birminghammail--2020-09-07--Birmingham City given double boost ahead of Brentford clash

In an ideal world Aitor Karanka would be able to pick from a full-strength squad each and every week .
However , if there ’ s one thing we know it ’ s that life in the Championship is anything but ideal - injuries often assail different players in the same position .
So this article is designed to keep you up to date with the latest injury and suspension news throughout the campaign .
Here ’ s the latest list ahead of Birmingham City ’ s Championship curtain raiser with Brentford , in which one familiar face and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gardner has not played in any of Blues ’ pre-season matches but could be coming back at the perfect time What Karanka has said ( Saturday , September 5 ) : “ It ’ s a knee .
The knee is different with the muscles .
I hope that he can train with us this week and if can ready for not 90 minutes then at least to be on the bench for example we missed those kinds of substitutions today.
” Details : The striker sustained the injury in pre-season training and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karanka has said : “ He ’ s not training with us yet .
Let ’ s see what happens but I know I ’ m not going to take any risks with him because last year he played 1,000 games !
“ He ’ s not the youngest one and he needs to rest , and he ’ s needs to be fit because he ’ s another player who is a good example for the rest of the players because when he plays , he gives 150 per cent .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play , and he can play 90 minutes it will be perfect , and he can play 20 perfect .
And if we have to take him out one more week will do it.
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Google Play Store and App Store Details : Bela was blindsided by a tackle against Cambridge and was dumped on the turf where he stayed holding his shoulder .
He carried his arm gingerly throughout the rest of the game .
What Karanka has said ( Saturday , September 5 ) : “ I don ’ t the extent , but he is the kind of player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to check him .
It ’ s his shoulder .
I hope he can play because he ’ s the only player that can do something up front.
” Details : The midfielder was carried off early in the FA Cup replay with Coventry City - with damaged knee ligaments .
What McEachran has said : “ Straight away I was in absolute agony , I am not going to lie , it was very painful .
But then it sort of eased off .
“ As I was on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had a little bit of gas and air so I could do the tests because I was tensing up and they couldn ’ t do the test properly.
” Latest : He ’ s not yet training with the main squad .
Details : Blues ’ £1million man has not played for anyone since damaging his ACL on loan at Charlton last season .
At the time it was felt it would take him nine months to come back .
What Leko has said : “ It ’ s been hard because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in the garage on my own , for most of my rehab .
“ It ’ s been tough , but it ’ s made me stronger .
I ’ m ready to go .
In terms of coming back , I ’ ve still got about a month left to go .
“ I ’ ve been FaceTiming my physio while I ’ ve been doing my strength and conditioning .
It ’ s been hard because no-one ’ s there for you , you ’ re doing it on your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time on Saturday after being given time off at the end of the Segunda Division season .
Details : Blues signed Sanchez from Elche but with their season running until August 23 he was given a fortnight ’ s holiday before reporting for duty .
He ’ s now with his new team-mates and could feature on the bench on Saturday .
What Karanka has said : “ He will not need his own pre-season because he played his last game a week or ten days ago .
He needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

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In an ideal world Aitor Karanka would be able to pick from a full-strength squad each and every week.
However, if there’s one thing we know it’s that life in the Championship is anything but ideal - injuries often assail different players in the same position.
So this article is designed to keep you up to date with the latest injury and suspension news throughout the campaign.
Here’s the latest list ahead of Birmingham City ’s Championship trip to Stoke City.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City 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
INJURIES
Josh McEachran
Injury: Knee
Details: The midfielder was carried off early in the FA Cup replay with Coventry City - with damaged knee ligaments.
What McEachran has said: “Straight away I was in absolute agony, I am not going to lie, it was very painful. But then it sort of eased off.
“As I was on the stretcher the pain came back massively. I had a little bit of gas and air so I could do the tests because I was tensing up and they couldn’t do the test properly.”
What Karanka has said (September 15): “He hasn’t trained with the team. He is a player I would like to have with us because I know how well he did at Middlesbrough and well he did at Brentford. I hope he can reach this level again and if he can he will help us for sure.”
Potential return date: December.
(Image: Birmingham City/bcfc.com)
Jonathan Leko
Injury: Knee
Details: Blues’ £1million man has not played for anyone since damaging his ACL on loan at Charlton last season. At the time it was felt it would take him nine months to come back.
What Leko has said: “It’s been hard because of Covid, I had to do it in the garage on my own, for most of my rehab.
“It’s been tough, but it’s made me stronger. I’m ready to go. In terms of coming back, I’ve still got about a month left to go.
“I’ve been FaceTiming my physio while I’ve been doing my strength and conditioning. It’s been hard because no-one’s there for you, you’re doing it on your own.
“It helped me, mentality wise, it’s made me stronger.”
What Karanka has said (September 26) : "I hope, I don’t know if it will be before the international break or maybe a little bit later. But he is good, he is keen to be involved in the group which is important."
Potential return date: October-November
OTHER
Andres Prieto
Injury: Calf
Details: The Spaniard played against Cambridge but injured his calf in training the following week.
He was not involved against Brentford or Swansea but was on the bench against Rotherham
(Image: Birmingham City/bcfc.com)
Mikel San Jose
Situation: The veteran joined last week having been released by Athletic Bilbao. He has not had a pre-season and was not involved on Saturday.
What Karanka said (September 24): "We are not going to need him right now because the team is playing well.
"We have one week after this game, then another two weeks to work. So he is going to have at least three weeks, almost a pre-season, working with us. That’s going to be perfect for everybody.
"If I can use him on Saturday I will use him for sure and if he is fit for the following Saturday [Sunday] and I think it is going to be good for the team I will use him.
"If I don’t see that he is one hundred per cent fit we will wait. In this team there is no one player that we can’t miss."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Man 'arrested in pyjamas' in Selly Oak raid following city stabbings

Armed police who raided a Selly Oak home overnight arrested a man in his pyjamas , according to stunned eyewitnesses .
An address in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham was raided by cops in the early hours of Monday morning ( September 7 ) .
It came as West Midlands Police appealed for an on-the-run knifeman after eight people were stabbed in Birmingham city centre during the early hours of Sunday morning .
Neighbours living on Natley Grove were awoken by loud bangs and shouts of ‘ get down ’ as officers carried out a raid at around 4am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One neighbour told The Sun how an arrested man was taken out of the property while wearing PJs .
West Midlands Police confirmed they had arrested a man on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder .
They said the 27-year-old had been detained at 4am in Selly Oak , but a full address has not yet been released .
It comes as West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson thanked Birmingham residents for their response following the horrific series of stabbings this weekend .
A man , aged 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which left Birmingham rocked .
Two others are critically injured , with eight attacked in total .
Mr Jamieson earlier called the assaults `` disturbing '' , with the violence enfolding as revellers had been enjoying the night .
When he was earlier asked by reporters how he could say the city was safe with the alleged attacker still at large , Chief Superintendent Steve Graham said West Midlands Police had `` a significant presence '' of officers , armed and unarmed , if the suspect was sighted .
Asked how the knifeman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre without being caught , Mr Graham described the suspect 's route through Birmingham as `` relatively unusual '' .
He later added : `` We do not underestimate the impact that these incidents have had on the city of Birmingham today .
`` We declared this a major incident at the earliest opportunity and we have drafted in scores of officers to help with the investigation and patrol the city to reassure residents and visitors that we are doing all we can to apprehend the person responsible . ''
Police said extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre on Sunday , with four scenes being held and examined by forensic experts throughout the day .
In Edmund Street , a black-handled serrated kitchen knife was recovered from a drain , but Mr Graham said it was `` too early '' to link it to the attacks .

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Armed police who raided a Selly Oak home overnight arrested a man in his pyjamas, according to stunned eyewitnesses.
An address in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham was raided by cops in the early hours of Monday morning (September 7).
It came as West Midlands Police appealed for an on-the-run knifeman after eight people were stabbed in Birmingham city centre during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Neighbours living on Natley Grove were awoken by loud bangs and shouts of ‘get down’ as officers carried out a raid at around 4am on Monday (September 7).
One neighbour told The Sun how an arrested man was taken out of the property while wearing PJs.
West Midlands Police confirmed they had arrested a man on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.
They said the 27-year-old had been detained at 4am in Selly Oak, but a full address has not yet been released.
It comes as West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson thanked Birmingham residents for their response following the horrific series of stabbings this weekend.
A man, aged 23, has died following the traumatic events which left Birmingham rocked.
Two others are critically injured, with eight attacked in total.
Mr Jamieson earlier called the assaults "disturbing", with the violence enfolding as revellers had been enjoying the night.
When he was earlier asked by reporters how he could say the city was safe with the alleged attacker still at large, Chief Superintendent Steve Graham said West Midlands Police had "a significant presence" of officers, armed and unarmed, if the suspect was sighted.
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Asked how the knifeman was able to move through the city centre without being caught, Mr Graham described the suspect's route through Birmingham as "relatively unusual".
He later added: "We do not underestimate the impact that these incidents have had on the city of Birmingham today.
"We declared this a major incident at the earliest opportunity and we have drafted in scores of officers to help with the investigation and patrol the city to reassure residents and visitors that we are doing all we can to apprehend the person responsible."
Police said extra officers had "flooded" the city centre on Sunday, with four scenes being held and examined by forensic experts throughout the day.
In Edmund Street, a black-handled serrated kitchen knife was recovered from a drain, but Mr Graham said it was "too early" to link it to the attacks.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--West Midlands Mayor 'should get £76 million arts funding'

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street should be handed £76 million for arts and culture to ensure the region is treated fairly , according to a new study .
The proposal comes from think tank the Fabian Society , which warns that London is still getting the lion 's share of arts subsidies .
There are two main sources of arts and culture funding - cash directly from Arts Council England and money from the National Lottery , which is then distributed by the Arts Council .
But London gets £74.30 per person directly from Arts Council England , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is based on grants covering the period from 2018 to 2022 .
London also received £50.40 per person in National Lottery funding for the arts between 2009 and 2018 , compared to £21.26 in the rest of England .
The problem is partly that cash tends to go to larger arts organisations , which tend to be based in the south .
This does benefit some Midlands arts bodies such as the Birmingham Royal Ballet , but the overall effect is that the country outside London loses out .
There are 3.2 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , and a fairer allocation of arts funding could help create jobs in regions such as the Midlands .
The Fabian Society report , called Cultured Communities , calls for devolution of power and funding over the arts so that councils and mayors can repair the damage caused by years of cuts and the coronavirus pandemic .
It calls for `` a reset of the arts and culture funding across England which will secure a focus on grassroots organisations , freelancers , and small creative businesses '' .
This would put the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in funding , the report says .
Fabian Society researcher Ben Cooper said : `` Community arts and culture is an economic must have for every village , town and city if the Government is serious about levelling up .
These grassroots organisations can support the high street , the hospitality sector , and improve everyone ’ s quality of life .
If the arts thrive , we all do .
`` The arts and culture ecosystem must be supported from the grassroots up , which is why councils must lead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , know local cultural assets , and are best placed to shape the sector with sustainability and resilience at its heart .
`` The government must put councils and combined authorities at the heart of funding decisions , giving them the flexibility , freedom and resources to urgently redress the balance .
Arts Council England ’ s expertise can combine with local councils ’ on-the-ground knowledge to make this money go further , faster . ''

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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street should be handed £76 million for arts and culture to ensure the region is treated fairly, according to a new study.
The proposal comes from think tank the Fabian Society, which warns that London is still getting the lion's share of arts subsidies.
There are two main sources of arts and culture funding - cash directly from Arts Council England and money from the National Lottery, which is then distributed by the Arts Council.
But London gets £74.30 per person directly from Arts Council England, while the West Midlands gets around £33. This is based on grants covering the period from 2018 to 2022.
London also received £50.40 per person in National Lottery funding for the arts between 2009 and 2018, compared to £21.26 in the rest of England.
The problem is partly that cash tends to go to larger arts organisations, which tend to be based in the south. This does benefit some Midlands arts bodies such as the Birmingham Royal Ballet, but the overall effect is that the country outside London loses out.
There are 3.2 million jobs in the creative industries across the UK, and a fairer allocation of arts funding could help create jobs in regions such as the Midlands.
The Fabian Society report, called Cultured Communities, calls for devolution of power and funding over the arts so that councils and mayors can repair the damage caused by years of cuts and the coronavirus pandemic. It calls for "a reset of the arts and culture funding across England which will secure a focus on grassroots organisations, freelancers, and small creative businesses".
This would put the West Midlands Mayor in chare of £76 million in funding, the report says.
Fabian Society researcher Ben Cooper said: "Community arts and culture is an economic must have for every village, town and city if the Government is serious about levelling up. These grassroots organisations can support the high street, the hospitality sector, and improve everyone’s quality of life. If the arts thrive, we all do.
"The arts and culture ecosystem must be supported from the grassroots up, which is why councils must lead the way. They are rooted in their communities, know local cultural assets, and are best placed to shape the sector with sustainability and resilience at its heart.
"The government must put councils and combined authorities at the heart of funding decisions, giving them the flexibility, freedom and resources to urgently redress the balance. Arts Council England’s expertise can combine with local councils’ on-the-ground knowledge to make this money go further, faster."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--UK's oldest identical twins stun viewers with Naked Attraction announcement

Two Black Country twins have caused a stir on This Morning today - revealing they had been approached to appear on NAKED ATTRACTION .
Lilian Cox and Doris Hobday , who celebrated their 96th birthdays in July , are the nation ’ s oldest identical twins , and went on This Morning to chat it out on September 7 , 2020 .
The pair , from Tipton , revealed they had been approached by producers of the Channel 4 show - much to the amazement of Phil Schofield and Holly Willoughby on the ITV daytime TV favourite today .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead , in a full and frank conversation with Schofe and Holly during Monday 's instalment of the TV programme .
Phil asked the pair : `` Have you got your drawers on inside out ? ''
And the silver-haired presenter was left stunned after being told the pair `` forgot '' to put underwear on .
The pair said lockdown had been `` terrible '' and `` boring '' for the both of them , adding : `` We do n't see anyone .
We 're stuck in the flat . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown - but admitted it was a `` sad time '' , owing to the fact they had very little to preoccupy themselves with .
But one admitted : `` They want us to go on Naked Attraction .
I do n't want to go on there watching them dangling things . ''
Her sister chipped in with : `` Well you 're ready , you 've got none on now ! ''
Admitting they had watched the controversial show , which is fronted by Anna Richardson , the pair said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` have n't watched it since '' , they admitted .
The Circle producers have also reportedly approached the pair , but they are holding out for Gogglebox .
Lilian had a proposal from a man named Desmond on the back of her stardom , she revealed .
She joked she wanted an elderly man with `` big fat chequebook '' - or Jason Statham .

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Two Black Country twins have caused a stir on This Morning today - revealing they had been approached to appear on NAKED ATTRACTION.
Lilian Cox and Doris Hobday, who celebrated their 96th birthdays in July, are the nation’s oldest identical twins, and went on This Morning to chat it out on September 7, 2020.
The pair, from Tipton, revealed they had been approached by producers of the Channel 4 show - much to the amazement of Phil Schofield and Holly Willoughby on the ITV daytime TV favourite today.
But Lil and Dor admitted they fancied Gogglebox instead, in a full and frank conversation with Schofe and Holly during Monday's instalment of the TV programme.
Phil asked the pair: "Have you got your drawers on inside out?"
And the silver-haired presenter was left stunned after being told the pair "forgot" to put underwear on.
The pair said lockdown had been "terrible" and "boring" for the both of them, adding: "We don't see anyone. We're stuck in the flat."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The pair celebrated their 96th birthdays during the lockdown - but admitted it was a "sad time", owing to the fact they had very little to preoccupy themselves with.
But one admitted: "They want us to go on Naked Attraction. I don't want to go on there watching them dangling things."
Her sister chipped in with: "Well you're ready, you've got none on now!"
Admitting they had watched the controversial show, which is fronted by Anna Richardson, the pair said they were "inquisitive".
But they "haven't watched it since", they admitted.
The Circle producers have also reportedly approached the pair, but they are holding out for Gogglebox.
Lilian had a proposal from a man named Desmond on the back of her stardom, she revealed. She joked she wanted an elderly man with "big fat chequebook" - or Jason Statham.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Updates - Man and teen on trial accused of murder outside Iceland

A man and a teenager have gone on trial today accused of murdering Amaan Momand outside shops in Maypole .
The 23-year-old victim suffered serious injuries near Iceland on Alcester Road South , Birmingham on September 19 last year .
He was left fighting for his life following the incident , which took place around 4.40pm , and was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away a few days later .
Jamie Taylor , aged 22 , of Tidworth Croft , Kings Heath , stands accused of murder as does an 18-year-old man from Yardley , whose identity has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fact he was 17 at the time of the incident .
The trial is taking place at Coventry Crown Court where three court rooms have been set aside to allow for appropriate social distancing between all interested parties .
It had been due to start in March but Judge Simon Drew QC ruled to adjourn it because the country was about to go into full lockdown following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic .
The trial is set to last for three to four weeks .
Nicholas Syfret QC and Sophie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bradley QC and Sharon Bailey defend Taylor and Rajiv Menon QC and Gurdeep Garcha QC defend the 18-year-old .
Follow our Birmingham and West Midlands court news Facebook page and also our Birmingham Crime Watch group .

A jury has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict in the trial of two men accused of murdering Amaan Momand in Maypole after racial abuse was aimed at his wife.
The 23-year-old victim suffered serious injuries near Iceland on Alcester Road South, Birmingham on September 19 last year.
He was left fighting for his life following the incident, which took place around 4.40pm, and was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away a few days later.
A post-mortem examination revealed he died from a head injury.
Jamie Taylor, aged 22, of Tidworth Croft, Kings Heath, denied murder along with Taylor Pountney, aged 18 and from Yardley.
His identity was not initially published for legal reasons as he was 17 at the time of the incident. But he can now be named after turning 18.
Follow our Birmingham and West Midlands court news Facebook page and also our Birmingham Crime Watch group.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Birmingham woman charged after Extinction Rebellion blockade news printers

A Birmingham member of Extinction Rebellion has been named among the 51 people charged following a protest outside a print works .
A total of 51 people have been charged with obstruction of the highway following the protest outside Newsprinters print works in Waltham Cross , Hertfordshire that started at around 10pm on Friday ( September 4 ) .
Protesters blocked the public highway outside the print works , preventing vehicles from accessing the site , meaning that several major papers faced issues delivering the next day 's papers to retailers .
Janna Goldstein , aged 26 , of Essex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters who were released with strict bail conditions to appear at St Albans Magistrates ' Court on November 27 , though this date may be subject to change .
Condemning the action on Twitter , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` A free press is vital in holding the government and other powerful institutions to account on issues critical for the future of our country , including the fight against climate change .
`` It is completely unacceptable to seek to limit the public 's access to news in this way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ News Corp 's titles including The Sun , The Times , The Sun On Sunday and The Sunday Times , as well as The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph , the Daily Mail and Mail On Sunday , and the London Evening Standard .
XR apologised to newsagents for the disruption but added it would not apologise to Mr Murdoch , calling on him to `` stop suppressing the truth about the climate crisis and profiting from the division your papers create '' .
Responding to criticism from Home Secretary Priti Patel that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our free press '' , XR said : `` Our free press , society and democracy is under attack - from a failing government that lies to us consistently , is becoming increasingly authoritarian , and is leading us towards 4 degrees of warming . ''

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A Birmingham member of Extinction Rebellion has been named among the 51 people charged following a protest outside a print works.
A total of 51 people have been charged with obstruction of the highway following the protest outside Newsprinters print works in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire that started at around 10pm on Friday (September 4).
Protesters blocked the public highway outside the print works, preventing vehicles from accessing the site, meaning that several major papers faced issues delivering the next day's papers to retailers.
Janna Goldstein, aged 26, of Essex Street, Birmingham was among the 50 protesters who were released with strict bail conditions to appear at St Albans Magistrates' Court on November 27, though this date may be subject to change.
Condemning the action on Twitter, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "A free press is vital in holding the government and other powerful institutions to account on issues critical for the future of our country, including the fight against climate change.
"It is completely unacceptable to seek to limit the public's access to news in this way."
Newsprinters presses publish the Rupert Murdoch-owned News Corp's titles including The Sun, The Times, The Sun On Sunday and The Sunday Times, as well as The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail and Mail On Sunday, and the London Evening Standard.
XR apologised to newsagents for the disruption but added it would not apologise to Mr Murdoch, calling on him to "stop suppressing the truth about the climate crisis and profiting from the division your papers create".
Responding to criticism from Home Secretary Priti Patel that its actions were an "attack on our free press", XR said: "Our free press, society and democracy is under attack - from a failing government that lies to us consistently, is becoming increasingly authoritarian, and is leading us towards 4 degrees of warming."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Indian restaurant forced to close after diner contracts Covid-19

A popular Indian restaurant has been forced to close after a customer tested positive for Covid-19 .
Balti Towers in Halesowen will be shut for two weeks while staff who came into contact with the diner self-isolate .
Bosses urged any customers who had visited between September 2 and 5 to do the same when they took to Facebook to make the announcemet .
The Long Lane restaurant will also undergo a deep clean during this time .
The statement said : `` To all customers , despite our best efforts , the restaurant will be temporarily closed for at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This is due to a customer testing positive to Covid-19 who dined with us September 2 , 2020 .
`` As a result , staff members who were in contact with the diner have had to self-isolate .
`` We advise all customers who have dined with us from September 2-5 to self-isolate too .
`` Thank you for understanding and we will reopen in two weeks time .
Stay safe . ''
People were quick to praise the restaurant for `` doing the right thing '' .
`` Sorry to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action , '' replied one .
`` Hope you , your staff and customers are all ok , '' wrote another .
`` Well done for doing the right thing . ''
A third said : `` Well done for taking this action , you 're an example to other businesses . ''
`` Your swift action is to be commended , you are setting an excellent example for others to follow , '' said another impressed social media user .
Dudley Council has been contacted for comment .

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A popular Indian restaurant has been forced to close after a customer tested positive for Covid-19.
Balti Towers in Halesowen will be shut for two weeks while staff who came into contact with the diner self-isolate.
Bosses urged any customers who had visited between September 2 and 5 to do the same when they took to Facebook to make the announcemet.
The Long Lane restaurant will also undergo a deep clean during this time.
The statement said: "To all customers, despite our best efforts, the restaurant will be temporarily closed for at least two weeks for a deep clean.
"This is due to a customer testing positive to Covid-19 who dined with us September 2, 2020.
"As a result, staff members who were in contact with the diner have had to self-isolate.
"We advise all customers who have dined with us from September 2-5 to self-isolate too.
"Thank you for understanding and we will reopen in two weeks time. Stay safe."
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People were quick to praise the restaurant for "doing the right thing".
"Sorry to hear that, thanks for your responsible action," replied one.
"Hope you, your staff and customers are all ok," wrote another.
"Well done for doing the right thing."
A third said: "Well done for taking this action, you're an example to other businesses."
"Your swift action is to be commended, you are setting an excellent example for others to follow," said another impressed social media user.
Dudley Council has been contacted for comment.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Driver 'flees crash scene' after flipping car

A driver 'fled a crash scene ' after after hitting another vehicle and flipping the car .
The white Vauxhall ended up on its roof following the smash in Linthouse Lane , Wednesfield .
Emergency services were called to the scene just after 7.30pm on Saturday , September 5 .
Pictures show a severely damaged grey Suzuki - which was parked at the time - and the overturned vehicle , surrounded by debris .
The road was closed for several hours in the aftermath of the collision .
No casualties were found , despite firefighters and medics carrying out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for West Midlands Fire Service said : `` We received a call from police at 7.36pm and sent two fire engines in response - a total of 10 firefighters .
`` The first crew got there in five minutes .
`` This incident involved one car that is believed to have collided with a parked car and came to a rest on its roof .
`` The driver is believed to have left the scene .
`` Firefighters and colleagues from the ambulance service carried out a search of the immediate area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who might have been in the vehicle , however no casualties were found . ''
West Midlands Police has been approached for comment .

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A driver 'fled a crash scene' after after hitting another vehicle and flipping the car.
The white Vauxhall ended up on its roof following the smash in Linthouse Lane, Wednesfield.
Emergency services were called to the scene just after 7.30pm on Saturday, September 5.
Pictures show a severely damaged grey Suzuki - which was parked at the time - and the overturned vehicle, surrounded by debris.
The road was closed for several hours in the aftermath of the collision.
No casualties were found, despite firefighters and medics carrying out a search of the area.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We received a call from police at 7.36pm and sent two fire engines in response - a total of 10 firefighters.
"The first crew got there in five minutes.
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"This incident involved one car that is believed to have collided with a parked car and came to a rest on its roof.
"The driver is believed to have left the scene.
"Firefighters and colleagues from the ambulance service carried out a search of the immediate area, including a canal towpath, for anybody who might have been in the vehicle, however no casualties were found."
West Midlands Police has been approached for comment.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Pundit 'surprised' Callum Wilson snubbed Aston Villa for Newcastle

Former Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock has spoken of surprise over Callum Wilson 's shock snub in favour of joining Newcastle United .
The 28-year-old is currently at St James ' Park finalising a £20 million transfer from Bournemouth after flying in via helicopter on Sunday .
Dean Smith 's Villa , though , bid £1 million higher than Toon with both bids accepted by the Cherries - yet Wilson has chosen to link up with Steve Bruce on Tyneside instead .
Warnock , meanwhile , who spent three-and-a-half years at Villa Park , told BBC Radio 5Live that Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands roots .
`` It is quite surprising considering Callum Wilson grew up in Coventry , lived around the area so wanting to go home is often something players look at , '' Warnock explained .
`` Aston Villa is a huge club but he feels looking at last season that Newcastle are more equipped to stay in the Premier League .
`` I do find that quite surprising as I think Aston Villa will spend quite a bit towards the end of the window . ''
Warnock , meanwhile , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in 2009 , added on Wilson 's £20 million price : `` I am glad to see English players go for not stupidly inflated prices .
`` This is a realistic price for a player who has just been relegated .
We are talking about a striker but he does n't actually score that many goals .
`` His best return in the Premier League is 14 goals and I know goals are hard to come by for a team like Bournemouth for a team around the bottom but they were n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good move for someone like Callum Wilson and he will hope to score 20 goals in a better team .
`` He will hope the likes of [ Miguel ] Almiron and [ Allan ] Saint-Maximin will be players who will get in and around him and create goals for him .
`` It is an interesting move for him and I know he will be looking to go to Newcastle and be the main man , the number nine .
`` It is one of those that when you look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - very similar stature of clubs , Villa have greater history , Newcastle arguably have a greater fanbase , so it would have been a difficult decision . ''

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Former Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock has spoken of surprise over Callum Wilson's shock snub in favour of joining Newcastle United.
The 28-year-old is currently at St James' Park finalising a £20 million transfer from Bournemouth after flying in via helicopter on Sunday.
Dean Smith's Villa, though, bid £1 million higher than Toon with both bids accepted by the Cherries - yet Wilson has chosen to link up with Steve Bruce on Tyneside instead.
Warnock, meanwhile, who spent three-and-a-half years at Villa Park, told BBC Radio 5Live that Wilson's decision appears odd given his West Midlands roots.
(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
"It is quite surprising considering Callum Wilson grew up in Coventry, lived around the area so wanting to go home is often something players look at," Warnock explained.
"Aston Villa is a huge club but he feels looking at last season that Newcastle are more equipped to stay in the Premier League.
"I do find that quite surprising as I think Aston Villa will spend quite a bit towards the end of the window."
Warnock, meanwhile, who was signed for £8 million by Martin O'Neill back in 2009, added on Wilson's £20 million price: "I am glad to see English players go for not stupidly inflated prices.
"This is a realistic price for a player who has just been relegated. We are talking about a striker but he doesn't actually score that many goals.
"His best return in the Premier League is 14 goals and I know goals are hard to come by for a team like Bournemouth for a team around the bottom but they weren't before last season.
"It is a good move for someone like Callum Wilson and he will hope to score 20 goals in a better team.
"He will hope the likes of [Miguel] Almiron and [Allan] Saint-Maximin will be players who will get in and around him and create goals for him.
"It is an interesting move for him and I know he will be looking to go to Newcastle and be the main man, the number nine.
"It is one of those that when you look at Newcastle and you look at Aston Villa - very similar stature of clubs, Villa have greater history, Newcastle arguably have a greater fanbase, so it would have been a difficult decision."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--‘Armed police, get down’ - Raid on home after city centre stabbings

Residents have described how armed police swooped on a Selly Oak home - as detectives hunted a knifeman who stabbed eight people in Birmingham city centre .
Neighbours living on Natley Grove were awoken by loud bangs and shouts of ‘ get down ’ as officers carried out a raid at around 4am on Monday ( September 7 ) .
A police officer remained outside the property at 10.30am .
Earlier today West Midlands Police confirmed they had arrested a man on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder .
They said the 27-year-old had been detained at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full address has not yet been released .
One neighbour in Nately Grove said : ” It was about 4am and we heard a loud bang and saw lots of cars in the Grove with sirens .
“ They brought out two men in handcuffs . ''
The house was occupied by a number of people , they said .
“ They ’ ve been there for a few months .
We don ’ t really known much of them , but they would play loud music.
” Another resident described the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard a massive bang - we thought someone had crashed a car but it must ’ ve been them ( police ) bashing the door down .
“ We looked out the window and there were lots of armed police shouting ‘ armed police , get down.
’ “ There were two police vans , then three more police cars came along .
“ I saw them bringing about four people out .
“ That house has been privately rented and they ’ ve been around for the last six weeks .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing loud music.
” The eight victims were stabbed during a rampage spanning 110 minutes in the city centre in the early hours of Sunday , leading police to declare a major incident .
A 23-year-old man was killed in the attacks , while a man and a woman , aged 19 and 32 , suffered critical injuries .
Five other people , aged between 23 and 33 , were also injured .
They were treated in hospital , with two later being discharged .
Detectives launched a massive manhunt for a sole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage of a man they said is wanted on suspicion of murder .
This morning they announced the arrest .
A police spokesman said : `` We ’ ve arrested a man on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder over a series of stabbings in Birmingham .
`` The suspect was detained at an address in Selly Oak at around 4am after our detectives worked through the night in a bid to catch the man responsible .
`` The 27-year-old remains in police custody for questioning over the knife attacks @ @

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Residents have described how armed police swooped on a Selly Oak home - as detectives hunted a knifeman who stabbed eight people in Birmingham city centre.
Neighbours living on Natley Grove were awoken by loud bangs and shouts of ‘get down’ as officers carried out a raid at around 4am on Monday (September 7).
A police officer remained outside the property at 10.30am.
Earlier today West Midlands Police confirmed they had arrested a man on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder. They said the 27-year-old had been detained at 4am in Selly Oak, but a full address has not yet been released.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
One neighbour in Nately Grove said:”It was about 4am and we heard a loud bang and saw lots of cars in the Grove with sirens.
“They brought out two men in handcuffs."
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The house was occupied by a number of people, they said.
“They’ve been there for a few months. We don’t really known much of them, but they would play loud music.”
Another resident described the police raid.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
They said: ”We heard a massive bang - we thought someone had crashed a car but it must’ve been them (police) bashing the door down.
“We looked out the window and there were lots of armed police shouting ‘armed police, get down.’
“There were two police vans, then three more police cars came along.
“I saw them bringing about four people out.
“That house has been privately rented and they’ve been around for the last six weeks.
“The locals have had problems with them playing loud music.”
The eight victims were stabbed during a rampage spanning 110 minutes in the city centre in the early hours of Sunday, leading police to declare a major incident.
A 23-year-old man was killed in the attacks, while a man and a woman, aged 19 and 32, suffered critical injuries.
(Image: WMP)
Five other people, aged between 23 and 33, were also injured. They were treated in hospital, with two later being discharged.
Detectives launched a massive manhunt for a sole male attacker, and yesterday released CCTV footage of a man they said is wanted on suspicion of murder.
This morning they announced the arrest.
A police spokesman said: "We’ve arrested a man on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder over a series of stabbings in Birmingham.
"The suspect was detained at an address in Selly Oak at around 4am after our detectives worked through the night in a bid to catch the man responsible.
"The 27-year-old remains in police custody for questioning over the knife attacks."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Karlan Grant to West Brom: Manager hint as Albion chase deal

West Brom are looking into a deal that would bring Karlan Grant to the club before the transfer window shuts .
The Huddersfield Town striker scored 19 goals in the Championship last season and appears destined to leave the club having been left out of the Terriers ’ recent Carabao Cup defeat to Rochdale over the weekend .
Albion are desperate to add a further attacker to their ranks as they look to give themselves the best chance of making an impact back in the top flight , and Grant is high up on their shortlist .
How does the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter BirminghamLive revealed that Albion had identified Grant as a target back in January .
At that time , Huddersfield weren ’ t pressured into selling and , amid a relegation battle , then boss Danny Cowley was understandably keen to hold onto his talisman .
Albion would eventually turn to Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki and the pair would aid Slaven Bilic as the Baggies ’ quest to secure promotion proved fruitful .
That interest doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meantime , with Grant continuing to score goals into the second half of the campaign .
The striker fits the bill for what Albion are looking to do ; he ’ s a forward who will soon turn 23 , and impressed in a struggling Town side during his previous , fleeting , spell in the top flight .
Grant is a player , much like the already recruited Matheus Pereira , Cedric Kipre and Grady Diangana , who you ’ d imagine still has his best years ahead of him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player with potential re-sale value .
Albion have worked hard in recent windows to bring the average age of the squad down where possible - it currently stands at a smidgen over 26 .
What Corberan has said “ I can understand the interest in Karlan Grant because what he did at this club is something amazing , ” Corberan told the BBC recently .
“ I can understand when you have one player at his level some clubs are going to be interested in him .
“ We have to accept this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to start to live with this type of situation – with the rumours and with the different options that can appear from now until the end of the market .
“ I want to give more minutes to the players I feel are going to be in the squad all the year so Karlan Grant and Steve Mounie are not going to be involved - because I think both players have options to not be in our squad.
” Signing a five-year deal after joining from West Ham United , winger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle the top flight in Albion colours .
He posted on social media upon signing : “ Can ’ t wait to pick up where we left off !
@ wba let ’ s go !
!
” Among those to share comments with the winger were teammates Rekeem Harper , Alex Palmer and Kieran Gibbs , while Grant also added : “ Time to shine bro.
” Diangana replied to the striker : “ It ’ s time my brother.
” As you might imagine , many an Albion supporter pleaded with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the club ’ s forthcoming top flight adventure .
Diangana will without doubt be considered Albion ’ s big money signing of the summer ; the club saw fit to spend a significant portion of their playing budget on him after that successful loan spell last term .
That makes a deal for Grant less straightforward than it otherwise might ’ ve been , though the Baggies remain in contact with Town as they look to tempt them into parting with their talisman .
Then there ’ s the fact that Kenneth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruiting another forward without moving one of their existing options out also makes things tricky .
The club are understood to be talking with another club about a potential deal for the Dane , who endured a difficult first season at The Hawthorns .
Much like with the additions of Kipre and David Button , Albion must now use that transfer nous that has served them well in the last couple of windows to complete their business .

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West Brom are looking into a deal that would bring Karlan Grant to the club before the transfer window shuts.
The Huddersfield Town striker scored 19 goals in the Championship last season and appears destined to leave the club having been left out of the Terriers’ league and cup campaign so far.
Albion are desperate to add a further attacker to their ranks as they look to give themselves the best chance of making an impact back in the top flight, and Grant is high up on their shortlist.
How does the land lie at this moment?
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The interest
BirminghamLive revealed that Albion had identified Grant as a target back in January. At that time, Huddersfield weren’t pressured into selling and, amid a relegation battle, then boss Danny Cowley was understandably keen to hold onto his talisman.
Albion would eventually turn to Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki and the pair would aid Slaven Bilic as the Baggies’ quest to secure promotion proved fruitful.
That interest doesn’t appear to have diminished in the meantime, with Grant continuing to score goals into the second half of the campaign.
What Bilic said
“There are rumours in the papers but there are two or three genuine ones that we would love to happen,” Bilic said, “and I am quite positive we will get it over the line, that position.
“The main thing is the player wants to come and I’m expecting us to finish that.
“Look, I’m not going to lie - there are those clichés like ‘they are other clubs’ players’ - so I’m respectful to those clubs and I’m respectful of the players that are here.
“The rumours are true - he is one that is on our list. Very quality player, of course."
Grant’s profile
The striker fits the bill for what Albion are looking to do; he’s a forward who will soon turn 23, and impressed in a struggling Town side during his previous, fleeting, spell in the top flight.
Grant is a player, much like the already recruited Matheus Pereira, Cedric Kipre and Grady Diangana, who you’d imagine still has his best years ahead of him and who would represent an investment in a player with potential re-sale value.
Albion have worked hard in recent windows to bring the average age of the squad down where possible - it currently stands at a smidgen over 26.
What Corberan has said
"I think the situation with Karlan Grant is the same situation: he continues being in the club with the possibility to move out of the club," Town boss Corberan said recently.
"I think this is one situation that we need to analyse when the market is closed and we've seen what happens with him. Of course the contribution of Grant last year was key because he scored a lot of goals that helped the team to take points and to continue in the Championship.
"I know how important Grant was and the other clubs know that too and that's why they are interested in a player like him.
"He's in the club, and if he continues training and comes back to training with the group and starts to be part of the group it would be great to have his support, but now the situation is the same situation. We're in like a standby situation with him to see what his future will be.
"Now we need to play with the players who are working with us and he's not been part of the players to prepare for this game."
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Signing a five-year deal after joining from West Ham United, winger Grady Diangana has hit the ground running in the top flight in Albion colours.
He posted on social media upon signing: “Can’t wait to pick up where we left off! @wba let’s go!!”
Among those to share comments with the winger were teammates Rekeem Harper, Alex Palmer and Kieran Gibbs, while Grant also added: “Time to shine bro.”
Diangana replied to the striker: “It’s time my brother.”
As you might imagine, many an Albion supporter pleaded with Grant to join Diangana at The Hawthorns for the club’s forthcoming top flight adventure.
Hint hint
Grant dropped a hint on social media that he may be about to be on the move.
Forward Grant sparked quite a reaction from Albion supporters on Tuesday evening when he tweeted: “Always trust the process.”
That post was accompanied with emojis of an hourglass and hands in a sign of prayer, suggesting that Grant was hopeful something may be developing on the horizon.
Wanting out
Reports emerged in September of Grant making clear to the Huddersfield hierarchy of his desire to leave the club and pursue his Premier League dream, amid interest from Albion.
The Daily Mail reported that Grant had grown frustrated of Town's stance as they held firm on their valuation of the player.
Chances of a deal
Diangana will without doubt be considered Albion’s big money signing of the summer; the club saw fit to spend a significant portion of their playing budget on him after that successful loan spell last term.
That makes a deal for Grant less straightforward than it otherwise might’ve been, though the Baggies remain in contact with Town as they look to tempt them into parting with their talisman.
A loan deal with a substantial loan fee has been mooted, something Albion would be interested in exploring - that would involve, for argument’s sake, Albion signing the player next summer if they remained in the top flight.
At this moment in time, the Terriers aren’t understood to be overly keen on the idea of parting with their prized asset on loan and will need coercing into a deal.
Meanwhile, Albion are fielding interest in strikers Kenneth Zohore and Charlie Austin - and winger Kamil Grosicki. If they were to find suitors for any of the above, that would strengthen their budget - and their chances of landing Grant.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Greggs is giving free items to anybody who had a birthday during lockdown

If you had a birthday during lockdown you can get a free baked good from Greggs , as the bakery giant comes to the rescue and lifts your spirits heading into the autumn .
Did you have to celebrate you birthday during lockdown ?
Did you spent it on Zoom or Houseparty to your pals , rather than at a plush restaurant - or even abroad , at some sun-kissed holiday hospot ?
Well , do n't fret and fear any longer , because Greggs has set out to make it up to you with a free sweet treat - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small print .
There are a few catches to the tasty , tantalising deal , Greggs has admitted , with a price limit on what you can spend .
Greggs say anybody stuck indoors on their birthday will be able to get a free delicious sweet treat which is valued at under £1 .
You could choose a cookie , a doughnut or a yum yum , among other things , so it is n't all bad .
All you have to do is download the Greggs Rewards app and then you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you received .
The bakery giant operates multiple branches across Birmingham and throughout the wider West Midlands region .
The deal is because that Greggs usually offer free birthday treats to their members .
Thankfully , the high street staple has extended the one month time limit this year owing to the lockdown , so that those who had their birthday between 24 March and 3 July can still celebrate .

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If you had a birthday during lockdown you can get a free baked good from Greggs, as the bakery giant comes to the rescue and lifts your spirits heading into the autumn.
Did you have to celebrate you birthday during lockdown? Did you spent it on Zoom or Houseparty to your pals, rather than at a plush restaurant - or even abroad, at some sun-kissed holiday hospot?
Well, don't fret and fear any longer, because Greggs has set out to make it up to you with a free sweet treat - although you may want to read the small print.
There are a few catches to the tasty, tantalising deal, Greggs has admitted, with a price limit on what you can spend.
Greggs say anybody stuck indoors on their birthday will be able to get a free delicious sweet treat which is valued at under £1.
(Image: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)
You could choose a cookie, a doughnut or a yum yum, among other things, so it isn't all bad.
All you have to do is download the Greggs Rewards app and then you have to show the staff members the code you received.
The bakery giant operates multiple branches across Birmingham and throughout the wider West Midlands region.
The deal is because that Greggs usually offer free birthday treats to their members.
Thankfully, the high street staple has extended the one month time limit this year owing to the lockdown, so that those who had their birthday between 24 March and 3 July can still celebrate.


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Coronavirus cases are shooting up across the Midlands and the North

Coronavirus cases are continuing to increase rapidly in Birmingham , today 's NHS data shows .
And the city is not alone .
Cases are rising in cities and major towns across the North and Midlands .
Birmingham had 557 cases in a week , giving an infection rate of 48.8 cases per 100,000 people .
This is an increase of 74 % in just one week ( if cases increase by 100 % then it means they have doubled ) .
Just two weeks ago , the case rate in Birmingham was 24.6 cases per 100,000 people .
Solihull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 76 cases over seven days , giving an infection rate of 35.4 .
But this means the number of cases is up by 245 % in one week - in other words , they are more than three times as high as they were a week ago .
And it 's a trend seen elsewhere .
Cases in Bolton have more than doubled in one week .
The number of cases in Gateshead more than triped in one week .
Cases in Hartlepool are close to four times what they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middlesbrough are up by 91 % in one week .
The areas with the highest Covid rate in the UK The table above shows how coronavirus rates have increased in some of the biggest urban areas .
One exception is Oldham , where cases fell slightly .
There 's good news for Sandwell , which has been on the official coronavirus `` watchlist '' twice , making it a candidate for a local lockdown .
Cases fell by 31 % in Sandwell over seven days , giving it an infection rate of 18.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted the Government had not `` lost control '' of the virus and said the increase in cases was largely among `` affluent young people '' .
He told LBC radio : “ Over the summer we had particular problems in some of the areas that are most deprived .
Actually , the recent increase we have seen in the last few days is more broadly spread .
“ It ’ s actually among more affluent younger people where we have seen the rise.
” Asked whether he had “ lost control ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ No , but the whole country needs to following social distancing .
We can only do this as a whole society – everybody has a role to play .
”

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Coronavirus cases are continuing to increase rapidly in Birmingham, today's NHS data shows.
And the city is not alone. Cases are rising in cities and major towns across the North and Midlands.
Birmingham had 557 cases in a week, giving an infection rate of 48.8 cases per 100,000 people. This is an increase of 74% in just one week (if cases increase by 100% then it means they have doubled).
Just two weeks ago, the case rate in Birmingham was 24.6 cases per 100,000 people.
Solihull has a lower coronavirus rate than Birmingham, with 76 cases over seven days, giving an infection rate of 35.4. But this means the number of cases is up by 245% in one week - in other words, they are more than three times as high as they were a week ago.
And it's a trend seen elsewhere. Cases in Bolton have more than doubled in one week. The number of cases in Gateshead more than triped in one week. Cases in Hartlepool are close to four times what they were a week ago.
Covid cases in Middlesbrough are up by 91% in one week.
The areas with the highest Covid rate in the UK
Local Authority Cases per 100,000 Change in past week Bolton 114.2 135% Bradford 63.9 37% Blackburn 57.7 21% Salford 56.2 47% Oldham 54.7 -7% Rochdale 54.5 24% Manchester 49.5 19% Birmingham 48.8 74% Tameside 48.4 33% Gateshead 45.4 241% Bury 45.2 76% Middlesbrough 43.3 91% South Tyneside 42.6 19% Hartlepool 40.8 280%
The table above shows how coronavirus rates have increased in some of the biggest urban areas. One exception is Oldham, where cases fell slightly.
There's good news for Sandwell, which has been on the official coronavirus "watchlist" twice, making it a candidate for a local lockdown. Cases fell by 31% in Sandwell over seven days, giving it an infection rate of 18.6 per 100,000.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock insisted the Government had not "lost control" of the virus and said the increase in cases was largely among "affluent young people".
He told LBC radio: “Over the summer we had particular problems in some of the areas that are most deprived. Actually, the recent increase we have seen in the last few days is more broadly spread.
“It’s actually among more affluent younger people where we have seen the rise.”
Asked whether he had “lost control” of the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Hancock said: “No, but the whole country needs to following social distancing. We can only do this as a whole society – everybody has a role to play.”
There is some positive news, in that the death rate remains low. It's believed that the increase is largely down to more younger people becoming infected, and - while there have been exceptions - they are statistically less likely to die of Covid-19 unless they already have a serious health condition. However, experts and the Government say that unless the increase is stopped, it will spread to other parts of the population including older people, who are more at risk.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman told journalists today: "The rise in the number of cases is concerning and we are seeing it predominantly among young people.
"Generally a rise in cases among younger people leads to a rise across the population as a whole. That's why it's so important that people maintain social distancing and don't allow this illness to infect older generations."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Brummies praised for response to 'dreadful' Birmingham stabbings

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has today issued a message of thanks to the city 's residents following the series of stabbings which left Birmingham shocked this weekend .
After a man , aged 27 , was arrested following an overnight raid in Selly Oak , David Jamieson issued a message to Brummies after a horrific series of attacks left eight injured in the early hours of Sunday morning .
Mr Jamieson , in an interview with the BBC , thanked the public for their help in helping police to make an arrest , saying : “ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aid of the public , police have now made an arrest of a potential suspect from this dreadful murder and the appalling injuries that were done to people here in Birmingham over the weekend . ''
He added : “ So yes I am very pleased that swift action has been taken and someone now is in custody.
” In a tweet , Mr Jamieson said : `` Thank you to all the members of the public who got in touch with @ WMPolice The investigation continues .
`` If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get in touch with the police . ''
West Midlands Police chief constable Dave Thompson added : `` Thank you for the support of the public and the tireless work of @ DetectivesWMP overnight .
Ch Supt Steve Graham said : “ Officers worked through yesterday and into the early hours of this morning in a bid to trace the man we believe responsible for these terrible crimes .
“ We issued CCTV footage of the suspect and had a strong response from the public .
I ’ d like to thank everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information to the investigation .
“ One line of enquiry ultimately led us to an address in the Selly Oak area this morning where a man was arrested . ''

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The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has today issued a message of thanks to the city's residents following the series of stabbings which left Birmingham shocked this weekend.
After a man, aged 27, was arrested following an overnight raid in Selly Oak, David Jamieson issued a message to Brummies after a horrific series of attacks left eight injured in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mr Jamieson, in an interview with the BBC, thanked the public for their help in helping police to make an arrest, saying: “Well I am pleased to say that with the aid of the public, police have now made an arrest of a potential suspect from this dreadful murder and the appalling injuries that were done to people here in Birmingham over the weekend."
He added: “So yes I am very pleased that swift action has been taken and someone now is in custody.”
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
In a tweet, Mr Jamieson said: "Thank you to all the members of the public who got in touch with @WMPolice The investigation continues.
"If you have further info on the #BirminghamStabbings please get in touch with the police."
West Midlands Police chief constable Dave Thompson added: "Thank you for the support of the public and the tireless work of @DetectivesWMP overnight.
"Our investigation continues."
Ch Supt Steve Graham said: “Officers worked through yesterday and into the early hours of this morning in a bid to trace the man we believe responsible for these terrible crimes.
“We issued CCTV footage of the suspect and had a strong response from the public. I’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and who provided information to the investigation.
“One line of enquiry ultimately led us to an address in the Selly Oak area this morning where a man was arrested."


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Aston Villa fans pile in as Callum Wilson transfer nears completion

Callum Wilson is in the North East putting the final touches to a deal that will see him join Newcastle United ahead of Aston Villa .
Steve Bruce ’ s current side have beaten his former club to the £21million signing of the Bournemouth striker - leaving Villa still looking for a new centre-forward .
Wilson is set to have his medical today - 24 hours after Villa decided to pull out of a deal when the 28-year-old indicated his preference a switch to St James ’ Park .
And some Villa fans are relieved they have done so .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 4-year deal ( supposedly with a 5th optional year , which Wilson can trigger ) ... makes me VERY relieved we aren ’ t signing him .
He might be good for them , but we put these silly deals behind us for a reason .
@ AndrewMahon17 : So £100k a week that ’ s £25M in wages alone no wonder we walked away Newcastle must be mad !
!
@ dancingken1 : Callum Wilson on a 5 yr deal ?
Both knees crocked and relies on penalties to score goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 5 year contract for a 28 year old on £80k+ a week is not something Villa should be entertaining @ Dean30201087 : 5 years on massive wages for a 28 year old injury prone striker who had a worse goal per game ratio than Wesley last season .
The real reason he wanted to go to Newcastle .
I applaud our recruitment staff for pulling out .
We ’ re being run properly now everyone @ arb0417 : £20m upfront transfer fee & £20m in wages over the next 5 years ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And make no mistake he ’ s pulled both Villa & Newcastle ’ s pants down here .
Thankfully short lived pain for Villa .
We move on .
@ Tomtyrone : A serious bullet dodged by not signing wilson ... .bruce signing him says a lot ... ..we know the signings he goes for and how they turn out ... .

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Callum Wilson is in the North East putting the final touches to a deal that will see him join Newcastle United ahead of Aston Villa.
Steve Bruce’s current side have beaten his former club to the £21million signing of the Bournemouth striker - leaving Villa still looking for a new centre-forward.
Wilson is set to have his medical today - 24 hours after Villa decided to pull out of a deal when the 28-year-old indicated his preference a switch to St James’ Park.
And some Villa fans are relieved they have done so.
@Robbb182: Wilson joining Newcastle on a 4-year deal (supposedly with a 5th optional year, which Wilson can trigger)... makes me VERY relieved we aren’t signing him. He might be good for them, but we put these silly deals behind us for a reason.
@AndrewMahon17: So £100k a week that’s £25M in wages alone no wonder we walked away Newcastle must be mad!!
@dancingken1: Callum Wilson on a 5 yr deal? Both knees crocked and relies on penalties to score goals
@VillaRidders09: Re: Wilson. A 5 year contract for a 28 year old on £80k+ a week is not something Villa should be entertaining
@Dean30201087: 5 years on massive wages for a 28 year old injury prone striker who had a worse goal per game ratio than Wesley last season. The real reason he wanted to go to Newcastle. I applaud our recruitment staff for pulling out. We’re being run properly now everyone
@arb0417: £20m upfront transfer fee & £20m in wages over the next 5 years? You’re welcome to Callum Wilson. And make no mistake he’s pulled both Villa & Newcastle’s pants down here. Thankfully short lived pain for Villa. We move on.
@Tomtyrone: A serious bullet dodged by not signing wilson....bruce signing him says a lot.....we know the signings he goes for and how they turn out....


birminghammail--2020-09-07--'An absolute nightmare' - School transport chaos in Birmingham

The council 's specialised transport service for children with disabilities has been described as a 'shambles ' by parents , after some children were left without any kind of transport on their return to school .
And the service has also been blasted by schools and local councillors , with one headteacher describing the situation as a 'fiasco ' .
The council 's SEND service transports nearly 6,000 children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to and from school every day , with the service back up and running as children returned to school .
However the service has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and teachers reporting how : • Some children have not been collected at all , with individual schools having to make arrangements for transport .
• Schools have been left in the dark about travel arrangements less than 18 HOURS before pupils were due to return .
• Unannounced doorstep visits have been made to pupils to inform them of routes using incorrect data , meaning several turned up at the wrong addresses .
• Parents have been unable to contact the council 's helpline , with some saying they were on hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response .
• No information has been provided to some parents about the drivers/guides on each mode of transport .
One parent who has suffered due to the apparent lack of organisation has been Mary Carter , who received a call on the day of her daughter 's return to school to be told that her route had been aborted .
`` Today no transport arrived , '' she said '' At 11.55am I received a call to say the route had been aborted .
No communication .
I was also told that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home from school either .
`` This is unacceptable .
I really thought we had turned a corner .
A prompt phone call on Aug 28th told me we had the same guide as last year and a visit from our new driver on Tuesday Sept 1 ( though unscheduled ) was a welcome thing .
`` After three years of fighting this failed service i 'm exhausted .
My daughter 's health and wellbeing is suffering which I will not stand for .
I am a non-driver and reliant on this service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current circumstances I would have thought getting these vulnerable children to school safely after everything would have been the council 's priority .
`` Having no transport means we have to take public transport or rely on friends which puts everyone at risk .
Adhering to the current guidelines is a must for our children , family and friends .
`` Things have to change .
I will do everything in my power to keep my daughter safe and in an education she deserves . ''
Another left in the lurch was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son attends Oscott Manor school .
And she described the situation as a 'nightmare ' after receiving little communication from the council prior to her son returning on Friday .
`` It ’ s been a shambles for the last 12 months if I ’ m honest , but obviously more so recently.
, '' she said .
`` The trouble is the number you ’ ve got for Travel Assist is constantly engaged , so you can ’ t even get through .
It ’ s engaged from 7am to 5pm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly for the past two weeks that I ’ ve been trying .
`` Apparently there were letters sent out but I never received a letter , but that letter was just to say ‘ if you don ’ t hear off us by Aug 31 , do X ’ - but I ’ m saying that ’ s no good , because you ’ re looking at a few days notice to tell parents what ’ s going on .
And then they say ‘ if you ’ re having problems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have an issue ’ - well that number is the one that ’ s constantly engaged .
`` I ’ m on a forum now on Facebook , called SEND local , and there have been loads of parents on there asking ‘ has anyone been able to get hold of Travel Assist ’ - so from what I can gather there ’ s been loads of parents that have been having the same problem , and even schools .
`` They sent me one email saying ‘ Son ’ s bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
They didn ’ t tell me who the guide was , didn ’ t tell me who the driver was , didn ’ t tell me where the route was .
Then when I found out who the guide was , it turns out they ’ re off sick , so now they ’ ve had to try and find another replacement .
But before Monday I ’ d had no information whatsoever .
`` And then my friend , whose son goes to my son ’ s school , today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t even show up .
So the school ’ s had to pick him up today .
So she ’ s messaged me this morning really upset because the bus hasn ’ t showed up - she ’ s rang the school , who don ’ t know anything about it , and then she ’ s messaged me back saying that the school was coming to get him , but that there were a few kids who hadn ’ t been picked up .
So they ’ ve had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It ’ s been stressful because obviously my son has got very complex needs and not being able to explain to him who the guide is , who the driver is , who ’ s on your bus , has been horrible .
There ’ ll be no one there that he knows .
`` I know they ’ ve got to do it in bubbles , but my argument is they knew from June that we ’ d be having bubbles .
We all knew from June when the education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no kids since March - so they ’ ve had a good five months to get ready for this .
And it just seems now that the last few weeks it ’ s gone wrong , and seems like nobody knows what they ’ re doing properly .
`` It ’ s an absolute joke , and the only reason why I know now is because I ’ ve bugged them .
My friend still doesn ’ t even know what time her son is being picked up , what the driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the guide .
She ’ s been told nothing .
`` It ’ s an an absolute nightmare .
And don ’ t get me wrong , I do appreciate the transport , because I work as well .
But I ’ m still nervous because I never know if the bus is going to turn up , who the driver will be , who the guide will be , and I ’ m not here a lot of the time because I work .
So I ’ m now worried about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
One headteacher , who wished to remain anonymous , outlined in an email how pupils and parents have been 'experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress due to not having information needed to prepare autistic children for a return to school post lockdown ' , while also pointing to the lack of information on routes , guides and drivers and the fact that some safety information is incorrect , meaning that some children may not be able to be transported safely .
`` It is absolutely a last resort to escalate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is necessary at this time as we are doing a huge disservice to vulnerable children and families , '' the headteacher said .
`` They should be returning to school tomorrow in a calm and well supported way which sadly will not be the case due to the travel fiasco . ''
And Conservative Councillor Alex Yip ( Sutton Wylde Green ) has also criticised the council , accusing it of 'failing ' families .
`` I have spoken to distraught parents , teachers and guides on the phone who are so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described as the chaos with the service for yet another year , '' he said .
`` Despite being given repeated reassurances that the service would be fully operational and the repeated mistakes of the past learnt , we have seen the most vulnerable and in need members of our society- children with disabilities- utterly failed yet again by this council .
`` Despite having months to make arrangements , schools have been left on their own with only days of notice , parents not told when or how their children will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guides , drivers or routes .
The situation has long been completely unacceptable .
`` This is yet another example of this council repeatedly failing families and no one taking responsibility or accountability . ''
A spokesperson for the council said in a statement : “ Our Travel Assist team has been working hard to make sure that safe and reliable transport is in place for the almost 6,000 children and young people who use home to school transport each day .
“ The start of term this year is unlike any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with government guidance , we have increased the number of vehicles available to enable pupils to travel in their bubbles , carried out risk assessments , provided PPE and employed additional travel guides .
“ For the vast majority of families , home to school transport has run smoothly this week but we are aware that there have been some issues for a small number of families and schools .
“ We apologise to any families and schools who have been affected .
We are working closely with our providers to resolve issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made additional phone lines available to ensure families are able to get hold of the team .
Families can contact the team on 0121 303 4955 between 7am and 5:30pm , Monday to Friday or email travelassist @ birmingham.gov.uk

The council's specialised transport service for children with disabilities has been described as a 'shambles' by parents, after some children were left without any kind of transport on their return to school.
And the service has also been blasted by schools and local councillors, with one headteacher describing the situation as a 'fiasco'.
The council's SEND service transports nearly 6,000 children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to and from school every day, with the service back up and running as children returned to school.
However the service has been slammed as 'unacceptable', with parents and teachers reporting how:
Some children have not been collected at all, with individual schools having to make arrangements for transport.
Schools have been left in the dark about travel arrangements less than 18 HOURS before pupils were due to return.
Unannounced doorstep visits have been made to pupils to inform them of routes using incorrect data, meaning several turned up at the wrong addresses.
Parents have been unable to contact the council's helpline, with some saying they were on hold for up to five hours with no response.
No information has been provided to some parents about the drivers/guides on each mode of transport.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
One parent who has suffered due to the apparent lack of organisation has been Mary Carter, who received a call on the day of her daughter's return to school to be told that her route had been aborted.
"Today no transport arrived," she said
"At 11.55am I received a call to say the route had been aborted. No communication. I was also told that there may not be a route available home from school either.
"This is unacceptable. I really thought we had turned a corner. A prompt phone call on Aug 28th told me we had the same guide as last year and a visit from our new driver on Tuesday Sept 1 (though unscheduled) was a welcome thing.
"After three years of fighting this failed service i'm exhausted. My daughter's health and wellbeing is suffering which I will not stand for. I am a non-driver and reliant on this service to get her to school and under the current circumstances I would have thought getting these vulnerable children to school safely after everything would have been the council's priority.
"Having no transport means we have to take public transport or rely on friends which puts everyone at risk. Adhering to the current guidelines is a must for our children, family and friends.
"Things have to change. I will do everything in my power to keep my daughter safe and in an education she deserves."
Another left in the lurch was Keely Jones of Ward End, whose son attends Oscott Manor school.
And she described the situation as a 'nightmare' after receiving little communication from the council prior to her son returning on Friday.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"It’s been a shambles for the last 12 months if I’m honest, but obviously more so recently.," she said.
"The trouble is the number you’ve got for Travel Assist is constantly engaged, so you can’t even get through. It’s engaged from 7am to 5pm, so that’s been going on constantly for the past two weeks that I’ve been trying.
"Apparently there were letters sent out but I never received a letter, but that letter was just to say ‘if you don’t hear off us by Aug 31, do X’ - but I’m saying that’s no good, because you’re looking at a few days notice to tell parents what’s going on. And then they say ‘if you’re having problems, use this number and you won’t have an issue’ - well that number is the one that’s constantly engaged.
"I’m on a forum now on Facebook, called SEND local, and there have been loads of parents on there asking ‘has anyone been able to get hold of Travel Assist’ - so from what I can gather there’s been loads of parents that have been having the same problem, and even schools.
"They sent me one email saying ‘Son’s bus due at 8.05' - that was it. They didn’t tell me who the guide was, didn’t tell me who the driver was, didn’t tell me where the route was. Then when I found out who the guide was, it turns out they’re off sick, so now they’ve had to try and find another replacement. But before Monday I’d had no information whatsoever.
"And then my friend, whose son goes to my son’s school, today contacted me telling me that his bus didn’t even show up. So the school’s had to pick him up today. So she’s messaged me this morning really upset because the bus hasn’t showed up - she’s rang the school, who don’t know anything about it, and then she’s messaged me back saying that the school was coming to get him, but that there were a few kids who hadn’t been picked up. So they’ve had to come out and pick her son up.
"It’s been stressful because obviously my son has got very complex needs and not being able to explain to him who the guide is, who the driver is, who’s on your bus, has been horrible. There’ll be no one there that he knows.
"I know they’ve got to do it in bubbles, but my argument is they knew from June that we’d be having bubbles. We all knew from June when the education was going back. And there have been no kids since March - so they’ve had a good five months to get ready for this. And it just seems now that the last few weeks it’s gone wrong, and seems like nobody knows what they’re doing properly.
"It’s an absolute joke, and the only reason why I know now is because I’ve bugged them. My friend still doesn’t even know what time her son is being picked up, what the driver’s name is or who’s the guide. She’s been told nothing.
"It’s an an absolute nightmare. And don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the transport, because I work as well. But I’m still nervous because I never know if the bus is going to turn up, who the driver will be, who the guide will be, and I’m not here a lot of the time because I work. So I’m now worried about being at work and having the stress."
One headteacher, who wished to remain anonymous, outlined in an email how pupils and parents have been 'experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress due to not having information needed to prepare autistic children for a return to school post lockdown', while also pointing to the lack of information on routes, guides and drivers and the fact that some safety information is incorrect, meaning that some children may not be able to be transported safely.
"It is absolutely a last resort to escalate our concerns in this way but unfortunately it is necessary at this time as we are doing a huge disservice to vulnerable children and families," the headteacher said.
"They should be returning to school tomorrow in a calm and well supported way which sadly will not be the case due to the travel fiasco."
And Conservative Councillor Alex Yip (Sutton Wylde Green) has also criticised the council, accusing it of 'failing' families.
"I have spoken to distraught parents, teachers and guides on the phone who are so frustrated and angry about what they have described as the chaos with the service for yet another year," he said.
"Despite being given repeated reassurances that the service would be fully operational and the repeated mistakes of the past learnt, we have seen the most vulnerable and in need members of our society- children with disabilities- utterly failed yet again by this council.
"Despite having months to make arrangements, schools have been left on their own with only days of notice, parents not told when or how their children will be taken to school, insufficient numbers of guides, drivers or routes. The situation has long been completely unacceptable.
"This is yet another example of this council repeatedly failing families and no one taking responsibility or accountability."
A spokesperson for the council said in a statement: “Our Travel Assist team has been working hard to make sure that safe and reliable transport is in place for the almost 6,000 children and young people who use home to school transport each day.
“The start of term this year is unlike any other we have experienced as, in accordance with government guidance, we have increased the number of vehicles available to enable pupils to travel in their bubbles, carried out risk assessments, provided PPE and employed additional travel guides.
“For the vast majority of families, home to school transport has run smoothly this week but we are aware that there have been some issues for a small number of families and schools.
“We apologise to any families and schools who have been affected. We are working closely with our providers to resolve issues as soon as possible and have also made additional phone lines available to ensure families are able to get hold of the team. Families can contact the team on 0121 303 4955 between 7am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday or email travelassist@birmingham.gov.uk


birminghammail--2020-09-07--Year 1 pupils isolating after child catches coronavirus

An entire year group is self-isolating at a city school after a child tested positive for coronavirus .
All pupils in Year 1 at Greet Primary School in Sparkhill are now staying at home .
Executive headteacher Tania Yasmin said in a letter : `` We are informing you that a child in Year One has tested positively for Covid-19 .
All children in the year group are now isolating at home .
`` We have been informed that the child did not contract the virus at school , however , we have been working with Public Health Birmingham to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news .
`` All other year groups are not affected by this because they are in different 'bubbles ' and would not have come into close contact with the child in Year One .
`` Please do not bring your child into school if they or anyone within your household are showing symptoms . ''
Pupils in a Year 1 class at Lakey Lane Primary School , in Hall Green , are also self-isolating after a pupil tested positive for Covid-19 .
Louise Jones , headteacher of Lakey Lane Primary School , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to close the affected class to both staff and pupils .
Her letter said a parent had also tested positive for coronavirus .
Both staff and pupils in the Year 1 class are now self-isolating for 14 days .

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An entire year group is self-isolating at a city school after a child tested positive for coronavirus.
All pupils in Year 1 at Greet Primary School in Sparkhill are now staying at home.
Executive headteacher Tania Yasmin said in a letter: "We are informing you that a child in Year One has tested positively for Covid-19. All children in the year group are now isolating at home.
"We have been informed that the child did not contract the virus at school, however, we have been working with Public Health Birmingham to follow all necessary measures in light of the news.
"All other year groups are not affected by this because they are in different 'bubbles' and would not have come into close contact with the child in Year One.
"Please do not bring your child into school if they or anyone within your household are showing symptoms."
Pupils in a Year 1 class at Lakey Lane Primary School, in Hall Green, are also self-isolating after a pupil tested positive for Covid-19.
Louise Jones, headteacher of Lakey Lane Primary School, wrote to parents informing them of the decision to close the affected class to both staff and pupils.
Her letter said a parent had also tested positive for coronavirus.
Both staff and pupils in the Year 1 class are now self-isolating for 14 days.