention the growth we’ll see from autumn next year when the council’s £38m investment in a new, world-class Civic Halls comes to life.
"This is a city on the up and the changes we are seeing will help us to bring in more investment and jobs. We should be taking time to talk the city up, rather than knocking it down," he added.
The council's marketing strategy follows £4.4 billion investment in major regeneration in the heart of the city, including the Westside development, the new rail and metro link and the Civic Halls refurbishment.
Other proposals in the plan include introducing 'a family day offer' ticket with a view to increasing footfall. The council is also looking to utilise sport as a major selling point following Wolverhampton Wanderers FC's ongoing Premier League success.
The strategy also highlights the city's Grand Central complex at the former Low Level station, the 300-acre i54 industrial estate and the new i9 building currently being built that is set to provide 50,000 sq ft of new office space.
Richard Lawrence, the council's Director of Regeneration, said: "Wolverhampton has faced a lot of challenges over the years and continues to do so. Like all councils, we have been faced with cutbacks and underfunding.
"We were ranked the 17th most deprived local authority in England in 2015 and we're now 24th, so things are improving.
"We have to start somewhere and unfortunately all these things do take time, but we are continually working to raise our profile - which is why this strategy has been put in place.
"Regarding hotels, we have spoken to the Marriot and the Hilton amongst others and will continue to. Also, the reason we invested in the interlink is so we have a good entrance to the city," he added.
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Cllr Phil Bateman (Lab. Wednesfield North) called on the council to look at some of the smaller assets in the city.
"For me it's about turning grey into green. It's also about discovering what we've got at the moment and making the most out of it," he said.
"Look at Wednesfield in Bloom, run entirely by volunteers. That was so successful that we're now one of the UK finalists in the national Britain in Bloom competition. This is a big deal.
"And look at our history. There's not just the fact that Wolverhampton played a major part in the Industrial Revolution. We go back much further than that.
"One of the biggest battles in English history - the battle of Wondensfield in 910 - was fought here. Whether it was in Tettenhall or Wednesfield isn't important. It was huge. Imagine if the Anglo-Saxons had lost and the Danes had won? It would be a completely different story today.
"We ignore these things at our peril and we should be making more of them. The biggest issue for me is communication and I would like to see that beefed up," he added.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--Staffordshire woman Lilian Ward dies aged 110 after becoming one of oldest people in UK

A Staffordshire woman who was among the oldest in the country has sadly died at the grand old age of 110 .
Lilian Ward , from Stone , Staffordshire , had four children , nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren .
She dug an allotment with her sister until she was past 80 , she went to keep fit class until she was 90 , and she drove until she was nearly 104 .
Lilian has died peacefully at Royal Stoke University Hospital at the age of 110 , reports StokeonTrentLive .
Son Mike Ward , 72 , MBE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 on the list of Britain ’ s oldest living people until her death , was an “ amazing lady ” .
Her funeral will be held in Stone on 2 March .
She had four sons – Michael ( 77 ) , Andrew , Francis ( twins , 75 ) and Peter ( 71 ) – nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and was fiercely independent .
Everyone who knew her said she was truly an ‘ amazing lady ’ .
Her son Michael and daughter in-law Jill , who lived nearby and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be alive today but for a large gallstone that proved to be inoperable .
Born in Kilburn , London in 1909 , she went to school in Willesden Green and Windsor , a place she would revisit decades later when she and Michael visited the Queen on the same day .
After school she worked for many years as a secretary for Shell , and in 1940 , married John Ward in Willesden .
After Michael ’ s birth in 1942 , she moved to Exeter after John got a job as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own department store – John Ward and sons – in Gillingham , Dorset , in 1946 .
They later downsized to a store in Bournemouth , and lived there until John passed away in 1967 .
“ In that year , we had three weddings and a funeral , ” said Michael .
“ Myself , and my twin brothers all got married , but sadly my father died the same year .
“ Mum carried on in the shop until she retired in 1973 and came to live near me in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the south-west to Staffordshire to work for the milk board , “ in the days when they still paid farmers ” .
He added : “ She wanted to live near one of us , and she just hoped that when she moved up here , I didn ’ t move away !
” In 2018 she declined to go and live in a care home after a trial run and lived at home , with the help of carers from Tender Lasting Care , until 10 days before she died .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her long life , and always put it down to her genes .
“ Her sisters were 103 and 96 , and she kept very active , ” said Michael .
“ We found out she might be Staffordshire ’ s oldest resident a few years ago from a chap called Andrew Holmes , who runs a website listing people in the Uk who are over 107 .
“ She was the 14th oldest person in the country before she died , which is something to be proud of.
” Back in 1999 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an over-50s fitness class at St Michael ’ S Church Hall , in Stone , Lilian said : “ “ I am the oldest member in the class and the nearest to me in age are in their seventies , but I ’ m the museum piece .
We all laugh about it .
“ When you get to my age , you have got to keep moving .
I find if I sit down too long I get stiff and the class keeps me going .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (David Broome, James Rodger)

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A Staffordshire woman who was among the oldest in the country has sadly died at the grand old age of 110.
Lilian Ward, from Stone, Staffordshire, had four children, nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
She dug an allotment with her sister until she was past 80, she went to keep fit class until she was 90, and she drove until she was nearly 104.
Lilian has died peacefully at Royal Stoke University Hospital at the age of 110, reports StokeonTrentLive.
Son Mike Ward, 72, MBE, said his mother, who was number 14 on the list of Britain’s oldest living people until her death, was an “amazing lady”.
Her funeral will be held in Stone on 2 March.
She had four sons – Michael (77), Andrew, Francis (twins, 75) and Peter (71) – nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and was fiercely independent.
Everyone who knew her said she was truly an ‘amazing lady’. Her son Michael and daughter in-law Jill, who lived nearby and supported her greatly, said she would still be alive today but for a large gallstone that proved to be inoperable.
Born in Kilburn, London in 1909, she went to school in Willesden Green and Windsor, a place she would revisit decades later when she and Michael visited the Queen on the same day.
After school she worked for many years as a secretary for Shell, and in 1940, married John Ward in Willesden.
After Michael’s birth in 1942, she moved to Exeter after John got a job as a linen buyer at Colsons before opening their own department store – John Ward and sons – in Gillingham, Dorset, in 1946.
They later downsized to a store in Bournemouth, and lived there until John passed away in 1967.
“In that year, we had three weddings and a funeral,” said Michael. “Myself, and my twin brothers all got married, but sadly my father died the same year.
“Mum carried on in the shop until she retired in 1973 and came to live near me in Stone.”
Michael himself had moved from the south-west to Staffordshire to work for the milk board, “in the days when they still paid farmers”.
He added: “She wanted to live near one of us, and she just hoped that when she moved up here, I didn’t move away!”
In 2018 she declined to go and live in a care home after a trial run and lived at home, with the help of carers from Tender Lasting Care, until 10 days before she died.
She was often asked about the secret of her long life, and always put it down to her genes.
“Her sisters were 103 and 96, and she kept very active,” said Michael.
“We found out she might be Staffordshire’s oldest resident a few years ago from a chap called Andrew Holmes, who runs a website listing people in the Uk who are over 107.
“She was the 14th oldest person in the country before she died, which is something to be proud of.”
Back in 1999, when she was still regularly attending an over-50s fitness class at St Michael’S Church Hall, in Stone, Lilian said: ““I am the oldest member in the class and the nearest to me in age are in their seventies, but I’m the museum piece. We all laugh about it.
“When you get to my age, you have got to keep moving. I find if I sit down too long I get stiff and the class keeps me going.”


birminghammail--2020-02-10--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Jack Grealish to Man Utd latest as Mourinho sends Villa message

Hello and welcome to Monday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you up to @ @ @ @ @ Villa news and views as Dean Smith 's side take a well-earned weekend off from @ @ @ @ @ Villa are still in 17th place after the Premier League 's weekend fixtures as they @ @ @ @ @ of Jose Mourinho 's Tottenham .
We 'll be building up to that clash and @ @ @ @ @ and rumours regarding potential summer signings .
And we will keep up in the loop @ @ @ @ @ Grealish , with the skipper heavily linked with a move to Manchester United again last @ @

Hello and welcome to Monday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest Villa news and views as Dean Smith's side take a well-earned weekend off from their battle against relegation.
Villa are still in 17th place after the Premier League's weekend fixtures as they prepare for Sunday's visit of Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.
We'll be building up to that clash and bringing all the latest news and rumours regarding potential summer signings.
And we will keep up in the loop with any developments regarding Jack Grealish, with the skipper heavily linked with a move to Manchester United again last night.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--Birmingham MPs join campaign to stop 50 'foreign criminals' being deported to Jamaica

Birmingham MPs and peers are demanding the Government cancel plans to deport 50 people to Jamaica .
A flight is due to leave tomorrow , February 11 , and the Government insists those on board have committed `` very serious offences '' .
They are believed to include a include a young man who moved to the UK aged five .
But more than 150 MPs and members of the House of Lords have called for the deportation to be halted .
They say there is a danger of repeating the Windrush scandal , when people were deported despite being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in the UK .
A letter signed by the MPs said : `` Two years ago the Windrush crisis shook the country .
In a violation of human rights , the government was found to have been detaining and deporting British citizens and those who had the right to live in the UK for decades . ''
They said the Government should halt the deportations at least until a review into the Windrush scandal , called the Lessons Learned review , has been published .
Some of the review 's findings have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published , and it states that the practice of deporting people who came to the UK as children should be stopped .
The MPs ' letter said : `` Not only is there an unacceptable risk of removing anyone with a potential Windrush claim , but there has been a failure by the Government to remedy the causes of the Windrush scandal . ''
Those signing it included Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood ; Birmingham Hall Green MP Tahir Ali ; Birmingham Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe , and Birmingham Erdington MP Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , MP for Walsall South , also signed the letter .
And it was signed by Birmingham-based peer Lord Hunt of Kings Heath and Black Country peer Lord Snape , a former West Bromwich MP .
Under laws passed in 2007 , the Home Secretary is obliged to order the deportation of someone who commits a crime and is not a British citizen , if they are sentenced to at least 12 months in prison or they are guilty of what is called a `` serious '' crime .
An exception can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal 's human rights .
Critics of the current system say it is cruel to deport someone who has lived in this country for almost all of their life , even if they are not a British citizen .
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak , a senior government , minister , defended the deportations .
He insisted those being forcibly removed had committed `` very serious offences '' and their deportations were `` reasonable '' .
He told Sky News : `` What that plane is about is deporting foreign national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed crimes such as manslaughter , rape , other very serious offences .
`` It 's reasonable , it 's proportionate , and something the British people would expect us to do for foreign criminals who have committed very serious crimes who should be sent back to their countries where they have a right to reside elsewhere . ''
Mr Sunak was asked about the case of Tajay Thompson who is facing deportation to Jamaica having served half of a 15-month sentence in 2015 after being convicted of possessing class A drugs with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompson , now 23 and living in south London , told news agency PA he has no links to the Caribbean nation , which he has only visited twice since coming to the UK at the age of five .
He said : `` I feel like I was born here .
Jamaica is not my country . ''
Mr Sunak said he was not familiar with Mr Thompson 's case but insisted `` all due process will have been followed '' .
The Windrush scandal involved immigrants who arrived in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , often as children , being denied access to healthcare , fired from their jobs or threatened with deportation .
Their parents , many of them from Caribbean countries , were encouraged to travel to the UK to work and help rebuild the country after Word War Two , at a time when Commonwealth citizenship meant they had a legal right to do so .
The name Windrush refers to one of the ships that carried migrants to the UK .
It has come to symbolise Commonwealth immigration during that period .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed to make it harder for people who are in the UK illegally to rent property , find work or obtain NHS care .
This should not affect the Windrush generation , who are here legally , but people who do not have documentation found themselves targetted .

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Birmingham MPs and peers are demanding the Government cancel plans to deport 50 people to Jamaica.
A flight is due to leave tomorrow, February 11, and the Government insists those on board have committed "very serious offences". They are believed to include a include a young man who moved to the UK aged five.
But more than 150 MPs and members of the House of Lords have called for the deportation to be halted. They say there is a danger of repeating the Windrush scandal, when people were deported despite being British citizens or having the right to live in the UK.
A letter signed by the MPs said: "Two years ago the Windrush crisis shook the country. In a violation of human rights, the government was found to have been detaining and deporting British citizens and those who had the right to live in the UK for decades."
They said the Government should halt the deportations at least until a review into the Windrush scandal, called the Lessons Learned review, has been published.
Some of the review's findings have already been leaked, although not officially published, and it states that the practice of deporting people who came to the UK as children should be stopped.
The MPs' letter said: "Not only is there an unacceptable risk of removing anyone with a potential Windrush claim, but there has been a failure by the Government to remedy the causes of the Windrush scandal."
Those signing it included Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood; Birmingham Hall Green MP Tahir Ali; Birmingham Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe, and Birmingham Erdington MP Jack Dromey. Black Country MP Valerie Vaz, MP for Walsall South, also signed the letter.
And it was signed by Birmingham-based peer Lord Hunt of Kings Heath and Black Country peer Lord Snape, a former West Bromwich MP.
Under laws passed in 2007, the Home Secretary is obliged to order the deportation of someone who commits a crime and is not a British citizen, if they are sentenced to at least 12 months in prison or they are guilty of what is called a "serious" crime.
An exception can be made when the deportation would breach the criminal's human rights.
Critics of the current system say it is cruel to deport someone who has lived in this country for almost all of their life, even if they are not a British citizen.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Rishi Sunak, a senior government, minister, defended the deportations. He insisted those being forcibly removed had committed "very serious offences" and their deportations were "reasonable".
He told Sky News: "What that plane is about is deporting foreign national criminals. Many of these people have committed crimes such as manslaughter, rape, other very serious offences.
"It's reasonable, it's proportionate, and something the British people would expect us to do for foreign criminals who have committed very serious crimes who should be sent back to their countries where they have a right to reside elsewhere."
Mr Sunak was asked about the case of Tajay Thompson who is facing deportation to Jamaica having served half of a 15-month sentence in 2015 after being convicted of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply at 17.
Mr Thompson, now 23 and living in south London, told news agency PA he has no links to the Caribbean nation, which he has only visited twice since coming to the UK at the age of five.
He said: "I feel like I was born here. Jamaica is not my country."
Mr Sunak said he was not familiar with Mr Thompson's case but insisted "all due process will have been followed".
The Windrush scandal involved immigrants who arrived in the UK between the late 1940s and early 1970s, often as children, being denied access to healthcare, fired from their jobs or threatened with deportation.
Their parents, many of them from Caribbean countries, were encouraged to travel to the UK to work and help rebuild the country after Word War Two, at a time when Commonwealth citizenship meant they had a legal right to do so.
The name Windrush refers to one of the ships that carried migrants to the UK. It has come to symbolise Commonwealth immigration during that period.
The Government had launched a series of initiatives designed to make it harder for people who are in the UK illegally to rent property, find work or obtain NHS care. This should not affect the Windrush generation, who are here legally, but people who do not have documentation found themselves targetted.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--'Amazing' - Birmingham City star's grateful tribute to Aston Villa man

Scott Hogan ’ s arrival at St Andrew ’ s was welcomed by every Birmingham City player – but by one in particular .
Until the 27-year-old turned up at Wast Hills , Lukas Jutkiewicz had been shouldering the burden as Blues ’ most likely goal-scorer .
It was one he ’ d accepted manfully – with ten keeping him in with a chance of breaking his career high single-season tally of 14 .
Jutkiewicz added an 11th in Friday night ’ s 3-1 victory at Bristol City and stressed just how happy he is to see Hogan move across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now has two in his first two Blues appearances and Jutkiewicz is keen to see them build a lasting relationship .
“ He ’ s done it all his career , I think if you get him on the pitch he is going to score goals , ” Jutkiewicz said .
“ He has got that amazing knack of knowing where to be when the ball drops and more often than not he sticks them away .
We are delighted to have him .
“ We just want to keep him on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am sure he is going to score a lot of goals for us .
“ Having him up there makes a huge difference for me .
We are still working on things , we want to get the timing right , trying to link-up and get him in behind defenders .
“ I think they played a particularly high line at Bristol City and we couldn ’ t quite get it right .
“ A few times the timing was off , we were offside a few times but the intent is certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his movement , with his pace , hopefully allows me a little bit more space to get things into my body and that creates a decent balance .
“ If we can work on that hopefully that ’ s something that can flourish .
“ We ’ d only crossed paths through playing against him and seeing his games .
“ Obviously I knew what a good player and what a good goalscorer he is as soon as we signed him I was delighted because I knew as long as we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score a lot of goals for us.
” Hogan ’ s equaliser and an own goal by Andi Weimann gave Jutkiewicz the platform to score Blues ’ injury time third , a delicate chip over Daniel Bentley – the one hundredth goal of a career that started out as a 17-year-old at Swindon .
“ It ’ s obviously a nice milestone to get to , ” he continued .
“ It ’ s a proud moment for me for sure , hopefully I have got a few more in the locker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncomfortable for defenders when the ball ’ s in the air , you just want to try to get your body and be strong , make sure they can ’ t get an easy clearance away .
“ Once it bounces you have got half a chance to make something of it .
Fortunately it fell really nicely for me and I was delighted with that .
“ It was a nice finish , ultimately as a goalscorer you want to score whatever type of goal you can .
“ It might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I would normally score but they all count one so I am not fussed if they go in off my knee cap or like that .
I will take them any which way they come.
” Blues are now on the crest of an eight-game unbeaten run , including FA Cup matches – and head off to Barnsley on Tuesday night looking to extend that run and continue their climb up the table .
Jutkiewicz is gratified that his team has shown character to rebound from a testing run when they won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s always been there , ” insisted .
“ We have taken a few hits on the nose over Christmas that were difficult to take – that ’ s when you kind of see the true character of people , players and team-mates when you stick together and you don ’ t drift apart .
“ We have managed to get through it together and be honest with each other about how to get better and hopefully we can continue that , it ’ s certainly not the end of something , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something .
“ Everyone is capable of beating everyone in this league .
It ’ s important not to look too far ahead other than Tuesday , try and get a result up there then you look to the next Saturday – as boring as it sounds – and try and get a result there .
Then see where it takes you .
“ Ultimately there is no point in trying to run before you can walk .
“ You want to get to that 45-50 point landmark as soon as possible and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” And Scott Hogan looks as though he is going to help Jutkiewicz and Blues get there .

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Scott Hogan’s arrival at St Andrew’s was welcomed by every Birmingham City player – but by one in particular.
Until the 27-year-old turned up at Wast Hills, Lukas Jutkiewicz had been shouldering the burden as Blues’ most likely goal-scorer.
It was one he’d accepted manfully – with ten keeping him in with a chance of breaking his career high single-season tally of 14.
Jutkiewicz added an 11th in Friday night’s 3-1 victory at Bristol City and stressed just how happy he is to see Hogan move across the city.
For his part Hogan now has two in his first two Blues appearances and Jutkiewicz is keen to see them build a lasting relationship.
“He’s done it all his career, I think if you get him on the pitch he is going to score goals,” Jutkiewicz said.
“He has got that amazing knack of knowing where to be when the ball drops and more often than not he sticks them away. We are delighted to have him.
“We just want to keep him on the pitch, keep him happy and I am sure he is going to score a lot of goals for us.
“Having him up there makes a huge difference for me. We are still working on things, we want to get the timing right, trying to link-up and get him in behind defenders.
“I think they played a particularly high line at Bristol City and we couldn’t quite get it right.
“A few times the timing was off, we were offside a few times but the intent is certainly there, to penetrate teams in behind with his movement, with his pace, hopefully allows me a little bit more space to get things into my body and that creates a decent balance.
“If we can work on that hopefully that’s something that can flourish.
“We’d only crossed paths through playing against him and seeing his games.
“Obviously I knew what a good player and what a good goalscorer he is as soon as we signed him I was delighted because I knew as long as we could provide the ammunition he is going to score a lot of goals for us.”
Hogan’s equaliser and an own goal by Andi Weimann gave Jutkiewicz the platform to score Blues’ injury time third, a delicate chip over Daniel Bentley – the one hundredth goal of a career that started out as a 17-year-old at Swindon.
“It’s obviously a nice milestone to get to,” he continued. “It’s a proud moment for me for sure, hopefully I have got a few more in the locker.
“You just try and make it uncomfortable for defenders when the ball’s in the air, you just want to try to get your body and be strong, make sure they can’t get an easy clearance away.
“Once it bounces you have got half a chance to make something of it. Fortunately it fell really nicely for me and I was delighted with that.
“It was a nice finish, ultimately as a goalscorer you want to score whatever type of goal you can.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
“It might not have been a classic type of goal that I would normally score but they all count one so I am not fussed if they go in off my knee cap or like that. I will take them any which way they come.”
Blues are now on the crest of an eight-game unbeaten run, including FA Cup matches – and head off to Barnsley on Tuesday night looking to extend that run and continue their climb up the table.
Jutkiewicz is gratified that his team has shown character to rebound from a testing run when they won just once in 12.
poll loading What will be the result when Birmingham City face Barnsley at Oakwell? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Barnsley win Blues win Draw
“It’s always been there,” insisted. “We have taken a few hits on the nose over Christmas that were difficult to take – that’s when you kind of see the true character of people, players and team-mates when you stick together and you don’t drift apart.
“We have managed to get through it together and be honest with each other about how to get better and hopefully we can continue that, it’s certainly not the end of something, hopefully it’s the start of something.
(Image: PA)
“Everyone is capable of beating everyone in this league. It’s important not to look too far ahead other than Tuesday, try and get a result up there then you look to the next Saturday – as boring as it sounds – and try and get a result there. Then see where it takes you.
“Ultimately there is no point in trying to run before you can walk.
“You want to get to that 45-50 point landmark as soon as possible and see what the targets are from there.”
And Scott Hogan looks as though he is going to help Jutkiewicz and Blues get there.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--Easyjet passengers urgently contacted after woman on flight diagnosed with coronavirus

A recent easyJet passenger has been diagnosed with coronavirus - sparking a warning from the low-cost carrier .
An easyJet spokeswoman said : `` EasyJet has been notified by the public health authority that a customer who had recently travelled on one of its flights has since been diagnosed with the coronavirus . ''
The statement from the airline subsequently added : `` Public Health England is contacting all passengers who were seated in the vicinity of the customer on flight EZS8481 from Geneva to London Gatwick on 28 January to provide guidance in line with procedures .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the risk to others on board the flight is very low .
`` We remain in contact with the public health authorities and are following their guidance . ''
The airline continued : `` The health and well-being of our passengers and crew is the airline 's highest priority .
`` All of the crew who operated have been advised to monitor themselves for a 14-day period since the flight in line with Public Health England advice .
Note this happened 12 days ago and none are displaying any symptoms . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious and imminent threat to public health '' as it introduced new powers to deal with the spread of the virus .
Under new measures announced on Monday , the Department of Health said people with coronavirus can now be forcibly quarantined and will not be free to leave , and can be forcibly sent into isolation if they pose a threat to public health .
A spokesman said : `` Our infection control procedures are world leading and the NHS is well prepared to deal with novel coronavirus .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals in supported isolation for their own safety and if public health professionals consider they may be at risk of spreading the virus to other members of the public .
`` This measure will rightly make it easier for health professionals to help keep people safe across the country . ''

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A recent easyJet passenger has been diagnosed with coronavirus - sparking a warning from the low-cost carrier.
An easyJet spokeswoman said: "EasyJet has been notified by the public health authority that a customer who had recently travelled on one of its flights has since been diagnosed with the coronavirus."
The statement from the airline subsequently added: "Public Health England is contacting all passengers who were seated in the vicinity of the customer on flight EZS8481 from Geneva to London Gatwick on 28 January to provide guidance in line with procedures.
"As the customer was not experiencing any symptoms, the risk to others on board the flight is very low.
"We remain in contact with the public health authorities and are following their guidance."
The airline continued: "The health and well-being of our passengers and crew is the airline's highest priority.
"All of the crew who operated have been advised to monitor themselves for a 14-day period since the flight in line with Public Health England advice. Note this happened 12 days ago and none are displaying any symptoms."
The Government has declared coronavirus a "serious and imminent threat to public health" as it introduced new powers to deal with the spread of the virus.
Under new measures announced on Monday, the Department of Health said people with coronavirus can now be forcibly quarantined and will not be free to leave, and can be forcibly sent into isolation if they pose a threat to public health.
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A spokesman said: "Our infection control procedures are world leading and the NHS is well prepared to deal with novel coronavirus.
"We are strengthening our regulations so we can keep individuals in supported isolation for their own safety and if public health professionals consider they may be at risk of spreading the virus to other members of the public.
"This measure will rightly make it easier for health professionals to help keep people safe across the country."


birminghammail--2020-02-10--Manchester United tipped to sign former Arsenal star amid Jack Grealish transfer plan

Manchester United are being tipped to sign former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey amid their interest in Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish .
Grealish is claimed to be on United ’ s radar for the summer window but former Villa forward Cascarino thinks Ramsey could be on his way to Old Trafford .
The Welsh international is struggling at Juventus after his transfer in July and there are reports the Serie A champions are already planning on selling him .
The 29-year-old moving to United would surely impact on their interest in Grealish and Cascarino wrote in his column for The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect fit for United .
“ Ramsey played in Juventus ’ defeat away to Verona on Saturday but it was fairly typical of his first season in Italy as he came on as a substitute and didn ’ t have an impact on the game .
“ I can see the former Arsenal man back in the Premier League next season .
“ Reports linking him to Manchester United make a lot of sense as he is the sort of player they need – a proven midfielder with goalscoring pedigree and plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see him not costing too much , with Juventus possibly settling for £20 million as that would get them most of their outlay back.
” Grealish has been Villa ’ s best performer this season , leading the charge against relegation with seven Premier League goals and five assists .
Reports in the national press over the weekend even claimed he has begun house hunting ahead of a potential switch to United , even though no formal talks have taken place .
Manchester City , Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six .

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Manchester United are being tipped to sign former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey amid their interest in Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
Grealish is claimed to be on United’s radar for the summer window but former Villa forward Cascarino thinks Ramsey could be on his way to Old Trafford.
The Welsh international is struggling at Juventus after his transfer in July and there are reports the Serie A champions are already planning on selling him.
The 29-year-old moving to United would surely impact on their interest in Grealish and Cascarino wrote in his column for The Times: “Ramsey would be the perfect fit for United.
“Ramsey played in Juventus’ defeat away to Verona on Saturday but it was fairly typical of his first season in Italy as he came on as a substitute and didn’t have an impact on the game.
“I can see the former Arsenal man back in the Premier League next season.
“Reports linking him to Manchester United make a lot of sense as he is the sort of player they need – a proven midfielder with goalscoring pedigree and plenty of Premier League experience.
“I could see him not costing too much, with Juventus possibly settling for £20 million as that would get them most of their outlay back.”
Grealish has been Villa’s best performer this season, leading the charge against relegation with seven Premier League goals and five assists.
Reports in the national press over the weekend even claimed he has begun house hunting ahead of a potential switch to United, even though no formal talks have taken place.
Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked with the playmaker who joined Villa aged six.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--'Everyone knew' Phillip Schofield was gay says Joan Collins in jaw-dropping GMB interview

Joan Collins has addressed Phillip Schofield revealing his sexuality in an emotional , full and frank statement on Instagram last week .
Schofield became emotional and said he `` was n't being honest with myself '' as he talked publicly about his sexuality for the first time on Friday .
Collins appeared opposite Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Monday , February 10 , as she was interviewed on Good Morning Britain .
Taking to GMB alongside Sharon Osbourne and Kelly , as well as Perez Hilton , Collins suggested `` everyone knew '' the TV host was gay before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host spoke to his co-presenter , Holly Willoughby , on the ITV show after revealing on his Instagram stories that he had `` been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay '' .
Joan said : `` What was the reason he suddenly felt he needed to go public with this , when a lot of people already knew ?
I mean , we all knew . ''
She later said : `` I was n't in England so I have n't seen it , but I thought , 'why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' I mean , it seemed like he was living a fine life .
`` Everybody who knew him knew that he was gay , why does he want to tell everybody or confess , as it were .
`` We so take for granted today that people are gay or lesbian or trans or whatever , that it seems a little odd to make a big pronouncement . ''
Schofield , who has been a fixture on the programme since 2002 , has been married to wife Steph for more than 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Molly and Ruby .
He and Willoughby appeared as guests on the show , which on a Friday morning is normally hosted by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford .

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Joan Collins has addressed Phillip Schofield revealing his sexuality in an emotional, full and frank statement on Instagram last week.
Schofield became emotional and said he "wasn't being honest with myself" as he talked publicly about his sexuality for the first time on Friday.
Collins appeared opposite Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Monday, February 10, as she was interviewed on Good Morning Britain.
Taking to GMB alongside Sharon Osbourne and Kelly, as well as Perez Hilton, Collins suggested "everyone knew" the TV host was gay before his big reveal.
The This Morning host spoke to his co-presenter, Holly Willoughby, on the ITV show after revealing on his Instagram stories that he had "been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay".
Joan said: "What was the reason he suddenly felt he needed to go public with this, when a lot of people already knew? I mean, we all knew."
She later said: "I wasn't in England so I haven't seen it, but I thought, 'why does he have to do that?' I mean, it seemed like he was living a fine life.
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"Everybody who knew him knew that he was gay, why does he want to tell everybody or confess, as it were.
"We so take for granted today that people are gay or lesbian or trans or whatever, that it seems a little odd to make a big pronouncement."
Schofield, who has been a fixture on the programme since 2002, has been married to wife Steph for more than 20 years and they have two daughters - Molly and Ruby.
He and Willoughby appeared as guests on the show, which on a Friday morning is normally hosted by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--Aston Villa Q&A live - McGinn return key, Davis update, Grealish staying at Villa Park

Fourteen games , a Carabao Cup Final , Premier League survival - that 's the three-month challenge facing Aston Villa from now until the end of the season .
Dean Smith , staff and players will report back in at Bodymoor Heath ahead of Sunday 's showdown with Tottenham at Villa Park .
The likes of Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings enjoyed some much-needed time off in the sun last week - but every first-team player was given a strict winter break training programme to keep them razor-sharp ahead of the run-in .
Smith , of course , was dealt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis hobbled off with a hamstring injury playing for the under-23s in a bid to boost the striker 's match-fitness .
Elsewhere , John McGinn stayed back at base to continue his recovery from a fractured ankle with a likely return date being mid-March .
It 's Spurs , Southampton and then the huge Wembley showpiece against Manchester City up next for Villa , as Smith and the players go about writing their own piece of claret and blue history .
Join our Aston Villa Club Writer , Ashley Preece , for today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submit your questions and comments by using the box , below .

Fourteen games, a Carabao Cup Final, Premier League survival - that's the three-month challenge facing Aston Villa from now until the end of the season.
Dean Smith, staff and players will report back in at Bodymoor Heath ahead of Sunday's showdown with Tottenham at Villa Park.
The likes of Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings enjoyed some much-needed time off in the sun last week - but every first-team player was given a strict winter break training programme to keep them razor-sharp ahead of the run-in.
Smith, of course, was dealt a blow seven days ago when Keinan Davis hobbled off with a hamstring injury playing for the under-23s in a bid to boost the striker's match-fitness.
Elsewhere, John McGinn stayed back at base to continue his recovery from a fractured ankle with a likely return date being mid-March.
It's Spurs, Southampton and then the huge Wembley showpiece against Manchester City up next for Villa, as Smith and the players go about writing their own piece of claret and blue history.
Our Aston Villa Club Writer, Ashley Preece, answered a host of hot topics during today's liveQ&A. You can view everything, below.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--'Not good enough for Leeds United' - Helder Costa given brutal £15m transfer verdict

When Helder Costa swapped Molineux for Elland Road , Leeds United supporters were quite rightly excited by their latest acquisition .
Despite falling out of favour as Wolverhampton Wanderers ' Premier League journey continued , Costa had terrific pedigree in the second tier .
With a season-long loan to adapt to life under Marcelo Bielsa , before the move becomes permanent in the summer , it seemed to be the perfect deal for all parties .
But , unfortunately for Costa , Bielsa and the Leeds faithful it has simply not worked out .
In their latest Championship defeat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former Wolves winger played the full 90 minutes .
And in front of the Sky cameras , his old fans would have recognised his name and appearance , but little else would have reminded them of the man who wowed the masses in old gold .
Tentative and cautious , Costa appears to have lost the freedom with which he played with under Nuno Espirito Santo .
It was n't for a lack of effort , but he was one of a number of Leeds players that seemed to cower against their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media , shows how far the Molineux fan favourite has fallen : @ ChicagoWhite : Costa so frustrating shows flashes of the skills he has but again could n't cross , shoot or take on defenders in final 3rd he should not start # LUFC need much better from both wings as service yesterday was atrocious & the reason # LUFC did n't score @ Toots126 : On Tuesday Bamford , Hernandez , and Costa and Kiko need to sit on their hands for a game .
Time to start Augustin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs the balls to bench key players when they don ’ t perform @ LeedsUTDRyan : Let 's be honest Costa , Bamford & Casilla should n't be playing for Leeds United @ Emma_Lou_84 : Rather Leeds pay £15mil on Costa Coffee for the fans than I would it be spent on Helder Costa @ willowlufc : dont know why but before i set off to work i watched highlights of costa at wolves , what have we done to him ?
?
he use to retire defenders , getting at em and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like having a DM on wing soon as he gets ball he passes @ ColinMckee2 : Personally think Costa has a lot more to answer for then Casilla .
Yes Casilla makes individual errors at times .
But helder Costa is a 15 million pound signing who looks like he 's a float in from league two .
Must be better to come .
In the league this term , Costa has just three goals and two assists .
But in a time where his side have seen their lead over the chasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference , he is failing to make an impact .
As part of the initial deal , Leeds are obliged to sign Helder Costa for around £15m at the end of the season .
But unless he turns the corner , and fast , it could prove to be one of the shrewdest piece of transfer business in Fosun 's spell at the club .

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When Helder Costa swapped Molineux for Elland Road, Leeds United supporters were quite rightly excited by their latest acquisition.
Despite falling out of favour as Wolverhampton Wanderers' Premier League journey continued, Costa had terrific pedigree in the second tier.
With a season-long loan to adapt to life under Marcelo Bielsa, before the move becomes permanent in the summer, it seemed to be the perfect deal for all parties.
But, unfortunately for Costa, Bielsa and the Leeds faithful it has simply not worked out.
In their latest Championship defeat, a 2-0 reversal at Nottingham Forest, the former Wolves winger played the full 90 minutes. And in front of the Sky cameras, his old fans would have recognised his name and appearance, but little else would have reminded them of the man who wowed the masses in old gold.
Tentative and cautious, Costa appears to have lost the freedom with which he played with under Nuno Espirito Santo. It wasn't for a lack of effort, but he was one of a number of Leeds players that seemed to cower against their promotion rivals.
A quick look on social media, shows how far the Molineux fan favourite has fallen:
@ChicagoWhite: Costa so frustrating shows flashes of the skills he has but again couldn't cross, shoot or take on defenders in final 3rd he should not start #LUFC need much better from both wings as service yesterday was atrocious & the reason #LUFC didn't score
@Toots126: On Tuesday Bamford, Hernandez, and Costa and Kiko need to sit on their hands for a game. Time to start Augustin, Roberts, Poveda and Meslier. Bielsa needs the balls to bench key players when they don’t perform
@LeedsUTDRyan: Let's be honest Costa, Bamford & Casilla shouldn't be playing for Leeds United
@Emma_Lou_84: Rather Leeds pay £15mil on Costa Coffee for the fans than I would it be spent on Helder Costa
@willowlufc: dont know why but before i set off to work i watched highlights of costa at wolves,what have we done to him??he use to retire defenders,getting at em and getting balls in box,now its like having a DM on wing soon as he gets ball he passes
@ColinMckee2: Personally think Costa has a lot more to answer for then Casilla. Yes Casilla makes individual errors at times. But helder Costa is a 15 million pound signing who looks like he's a float in from league two. Must be better to come.
In the league this term, Costa has just three goals and two assists. But in a time where his side have seen their lead over the chasing pack cut from 16 points to goal difference, he is failing to make an impact.
As part of the initial deal, Leeds are obliged to sign Helder Costa for around £15m at the end of the season. But unless he turns the corner, and fast, it could prove to be one of the shrewdest piece of transfer business in Fosun's spell at the club.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--Tree lands on Wylde Green home in height of Storm Ciara

People living in this Wylde Green home had a lucky escape after Storm Ciara brought a tree crashing down on top of the house .
Dramatic pictures show fire crews removing the uprooted the tree , which fell onto the detached Berwood Road property yesterday afternoon ( Sunday , February 9 ) in the height of the severe storm .
Following a 999 call at 2.10pm , 10 firefighters were sent to the scene from Erdington and Wednesbury , along with a brigade response vehicle from Ladywood and a hydraulic platform from Oldbury .
They used a chainsaw to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of hours .
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service told BirminghamLive : `` There were no signs of serious structural damage and the tree was removed using a chainsaw , working from a hydraulic platform .
`` We left the incident in the hands of the occupier and advised them to contact their insurance company and a structural engineer . ''
The third named storm of 2020 wreaked havoc as it swept into the region over the weekend .
Planes , trains and roads were affected , dozens of trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's outdoor visitor attractions remained closed .
Thousands of homes were also left without power .
Disruption continued today ( Monday , February 10 ) as many rail lines were closed , with buses replacing trains between Wolverhampton and Stafford after nine trees fell on the line .

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People living in this Wylde Green home had a lucky escape after Storm Ciara brought a tree crashing down on top of the house.
Dramatic pictures show fire crews removing the uprooted the tree, which fell onto the detached Berwood Road property yesterday afternoon (Sunday, February 9) in the height of the severe storm.
Following a 999 call at 2.10pm, 10 firefighters were sent to the scene from Erdington and Wednesbury, along with a brigade response vehicle from Ladywood and a hydraulic platform from Oldbury.
(Image: West Midlands Fire Service)
They used a chainsaw to remove the tree - an operation that took a number of hours.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service told BirminghamLive: "There were no signs of serious structural damage and the tree was removed using a chainsaw, working from a hydraulic platform.
"We left the incident in the hands of the occupier and advised them to contact their insurance company and a structural engineer."
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The third named storm of 2020 wreaked havoc as it swept into the region over the weekend.
Planes, trains and roads were affected, dozens of trees fell down and many of the region's outdoor visitor attractions remained closed. Thousands of homes were also left without power.
Disruption continued today (Monday, February 10) as many rail lines were closed, with buses replacing trains between Wolverhampton and Stafford after nine trees fell on the line.


birminghammail--2020-02-10--Watch as 'disgusting' fly-tipper in shades flings mattress onto the roadside and drives off

A brazen fly-tipper has been caught on camera dumping a mattress on a Walsall road before driving off .
The man stopped in Winterley Lane in Rushall before taking the mattress out of his van and chucking it on the side of the road , following the incident at 9.59am on November 8 last year .
Angry Walsall Council environmental bosses have now offered a £500 reward for help and information that leads to the conviction of the offender .
An image and a video of the incident has been posted on the authority 's `` Most Wanted '' page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative , which was launched in 2018 , is one of a number of measures the council has introduced as it fights to tackle fly-tipping , littering and other environmental crimes .
Last year , the council decided to increase fines for such offences to the maximum possible .
Previously , council chief Mike Bird has said clearing up litter and fly-tipping costs them between £750,000 and a £1 million a year .
Councillor Oliver Butler , portfolio holder for clean and green said : `` It is disgusting that Clean and Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money and effort cleaning up after people who can not be bothered to dispose of their waste correctly .
`` There really is no excuse for this as both our household recycling centres at Fryers Lane , Bloxwich and Merchants Way , Aldridge are now open 7 days a week , thanks to the changes we have made to opening hours .
`` Hopefully somebody will recognise this individual and provide us with their details as we are offering a reward of £500 for information leading to a successful conviction .
`` Recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bill for £4,500 by the Court for their trouble .
Therefore the message is clear .
`` Community protection led by Councillor Garry Perry are hunting fly tippers and they can expect a knock at the door or a letter in the post , along with a fine for their actions . ''
Anyone who recognises the man is urged to contact the Community Protection team on 01922 653060 or by email to communityprotection @ walsall.gov.uk quoting reference WK/201919360 .
Further information on fly tippers who have been issued with fines can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grime Fighters @ WSGrimeFighters

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A brazen fly-tipper has been caught on camera dumping a mattress on a Walsall road before driving off.
The man stopped in Winterley Lane in Rushall before taking the mattress out of his van and chucking it on the side of the road, following the incident at 9.59am on November 8 last year.
Angry Walsall Council environmental bosses have now offered a £500 reward for help and information that leads to the conviction of the offender.
An image and a video of the incident has been posted on the authority's "Most Wanted" page on their website.
The £500 reward initiative, which was launched in 2018, is one of a number of measures the council has introduced as it fights to tackle fly-tipping, littering and other environmental crimes.
Last year, the council decided to increase fines for such offences to the maximum possible.
Previously, council chief Mike Bird has said clearing up litter and fly-tipping costs them between £750,000 and a £1 million a year.
Councillor Oliver Butler, portfolio holder for clean and green said: "It is disgusting that Clean and Green have to spend so much time, money and effort cleaning up after people who cannot be bothered to dispose of their waste correctly.
"There really is no excuse for this as both our household recycling centres at Fryers Lane, Bloxwich and Merchants Way, Aldridge are now open 7 days a week, thanks to the changes we have made to opening hours.
"Hopefully somebody will recognise this individual and provide us with their details as we are offering a reward of £500 for information leading to a successful conviction.
"Recently one fly tipper in Walsall was given a bill for £4,500 by the Court for their trouble. Therefore the message is clear.
"Community protection led by Councillor Garry Perry are hunting fly tippers and they can expect a knock at the door or a letter in the post, along with a fine for their actions."
Anyone who recognises the man is urged to contact the Community Protection team on 01922 653060 or by email to communityprotection@walsall.gov.uk quoting reference WK/201919360.
Further information on fly tippers who have been issued with fines can be found on the twitter account Walsall Grime Fighters @WSGrimeFighters


birminghammail--2020-02-10--West Coast Main Line suspended as Storm Ciara sparks more train chaos for passengers on Monday

The West Coast Main Line is suspended in the north today as the UK 's transport network is struggling to recover after being battered by Storm Ciara over the weekend .
Train services are suffering delays and cancellations as repairs to the railway are carried out following damage caused by the extreme weather .
The West Coast Main Line is suspended between Carlisle and Glasgow due to flooding at Caldew Viaduct , Cumbria .
Strong winds blew trees , sheds , roofs , trampolines and other debris onto tracks on Sunday , blocking lines and bringing down overhead power cables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but passengers are being warned they will be `` extremely busy '' .
A Network Rail spokesman said thousands of its engineers `` battled horrendous conditions '' throughout Sunday and overnight into Monday in a bid to clear tracks and repair damage .
Speed restrictions exist on several routes , meaning journeys are taking longer than normal and frequencies are reduced .
Among the operators affected are Avanti West Coast , CrossCountry , Great Western Railway , LNER , Northern , ScotRail and South Western Railway .
Disruption is expected to continue throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to and from UK airports continue to be affected by the weather conditions , with more than 100 flights cancelled .
British Airways and easyJet appeared to be the worst affected , although several other airlines were also hit .
By 11am , some 33 of Heathrow 's Monday departures were cancelled - equivalent to 5 % of flights - and a further 82 were delayed by at least 15 minutes .
British Airways said `` safety is at the heart of everything we do '' and stressed that the airline is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` We are sorry for the disruption to your travel plans and are doing all we can to get you to your destination as quickly as we can . ''
Passengers due to travel on domestic and European flights on Monday were able to re-book to an alternative date .
P & O Ferries said it was forced to cancel several sailings between Dover and Calais due to the knock-on effect of the weekend 's weather .
Another ferry firm , DFDS , said its services on the route were disrupted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several roads around the country remained closed on Monday due to fallen trees and flooding .
The RAC urged motorists embarking on journeys as Storm Ciara clears to carry out vehicle checks such as their fuel level , lights and tyre tread .

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The West Coast Main Line is suspended in the north today as the UK's transport network is struggling to recover after being battered by Storm Ciara over the weekend.
Train services are suffering delays and cancellations as repairs to the railway are carried out following damage caused by the extreme weather.
The West Coast Main Line is suspended between Carlisle and Glasgow due to flooding at Caldew Viaduct, Cumbria.
Strong winds blew trees, sheds, roofs, trampolines and other debris onto tracks on Sunday, blocking lines and bringing down overhead power cables.
Rail replacement buses have been deployed but passengers are being warned they will be "extremely busy".
A Network Rail spokesman said thousands of its engineers "battled horrendous conditions" throughout Sunday and overnight into Monday in a bid to clear tracks and repair damage.
Speed restrictions exist on several routes, meaning journeys are taking longer than normal and frequencies are reduced.
Among the operators affected are Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, LNER, Northern, ScotRail and South Western Railway.
Disruption is expected to continue throughout the rest of Monday.
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Airlines operating to and from UK airports continue to be affected by the weather conditions, with more than 100 flights cancelled.
British Airways and easyJet appeared to be the worst affected, although several other airlines were also hit.
By 11am, some 33 of Heathrow's Monday departures were cancelled - equivalent to 5% of flights - and a further 82 were delayed by at least 15 minutes.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
British Airways said "safety is at the heart of everything we do" and stressed that the airline is "carefully assessing every flight".
It added: "We are sorry for the disruption to your travel plans and are doing all we can to get you to your destination as quickly as we can."
Passengers due to travel on domestic and European flights on Monday were able to re-book to an alternative date.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
P&O Ferries said it was forced to cancel several sailings between Dover and Calais due to the knock-on effect of the weekend's weather.
Another ferry firm, DFDS, said its services on the route were disrupted due to the Channel's weather conditions.
Several roads around the country remained closed on Monday due to fallen trees and flooding.
The RAC urged motorists embarking on journeys as Storm Ciara clears to carry out vehicle checks such as their fuel level, lights and tyre tread.