birminghammail--2020-12-09--National media weigh in on Newcastle vs West Brom fears

The national press are optimistic about West Bromwich Albion 's Premier League game against Newcastle United going ahead on Saturday .
After Steve Bruce 's side saw their trip to Aston Villa postponed on Friday night because of a coronavirus outbreak at the Magpies ' training ground , there are fears that the game against West Brom could head the same way .
Newcastle 's Benton training ground was briefly shut after positive test results , some reports claiming as many as seven , were returned ahead of the Villa game .
Now the training centre is back open and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday afternoon ( 3pm ) looks set to go ahead .
We 've rounded up what the national media are reporting about the situation and what they think about the prospects of the game being played ...
The Times state that the club 's training ground was deemed 'fit for purpose ' by Public Health England , and that players are now back in training for the first time since November 26 .
As many as seven first-team players have tested positive for Covid-19 over the last two weeks , the first two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on November 27 .
Sky Sports state that the game against West Brom is likely to go ahead - regardless of how many first-team players Newcastle have available .
They report that now that the training ground is open , players who tested positive at the start of the outbreak will be back available for the clash against West Brom .
The Mail report that there is 'optimism ' from Newcastle that they will be able to stage the match against West Brom .
They state that players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as long as there are no more positive tests returned , the game can go ahead .
As long as the training ground stays open , the Premier League will apparently be unlikely to grant another postponement .
The Sun state that Baggies boss Slaven Bilic wants the match to go ahead , as he is not keen on having games in hand on relegation rivals .
`` To be fair , I 'd like to play that game , '' he told reporters .
`` Not because there 's a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit for that game , but because having a game in hand sounds good - if you ’ re at the top of the table .
`` If you 're lacking points , it affects the table and the table affects your mentality , it affects the media , it affects the confidence .
`` One game , OK .
But if it becomes two games in hand , then the gap is bigger and you ’ re not in the position you want to be , it becomes a significant problem .
@

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The national press are optimistic about West Bromwich Albion's Premier League game against Newcastle United going ahead on Saturday.
After Steve Bruce's side saw their trip to Aston Villa postponed on Friday night because of a coronavirus outbreak at the Magpies' training ground, there are fears that the game against West Brom could head the same way.
Newcastle's Benton training ground was briefly shut after positive test results, some reports claiming as many as seven, were returned ahead of the Villa game.
Now the training centre is back open and the St James' Park clash on Saturday afternoon (3pm) looks set to go ahead.
We've rounded up what the national media are reporting about the situation and what they think about the prospects of the game being played...
The Times
The Times state that the club's training ground was deemed 'fit for purpose' by Public Health England, and that players are now back in training for the first time since November 26.
As many as seven first-team players have tested positive for Covid-19 over the last two weeks, the first two of which were before the win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on November 27.
Read more HERE.
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Sky Sports
Sky Sports state that the game against West Brom is likely to go ahead - regardless of how many first-team players Newcastle have available.
They report that now that the training ground is open, players who tested positive at the start of the outbreak will be back available for the clash against West Brom.
Full piece HERE.
Daily Mail
The Mail report that there is 'optimism' from Newcastle that they will be able to stage the match against West Brom.
They state that players and staff are being tested daily, and as long as there are no more positive tests returned, the game can go ahead.
As long as the training ground stays open, the Premier League will apparently be unlikely to grant another postponement.
More HERE.
The Sun
The Sun state that Baggies boss Slaven Bilic wants the match to go ahead, as he is not keen on having games in hand on relegation rivals.
"To be fair, I'd like to play that game," he told reporters.
"Not because there's a chance that they’ll not be fully fit for that game, but because having a game in hand sounds good - if you’re at the top of the table.
"If you're lacking points, it affects the table and the table affects your mentality, it affects the media, it affects the confidence.
"One game, OK. But if it becomes two games in hand, then the gap is bigger and you’re not in the position you want to be, it becomes a significant problem."
Full piece HERE.


birminghammail--2020-12-09--Female police officer savagely attacked during stop-and-search of boy, 16

These graphic pictures show a female police officer 's horrific facial injuries after she was attacked during a stop and search of a 16-year-old boy .
The young officer , who has not been named but is in her 20s , needing facial surgery after she was assaulted while handcuffing the boy .
The thug , who was considerably bigger than the officer , punched her in the nose after she tried to restrain him during a stop and search in Ashby , Leics.
, on September 12 .
Leicestershire Police released shocking pictures of the officer with blood on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her nose after the teenage admitted wounding .
The boy , of Swadlincote , Derbys.
, appeared at Leicester Magistrates ’ Court on Monday ( 7/12 ) and will be sentenced on January 11 next year .
The court heard the officer needed three months off work following the assault and still struggles to breathe properly through her nose .
The injured officer said : “ It does make me angry that I was out doing my job and I have been attacked in this way .
“ It shouldn ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job and left with injuries like this that will be with me for the rest of my life.
” The officer was attacked after she helped colleagues during a stop and search operation .
As she placed a handcuff around one of the youth ’ s wrists , he then used his free hand to punch her to the nose .
She described her face being forced to the side and suffering pain she “ had never experienced before ” .
Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a # BrumWish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for more than 1,000 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will ensure the presents get to the kids .
If you ca n't get on Amazon , you can donate cash through the Winter Wellbeing VirginMoney page - just make sure to put the word BRUM in the comments so it comes through to # BrumWish .
She added : “ It happened so quickly and I didn ’ t know what had hit me .
I just felt extreme pain and realised I couldn ’ t see properly either.
” Despite her horrific injuries , the officer managed to keep hold of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was rushed to Queens Hospital Burton where it was found she had suffered from a broken nose , a broken septum , a deep laceration and tear to the left side of her nose and nostril , significant swelling and bruising .
She underwent surgery in an attempt to repair her damaged nose had six internal stitches and 11 external stitches .
She said : “ I do hope to be able to be back out at some point working operationally but at the moment it is a case of seeing how things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inspector Rich Jackson said : “ This was a horrific assault carried out on an officer who was simply doing her job .
“ The attack was carried out by a person who was bigger , taller and stronger meaning that one punch caused horrendous long-term injuries .
”

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These graphic pictures show a female police officer's horrific facial injuries after she was attacked during a stop and search of a 16-year-old boy.
The young officer, who has not been named but is in her 20s, needing facial surgery after she was assaulted while handcuffing the boy.
The thug, who was considerably bigger than the officer, punched her in the nose after she tried to restrain him during a stop and search in Ashby, Leics., on September 12.
Leicestershire Police released shocking pictures of the officer with blood on her face and a deep gash on her nose after the teenage admitted wounding.
The boy, of Swadlincote, Derbys., appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday (7/12) and will be sentenced on January 11 next year.
The court heard the officer needed three months off work following the assault and still struggles to breathe properly through her nose.
(Image: SWNS)
The injured officer said: “It does make me angry that I was out doing my job and I have been attacked in this way.
“It shouldn’t be accepted that I am attacked in my job and left with injuries like this that will be with me for the rest of my life.”
The officer was attacked after she helped colleagues during a stop and search operation.
As she placed a handcuff around one of the youth’s wrists, he then used his free hand to punch her to the nose.
She described her face being forced to the side and suffering pain she “had never experienced before”.
She added: “It happened so quickly and I didn’t know what had hit me. I just felt extreme pain and realised I couldn’t see properly either.”
Despite her horrific injuries, the officer managed to keep hold of the handcuffs after being attacked.
She was rushed to Queens Hospital Burton where it was found she had suffered from a broken nose, a broken septum, a deep laceration and tear to the left side of her nose and nostril, significant swelling and bruising.
She underwent surgery in an attempt to repair her damaged nose had six internal stitches and 11 external stitches.
She said: “I do hope to be able to be back out at some point working operationally but at the moment it is a case of seeing how things are and seeing how I feel.”
Inspector Rich Jackson said: “This was a horrific assault carried out on an officer who
was simply doing her job.
“The attack was carried out by a person who was bigger, taller and stronger meaning that one punch caused horrendous long-term injuries.”


birminghammail--2020-12-09--Gogglebox viewers hit with warning over scam targeting fans

Gogglebox star Sophie Sandiford has been left mortified after hackers stole her identity as part of a scam .
Sophie appears on the Channel 4 favourite each Friday evening at 9pm , with new episodes airing weekly .
She is a star of the show alongside brother Pete , and the Blackpool siblings are two of the most recognisable and best-loved members of the cast .
Sophie , aged 24 , has been dealt with another blow as she has had her identity stolen online just a week after losing her job at Debenhams .
`` Sorry if anyone has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this evening , '' Sophie wrote on Monday night ( December 7 ) .
`` Thankfully I think the account has been taken down but if you do receive any strange messages please report and block .
Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for more than 1,000 youngsters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
If you ca n't get on Amazon , you can donate cash through the Winter Wellbeing VirginMoney page - just make sure to put the word BRUM in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # BrumWish .
Last week she revealed she was losing her job at Debenhams .
`` We might be going but we are going with a smile # debenhams , '' she wrote on Instagram with a snap of her and a colleague .
In November , Sophie had to wipe away tears and was comforted by brother Pete as she realised the second national lockdown meant non-essential shops would have to close again , which included the Debenhams store she works at .
`` It 's just sad is n't it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` It 's going to get even worse , more people are going to lose their jobs and things like that , it 's just awful . ''
Sophie and Pete are members of the Gogglebox cast for its ongoing series which airs each Friday at 9pm .

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Gogglebox star Sophie Sandiford has been left mortified after hackers stole her identity as part of a scam.
Sophie appears on the Channel 4 favourite each Friday evening at 9pm, with new episodes airing weekly.
She is a star of the show alongside brother Pete, and the Blackpool siblings are two of the most recognisable and best-loved members of the cast.
Sophie, aged 24, has been dealt with another blow as she has had her identity stolen online just a week after losing her job at Debenhams.
"Sorry if anyone has been receiving messages from a fake account this evening," Sophie wrote on Monday night (December 7).
"Thankfully I think the account has been taken down but if you do receive any strange messages please report and block.
"Thank you, Soph."
Last week she revealed she was losing her job at Debenhams.
"We might be going but we are going with a smile #debenhams," she wrote on Instagram with a snap of her and a colleague.
In November, Sophie had to wipe away tears and was comforted by brother Pete as she realised the second national lockdown meant non-essential shops would have to close again, which included the Debenhams store she works at.
"It's just sad isn't it. It's just s**t for everybody," she said.
"It's going to get even worse, more people are going to lose their jobs and things like that, it's just awful."
Sophie and Pete are members of the Gogglebox cast for its ongoing series which airs each Friday at 9pm.


birminghammail--2020-12-09--Baffled residents slam 'David Brent-style woke' street names for Perry Barr

New street names for a Birmingham housing development have been condemned as `` cringeworthy '' .
The six Perry Barr streets will be called Diversity Grove , Equality Road , Destiny Road , Inspire Avenue , Respect Way and Humanity Close .
The names - put forward by a member of the public after a Birmingham City Council contest - were said by the authority to `` capture the essence of Perry Barr and indeed the city of Birmingham as a whole '' .
But did not appear to be a widely-shared view among those responding on social media .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gervais 's comedy creation , David Brent - who released a Comic Relief single called Equality Street .
Matthew Murphy wrote on Facebook : `` Gosh this is so 2020 .
How embarrassingly cringeworthy .
There is zero culture in these bland dictionary words . ''
Twitter user jayjayjjetplane added : `` Seriously !
?
!
You could have chosen to mark some of the great people from across Birmingham 's multi-cultural community , instead THIS is what you came up with ?
!
`` A series of banal buzz words for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play host to the commonwealth athletes .
Another wrote : `` Sterile , artless .
Only a bloated bureaucracy of mid-wits could sign off on such c*** . ''
Yet another comment read : `` What a waste of money '' Someone else said : `` Lmao .
Ideological drivel lacking in soul and meaning/heritage '' One correspondent said : `` Welcome to the City of Woke '' while another said : `` What an enormous pile of virtue signally d** s*** . ''
Dan Adams posted : `` This is what happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school child on your council 's planning committee . ''
The names were selected through a contest in which members of the public were invited to submit naming ideas to the council for the estate , which will contain 1,400 homes .
They were asked to provide names which should ideally have a `` local connection , which is historically , geographically or culturally relevant '' .
Perry Barr is being transformed ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games , with the Alexander Stadium to be focal point .
City environment boss Coun Waseem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which agreed the winning entry .
He said : `` We were delighted with the standard of the entries that people put forward to name these streets in the largest regeneration scheme we have seen in the north west of Birmingham for many decades .
`` I want to thank everyone who took some time to get involved with this contest .
But it was clear one entry stood out in a very strong field .
`` The names put forward struck a chord with everyone on the panel and the chosen values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indeed the city of Birmingham as a whole.
” Dame Louise Martin DBE , President of the Commonwealth Games Federation , added : `` I am delighted to see these new Perry Barr streets incorporate our values of Humanity , Equality and Destiny .
`` This is important as the Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme will be one of the great legacies of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games .
`` Due to Birmingham hosting the Games , this much-needed residential scheme has been significantly accelerated .
`` The additional investment from central government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid commitment , has made this possible .
`` It is a clear example of partners working together across Birmingham and the West Midlands to deliver the best possible legacy from the Games . ''

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New street names for a Birmingham housing development have been condemned as "cringeworthy".
The six Perry Barr streets will be called Diversity Grove, Equality Road, Destiny Road, Inspire Avenue, Respect Way and Humanity Close.
The names - put forward by a member of the public after a Birmingham City Council contest - were said by the authority to "capture the essence of Perry Barr and indeed the city of Birmingham as a whole".
But did not appear to be a widely-shared view among those responding on social media.
Some said they were reminded of Ricky Gervais's comedy creation, David Brent - who released a Comic Relief single called Equality Street.
Matthew Murphy wrote on Facebook: "Gosh this is so 2020. How embarrassingly cringeworthy. There is zero culture in these bland dictionary words."
(Image: BCC)
Twitter user jayjayjjetplane added: "Seriously!?! You could have chosen to mark some of the great people from across Birmingham's multi-cultural community, instead THIS is what you came up with?!
"A series of banal buzz words for a series of roads that won't even play host to the commonwealth athletes.
Another wrote: "Sterile, artless. Only a bloated bureaucracy of mid-wits could sign off on such c***."
Yet another comment read: "What a waste of money"
Someone else said: "Lmao. Ideological drivel lacking in soul and meaning/heritage"
Another wrote: "Political correctness gone mad".
(Image: BCC)
One correspondent said: "Welcome to the City of Woke" while another said: "What an enormous pile of virtue signally d** s***."
Dan Adams posted: "This is what happens when you have David Brent and a school child on your council's planning committee."
The names were selected through a contest in which members of the public were invited to submit naming ideas to the council for the estate, which will contain 1,400 homes.
They were asked to provide names which should ideally have a "local connection, which is historically, geographically or culturally relevant".
Perry Barr is being transformed ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with the Alexander Stadium to be focal point.
City environment boss Coun Waseem Zaffar, chaired the naming selection panel which agreed the winning entry.
He said: "We were delighted with the standard of the entries that people put forward to name these streets in the largest regeneration scheme we have seen in the north west of Birmingham for many decades.
"I want to thank everyone who took some time to get involved with this contest. But it was clear one entry stood out in a very strong field.
"The names put forward struck a chord with everyone on the panel and the chosen values captured the essence of Perry Barr and indeed the city of Birmingham as a whole.”
Dame Louise Martin DBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, added: "I am delighted to see these new Perry Barr streets incorporate our values of Humanity, Equality and Destiny.
"This is important as the Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme will be one of the great legacies of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
"Due to Birmingham hosting the Games, this much-needed residential scheme has been significantly accelerated.
"The additional investment from central government, which has come as part of the bid commitment, has made this possible.
"It is a clear example of partners working together across Birmingham and the West Midlands to deliver the best possible legacy from the Games."


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Seven important police updates in the past week in Worcestershire

As the force covering Worcestershire , Shropshire and Herefordshire , West Mercia Police deals with a variety of incidents during any given week .
In the past seven days , officers have issued updates on a distraction burglary in Redditch , a serious crash on the A46 in Evesham and a brawl at a Worcester restaurant We 've listed some of the most important police updates you may have missed from the past week .
Police are appealing for witnesses after a Redditch woman was targeted in a distraction burglary .
The incident took place on Tuesday ( December 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lady opened her front door to a man who said he worked for the water board .
He entered her home on Cedar View and distracted her before taking money and jewellery .
You can get the full story here .
A driver was airlifted to hospital and two others injured following a serious crash in Evesham .
The collision took place close to the junction of the A46 Evesham bypass and The Link at around 2.20pm on Saturday afternoon ( December 5 ) .
An ambulance that was taking a patient to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered 'significant damage ' and stopped to provide care until further ambulance crews and paramedics arrived .
The drivers of both vehicles had been left trapped as a result of the crash , with one suffering multiple injuries .
A police spokesperson said : `` If you saw the incident or have dash cam footage we would like to hear from you , please contact PC Edwards on 01527 583761 quoting reference 343i 5Dec . ''
You can get the full story here .
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre restaurant .
West Mercia Police received reports that a number of people were involved in a brawl that took place at Hanbao , Foregate Street on December 4 .
Officers were called to the disorder at 9.50pm and believe there are a number of witnesses who saw the incident .
They are therefore keen to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened and the events leading up to the disorder .
You can get the full story here .
Police are appealing to the public to help find wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 26 , is wanted for GBH and production of class B .
He is known to have links to Evesham , Kidderminster and Malvern .
A police spokesperson said : `` If you see him please do not approach and call 101 if you have information on his whereabouts . ''
A delivery driver in Worcestershire had their van stolen while they were delivering a parcel in a residential street , with thieves driving to the Black Country .
Thieves in a 4x4 pulled up alongside the silver Vauxhall Vivaro delivery van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kidderminster after the driver got out at around 3.10pm on Tuesday ( December 8 ) and a thief then jumped in and drove off in the direction of Knight Road .
Police believe the thieves were in a dark-coloured 4x4 , possibly a Toyota RAV4 , which turned out of Knight Road and on to Hayes Road towards Lowe Lane .
West Mercia Police said there have been a ‘ number of similar incidents ’ in Worcestershire in the last two weeks , which has sparked a plea to drivers to follow advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
A driver was arrested after they lost control of a stolen car and crashed into a field .
The vehicle was initially spotted in Stourport-on-Severn at around 4am Wednesday , December 9 , and pursued by West Mercia Police officers to the Comhampton area .
The driver then lost control on a bend in Comhampton Lane and entered a field before attempting to flee from the scene on foot .
You can get the full story here .
Following an investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct ( IOPC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a final written warning for Gross Misconduct on December 2 .
The misconduct hearing was arranged by West Mercia Police and held in Worcester where a panel reviewed the conduct of the officer .
The panel overseeing the hearing reviewed the allegations to assess whether the officer had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in 2018 .
Following the hearing , the officer ’ s conduct was assessed as breaching the following Standards of Professional Behaviour : • Authority , Respect and Courtesy in that he entered into an improper relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of his duties while on duty .
• Orders and Instructions in that he failed to comply with a lawful instruction given to him by a supervisor and failed to comply with West Mercia Police policy instructions on the personal use of work issue mobile devices .
The panel found the case proven and the officer received a final written warning .
Head of West Mercia Police Professional Standards Department , Superintendent Rebecca Love , said : “ The Misconduct Hearing found that the behaviour of this officer fell below the standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , expect from our officers and staff and amounted to a breach of the Standards of Authority , Respect and Courtesy and Orders and Instructions .
“ The public must be able to have trust and confidence in the police service to uphold the law and where behaviour undermines this , either on or off duty , I would like to offer my assurances to members of the public that appropriate action will be taken .
”

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As the force covering Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire, West Mercia Police deals with a variety of incidents during any given week.
In the past seven days, officers have issued updates on a distraction burglary in Redditch, a serious crash on the A46 in Evesham and a brawl at a Worcester restaurant
We've listed some of the most important police updates you may have missed from the past week.
Redditch woman targeted in distraction burglary
(Image: Google Maps)
Police are appealing for witnesses after a Redditch woman was targeted in a distraction burglary.
The incident took place on Tuesday (December 1) between 4.30pm and 5pm when a lady opened her front door to a man who said he worked for the water board.
He entered her home on Cedar View and distracted her before taking money and jewellery.
You can get the full story here.
Police appeal following crash on A46
A driver was airlifted to hospital and two others injured following a serious crash in Evesham.
The collision took place close to the junction of the A46 Evesham bypass and The Link at around 2.20pm on Saturday afternoon (December 5).
An ambulance that was taking a patient to hospital came across two cars which had suffered 'significant damage' and stopped to provide care until further ambulance crews and paramedics arrived.
The drivers of both vehicles had been left trapped as a result of the crash, with one suffering multiple injuries.
A police spokesperson said: "If you saw the incident or have dash cam footage we would like to hear from you, please contact PC Edwards on 01527 583761 quoting reference 343i 5Dec."
You can get the full story here.
Brawl at Worcester restaurant
(Image: Google Maps)
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a 'large fight' at a Worcester city centre restaurant.
West Mercia Police received reports that a number of people were involved in a brawl that took place at Hanbao, Foregate Street on December 4.
Officers were called to the disorder at 9.50pm and believe there are a number of witnesses who saw the incident.
They are therefore keen to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened and the events leading up to the disorder.
You can get the full story here.
Man wanted for GBH and drug offences
(Image: West Mercia Police)
Police are appealing to the public to help find wanted man Kieran Harris from Worcester.
Kieran, 26, is wanted for GBH and production of class B. He is known to have links to Evesham, Kidderminster and Malvern.
A police spokesperson said: "If you see him please do not approach and call 101 if you have information on his whereabouts."
Warning following van thefts
A delivery driver in Worcestershire had their van stolen while they were delivering a parcel in a residential street, with thieves driving to the Black Country.
Thieves in a 4x4 pulled up alongside the silver Vauxhall Vivaro delivery van in Hayes Road, Wolverley, near Kidderminster after the driver got out at around 3.10pm on Tuesday (December 8) and a thief then jumped in and drove off in the direction of Knight Road.
Police believe the thieves were in a dark-coloured 4x4, possibly a Toyota RAV4, which turned out of Knight Road and on to Hayes Road towards Lowe Lane.
West Mercia Police said there have been a ‘number of similar incidents’ in Worcestershire in the last two weeks, which has sparked a plea to drivers to follow advice.
You can get the full story here.
Driver arrested after crashing into field
(Image: West Mercia Police)
A driver was arrested after they lost control of a stolen car and crashed into a field.
The vehicle was initially spotted in Stourport-on-Severn at around 4am Wednesday, December 9, and pursued by West Mercia Police officers to the Comhampton area.
The driver then lost control on a bend in Comhampton Lane and entered a field before attempting to flee from the scene on foot.
You can get the full story here.
Officer issued final written warning for Gross Misconduct
Following an investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) a West Mercia Police officer was issued with a final written warning for Gross Misconduct on December 2.
The misconduct hearing was arranged by West Mercia Police and held in Worcester where a panel reviewed the conduct of the officer.
The panel overseeing the hearing reviewed the allegations to assess whether the officer had breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in 2018.
Following the hearing, the officer’s conduct was assessed as breaching the following Standards of Professional Behaviour:
Authority, Respect and Courtesy in that he entered into an improper relationship with a person that he met in the course of his duties while on duty.
Orders and Instructions in that he failed to comply with a lawful instruction given to him by a supervisor and failed to comply with West Mercia Police policy instructions on the personal use of work issue mobile devices.
The panel found the case proven and the officer received a final written warning.
Head of West Mercia Police Professional Standards Department, Superintendent Rebecca Love, said: “The Misconduct Hearing found that the behaviour of this officer fell below the standards we, and quite rightly the public, expect from our officers and staff and amounted to a breach of the Standards of Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Orders and Instructions.
“The public must be able to have trust and confidence in the police service to uphold the law and where behaviour undermines this, either on or off duty, I would like to offer my assurances to members of the public that appropriate action will be taken.”


birminghammail--2020-12-10--This Morning fans weep as heartbroken caller can't spend Christmas with wife

This Morning viewers have been left emotional after a caller to the ITV1 daytime TV show revealed they were unable to see their wife this Christmas .
Holly Willoughby , 39 , fielded calls from viewers during one segment of the show from the ITV1 studio , which aired on Thursday , December 10 .
The segment tugged on viewers ' heartstrings and left them emotional after Ted shared how he could not see his wife .
He revealed he would not be able to spend December 25 - Christmas Day - with his long-term wife because she is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffers from dementia which means the couple can not spend the festive period together .
Ted revealed he was devastated and has n't seen Jessie for six months , telling mum-of-three Holly : `` I 'll miss my wife so much this Christmas . ''
Ted has been having weekly calls from advisers at Age UK .
Holly 's co-host Phillip Schofield spoke to Ted after his heartbreaking admission , and asked : `` Anyone who is a similar situation at Christmas , would you recommend they reach out to Age UK ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt , they 're so helpful - there 's always someone to talk to . ''
Ted said he has completed puzzles because it `` keeps him sane '' throughout lockdown .
Holly and Phil were particularly moved by the segment , which This Morning then shared to its official social media channels .
Viewers flocked to Twitter to have their say and praised the courage of Ted for revealing his heartbreaking situation .
This Morning continues to air each weekday at 10am on ITV1 .

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This Morning viewers have been left emotional after a caller to the ITV1 daytime TV show revealed they were unable to see their wife this Christmas.
Holly Willoughby, 39, fielded calls from viewers during one segment of the show from the ITV1 studio, which aired on Thursday, December 10.
The segment tugged on viewers' heartstrings and left them emotional after Ted shared how he could not see his wife.
He revealed he would not be able to spend December 25 - Christmas Day - with his long-term wife because she is in a care home.
Ted's wife suffers from dementia which means the couple cannot spend the festive period together.
Ted revealed he was devastated and hasn't seen Jessie for six months, telling mum-of-three Holly: "I'll miss my wife so much this Christmas."
Ted has been having weekly calls from advisers at Age UK.
Holly's co-host Phillip Schofield spoke to Ted after his heartbreaking admission, and asked: "Anyone who is a similar situation at Christmas, would you recommend they reach out to Age UK?"
Ted said: "Without a doubt, they're so helpful - there's always someone to talk to."
Ted said he has completed puzzles because it "keeps him sane" throughout lockdown.
Holly and Phil were particularly moved by the segment, which This Morning then shared to its official social media channels.
Viewers flocked to Twitter to have their say and praised the courage of Ted for revealing his heartbreaking situation.
This Morning continues to air each weekday at 10am on ITV1.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Teenagers accused of Winson Green park murder appear in court

A teenage girl and two boys accused of murdering a man in a city park have appeared in court .
The three 17-year-olds , who can not be named for legal reasons , were charged after Sohail Ali was fatally stabbed in Summerfield Park , Winson Green on Friday , December 4 .
The girl , from Walsall , and the two boys , from Edgbaston and Warley , all face one count of murder .
One of the males has also been charged with possession of a firearm and possession of a bladed article .
They appeared for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier today , Thursday , December 10 .
All three confirmed their names , date of births and addresses but due to the severity of the accusations their cases were automatically committed to Birmingham Crown Court , where they will appear on Monday , December 14 .
The Chair of the Bench said : `` Because you are charged with murder this case can only be dealt with at crown court .
Therefore we are sending you to crown court sitting in Birmingham on Monday .
You are remanded in custody and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Ali , aged 29 , was pronounced dead in Summerfield Park .
A post-mortem examination revealed he died from multiple knife wounds .
His family described him as a 'loving , kind-hearted son ' and described his death as the 'greatest loss ' .
Mr Ali 's mother said : `` My young , loving , kind-hearted son has been taken away from his family .
This is the greatest loss .
As a mother , I seek justice for my son Sohail and plead to any witnesses to come forward and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact the force via live chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote crime reference 20BW/300782K/20 .

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A teenage girl and two boys accused of murdering a man in a city park have appeared in court.
The three 17-year-olds, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged after Sohail Ali was fatally stabbed in Summerfield Park, Winson Green on Friday, December 4.
The girl, from Walsall, and the two boys, from Edgbaston and Warley, all face one count of murder. One of the males has also been charged with possession of a firearm and possession of a bladed article.
They appeared for a brief hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court earlier today, Thursday, December 10. All three confirmed their names, date of births and addresses but due to the severity of the accusations their cases were automatically committed to Birmingham Crown Court, where they will appear on Monday, December 14.
The Chair of the Bench said: "Because you are charged with murder this case can only be dealt with at crown court. Therefore we are sending you to crown court sitting in Birmingham on Monday. You are remanded in custody and will be sent to the cells."
Mr Ali, aged 29, was pronounced dead in Summerfield Park. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from multiple knife wounds.
His family described him as a 'loving, kind-hearted son' and described his death as the 'greatest loss'.
Mr Ali's mother said: "My young, loving, kind-hearted son has been taken away from his family. This is the greatest loss. As a mother, I seek justice for my son Sohail and plead to any witnesses to come forward and contact the police."
West Midlands Police enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact the force via live chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference 20BW/300782K/20.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--When Dale End McDonald's is demolished The Old Crown will be served by tram

New images are being released today to show how the city 's latest West Midlands Metro extension will look .
They include a tasty picture of a tram running past the historic 1906 Custard Factory site and The Old Crown pub , which dates back to 1368 .
The price of this progress will necessitate the demolition of the McDonald 's in Dale End , which we revealed on February 7 earlier this year .
The line will then continue from the current Snow Hill / Bull Street / Corporation Street service to Grand Central by leaving Bull Street to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve the future HS2 and Digbeth area which will then benefit from major regeneration .
A £227 million funding package to build the 1.7km line was approved earlier this year .
A launch event was being held today in New Bartholomew Street with those present including Andy Street , Mayor of the West Midlands .
The project also includes wider improvement to the Digbeth Street scene which will be completed by summer 2022 .
The full timetable for completion of the Eastside extension has yet to be announced .
But as you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is progressing well on Broad Street 's Westside Phase Two extension - that line will be in service before Christmas 2021.. Works on Lower Bull Street are currently being carried out at night so that all shops and businesses remain fully accessible .
There have been minor pedestrian diversions on High Street Deritend with work there alternating between day and night .
`` Work proper on the line itself will begin in Spring 2021 once utility works have been completed - currently , an existing 42 ” water main is being replaced with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metro programme and HS2 .
The Birmingham Eastside Metro extension to Digbeth will serve the High Speed 2 ( HS2 ) station at Curzon Street , separating from the existing West Midlands Metro line at Bull Street .
The route is planned to consist of 1.7km of twin track running from Bull Street to a new terminus at High Street Deritend .
There will be four new West Midlands Metro stops .
The extension will service the Eastside regeneration area offering connections with New Street , Moor Street and Snow Hill Railway Stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station .
The scheme also includes a new bus interchange adjacent to Clayton Hotel Birmingham to provide an efficient bus , Sprint and coach interchange with HS2 .
Passenger services would begin for HS2 opens its station on Curzon Street and include New Canal Street and Meriden Street before turning into High Street Deritend .
• Service frequency will be six minutes service during peak times with a 15 minute service off-peak .

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New images are being released today to show how the city's latest West Midlands Metro extension will look.
They include a tasty picture of a tram running past the historic 1906 Custard Factory site and The Old Crown pub, which dates back to 1368.
The price of this progress will necessitate the demolition of the McDonald's in Dale End, which we revealed on February 7 earlier this year.
The line will then continue from the current Snow Hill / Bull Street / Corporation Street service to Grand Central by leaving Bull Street to head down Lower Bull Street ready to serve the future HS2 and Digbeth area which will then benefit from major regeneration.
(Image: Midland Metro Alliance)
A £227 million funding package to build the 1.7km line was approved earlier this year.
Preliminary works, including extensive utility diversions and upgrades are progressing.
A launch event was being held today in New Bartholomew Street with those present including Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.
The project also includes wider improvement to the Digbeth Street scene which will be completed by summer 2022.
The full timetable for completion of the Eastside extension has yet to be announced.
But as you can see in the above video, work is progressing well on Broad Street's Westside Phase Two extension - that line will be in service before Christmas 2021..
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
What is happening?
Works on Lower Bull Street are currently being carried out at night so that all shops and businesses remain fully accessible.
There have been minor pedestrian diversions on High Street Deritend with work there alternating between day and night.
"Work proper on the line itself will begin in Spring 2021 once utility works have been completed - currently, an existing 42” water main is being replaced with twin 800mm water pipes benefiting both the Metro programme and HS2.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Service features
The Birmingham Eastside Metro extension to Digbeth will serve the High Speed 2 (HS2) station at Curzon Street, separating from the existing West Midlands Metro line at Bull Street.
The route is planned to consist of 1.7km of twin track running from Bull Street to a new terminus at High Street Deritend.
There will be four new West Midlands Metro stops.
The extension will service the Eastside regeneration area offering connections with New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill Railway Stations, in addition to the new HS2 station.
The scheme also includes a new bus interchange adjacent to Clayton Hotel Birmingham to provide an efficient bus, Sprint and coach interchange with HS2.
Passenger services would begin for HS2 opens its station on Curzon Street and include New Canal Street and Meriden Street before turning into High Street Deritend.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Scammers posed as cops to con £8k from elderly Dudley victim

A team of callous fraudsters conned an elderly victim in Dudley out of £8,000 .
The resident received a call from a scammer who posed as a West Midlands Police officer and claimed they had arrested someone who had stolen their bank card .
The unsuspecting victim was told their account contained counterfeit cash and they were tricked into withdrawing £8,000 .
Scammers then duped the elderly person into believing a courier would come and collect the money so that the serial number could be examined as part of the investigation .
The con artists made off with the cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pocket .
While assisting with this case , the Dudley Council scams unit has been made aware of another attempted scam .
The case is being investigated by Warwickshire Police .
Councillor Nicolas Barlow , the cabinet member for health and adult social care , said : `` Scammers are criminals who prey on people ’ s vulnerability and their good nature , as seen in this case as the resident genuinely believed they were trying to help the police .
`` It ’ s disgusting the lengths scammers will go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s money and we want to make sure as many people are aware of the type of scams happening in our borough so they can help protect themselves from being targeted .
`` Our scams unit will continue to do all they can to bring a stop to this financial crime in our borough . ''
Any suspicious company or activity can be reported to the scams unit by calling 01384 818871 or via trading.standards @ dudley.gov.uk To find out more about the work of the scams unit and what tips you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a scam go to - https : //www.dudley.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/rogue-traders-and-scams/scams/

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A team of callous fraudsters conned an elderly victim in Dudley out of £8,000.
The resident received a call from a scammer who posed as a West Midlands Police officer and claimed they had arrested someone who had stolen their bank card.
The unsuspecting victim was told their account contained counterfeit cash and they were tricked into withdrawing £8,000.
Scammers then duped the elderly person into believing a courier would come and collect the money so that the serial number could be examined as part of the investigation.
The con artists made off with the cash leaving the resident thousands of pounds out of pocket.
While assisting with this case, the Dudley Council scams unit has been made aware of another attempted scam.
The case is being investigated by Warwickshire Police.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, the cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "Scammers are criminals who prey on people’s vulnerability and their good nature, as seen in this case as the resident genuinely believed they were trying to help the police.
"It’s disgusting the lengths scammers will go to get their hands on other people’s money and we want to make sure as many people are aware of the type of scams happening in our borough so they can help protect themselves from being targeted.
"Our scams unit will continue to do all they can to bring a stop to this financial crime in our borough."
Any suspicious company or activity can be reported to the scams unit by calling 01384 818871 or via trading.standards@dudley.gov.uk
To find out more about the work of the scams unit and what tips you can follow to avoid being a victim of a scam go to - https://www.dudley.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/rogue-traders-and-scams/scams/


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Jesse Lingard's Manchester United future amid Aston Villa links

With not long to go until the January transfer window opens , Aston Villa will be drawing up a list of potential targets in order to strengthen their squad next month .
Dean Smith ’ s men have had a positive start to the season and will be looking to build on that in the second half of the campaign .
Villa have already been linked with a number of names , with one of them being Jesse Lingard .
The Manchester United midfielder is yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Red Devils this season , playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has now been reported that Lingard is ready to call time on his time at Old Trafford , with him coming to the end of his contract at the club at the end of the season .
Villa are among the clubs said to be interested in the 27-year-old , so what has been said about his future ?
What Solskjaer has said '' He has come back after the lockdown with a smile on his face and loads of energy , '' Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he fell ill for a couple of days but we have done all the tests and he ’ s fine .
He will be involved against Norwich now .
`` Hopefully he can kick on .
He has scored vital goals for us and has been a vital player for us .
Let ’ s see what the future will hold .
At the moment he is looking really sharp and focused . ''
“ I think maybe more likely now is that that could be coming off the bench , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lingard , '' said former Manchester United man Luke Chadwick .
As reported by .
`` Obviously he needs to think about his own future .
If you look at the squad Ole ’ s put together I ’ d be quite surprised if Jesse was a starter , but I think he still offers plenty to be an effective Premier League player.
” What Lingard has said '' I wanted to go back in flying [ after the lockdown ] and be the quickest and strongest , just about my own motivation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since I 've been back in , ” he said back in July ( via ) .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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I wanted to go in as one of the best and work harder than anyone else , that was my own motivation .
`` I think I 've got to be ready in all circumstances , whether you are starting or not .
I feel like you can always make an impact in the game whether you get 25 minutes or five minutes .
It ’ s about you being ready to make an impact and help the team , I feel.
” Lingard parted company with agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his future , according to .
The midfielder had been with the agent for less than a year , but it is claimed that the duo split by mutual consent , with Lingard now being managed by family members and other close associates .

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Dean Smith and Aston Villa are on the lookout for reinforcements during the January transfer window as they look to build on a positive start to the season.
Villa currently sit in eighth place in the Premier League table, although they have two games in hand over most of their rivals.
And that number of games in hand could further increase due to postponement of fixtures after the Coronavirus outbreak at Bodymoor Heath.
A number of players have been linked with a move to Villa Park this month including Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard.
The former England international has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford with his only appearances this season coming in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
It has now been reported that Lingard is ready to call time on his time at Old Trafford , and has been linked to a number of clubs.
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Villa are among the clubs said to be interested in the 27-year-old, so what has been said about his future?
What Solskjaer has said
"He has come back after the lockdown with a smile on his face and loads of energy," Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the summer (via Manchester Evening News ). "Last week he fell ill for a couple of days but we have done all the tests and he’s fine. He will be involved against Norwich now.
"Hopefully he can kick on. He has scored vital goals for us and has been a vital player for us. Let’s see what the future will hold. At the moment he is looking really sharp and focused."
Solskjaer also dropped a hint over Lingard's role at Manchester United.
"Say a Jesse, say players who haven’t played as much now, they have got to be ready when they have got the opportunity," he said.
"You see Eric Bailly, who has come in and has done brilliant. He has had injuries and niggles but you have to train well and that is the work that the coaches are doing on the training pitch and the players are putting in the work as well. And when you have got a chance you have got to be ready to take it."
Other comments
“I think maybe more likely now is that that could be coming off the bench, but I think there is game time there for Lingard,"said former Manchester United man Luke Chadwick. As reported by Manchester Evening News .
"Obviously he needs to think about his own future. If you look at the squad Ole’s put together I’d be quite surprised if Jesse was a starter, but I think he still offers plenty to be an effective Premier League player.”
What Lingard has said
"I wanted to go back in flying [after the lockdown] and be the quickest and strongest, just about my own motivation really, and I've done well since I've been back in,” he said back in July (via Manchester Evening News ).
"Lockdown really made me sit back and reevaluate everything. I wanted to go in as one of the best and work harder than anyone else, that was my own motivation.
"I think I've got to be ready in all circumstances, whether you are starting or not. I feel like you can always make an impact in the game whether you get 25 minutes or five minutes. It’s about you being ready to make an impact and help the team, I feel.”
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Lingard ‘parts company with agent’
Lingard parted company with agent Mino Raiola last month amid speculation over his future, according to ESPN .
The midfielder had been with the agent for less than a year, but it is claimed that the duo split by mutual consent, with Lingard now being managed by family members and other close associates.
Contract extended
Manchester United have taken up the one-year option in the player's contract to extend it until the summer of 2022.
Lingard's contract did just have six-months remaining, but the clause means that he now has 18-months left on his deal at Old Trafford, meaning United would be able to demand a bigger transfer fee should they decide to sell him.
Representatives 'hold talks'
Lingard's representatives have 'held talks' with Ligue 1 club Nice over a possible loan deal during the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The report claims that an official approach to the Red Devils is expected in the next week, although a decision has not been made by the club over the player's future.
Lingard was named in the starting 11 for the first time since September in United's FA Cup win over Watford last weekend but has not made a Premier League appearance so far this season.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Matt Hancock announces press conference from Downing Street tonight

It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday he had `` high confidence that the summer of 2021 will be a bright one without the sort of restrictions that made the summer of 2020 more restricted '' .
Mr Hancock said the faster the coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer is rolled out , the sooner the tier system can be removed altogether .
Conservative Imran Ahmad Khan ( Wakefield ) said : `` As more and more of us are vaccinated against Covid-19 , can ( Mr Hancock ) outline what plans there are to ease the most draconian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and businesses can sensibly return to normal ? ''
Mr Hancock replied : `` Whilst the vaccine rolls out the best way to get anybody 's area down through the tiers is to continue to follow the restrictions that are , unfortunately , still absolutely necessary to keep people safe .
`` However , having said that , because we have a vaccine , the faster that we can roll out the vaccine , the sooner we can get to the point where we can get rid of the system altogether .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not confirm a timescale on vaccine dose numbers given the challenges faced in manufacturing the jab .
But Hancock told the Commons he hopes vaccinations in care homes can `` start before Christmas '' .

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock will lead a Downing Street coronavirus press conference on Thursday afternoon.
NHS England's Professor Stephen Powis and England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty will join Mr Hancock.
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday he had "high confidence that the summer of 2021 will be a bright one without the sort of restrictions that made the summer of 2020 more restricted".
Mr Hancock said the faster the coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer is rolled out, the sooner the tier system can be removed altogether.
Conservative Imran Ahmad Khan (Wakefield) said: "As more and more of us are vaccinated against Covid-19, can (Mr Hancock) outline what plans there are to ease the most draconian measures across the tier system so that people and businesses can sensibly return to normal?"
Mr Hancock replied: "Whilst the vaccine rolls out the best way to get anybody's area down through the tiers is to continue to follow the restrictions that are, unfortunately, still absolutely necessary to keep people safe.
"However, having said that, because we have a vaccine, the faster that we can roll out the vaccine, the sooner we can get to the point where we can get rid of the system altogether.
And Mr Hancock told MPs he could not confirm a timescale on vaccine dose numbers given the challenges faced in manufacturing the jab.
But Hancock told the Commons he hopes vaccinations in care homes can "start before Christmas".


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Sky is giving customers £480 off TV packages for Christmas

Sky is giving customers the chance to save an eye-watering £480 for Christmas .
The subscription TV service - responsible for Sky Movies , Sky Atlantic and Sky Sports - can save you nearly £500 .
If you fancy subscribing , a new package deal from the broadcasting giant gives you the opportunity to save on a standard 18 month fixed-term contract .
The first of the deals is titled 'The Feast of Festive Football ' , which gives a saving of £11 per month on Sky 's standard sports package that gives you access to 60 live football games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal for both sports and movies in the less inventively named 'Sky Sports and Movie Magic ' bundle .
This one gives customers access to all Sky Sports channels and all Sky Movies channels and their extensive range of Christmas films of the festive season can be found here .
And last but not least is the 'Sky Sports , BT and Movie Magic ' - and , yep , you 've guessed it , this one contains everything in the previous bundle as well as access to BT Sport .
Along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League , BT also own exclusive UK rights to both the UEFA Champions and Europa League .
This bundle is down from £86 per month to £59 per month .
Click here to check out all of their latest packages and bundles , including other deals on broadband

Sky is giving customers the chance to save an eye-watering £480 for Christmas.
The subscription TV service - responsible for Sky Movies, Sky Atlantic and Sky Sports - can save you nearly £500.
If you fancy subscribing, a new package deal from the broadcasting giant gives you the opportunity to save on a standard 18 month fixed-term contract.
The first of the deals is titled 'The Feast of Festive Football', which gives a saving of £11 per month on Sky's standard sports package that gives you access to 60 live football games this Christmas.
The second is a deal for both sports and movies in the less inventively named 'Sky Sports and Movie Magic' bundle.
This one gives customers access to all Sky Sports channels and all Sky Movies channels and their extensive range of Christmas films of the festive season can be found here.
And last but not least is the 'Sky Sports, BT and Movie Magic' - and, yep, you've guessed it, this one contains everything in the previous bundle as well as access to BT Sport.
Along with their currently extended coverage of the English Premier League, BT also own exclusive UK rights to both the UEFA Champions and Europa League. This bundle is down from £86 per month to £59 per month.
Click here to check out all of their latest packages and bundles, including other deals on broadband


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Martin Lewis urges people to stock up on item before January price hike

Martin Lewis has urged Brits to stock up on stamps to beat January price hikes .
The price of a first class stamp is rising by 9p from January , from 76p to 85p , while a second class stamp is going up by 1p , from 65p to 66p .
Martin said : “ Stock up on stamps NOW to beat Jan 's up to 14p hike.
” Royal Mail said : `` The reduction in letter volumes has had a significant impact on the finances of the universal service which lost £180million in the first half of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for change in the universal service .
`` We are working tirelessly to deliver the most comprehensive service we can in difficult circumstances as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our operation . ''
Martin has his own ITV1 show The Martin Lewis Money Show , which airs each Thursday from 8.30pm .
The Money Saving Expert is also a key contributor to a string of ITV1 daytime TV shows including the likes of Good Morning Britain .
Mr Lewis also routinely features on the likes of Lorraine and This Morning and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brits this year .
The financial guru and consumer champion shares his tricks , tips and hacks via the MSE newsletter each week .
And he also boasts a large social media following , with Twitter and Facebook fans regularly contacting him for advice on a vast array of issues .
Mr Lewis has been sharing his advice on everything from the furlough scheme to getting money off your bills all year .

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Martin Lewis has urged Brits to stock up on stamps to beat January price hikes.
The price of a first class stamp is rising by 9p from January, from 76p to 85p, while a second class stamp is going up by 1p, from 65p to 66p.
Martin said: “Stock up on stamps NOW to beat Jan's up to 14p hike.”
Royal Mail said: "The reduction in letter volumes has had a significant impact on the finances of the universal service which lost £180million in the first half of the year.
"This demonstrates the need for change in the universal service.
"We are working tirelessly to deliver the most comprehensive service we can in difficult circumstances as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our operation."
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Martin has his own ITV1 show The Martin Lewis Money Show, which airs each Thursday from 8.30pm.
The Money Saving Expert is also a key contributor to a string of ITV1 daytime TV shows including the likes of Good Morning Britain.
Mr Lewis also routinely features on the likes of Lorraine and This Morning and has become a key source of advice for Brits this year.
The financial guru and consumer champion shares his tricks, tips and hacks via the MSE newsletter each week.
And he also boasts a large social media following, with Twitter and Facebook fans regularly contacting him for advice on a vast array of issues.
Mr Lewis has been sharing his advice on everything from the furlough scheme to getting money off your bills all year.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Primark customers left taken aback by 'hidden' feature of bags

Primark shoppers have been left amazed after discovering the budget chain 's bags double up as Christmas wrapping .
The bargain fashion retailer operates stores across Birmingham and the Midlands - including the world 's biggest branch in the city centre .
Primark is welcoming customers each and every day until Christmas , with extended opening hours at branches ahead of the big day .
Non-essential retailers were allowed to re-open on December 2 and since then , Primark has been heaving across the country .
Its loyal customers are now all discussing the chain 's bags after it emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gifts ahead of December 25 .
Primark is selling bags which say `` This bag makes great wrapping paper '' .
Images of social media users using them to wrap gifts have been shared widely across Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Primark owner Associated British Foods ( ABF ) closed in the green despite saying that the pandemic hit sales to the tune of £430 million - higher than previously expected .
It told investors it has recovered some of the costs , with overheads falling 25 % during the autumn lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing strong sales .
Shares in the consumer group finished 57p higher at 2,360p .
Customers at Primark , which reopened in England on Wednesday , have been eager to buy clothes again and long queues have formed at some branches .
To maximise sales and spread out customer numbers , some sites have continued trading through the night , while others have extended opening hours .
ABF said 34 stores remain temporarily closed , including all outlets in Northern Ireland and Austria .

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Primark shoppers have been left amazed after discovering the budget chain's bags double up as Christmas wrapping.
The bargain fashion retailer operates stores across Birmingham and the Midlands - including the world's biggest branch in the city centre.
Primark is welcoming customers each and every day until Christmas, with extended opening hours at branches ahead of the big day.
Non-essential retailers were allowed to re-open on December 2 and since then, Primark has been heaving across the country.
Its loyal customers are now all discussing the chain's bags after it emerged people were using them to wrap Christmas gifts ahead of December 25.
Primark is selling bags which say "This bag makes great wrapping paper".
Images of social media users using them to wrap gifts have been shared widely across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) closed in the green despite saying that the pandemic hit sales to the tune of £430 million - higher than previously expected.
It told investors it has recovered some of the costs, with overheads falling 25% during the autumn lockdowns and early signs that reopened stores are seeing strong sales.
Shares in the consumer group finished 57p higher at 2,360p.
Customers at Primark, which reopened in England on Wednesday, have been eager to buy clothes again and long queues have formed at some branches.
To maximise sales and spread out customer numbers, some sites have continued trading through the night, while others have extended opening hours.
ABF said 34 stores remain temporarily closed, including all outlets in Northern Ireland and Austria.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--B&M shoppers in a frenzy over product they 'need' for Christmas Day

Matching family PJs have become a Christmas tradition for many families , getting everyone dressed and in front of the tree on Christmas Eve for a super cute annual picture .
Kitting out the whole family usually comes with a pretty hefty price tag however .
But discount retailer , B & M , have come to the rescue with their range of matching PJs this year .
The must-have range of cute loungewear will set you back just £28 ( 2 x adults , 1 child and 1 infant ) – what a bargain !
Posting on Instagram , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a family in matching Christmas PJs .
And the post sent followers in to a frenzy , receiving over 2,300 likes and an abundance of comments .
One user replied to the post : “ We ’ ve got these for Xmas Day ” And another follower commented , “ Loving these PJs ” .
Others , meanwhile , were tagging their friends to share the news .
The matching festive PJs are available in selected B & M stores nationwide .
The Mens Green Christmas Pyjamas cost £9 while the Ladies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £8 , and the Kids Green Christmas Pyjamas are available to buy for £6 alongside the Infants Green Christmas Pyjamas , which are priced at £5 .
B & M operates multiple stores across Birmingham and throughout the wider West Midlands region .

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Matching family PJs have become a Christmas tradition for many families, getting everyone dressed and in front of the tree on Christmas Eve for a super cute annual picture.
Kitting out the whole family usually comes with a pretty hefty price tag however.
But discount retailer, B&M, have come to the rescue with their range of matching PJs this year.
The must-have range of cute loungewear will set you back just £28 (2 x adults, 1 child and 1 infant) – what a bargain!
Posting on Instagram, B&M shared a sweet image of a family in matching Christmas PJs.
And the post sent followers in to a frenzy, receiving over 2,300 likes and an abundance of comments.
One user replied to the post: “We’ve got these for Xmas Day”
And another follower commented, “Loving these PJs ”.
Others, meanwhile, were tagging their friends to share the news.
The matching festive PJs are available in selected B&M stores nationwide.
The Mens Green Christmas Pyjamas cost £9 while the Ladies Green Christmas Pyjamas will set you back £8, and the Kids Green Christmas Pyjamas are available to buy for £6 alongside the Infants Green Christmas Pyjamas, which are priced at £5.
B&M operates multiple stores across Birmingham and throughout the wider West Midlands region.


birminghammail--2020-12-10--£4.99 Aldi item leaving shoppers baffled as they struggle to believe it's real

Aldi has launched a giant pig in blanket for Christmas - but shoppers have been left somewhat baffled by it .
The item has been launched for the festive season by the German retailer .
The supermarket giant is selling the budget , mammoth meaty product ahead of December 25 .
The two metre long pig in blanket will set shoppers at t he German retailer back £4.99 .
But confused shoppers at branches up and down the land are struggling to get a hold of it .
Indeed , many social media users are now suggesting the product does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seen it on three separate trips , '' wrote one .
`` Actually gutted when we could n't find it ! ''
a second agreed , while a third said : `` No luck though '' .
Aldi is Britain ’ s fifth largest supermarket with over 900 stores and more than 36,000 employees .
The supermarket giant - which opened its first UK store right here in Birmingham back in the early 1990s - is attracting hundreds of thousands of new customers every year with its range of exclusive brands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the form of low prices .
Research released by Which ?
in December showed doing a full shop at Aldi was 19.9 % cheaper than the same shop at Tesco and 16.7 % cheaper than the same shop at The Big Four .
It tracked the price of 22 essential items at the UK ’ s eight biggest supermarkets throughout November 2020 .
According to The Grocer magazine , Aldi is the UK ’ s lowest priced supermarket .
A basket of 33 everyday items at Aldi is on average 17.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @

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Aldi has launched a giant pig in blanket for Christmas - but shoppers have been left somewhat baffled by it.
The item has been launched for the festive season by the German retailer.
The supermarket giant is selling the budget, mammoth meaty product ahead of December 25.
The two metre long pig in blanket will set shoppers at t he German retailer back £4.99.
But confused shoppers at branches up and down the land are struggling to get a hold of it.
Indeed, many social media users are now suggesting the product does not even exit.
"I have not seen it on three separate trips," wrote one.
"Actually gutted when we couldn't find it!" a second agreed, while a third said: "No luck though".
(Image: Handout)
Aldi is Britain’s fifth largest supermarket with over 900 stores and more than 36,000 employees.
The supermarket giant - which opened its first UK store right here in Birmingham back in the early 1990s - is attracting hundreds of thousands of new customers every year with its range of exclusive brands, passing low operating costs on to customers in the form of low prices.
Aldi is the UK’s lowest priced supermarket.
Research released by Which? in December showed doing a full shop at Aldi was 19.9% cheaper than the same shop at Tesco and 16.7% cheaper than the same shop at The Big Four.
It tracked the price of 22 essential items at the UK’s eight biggest supermarkets throughout November 2020.
According to The Grocer magazine, Aldi is the UK’s lowest priced supermarket.
A basket of 33 everyday items at Aldi is on average 17.5% cheaper than the Big 4 supermarkets


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Aldi announces immediate change to 32 stores in the West Midlands

Aldi is expanding its click-and-collect services in the West Midlands after launching its trial to a further 32 stores in the region , including stores in Birmingham , Worcestershire , Wolverhampton , Herefordshire , and Warwickshire .
The extension will bring the total number of stores operated by the German retailer trialling the new service to 41 in the West Midlands .
Customers are now able to order from a full range of groceries online from groceries.aldi.co.uk then collect them , in pre-booked one-hour collection slots .
On arrival at dedicated click-and-collect points in the store car park , customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought to their cars by Aldi colleagues contact-free , in line with social distancing rules .
Aldi is to extend its trial of click and collect to over 200 additional stores by Christmas .
Giles Hurley , Chief Executive Officer , Aldi UK and Ireland , said : “ Aldi ’ s quality products and unbeatable prices have never been so in demand .
“ Extending this trial is about providing thousands more of our existing customers with another convenient way to shop with us , while also making Aldi accessible for many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us before.
” As well as click-and-collect , Aldi is also trialling a rapid delivery service in partnership with Deliveroo and has recently extended the trial to almost 130 stores across the UK .
Customers living near selected stores can order from a range of around 400 Aldi products and have them delivered to their doorstep in as little as 20 minutes .
Full list of Aldi stores in the West Midlands trialling click & collect :

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Aldi is expanding its click-and-collect services in the West Midlands after launching its trial to a further 32 stores in the region, including stores in Birmingham, Worcestershire, Wolverhampton, Herefordshire, and Warwickshire.
The extension will bring the total number of stores operated by the German retailer trialling the new service to 41 in the West Midlands.
Customers are now able to order from a full range of groceries online from groceries.aldi.co.uk then collect them, in pre-booked one-hour collection slots.
On arrival at dedicated click-and-collect points in the store car park, customers will be able to have their shopping brought to their cars by Aldi colleagues contact-free, in line with social distancing rules.
Aldi is to extend its trial of click and collect to over 200 additional stores by Christmas.
(Image: PA)
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Aldi’s quality products and unbeatable prices have never been so in demand.
“Extending this trial is about providing thousands more of our existing customers with another convenient way to shop with us, while also making Aldi accessible for many others who may not have shopped with us before.”
As well as click-and-collect, Aldi is also trialling a rapid delivery service in partnership with Deliveroo and has recently extended the trial to almost 130 stores across the UK.
Customers living near selected stores can order from a range of around 400 Aldi products and have them delivered to their doorstep in as little as 20 minutes.
Full list of Aldi stores in the West Midlands trialling click & collect:


birminghammail--2020-12-10--Nine frightening months in Sandwell - health boss in frank interview

Dr Lisa McNally can remember the name of the first victim of coronavirus in Sandwell .
She can recall the time , the date , where she was and how she felt when she was told of the woman 's death .
The 48 year-old director of public health admits it was the only time she allowed herself to fear the coming pandemic - not for herself but her mother who at 86 is in the most vulnerable group .
Since then over 500 people have died in Sandwell , 13,098 people have tested positive and in July infections rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England .
When the second wave hit in September , Sandwell was surpassed as infection rates nationally and in the West Midlands soared .
In nine months , councils ' public health officers have gone from departments , that most people had never heard , of to protecting millions of people from the spread of the virus .
Local authority teams went from back rooms to the frontline of the pandemic , trying to prevent others from dying .
In Sandwell before Covid there was a core team of five people .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting schools , care homes and reaching out to community and individuals and every other department in the council has the virus at the top of its agenda .
But as the coronavirus vaccination begins , and as rates fall and people begin to see an end to pandemic she warns the coming months could be the most dangerous .
“ The vaccinations are what we 've been waiting for , ” Dr McNally says : “ The near future of us is , on the one hand , really hopeful .
Vaccinations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this .
`` So it ’ s really exciting and a big relief that the vaccination is now on the horizon .
“ But my feelings are also that we have a period to get through first so although the future is bright we still have a lot of immediate dangers in our midst .
“ Christmas will be a particularly dangerous time and it may lead to some people dropping their guard , which in some cases will prove fatal .
“ So it 's a mixture of feelings that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine roll-out but we have what may be the most dangerous period of the whole pandemic to come.
” She says while continuing to prevent the virus ’ s spread , councils will be supporting the NHS ’ s vaccination program .
That includes continuing to communicate with local communities , faith groups , schools and voluntary sector organisations on how people can protect themselves .
She adds : “ They are going to be really important partners in making sure everyone understands how crucial it is that they take this opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 will not be be a repeat of 2020 , however before we get there , before we get to the level of immunity in society we need , we have a dangerous period ahead of us to get through , particularly Christmas and period just after .
“ We are all bracing ourselves for that and we expect it to be very , very busy.
” Her warning is simple .
It ’ s not over yet , don ’ t drop your guard , keep doing what you 're doing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , Sandwell ’ s health team ’ s approach has won both plaudits and criticism .
In a period where people are dying , success isn ’ t a word you can or should use but they have had a significant impact .
She explains : “ One of the most difficult points in the first wave was when we saw all those deaths in care homes but we now have a rate in Sandwell significantly below both region and national averages .
“ It ’ s an achievement tinged with sadness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life left to them .
“ That was a real team effort working with colleagues in adult social care and the real heroes in the homes ” In July , the team was the first in the country to set up its own local test and tracing system to work alongside the NHS .
It has seen the numbers of people contacted after testing positive increase from 60 to 90 per cent .
Local knowledge , an understanding of different cultures and languages and the relationships forged with different communities proved its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since impressed the NHS so much it is now being held up as an example for other councils to follow .
She says : “ It ’ s not rocket science .
Our model is about simply looking at your local population and designing a service for that population.
” But some saw the setting up of a local service as a comment on the much criticised government 's system .
Dr McNally won ’ t comment beyond saying the service was set up purely for public health reasons .
The brickbats that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by her habit of telling it as it is .
She is passionate but not dogmatic or overbearing and maybe coming from Liverpool is the reason she says what needs to be said .
At the beginning of the summer as cases dropped , her warning a second wave was coming earned her personal attacks on social media .
She was shocked by the response to a message many health professionals were already expressing .
“ The number of people saying I was a scaremonger , that I was annoyed because public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Some of the things that were said at that time , I was frightened and left thinking ‘ given the carnage we had gone through in the first wave in our care homes and hospitals , are we really blind to what is ahead of us ? '
'' The second wave did hit but in the meantime the council trained up more staff , learned from the first outbreak and though cases soared along with the rest of the country took the lessons back into the community .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandwell she thinks will bring the end of the pandemic .
While she is in awe of her staff working seven days a week , it 's local people sticking with the rules that will win .
As she says : “ It ’ s good to have a public health team of 40 people but it ’ s better to have one of 300,000 .
”

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Dr Lisa McNally can remember the name of the first victim of coronavirus in Sandwell.
She can recall the time, the date, where she was and how she felt when she was told of the woman's death.
The 48 year-old director of public health admits it was the only time she allowed herself to fear the coming pandemic - not for herself but her mother who at 86 is in the most vulnerable group.
Since then over 500 people have died in Sandwell, 13,098 people have tested positive and in July infections rates in borough were among the highest in England.
When the second wave hit in September, Sandwell was surpassed as infection rates nationally and in the West Midlands soared.
In nine months, councils' public health officers have gone from departments, that most people had never heard, of to protecting millions of people from the spread of the virus.
Local authority teams went from back rooms to the frontline of the pandemic, trying to prevent others from dying.
In Sandwell before Covid there was a core team of five people.
It's now up to 40 staff - supporting schools, care homes and reaching out to community and individuals and every other department in the council has the virus at the top of its agenda.
But as the coronavirus vaccination begins, and as rates fall and people begin to see an end to pandemic she warns the coming months could be the most dangerous.
“The vaccinations are what we've been waiting for,” Dr McNally says: “The near future of us is, on the one hand, really hopeful. Vaccinations are and always were our route out of this.
"So it’s really exciting and a big relief that the vaccination is now on the horizon.
“But my feelings are also that we have a period to get through first so although the future is bright we still have a lot of immediate dangers in our midst.
“Christmas will be a particularly dangerous time and it may lead to some people dropping their guard, which in some cases will prove fatal.
“So it's a mixture of feelings that the future is full of hope with the vaccine roll-out but we have what may be the most dangerous period of the whole pandemic to come.”
She says while continuing to prevent the virus’s spread, councils will be supporting the NHS’s vaccination program.
That includes continuing to communicate with local communities, faith groups, schools and voluntary sector organisations on how people can protect themselves.
She adds: “They are going to be really important partners in making sure everyone understands how crucial it is that they take this opportunity to be vaccinated.
“People hope that 2021 will not be be a repeat of 2020, however before we get there, before we get to the level of immunity in society we need, we have a dangerous period ahead of us to get through, particularly Christmas and period just after.
“We are all bracing ourselves for that and we expect it to be very, very busy.”
Her warning is simple. It’s not over yet, don’t drop your guard, keep doing what you're doing to remain safe.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Over the last nine months, Sandwell’s health team’s approach has won both plaudits and criticism.
In a period where people are dying, success isn’t a word you can or should use but they have had a significant impact.
She explains: “One of the most difficult points in the first wave was when we saw all those deaths in care homes but we now have a rate in Sandwell significantly below both region and national averages.
“It’s an achievement tinged with sadness as we still lost people with years of life left to them.
“That was a real team effort working with colleagues in adult social care and the real heroes in the homes”
In July, the team was the first in the country to set up its own local test and tracing system to work alongside the NHS.
(Image: SAC Samantha Holden RAF)
It has seen the numbers of people contacted after testing positive increase from 60 to 90 per cent.
Local knowledge, an understanding of different cultures and languages and the relationships forged with different communities proved its worth.
Sandwell’s approach has since impressed the NHS so much it is now being held up as an example for other councils to follow.
She says: “It’s not rocket science. Our model is about simply looking at your local population and designing a service for that population.”
But some saw the setting up of a local service as a comment on the much criticised government's system.
Dr McNally won’t comment beyond saying the service was set up purely for public health reasons.
The brickbats that have come her way may be helped by her habit of telling it as it is.
She is passionate but not dogmatic or overbearing and maybe coming from Liverpool is the reason she says what needs to be said.
At the beginning of the summer as cases dropped, her warning a second wave was coming earned her personal attacks on social media.
She was shocked by the response to a message many health professionals were already expressing.
“The number of people saying I was a scaremonger, that I was annoyed because public health wasn’t in the limelight anymore.
“Some of the things that were said at that time, I was frightened and left thinking ‘given the carnage we had gone through in the first wave in our care homes and hospitals, are we really blind to what is ahead of us?'"
The second wave did hit but in the meantime the council trained up more staff, learned from the first outbreak and though cases soared along with the rest of the country took the lessons back into the community.
It’s the community, the people of Sandwell she thinks will bring the end of the pandemic.
While she is in awe of her staff working seven days a week, it's local people sticking with the rules that will win.
As she says: “It’s good to have a public health team of 40 people but it’s better to have one of 300,000.”