birminghammail--2020-05-14--Gran weeps as she confronts MP over not being able to hug grandkids

This is the moment a grandmother from Redditch broke down on BBC Radio Five Live and sobbed over not being able to hug her grandchildren .
Lyn rang in to the national radio show to confront MP Robert Jenrick , who fronted the government 's press briefing yesterday .
Mr Jenrick is Secretary of State for Housing , Communities & Local Government , and Member of Parliament for Newark , Nottinghamshire .
Lyn heartbreakingly stated : `` I 'd just like to ask Mr Jenrick as a heartbroken grandmother who has had everything to do with bringing up and helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being eased , and children are being sent back to school and people are mixing even if they are long distance , why can I not and why will I not be able to hug my grandchildren for six to 12 months ?
`` Or maybe even more if a vaccine is not found ! ''
She added : `` I have a son who lives in Redditch , with two little children , he is in a flat and has been shielded .
He 's got nowhere he can go '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of toys where he could bring the children and they could be allowed to play .
`` But I 'm not allowed to do that and it 's breaking my heart not seeing my children or my grandchildren .
And there must be many , many other mothers and grandmothers feeling exactly the same . ''
Mr Jenrick replied : `` Lyn , I 've had similar conversations with my mum who would like to come and put her arms around my children but the medical advice is that it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing to do at this time .
`` We have to control the spread of the virus at this moment in time .
`` We need to prevent the spread at the moment .
`` We 're going to have to ask you - I know it 's tough , I know every family in the country is going through this - to hold off . ''
When asked how long the government expected the measures to last , he chipped in with : `` We do n't know , but what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know it 's only a little difference , and not what people are craving - you could go to a public space and meet your child at a two metre distance . ''
But Lyn shot back : `` You 're willing to play with our children and grandchildren 's lives by sending them back to school when it may not be safe '' I have a granddaughter who is expecting her first baby .
She has been outside twice in eight weeks .
That 's all .
`` Surely , because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be able to see each other ? ''
Mr Jenrick replied : `` The risk to children is extremely low , we need to proceed cautiously and that 's what the government is doing .
We 'd never play with lives .
`` We 're easing the restrictive measures very cautiously - the more we adhere to the rules , the more we keep the R rate down and the faster we will be able to take those steps . ''

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This is the moment a grandmother from Redditch broke down on BBC Radio Five Live and sobbed over not being able to hug her grandchildren.
Lyn rang in to the national radio show to confront MP Robert Jenrick, who fronted the government's press briefing yesterday.
Mr Jenrick is Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, and Member of Parliament for Newark, Nottinghamshire.
Lyn heartbreakingly stated: "I'd just like to ask Mr Jenrick as a heartbroken grandmother who has had everything to do with bringing up and helping with her grandchildren why, when everything is being eased, and children are being sent back to school and people are mixing even if they are long distance, why can I not and why will I not be able to hug my grandchildren for six to 12 months?
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Or maybe even more if a vaccine is not found!"
She added: "I have a son who lives in Redditch, with two little children, he is in a flat and has been shielded. He's got nowhere he can go
"I have a sixty foot garden with lots of toys where he could bring the children and they could be allowed to play.
"But I'm not allowed to do that and it's breaking my heart not seeing my children or my grandchildren. And there must be many, many other mothers and grandmothers feeling exactly the same."
Mr Jenrick replied: "Lyn, I've had similar conversations with my mum who would like to come and put her arms around my children but the medical advice is that it's not right. That's not the right thing to do at this time.
"We have to control the spread of the virus at this moment in time.
"We need to prevent the spread at the moment.
"We're going to have to ask you - I know it's tough, I know every family in the country is going through this - to hold off."
When asked how long the government expected the measures to last, he chipped in with: "We don't know, but what we have said this week - and I know it's only a little difference, and not what people are craving - you could go to a public space and meet your child at a two metre distance."
But Lyn shot back: "You're willing to play with our children and grandchildren's lives by sending them back to school when it may not be safe
"I have a granddaughter who is expecting her first baby. She has been outside twice in eight weeks. That's all.
"Surely, because we have isolated for so long, we should be able to see each other?"
(Image: PA)
Mr Jenrick replied: "The risk to children is extremely low, we need to proceed cautiously and that's what the government is doing. We'd never play with lives.
"We're easing the restrictive measures very cautiously - the more we adhere to the rules, the more we keep the R rate down and the faster we will be able to take those steps."


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Tesco issues crucial advice to every Clubcard holder over unused points

Tesco has changed the rules around its Clubcard points for its customers during the coronavirus pandemic .
As the Covid-19 crisis continues across the country , many of us are not frequenting our local supermarkets as often as usual .
And this means Britain 's biggest grocer has announced a shake-up when it comes to its famous loyalty and rewards schemes .
The supermarket giant - which operates multiple stores across Birmingham - announced the shake-up and rule change today .
In an alert to customers , shoppers were informed of the big changes coming to Clubcard points .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zoe Evans of Tesco 's customer engagement centre said : `` We appreciate that , for many reasons , most of us aren ’ t shopping as often as we did before lockdown .
`` As a little help from Clubcard , we want to give you more time to use your vouchers which were due to expire on 31 May 2020 .
`` Any vouchers issued in May 2018 will now not expire until 30 November 2020 , giving you an extra 6 months to use them .
`` We 'll update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we 'll continue to accept paper vouchers in-store until the extended expiry date .
`` We really hope it helps , and take care . ''
Tesco operates stores across Birmingham and throughout the Midlands region , with supermarkets from the city centre to further afield .
The chain has operated its Clubcard scheme , giving customers a raft of benefits and rewards , for years .

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Tesco has changed the rules around its Clubcard points for its customers during the coronavirus pandemic.
As the Covid-19 crisis continues across the country, many of us are not frequenting our local supermarkets as often as usual.
And this means Britain's biggest grocer has announced a shake-up when it comes to its famous loyalty and rewards schemes.
The supermarket giant - which operates multiple stores across Birmingham - announced the shake-up and rule change today.
In an alert to customers, shoppers were informed of the big changes coming to Clubcard points.
But it is very good news indeed.
Zoe Evans of Tesco's customer engagement centre said: "We appreciate that, for many reasons, most of us aren’t shopping as often as we did before lockdown.
"As a little help from Clubcard, we want to give you more time to use your vouchers which were due to expire on 31 May 2020.
"Any vouchers issued in May 2018 will now not expire until 30 November 2020, giving you an extra 6 months to use them.
"We'll update the expiry date on your digital vouchers, and we'll continue to accept paper vouchers in-store until the extended expiry date.
"We really hope it helps, and take care."
Tesco operates stores across Birmingham and throughout the Midlands region, with supermarkets from the city centre to further afield.
The chain has operated its Clubcard scheme, giving customers a raft of benefits and rewards, for years.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Kate Garraway shares new update on husband as he fights for life

Kate Garraway has said she video-called her partner Derek Draper , who is being treated for coronavirus in hospital , during Thursday 's round of applause for healthcare workers .
She said in a post on Instagram : `` So our # nhsclap was a little different tonight .
We still clapped & cheered as much as ever but I could n't film on my phone as had Derek on FaceTime throughout !
- of course we ca n't KNOW but I believe he can hear us & thought at least the incredible @ nhs team 's looking after him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Billy made this for his Dad 's carers to show how much he means to our family & to say thank you for fighting to bring him back to us .
I am hoping they will let Derek have it by his bed .
`` But even if they ca n't THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts - you are superheroes .
Love to all in these terrible times - the separation from loved ones whatever the reason is so tough . ''
Kate has been inundated with messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-host Ben Shephard has been offering regular updates to viewers from Kate .
She herself has been praising the NHS every Thurday during the clap for carers movement .
Last week Kate said on Instagram : `` So much to be grateful for tonight .
Derek is still with us but what a battle it is .
`` So grateful too for our amazing NHS doing so much for Derek everyday - wonderful to see all the support for them and our key workers every Thursday .
We can ’ t thank them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

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Kate Garraway has said she video-called her partner Derek Draper, who is being treated for coronavirus in hospital, during Thursday's round of applause for healthcare workers.
She said in a post on Instagram: "So our #nhsclap was a little different tonight. We still clapped & cheered as much as ever but I couldn't film on my phone as had Derek on FaceTime throughout! - of course we can't KNOW but I believe he can hear us & thought at least the incredible @nhs team's looking after him would hear a fraction of our gratitude.
"Billy made this for his Dad's carers to show how much he means to our family & to say thank you for fighting to bring him back to us. I am hoping they will let Derek have it by his bed.
"But even if they can't THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts - you are superheroes . Love to all in these terrible times - the separation from loved ones whatever the reason is so tough."
Kate has been inundated with messages from fans and viewers.
Her GMB co-host Ben Shephard has been offering regular updates to viewers from Kate.
She herself has been praising the NHS every Thurday during the clap for carers movement.
Last week Kate said on Instagram: "So much to be grateful for tonight. Derek is still with us but what a battle it is.
"So grateful too for our amazing NHS doing so much for Derek everyday - wonderful to see all the support for them and our key workers every Thursday. We can’t thank them enough can we? So brave."


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Two arrested as human remains found in TWO suitcases - what we know so far

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after police found two suitcases containing human remains .
Gloucestershire Police said a member of the public reported suspicions about a vehicle due to its manner of driving shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday .
The car had been travelling on the A4136 near Coleford and was located by officers a short time later , with two people spoken to .
Two suitcases were found to contain human remains and two people , a woman in her twenties from Birmingham and a man in his thirties from Wolverhampton , were arrested on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one victim , a woman , and forensic examinations are ongoing to confirm her identity .
Detective Chief Inspector John Turner said : `` The nature of this incident is distressing and we 're working around the clock to fully understand what has happened .
`` Someone 's life has been lost and our priority is to identify the victim and get answers for her family .
`` Searches have taken place in the surrounding area for evidence gathering and contrary to media reports , no remains have been found as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime investigation team is working in collaboration with the West Midlands Police homicide team to carry out further inquiries . ''

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Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after police found two suitcases containing human remains.
Gloucestershire Police said a member of the public reported suspicions about a vehicle due to its manner of driving shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday.
The car had been travelling on the A4136 near Coleford and was located by officers a short time later, with two people spoken to.
Two suitcases were found to contain human remains and two people, a woman in her twenties from Birmingham and a man in his thirties from Wolverhampton, were arrested on suspicion of murder.
Police believe there is one victim, a woman, and forensic examinations are ongoing to confirm her identity.
Detective Chief Inspector John Turner said: "The nature of this incident is distressing and we're working around the clock to fully understand what has happened.
"Someone's life has been lost and our priority is to identify the victim and get answers for her family.
"Searches have taken place in the surrounding area for evidence gathering and contrary to media reports, no remains have been found as part of these searches.
"Our major crime investigation team is working in collaboration with the West Midlands Police homicide team to carry out further inquiries."


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Laylat al Qadr 2020 - date, prayers and meaning of Night of Power in Ramadan

Laylat al Qadr is a special night that falls within the last 10 days of Ramadan .
It 's variously translated as Night of Power , Night of Destiny , Night of Decree and other names , and commemorates the night when the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad .
Although the prophet did not mention a specific date for the Night of Power , he did say to `` seek it in the last 10 days on the odd nights . ''
So it 's thought to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights in the final ten days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23rd 25th , 27th or 29th of the month .
It 's widely believed that it 's on the 27th day of Ramadan .
When will Laylat al Qadr be in 2020 ?
In 2020 it is expected to fall on Tuesday May 19 but this could vary by a day depending which system people followed for the start of Ramadan .
Laylat al Qadr is considered to be a very special event in the Islamic calendar , explains Kamran Hussain , chief executive of Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an states : `` The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months ( i.e .
worshipping God in this night is better than worshipping Him for a thousand months ) .
!
In another excerpt from the Quran , it states : `` We sent it ( this Qur'an ) down on a blessed night .
`` Verily , We are ever warning ( mankind of Our Torment ) .
`` Therein ( that Night ) is decreed every matter of ordainment .
`` Verily , We are ever sending ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) a Mercy from your Lord .
`` Verily !
He ( God ) is the All-Hearer , the All-Knower . ''
So what do Muslims do on Laylat al Qadr ?
Kamran Hussain , chief executive of Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham , explained what happens on the night itself : Firstly , the Prophet enjoined staying up and praying on Laylat al Qadr .
It was narrated that he said : `` Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al Qadr out of faith and in the hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be forgiven . ''
This indicates that it is prescribed to observe Laylat al Qadr by spending the night in prayer .
Secondly , it is also recommended to make extensive supplications ( dua ) on this night .
One of the best dua that may be recited on Laylat al Qadr is that which the Prophet taught to his wife Aa'ishah .
He told her : `` Say 'Oh Allaah , You are forgiving and You love to forgive , so forgive me . '
'' 3 .
Abandoning worldly pleasures for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylat al Qadr is likely to fall .
This calls for abandoning worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping God .
In another narration from the wife of the prophet , she reported that when the [ last ] ten nights started , the Prophet would `` spend the whole night awake [ in prayer ] , and wake up his family . ''
Ramadan is seen as the month of the Qur ’ an so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Muslims would put down all their other books and concentrate on the Qur ’ an - reciting the book , memorisation , understanding and study .
The Qur'an is deemed as the direct words of God to humanity so worshippers are required to reflect on its meanings and seek guidance .
As the Quran states : `` This is the book of which there is no doubt .
A guidance for those that fear God . ''
5 .
Small deeds on that night can count for a lot The smallest deeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot .
In Islam there are many historic stories narrated from the prophet , like the prostitute who was forgiven her sins for feeding a cat or the man who was forgiven for feeding a thirsty dog some water .
6 .
Looking out for its sign The Prophet Muhammad described certain signs to look out for so that people could recognise the Night of Power .
He said : `` On the morning following Lailatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays , as if it were a brass dish , until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narration , he said : `` Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant , neither hot nor cold , the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red . ''

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Laylat al Qadr is a special night that falls within the last 10 days of Ramadan.
It's variously translated as Night of Power, Night of Destiny, Night of Decree and other names, and commemorates the night when the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad.
Although the prophet did not mention a specific date for the Night of Power, he did say to "seek it in the last 10 days on the odd nights."
So it's thought to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights in the final ten days of Ramadan - meaning the 21st, 23rd 25th, 27th or 29th of the month.
It's widely believed that it's on the 27th day of Ramadan.
When will Laylat al Qadr be in 2020?
Many believe it to fall on the odd night of the 27th, which this Ramadan will be on Tuesday May 19.
But this could vary by a day depending which system people followed for the start of Ramadan.
Laylat al Qadr is considered to be a very special event in the Islamic calendar, explains Kamran Hussain, chief executive of Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham.
He said that the Qur’an states: "The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping God in this night is better than worshipping Him for a thousand months)."
(Image: AP)
In another excerpt from the Quran, it states: "We sent it (this Qur'an) down on a blessed night.
"Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment).
"Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment.
"Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger).
"(As) a Mercy from your Lord.
"Verily! He (God) is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower."
The Quran: 44: 3-6
So what do Muslims do on Laylat al Qadr?
Kamran Hussain, chief executive of Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre in Birmingham, explained what happens on the night itself:
1. Praying the night (Qiyam, night prayer)
Firstly, the Prophet enjoined staying up and praying on Laylat al Qadr.
It was narrated that he said: "Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."
This indicates that it is prescribed to observe Laylat al Qadr by spending the night in prayer.
2. Making supplications (Dua)
Secondly, it is also recommended to make extensive supplications (dua) on this night. One of the best dua that may be recited on Laylat al Qadr is that which the Prophet taught to his wife Aa'ishah.
He told her: "Say 'Oh Allaah, You are forgiving and You love to forgive, so forgive me.'"
3. Abandoning worldly pleasures for the sake of worship
It is recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylat al Qadr is likely to fall.
This calls for abandoning worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping God.
In another narration from the wife of the prophet, she reported that when the [last] ten nights started, the Prophet would "spend the whole night awake [in prayer], and wake up his family."
4. Reading the Qur’an
Ramadan is seen as the month of the Qur’an so during this time, the early generations of Muslims would put down all their other books and concentrate on the Qur’an - reciting the book, memorisation, understanding and study.
The Qur'an is deemed as the direct words of God to humanity so worshippers are required to reflect on its meanings and seek guidance.
As the Quran states: "This is the book of which there is no doubt. A guidance for those that fear God."
5. Small deeds on that night can count for a lot
The smallest deeds on this night can count for a lot.
In Islam there are many historic stories narrated from the prophet, like the prostitute who was forgiven her sins for feeding a cat or the man who was forgiven for feeding a thirsty dog some water.
6. Looking out for its sign
The Prophet Muhammad described certain signs to look out for so that people could recognise the Night of Power.
He said: "On the morning following Lailatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up."
In another narration, he said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red."


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Body found near Tamworth and Lichfield

Body found near Tamworth and Lichfield

A body has been found near Tamworth and Lichfield , police officers have sadly confirmed .
The discovery was made @ @ @ @ @ School Lane , Hopwas this afternoon .
The man ’ s age and further details @ @ @ @ @ it is not believed to be suspicious .
Staffordshire Police said : “ Sadly , @ @ @ @ @ was discovered this afternoon ( Thursday , May 14 ) near to the canal at @ @ @ @ @ `` The man ’ s family have been informed and our thoughts are with them @ @ @ @ @ `` We would like to thank members of the public who assisted us this afternoon @ @ @ @ @ believe there are any suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner @ @

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A body has been found near Tamworth and Lichfield, police officers have sadly confirmed.
The discovery was made near to the canal at School Lane, Hopwas this afternoon.
The man’s age and further details have not been released but it is not believed to be suspicious.
(Image: Google)
Staffordshire Police said: “Sadly, the body of a man was discovered this afternoon (Thursday, May 14) near to the canal at School Lane, Hopwas.
"The man’s family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
"We would like to thank members of the public who assisted us this afternoon.
"Detectives do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner."


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Aston Villa fans react after Douglas Luiz's Pep Guardiola admission

Douglas Luiz 's comments in a TV interview have stirred interest within the Aston Villa fanbase .
The Villa midfielder admitted that there was a buy-back clause in his Villa deal - that could bring him back to Manchester City , and that there 's still a lot of admiration for his former manager - Pep Guardiola .
`` There is a clause that Manchester City can buy me in those first two years , '' he told Vasco TV .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here '' I have no words to explain ( Guardiola ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on football , his life is football .
`` For me , he is the best coach in the world .
In two months , the guy managed to evolve more than 70 per cent of my potential .
`` I feel very honoured to have this affection from a great coach , who for me is the best , for my football .
`` I did n't expect to be sold , but I think God knows everything . ''
Luiz did reserve a special mention for Villa though , adding he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park .
`` I am very happy in this great club that , for me , is like Vasco .
`` It has its 'cauldron ' [ stadium ] , it has a very passionate crowd for the club .
It is a club that is recognised throughout the country , and I 'm sure the club is very happy . ''
Here 's what Villa fans made of his claims - and his performances so far this season .
Sam Gale : He 's class !
And will get better .
Struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
As usual he will get hounded out the club move somewhere else and then become a top quality player ... similar to Gollini recently .
David Brooks : Do n't get the hate for him at all .
Dean Collins : For me the biggest disappointment of a signing this season ... .doesnt particular pass the ball well he is too lightweight and he hasnt got that box to box mentality either ... .im not sure what he is cuz he isnt really a def mid at AM just trys to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Tubb : I don ’ t get all the hate for this lad , he ’ s younger than Callum O ’ Hare and hasn ’ t had the opportunity to be blooded in English football .
He needs time , every time we write off a player who doesn ’ t hit the ground running they move on to a different club and thrive !
Oliver Dean : He 's not a defensive midfielder which is definitely what Villa need .
He 's a good shot on him but gives the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carr : Great news lets hope its sooner rather than late ?
Biggest let down this season , really not sure what role he fills !

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Douglas Luiz's comments in a TV interview have stirred interest within the Aston Villa fanbase.
The Villa midfielder admitted that there was a buy-back clause in his Villa deal - that could bring him back to Manchester City, and that there's still a lot of admiration for his former manager - Pep Guardiola.
"There is a clause that Manchester City can buy me in those first two years," he told Vasco TV.
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here
"I have no words to explain (Guardiola). He's a guy who is focused on football, his life is football.
"For me, he is the best coach in the world. In two months, the guy managed to evolve more than 70 per cent of my potential.
"I feel very honoured to have this affection from a great coach, who for me is the best, for my football.
"I didn't expect to be sold, but I think God knows everything."
Luiz did reserve a special mention for Villa though, adding he was impressed by the atmosphere at Villa Park.
"I am very happy in this great club that, for me, is like Vasco.
"It has its 'cauldron' [stadium], it has a very passionate crowd for the club. It is a club that is recognised throughout the country, and I'm sure the club is very happy."
Here's what Villa fans made of his claims - and his performances so far this season.
Sam Gale: He's class! And will get better. Struggled to find his feet in a poor team. As usual he will get hounded out the club move somewhere else and then become a top quality player...similar to Gollini recently.
David Brooks: Don't get the hate for him at all.
Davie Joyce: Hes 22..not a miracle worker.
Dean Collins: For me the biggest disappointment of a signing this season....doesnt particular pass the ball well he is too lightweight and he hasnt got that box to box mentality either....im not sure what he is cuz he isnt really a def mid at AM just trys to hard to be fancy at times.
Matt Tubb : I don’t get all the hate for this lad, he’s younger than Callum O’Hare and hasn’t had the opportunity to be blooded in English football. He needs time, every time we write off a player who doesn’t hit the ground running they move on to a different club and thrive!
Oliver Dean: He's not a defensive midfielder which is definitely what Villa need. He's a good shot on him but gives the ball away way too much.
Thomas Jones: I think he's class! Give him time.
Chris Carr: Great news lets hope its sooner rather than late? Biggest let down this season, really not sure what role he fills!


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Bomb squad at industrial estate in Manchester as fire crews on stand-by

An industrial estate in Manchester is the scene of an investigation as bomb disposal officers assess a 'suspicious item ' found in a car .
Police seized the vehicle from Blackfriars Road in Salford on Wednesday evening ( May 13 ) as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of drugs , reports the Manchester Evening News .
Officers were searching the vehicle this afternoon , when they came discovered the item which has not been revealed .
A police cordon is in place on First Avenue .
Royal Logistics Corps experts are assessing the item .
Fire crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robot is currently being used .
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said : `` Last night ( Wednesday 13 May 2020 ) , officers seized a car from Blackfriars Road in Salford as part of an ongoing investigation into drug supply .
`` The vehicle was taken to an area off First Avenue in Trafford Park and as officers were searching the vehicle this afternoon ( Thursday 14 May 2020 ) , they came across a suspicious item .
`` Bomb disposal officers are in attendance assessing the item .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Sophie Halle-Richards, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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An industrial estate in Manchester is the scene of an investigation as bomb disposal officers assess a 'suspicious item' found in a car.
Police seized the vehicle from Blackfriars Road in Salford on Wednesday evening (May 13) as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of drugs, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Officers were searching the vehicle this afternoon, when they came discovered the item which has not been revealed.
A police cordon is in place on First Avenue. Royal Logistics Corps experts are assessing the item.
Fire crews are on standby and a bomb disposal robot is currently being used.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Last night (Wednesday 13 May 2020), officers seized a car from Blackfriars Road in Salford as part of an ongoing investigation into drug supply.
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"The vehicle was taken to an area off First Avenue in Trafford Park and as officers were searching the vehicle this afternoon (Thursday 14 May 2020), they came across a suspicious item.
"Bomb disposal officers are in attendance assessing the item.
"A cordon remains in place and enquiries are ongoing."


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Soap stars set to do their own hair and make-up as they plan return

Britain 's soap stars are soon to return to filming in June - but the sets will be very different as producers adhere to Government guidelines .
And stars of EastEnders , Coronation Street , and Emmerdale will even have to do their own hair and make-up reports The Sun .
BBC ’ s director of content , Charlotte Moore , shared what the cast could expect once filming begins next month .
She said : `` We 've been looking carefully at how we can safely put some of our shows back into production , and I 'm pleased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filming again on both EastEnders and Top Gear by the end of June .
`` Of course , we will work within Government guidelines .
Crews will be strictly limited .
Cast members will do their own hair and make-up .
Social distancing will be in place . ''
And a source close to the show added : `` Makeup artists will be on hand - both socially distanced on set and via video link - to check the cast 's handiwork and will offer tutorials on how to do their looks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bruises . ''
The stars already expect to stay two metres apart from their co-stars meaning physical scenes including physical fights and loved-up moments will cease .
Producers are also concerned about older actors like Corrie 's William Roache who plays Ken Barlow and Chris Chittell , who plays Eric Pollard in Emmerdale .
They are likely to be kept off-air to prevent ill health with ITV programme boss Kevin Lygo saying he didn ’ t want them to `` get sick . ''
Actors could also be tested for coronavirus when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .make chacters appear closer than they really are .
Filming was paused on Coronation Street and Emmerdale as well as other top shows because of the pandemic but the two shows are in talks with the Government to begin filming again .
Corrie and Emmerdale are in final talks with the Government to begin rolling the cameras once more .
A spokesman said : `` ITV is in the final stages of working with others across the industry on a return-to-production protocol and we are in active discussions with Government on this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due course . ''

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Britain's soap stars are soon to return to filming in June - but the sets will be very different as producers adhere to Government guidelines.
And stars of EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale will even have to do their own hair and make-up reports The Sun.
BBC’s director of content, Charlotte Moore, shared what the cast could expect once filming begins next month.
She said: "We've been looking carefully at how we can safely put some of our shows back into production, and I'm pleased to announce that we plan to begin filming again on both EastEnders and Top Gear by the end of June.
"Of course, we will work within Government guidelines. Crews will be strictly limited. Cast members will do their own hair and make-up. Social distancing will be in place."
And a source close to the show added: "Makeup artists will be on hand - both socially distanced on set and via video link - to check the cast's handiwork and will offer tutorials on how to do their looks and any special effects makeup like cuts and bruises."
The stars already expect to stay two metres apart from their co-stars meaning physical scenes including physical fights and loved-up moments will cease.
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Producers are also concerned about older actors like Corrie's William Roache who plays Ken Barlow and Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in Emmerdale.
They are likely to be kept off-air to prevent ill health with ITV programme boss Kevin Lygo saying he didn’t want them to "get sick."
Actors could also be tested for coronavirus when they return while tricks with the camera would .make chacters appear closer than they really are.
Filming was paused on Coronation Street and Emmerdale as well as other top shows because of the pandemic but the two shows are in talks with the Government to begin filming again.
Corrie and Emmerdale are in final talks with the Government to begin rolling the cameras once more.
A spokesman said: "ITV is in the final stages of working with others across the industry on a return-to-production protocol and we are in active discussions with Government on this.
"We will share further updates in due course."


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Police hunt gun gang after shot fired at pizza shop and windows smashed

A manhunt is underway after a gun was fired at a pizza parlour on a busy street in Walsall .
@ @ @ @ @ and Peri Peri restaurant in Caldmore Green were also smashed by a weapon-wielding gang .
@ @ @ @ @ masked men attacked the shop with hammers before opening fire .
No injuries have been @ @ @ @ @ staff at the restaurant confirmed it had closed due to a `` police incident '' @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Police said : `` We ’ re investigating after a gun was fired towards @ @ @ @ @ Green , Walsall , just before 5pm today .
`` A number of masked men @ @ @ @ @ up in a car , before smashing windows of the restaurant with a hammer and @ @ @ @ @ the shop .
`` No one was injured . ''
The investigation is at an @ @ @ @ @ information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk , or @ @ @ @ @ 555 111 .
Quote log 3235 of May 14 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Oprah Flash, Jordan Coussins)

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A manhunt is underway after a gun was fired at a pizza parlour on a busy street in Walsall.
The windows of K2 Pizza and Peri Peri restaurant in Caldmore Green were also smashed by a weapon-wielding gang.
Police say a group of masked men attacked the shop with hammers before opening fire.
No injuries have been reported.
A member of staff at the restaurant confirmed it had closed due to a "police incident".
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We’re investigating after a gun was fired towards a pizza shop on Caldmore Green, Walsall, just before 5pm today.
"A number of masked men are believed to have pulled up in a car, before smashing windows of the restaurant with a hammer and then firing a shot towards the shop.
"No one was injured."
The investigation is at an early stage and anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Quote log 3235 of May 14.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Liverpool join Man United in battle for Raul Jimenez - reports

The future of Wolverhampton Wanderers ' star striker Raul Jimenez continues to dominate tabloids across Europe .
Mexico international Jimenez , who turned 29 earlier this month , has been in breathtaking form this season for Wolves .
He 's scored 22 goals across all competitions , including 13 in the Premier League .
And Liverpool have reportedly joined the clutch of clubs hoping to secure his signature in the upcoming transfer window .
Jimenez has already been heavily linked with Manchester United , Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur , whose manager Jose Mourinho is known to be a huge admirer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants to add Jimenez to his impressive front-line at Anfield .
Klopp already has Mohamed Salah , Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane but reportedly wants to sign Jimenez to improve his all-conquering squad .
Speculation surrounding Jimenez 's future is nothing new to Wolves and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo , who has transformed the Mexican from Benfica bench-warmer to Premier League superstar .
Jimenez recently brushed off the rumours linking him with moves away from Molineux - but he admits he 'd be very tempted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They have already put me at Real Madrid , Chelsea , Manchester United , Arsenal and every day comes out a new team that want me .
“ I have to be calm .
If they are talking about me it is because I am doing things well ; I would like to continue in England .
I am happy , adapted and I like the idea ( of staying in the Premier League ) .
“ If you tell me that tomorrow an offer from Real Madrid or Barcelona comes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let such an opportunity go .
“ But if I stay here I am fighting to qualify for the Champions League , for important things .
Fighting for the title still seems difficult but we are in the Europe League round of 16 .
I think that I made the right decision to come here and I do not regret it.
” Wolves paid £32.6million to sign Jimenez from Benfica last year and would be able to command a huge profit if any of the aforementioned clubs firm up their interest .
Sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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The future of Wolverhampton Wanderers' star striker Raul Jimenez continues to dominate tabloids across Europe.
Mexico international Jimenez, who turned 29 earlier this month, has been in breathtaking form this season for Wolves. He's scored 22 goals across all competitions, including 13 in the Premier League.
And Liverpool have reportedly joined the clutch of clubs hoping to secure his signature in the upcoming transfer window.
Jimenez has already been heavily linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, whose manager Jose Mourinho is known to be a huge admirer of the striker.
But Don Balon reports that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants to add Jimenez to his impressive front-line at Anfield.
Klopp already has Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane but reportedly wants to sign Jimenez to improve his all-conquering squad.
Speculation surrounding Jimenez's future is nothing new to Wolves and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who has transformed the Mexican from Benfica bench-warmer to Premier League superstar.
Jimenez recently brushed off the rumours linking him with moves away from Molineux - but he admits he'd be very tempted by two clubs if offers did arrive.
“They have already put me at Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and every day comes out a new team that want me.
“I have to be calm. If they are talking about me it is because I am doing things well; I would like to continue in England. I am happy, adapted and I like the idea (of staying in the Premier League).
“If you tell me that tomorrow an offer from Real Madrid or Barcelona comes, it is obvious that you do not let such an opportunity go.
“But if I stay here I am fighting to qualify for the Champions League, for important things. Fighting for the title still seems difficult but we are in the Europe League round of 16. I think that I made the right decision to come here and I do not regret it.”
Wolves paid £32.6million to sign Jimenez from Benfica last year and would be able to command a huge profit if any of the aforementioned clubs firm up their interest.
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birminghammail--2020-05-14--Niall Horan's blistering attack on 'smug and slippery' Matt Hancock

Niall Horan has accused Health Secretary Matt Hancock of being “ smug and slippery ” despite having committed a “ @ @ @ @ @ response to coronavirus .
The singer posted his stinging criticism of Matt Hancock to his @ @ @ @ @ He said : “ I get the idea that Health Secretary Matt Hancock thinks he @ @ @ @ @ intelligent than he actually is .
“ Excuse me but Matt you ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s about time you handed facts out instead of worrying about what the @ @ @ @ @ , Horan , 26 , performed in the One World : Together At Home virtual @ @ @ @ @ workers fighting the coronavirus crisis and raised money for the UN Foundation ’ s Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ also made a 100,000 euro ( £88,478 ) donation to Alone , which is an @ @ @ @ @ through the pandemic .

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Niall Horan has accused Health Secretary Matt Hancock of being “smug and slippery” despite having committed a “major howler” in his response to coronavirus.
The singer posted his stinging criticism of Matt Hancock to his 39 million Twitter followers.
He said: “I get the idea that Health Secretary Matt Hancock thinks he’s a lot more intelligent than he actually is.
“Always very smug and slippery.
“Excuse me but Matt you’ve had a major howler here and it’s about time you handed facts out instead of worrying about what the opposition thinks.”
Last month, Horan, 26, performed in the One World: Together At Home virtual concert, which celebrated frontline workers fighting the coronavirus crisis and raised money for the UN Foundation’s Covid-19 Response Fund.
He has also made a 100,000 euro (£88,478) donation to Alone, which is an Irish charity helping older people through the pandemic.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Door opening for West Brom's return after government decision

The government is 'opening the door ' for football to return in England next month .
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said Thursday 's meeting with the Football Association was 'positive ; with plans to resume progressing ensuring a return to action for West Bromwich Albion , Leeds United , Nottingham Forest and other hopefuls .
He also added that plans should `` include widening access for fans to view live coverage and ensure finances from the game 's resumption supports the wider football family '' .
In a statement , Dowden said : `` Today 's positive meeting I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the resumption of the professional game in England .
`` We all agreed that we will only go ahead if it is safe to do so and the health and welfare of players , coaches and staff comes first .
`` The government is opening the door for competitive football to return safely in June .
`` This should include widening access for fans to view live coverage and ensure finances from the game 's resumption supports the wider football family .
`` It is now up to the football authorities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans , and there is combined goodwill to achieve this for their fans , the football community and the nation as a whole .
`` The Government and our medical experts will continue to offer guidance and support to the game ahead of any final decision which would put these plans into action . ''
Discussions remain ongoing between the Premier League and its clubs , likewise in the EFL .
No date has yet been agreed on when to return , but the top-flight are aiming to continue the current campaign in @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jamie Kemble, James Rushton)

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The government is 'opening the door' for football to return in England next month.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said Thursday's meeting with the Football Association was 'positive; with plans to resume progressing ensuring a return to action for West Bromwich Albion, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and other hopefuls.
He also added that plans should "include widening access for fans to view live coverage and ensure finances from the game's resumption supports the wider football family".
In a statement, Dowden said: "Today's positive meeting I hosted with the football authorities progressed plans for the resumption of the professional game in England.
"We all agreed that we will only go ahead if it is safe to do so and the health and welfare of players, coaches and staff comes first.
"The government is opening the door for competitive football to return safely in June.
"This should include widening access for fans to view live coverage and ensure finances from the game's resumption supports the wider football family.
"It is now up to the football authorities to agree and finalise the detail of their plans, and there is combined goodwill to achieve this for their fans, the football community and the nation as a whole.
"The Government and our medical experts will continue to offer guidance and support to the game ahead of any final decision which would put these plans into action."
Discussions remain ongoing between the Premier League and its clubs, likewise in the EFL.
No date has yet been agreed on when to return, but the top-flight are aiming to continue the current campaign in mid-June.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Cops scour woodland as 'human torso found in suitcase'

This is the scene in Gloucestershire where police are scouring woodland for information and clues after human remains were discovered .
A man from Wolverhampton has been arrested after suspected human remains were found by cops .
The grim discovery , which took place yesterday , on Wednesday , May 13 , saw a female arrested .
The woman , in her 20s , hails from Birmingham , according to Gloucestershire Police .
Images have now surfaced showing cops scouring woodland near the Forest of Dean , in Glos , after the incident unfolded .
Police can be seen as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where a man and woman were arrested on Wednesday .
The arrests came after police stopped them 'walking down street carrying a human torso in suitcase ' , according to reports in national media .
The grim discovery took place in Coleford , Gloucestershire .
A police cordon has been put in place at the site .
Forensic testing is ongoing to establish the identity of the victim .
Overnight a 12-hour custody extension was granted for both the woman aged in her 20s and from Birmingham and the man aged in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been arrested on suspicion of murder .
Officers have now been granted a 36-hour magistrates ' extension to continue questioning the two suspected .
A post-mortem examination of the remains is also taking place .
A spokesman from Gloucestershire Constabulary said : `` Due to the ongoing investigation road closures and scene guards are likely to remain in place for at least the rest of today .
They added the force `` would like to thank local residents and those impacted by the cordons for their patience during this time '' .

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This is the scene in Gloucestershire where police are scouring woodland for information and clues after human remains were discovered.
A man from Wolverhampton has been arrested after suspected human remains were found by cops.
The grim discovery, which took place yesterday, on Wednesday, May 13, saw a female arrested.
The woman, in her 20s, hails from Birmingham, according to Gloucestershire Police.
Images have now surfaced showing cops scouring woodland near the Forest of Dean, in Glos, after the incident unfolded.
Police can be seen as they search a woodland near the site where a man and woman were arrested on Wednesday.
The arrests came after police stopped them 'walking down street carrying a human torso in suitcase', according to reports in national media.
The grim discovery took place in Coleford, Gloucestershire.
A police cordon has been put in place at the site.
Forensic testing is ongoing to establish the identity of the victim.
Overnight a 12-hour custody extension was granted for both the woman aged in her 20s and from Birmingham and the man aged in his 30s and from Wolverhampton, who have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Officers have now been granted a 36-hour magistrates' extension to continue questioning the two suspected.
(Image: Tom Wren SWNS)
A post-mortem examination of the remains is also taking place.
A spokesman from Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "Due to the ongoing investigation road closures and scene guards are likely to remain in place for at least the rest of today.
They added the force "would like to thank local residents and those impacted by the cordons for their patience during this time".


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Crisp fan branded 'nutter' after collecting 14,000 empty packets

A dad has amassed the world 's largest collection of empty potato chip packages - a staggering hoard of more than 14,000 .
Gary Key , 57 , and his family munch their way through 100 bags a week .
Eco-warrior Gary started keeping the empty packets in 2012 because he felt guilty about sending them to landfill .
His chip-loving partner Joanne Richardson soon got on board with the collection too and when she passed away he vowed to continue his `` daft hobby '' in her memory .
The avid recycler - whose favorite flavor is Walkers Cheese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bag he and his family eat .
But he also picks up any he sees discarded on the streets and in parks .
The collection is kept in his shed but is getting so large that he has started to shrink the packets - by grilling them and rolling them up into tiny balls he keeps in a large tub .
Mr Key , from Cottingham , East Yorkshire , admits his habit is unusual but said he finds it comforting to continue a project he started while she was alive .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for his hobby but when he suggested he might stop she told him 'you 'd better not ' and he kept going ever since .
He said : `` I just carried on what I did , knowing she was never going to get any better .
`` It gives me inspiration knowing that she said that .
I am still doing what I did when she was alive .
`` Knowing that she said , 'do what you want but I think you 're a nutter . '
`` Obviously she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I carried on and on - that 's my inspiration .
`` I do it for her and it is something to escape my mind .
It sorted me out .
That 's given me a lifeline because I was collecting them when she was alive . ''
Gary started collecting everything from Hula Hoops to Skips to Walkers Cheese and Onion packets in March 2012 and now has approximately 14,200 .
The keen recycler 's quirky pursuit aimed to stop the bags unnecessarily going to landfill , while distracting himself from partner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was diagnosed in December 2009 and sadly passed away aged 43 in October 2012 - just seven months after Mr Key began collecting empty wrappers .
Mr Key and Ms Richardson were civil partners for 17 years before she died .
He was left to bring up their four children - Jordan Richardson , 24 , Ashley Richardson , 21 , Ryan Richardson , 19 , and Alisha Key , 11 .
He buys multipacks of chips from supermarkets spending on average $ 6-7 a week on the snack .
He lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eat them , and Ashley was said to have the most .
Mr Key , who has been unemployed since 2003 following vascular surgery , used to bundle the packets in groups of 100 with elastic bands without making them into balls .
When he reached 8,000 three years ago he tried to sell them and planned to donate the proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support - but could n't find a buyer .
But this hasn ’ t stopped him from collecting .
Now he spends an hour each night grilling approximately 150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a process that takes 'under a minute ' each .
They are then counted and stored in a large tub , which is almost full .
He said : `` I have not a clue how long I 'm going to keep collecting them .
If that 's going to put a smile on someone 's face that 's good for me .
`` I put others before myself . ''
The environmentally-conscious dad said a couple of hundred in his collection were from picking them up where others had littered .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 75 fine from a police officer who thought Mr. Key dropped the packet - until he explained he was actually picking it up .
`` I 'm really good at recycling , '' he said .

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A dad has amassed the world's largest collection of empty potato chip packages - a staggering hoard of more than 14,000.
Gary Key, 57, and his family munch their way through 100 bags a week.
Eco-warrior Gary started keeping the empty packets in 2012 because he felt guilty about sending them to landfill.
His chip-loving partner Joanne Richardson soon got on board with the collection too and when she passed away he vowed to continue his "daft hobby" in her memory.
The avid recycler - whose favorite flavor is Walkers Cheese and Onion - keeps hold of every bag he and his family eat.
But he also picks up any he sees discarded on the streets and in parks.
(Image: Gary Key / SWNS.COM)
The collection is kept in his shed but is getting so large that he has started to shrink the packets - by grilling them and rolling them up into tiny balls he keeps in a large tub.
Mr Key, from Cottingham, East Yorkshire, admits his habit is unusual but said he finds it comforting to continue a project he started while she was alive.
He said she called him a "nutter" for his hobby but when he suggested he might stop she told him 'you'd better not' and he kept going ever since.
He said: "I just carried on what I did, knowing she was never going to get any better.
"It gives me inspiration knowing that she said that. I am still doing what I did when she was alive.
"Knowing that she said, 'do what you want but I think you're a nutter.'
(Image: Gary Key / SWNS.COM)
"Obviously she's never going to come back but I carried on and on - that's my inspiration.
"I do it for her and it is something to escape my mind. It sorted me out. That's given me a lifeline because I was collecting them when she was alive."
Gary started collecting everything from Hula Hoops to Skips to Walkers Cheese and Onion packets in March 2012 and now has approximately 14,200.
The keen recycler's quirky pursuit aimed to stop the bags unnecessarily going to landfill, while distracting himself from partner Joanne Richardson's terminal breast cancer.
She was diagnosed in December 2009 and sadly passed away aged 43 in October 2012 - just seven months after Mr Key began collecting empty wrappers.
Mr Key and Ms Richardson were civil partners for 17 years before she died.
He was left to bring up their four children - Jordan Richardson, 24, Ashley Richardson, 21, Ryan Richardson, 19, and Alisha Key, 11.
He buys multipacks of chips from supermarkets spending on average $6-7 a week on the snack.
He lives with Alisha and Ashley who help him eat them, and Ashley was said to have the most.
Mr Key, who has been unemployed since 2003 following vascular surgery, used to bundle the packets in groups of 100 with elastic bands without making them into balls.
When he reached 8,000 three years ago he tried to sell them and planned to donate the proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support - but couldn't find a buyer.
But this hasn’t stopped him from collecting.
Now he spends an hour each night grilling approximately 150 packets then rolling them into balls in a process that takes 'under a minute' each.
They are then counted and stored in a large tub, which is almost full.
He said: "I have not a clue how long I'm going to keep collecting them. If that's going to put a smile on someone's face that's good for me.
"I put others before myself."
(Image: Gary Key / SWNS.COM)
The environmentally-conscious dad said a couple of hundred in his collection were from picking them up where others had littered.
On one occasion he was almost slapped with a $75 fine from a police officer who thought Mr. Key dropped the packet - until he explained he was actually picking it up.
"I'm really good at recycling," he said.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--West Midlands Railway asks passengers to stay away unless travel is necessary

Passengers looking to use West Midlands Railway services have been told to `` only use public transport if you absolutely have to . ''
New signage is being installed at city stations including Snow Hill to reinforce the Covid-19 two-metre social distancing message to help to keep commuters apart .
New measures include staying FOUR steps apart when climbing stairs .
The move comes as the government 's original March 23 'stay home ' lockdown restrictions have been gently eased on Wednesday , May 13 .
And the advice is the opposite of the reality of travelling by train on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the above video .
A new West Midlands Railway timetable comes into operation from Monday , May 18 .
But with some workplaces across the West Midlands beginning to reopen , the operator is urging passengers to avoid the rail network unless they have no other travel option .
To help passengers maintain social distancing , West Midlands Railway is installing new signage at stations including markings on platforms , staircases and in ticket halls .
A one-way system is also being brought into operation at Birmingham ’ s Snow Hill station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more easily .
What the company says Jonny Wiseman , customer experience director for West Midlands Railway , said : “ I would like to thank our customers who have continued to stay away from the railways to save space for those people making truly essential journeys with no other travel option .
“ Maintaining social distancing on the railway network is a real challenge because the concept goes against the entire principle of mass transit .
`` We have had to think hard and move fast to bring in new ways of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It is absolutely essential that our customers play their part by being kind , considerate and travelling responsibly .
`` Only use public transport if you absolutely have to travel and have no other alternative.
” The company operates both West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services .
London Northwestern Railway services operate between Liverpool and Birmingham , and on the West Coast mainline to and from London Euston .
West Midlands Railway services operate to destinations across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street .
For more information on these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential journeys are advised to check their train times before travelling at www.wmr.uk/coronavirus The West Midlands Trains franchise started on December 10 , 2017 and will run until 2025/26 .
After its summer timetable was introduced in May 2019 , the rest of the year saw the timetable becoming increasingly unreliable leading to missing trains and overcrowded services .
To compound matters , a strike in November and December hit pre Christmases as staff walked out in a dispute about guards working on the new fleet of carriages that had been ordered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Mayor Andy Street threatened to try to have the company stripped of its franchise by the end of January 2020 if services did not improved .
In a letter to Julian Edwards , the newly-appointed Managing director , Mr Street said : “ As you will no doubt be aware , rail passengers using your services in the region have faced significant problems since May , including far too many trains that have been delayed , cancelled , or are overcrowded .
`` Before May your services were running at around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently that has dropped below 50 % .
`` I am sure you would agree that is utterly woeful and can not be allowed to continue.
” After eight weeks of lockdown , Mr Street today appealed to the Government to bail out the region 's public transport network .
He warned that Metro , local rail and bus services across the West Midlands needed millions of pounds in extra long-term funding .

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Passengers looking to use West Midlands Railway services have been told to "only use public transport if you absolutely have to."
New signage is being installed at city stations including Snow Hill to reinforce the Covid-19 two-metre social distancing message to help to keep commuters apart.
New measures include staying FOUR steps apart when climbing stairs.
The move comes as the government's original March 23 'stay home' lockdown restrictions have been gently eased on Wednesday, May 13.
And the advice is the opposite of the reality of travelling by train on some overcrowded services in March as illustrated by the above video.
(Image: West Midlands Railway)
A new West Midlands Railway timetable comes into operation from Monday, May 18.
But with some workplaces across the West Midlands beginning to reopen, the operator is urging passengers to avoid the rail network unless they have no other travel option.
To help passengers maintain social distancing, West Midlands Railway is installing new signage at stations including markings on platforms, staircases and in ticket halls.
A one-way system is also being brought into operation at Birmingham’s Snow Hill station to help passengers flow through the concourse more easily.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
What the company says
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “I would like to thank our customers who have continued to stay away from the railways to save space for those people making truly essential journeys with no other travel option.
“Maintaining social distancing on the railway network is a real challenge because the concept goes against the entire principle of mass transit.
"We have had to think hard and move fast to bring in new ways of moving people within social distancing constraints.
“It is absolutely essential that our customers play their part by being kind, considerate and travelling responsibly.
"Only use public transport if you absolutely have to travel and have no other alternative.”
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
What is West Midlands Trains?
The company operates both West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services.
London Northwestern Railway services operate between Liverpool and Birmingham, and on the West Coast mainline to and from London Euston.
West Midlands Railway services operate to destinations across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street.
For more information on these services visit westmidlandsrailway.co.uk or londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk
Passengers making essential journeys are advised to check their train times before travelling at www.wmr.uk/coronavirus
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
Year of chaos
The West Midlands Trains franchise started on December 10, 2017 and will run until 2025/26.
After its summer timetable was introduced in May 2019, the rest of the year saw the timetable becoming increasingly unreliable leading to missing trains and overcrowded services.
To compound matters, a strike in November and December hit pre Christmases as staff walked out in a dispute about guards working on the new fleet of carriages that had been ordered.
Early in the New Year, the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street threatened to try to have the company stripped of its franchise by the end of January 2020 if services did not improved.
In a letter to Julian Edwards, the newly-appointed Managing director, Mr Street said: “As you will no doubt be aware, rail passengers using your services in the region have faced significant problems since May, including far too many trains that have been delayed, cancelled, or are overcrowded.
"Before May your services were running at around 90% reliability, on some lines recently that has dropped below 50%.
"I am sure you would agree that is utterly woeful and cannot be allowed to continue.”
After eight weeks of lockdown, Mr Street today appealed to the Government to bail out the region's public transport network.
He warned that Metro, local rail and bus services across the West Midlands needed millions of pounds in extra long-term funding.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Milot Rashica latest as Liverpool drop out of transfer race

Aston Villa remain in the hunt for Milot Rashica .
According to Sky Sports , the Villa , Brighton , West Ham and Wolves are following the Werder Bremen forward with interest , with Liverpool 's own pursuit of the player cooling , with the Anfield side now pinning their hopes on Leipzig forward Timo Werner .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here Liverpool had weighed up a move between Rashica and Werner , and have opted for the latter after signing Takumi Minamino earlier in the season .
Villa still have big rivals for the player despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - RB Leipzig are interested in Rashica in the instance they lose Werner .
Rashica , a scorer of seven goals this current Bundesliga season is also wanted by German giants Borussia Dortmund - and is an in-demand player due to his performances this season .
A move for Rashica would be pricey , with the Werder Bremen forward having a release clause topping £30 million - however Bremen themselves are n't safe from the drop .
That particular failure will cut Rashica 's release clause in half - but it does expire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baumann told German media outlet Deichstube : “ It is not certain he will go in the summer .
To do this , something must be found first which suits both sides , but we are not dreamers either .
”

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Aston Villa remain in the hunt for Milot Rashica.
According to Sky Sports, the Villa, Brighton, West Ham and Wolves are following the Werder Bremen forward with interest, with Liverpool's own pursuit of the player cooling, with the Anfield side now pinning their hopes on Leipzig forward Timo Werner.
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Liverpool had weighed up a move between Rashica and Werner, and have opted for the latter after signing Takumi Minamino earlier in the season.
Villa still have big rivals for the player despite Liverpool's decision.
As reported earlier - RB Leipzig are interested in Rashica in the instance they lose Werner.
Rashica, a scorer of seven goals this current Bundesliga season is also wanted by German giants Borussia Dortmund - and is an in-demand player due to his performances this season.
A move for Rashica would be pricey, with the Werder Bremen forward having a release clause topping £30 million - however Bremen themselves aren't safe from the drop. That particular failure will cut Rashica's release clause in half - but it does expire in June.
Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann told German media outlet Deichstube: “It is not certain he will go in the summer. To do this, something must be found first which suits both sides, but we are not dreamers either.”


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Martin O'Neill's first 10 Villa hits and misses

There was nothing like being an Aston Villa fan in the Martin O'Neill days ( well , expect being a Villa fan in the Victorian era , the Saunders years and during the early 90 's ) .
After a number of years of transfer mishaps , cheap deals and poor decisions , with the odd marquee buy sprinkled here and there , Randy Lerner 's takeover heralded the odd transfer splurge here and there , especially at the beginning with Martin O'Neill .
Transfer windows in those days were especially exciting .
At school , I remember eagerly awaiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa webpage and eventually jumping for joy when Shaun Maloney 's picture appeared on the screen .
Desperate for deals , I was .
It was pure excitement at that age .
However , O'Neill 's deals were a mixed bag and that 's best represented in the first set of them with plenty of hits and misses amongst the first ten signings .
Here 's how we 've rated those first deals of the MON era .
It was a bit of genius to bring Petrov to Villa , with the midfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in claret & blue .
It 's fair to say the Villa got their money 's worth when they signed 'Stan ' for £6.5m from Celtic in 2006 .
It did n't always look that way , though .
It took a while for Petrov to settle in and on-the-pitch , it seemed as though a few of the Villa old-guard were n't brilliantly happy with his matchday performances .
That changed by some measure .
Petrov 's ability was there , but his work-rate and mental attributes were close to legendary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it showed .
He grew into a club captain and became somewhat a Villa great .
Then , he became a legend .
Stan retired due to a diagnosis with leukaemia and not only did he beat it , he inspired others .
After that , he fought for a new contract at Villa .
Sadly , that did n't work out - but it did n't dent Stan 's reputation one bit .
If a situation had occurred where MON 's buys turned out to be awful , Petrov himself would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager 's transfer nous .
That did n't need to happen , though .
The wing-back made a name for himself under O'Neill at Celtic , but was quickly forgotten at Villa .
A trial earned him a short deal which wrapped up his entire time at the club .
He left in January 2007 with five appearances to his name .
Verdict : There is a void and it 's called Didier - miss .
O'Neill quickly bound the Villa dressing room to his will , and three ex-Celtic players helped that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veteran striker adapted well , but that was all he managed to do .
It 'd be unfair to make a true judgment on Sutton 's time at Villa as it was quickly curbed when he took a whack on the head that left him with vision issues .
Sutton spent just about two months at Villa Park due to that .
Hollywood John Carew was the striker Villa had been missing for a long time .
In January 2007 , Martin O'Neill did n't just need a striker , he needed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in exchange for Milan Baros , and when the two legacies are compared , it 's clear that Villa got some value when they signed Carew .
A fan-favourite , Carew 's goals helped define the O'Neill period at the club , and while he was only truly at his best under the Ulsterman - that 's all that really mattered to the club .
At his peak , Villa got the best out of a unique striker who scored thirty-seven times for the club in 113 games .
Joining alongside Carew was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who 's technical ability made him a giant on the Villa Park pitch .
In Young 's time at the club , fans were treated to jet-stream counter attacks , thundering volleys , cosmic free-kicks and ability that had n't been seen at the club for some time .
Cruelly , it seems as though Young 's legacy was dampened at the club by the way of his departure and the eventual emergence of Jack Grealish that has possibly wiped some memories clean .
That should n't be the case .
Young at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bar-fight .
Before Grealish made it cool to win games with a flick of the boot , Young made it his staple .
Three player of the month awards in a year showcased his mainstream brilliance , and often he 'd bring the sunshine to Villa Park himself .
Somewhat a shadow of Young , Maloney stood out as a gifted footballer and was yet another Celtic signing for O'Neill .
Ironically , if Young was n't at the club , Maloney could 've had a fair crack at making up some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that was never to be the case .
An abundance of riches at the club saw Maloney turned into a bit-part player despite some crucial goals , and the forward was left with no choice but to seek a move back to Celtic .
It simply was n't to be .
Villa went to a decent length to bring in Salifou , who was hit with work permit issues until a move was agreed .
`` He has great determination to succeed at this level and may well prove to be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was christened as the Togolese Zidane before making four appearances for Villa then never being seen again .
Verdict : Miss - his song is more memorable than his time at Villa Villa have been a club blessed with centre-backs throughout history , and Knight does n't really stand out .
It did n't help that Villa could deploy Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen either - but Knight barely stood out at all after joining from Fulham .
Granted plenty of time at the club , Knight did n't form into anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had plenty of talent , and plenty of obstacles at Villa when he joined from Watford for £1 million .
A highly-rated youngster , he could n't break through to the first-team squad and recently praised the departure of former youth coach Kevin MacDonald .
The player that Lichaj became perfectly fits the bill for a peak O'Neill signing .
One that might not be Premier League quality , but can certainly work hard enough to be a success in the right team .
It took until O'Neill 's departure for the then-youngster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he has forged a successful Championship career at Nottingham Forest and Hull .
Verdict : Straddling the line of hit and miss .
He broke through eventually , so the investment paid off .
This is in-between .

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It has been ten years to the day since Martin O'Neill walked out on Aston Villa shortly before the season was to kick-off.
While that soured his relationship with fans, for obvious reasons, there was nothing like being an fan in the MON days (well, expect being a Villa fan in the Victorian era, the Saunders years and during the early 90's).
Especially when it came to transfers.
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After a number of years of transfer mishaps, cheap deals and poor decisions, with the odd marquee buy sprinkled here and there, Randy Lerner's takeover heralded a transfer splurge, especially at the beginning with O'Neill.
Transfer windows in those days were especially exciting. At school, I remember eagerly awaiting a new deal. Constantly refreshing the Villa webpage and eventually jumping for joy when Shaun Maloney's picture appeared on the screen.
Desperate for deals, I was. It was pure excitement at that age.
However, O'Neill's deals were a mixed bag and that's best represented in the first set of them with plenty of hits and misses amongst the first ten signings.
Here's how we've rated those first deals of the MON era.
Stiliyan Petrov
It was a bit of genius to bring Petrov to Villa, with the midfielder enjoying plenty of his best footballing days in claret & blue. It's fair to say the Villa got their money's worth when they signed 'Stan' for £6.5m from Celtic in 2006.
It didn't always look that way, though. It took a while for Petrov to settle in and on-the-pitch, it seemed as though a few of the Villa old-guard weren't brilliantly happy with his matchday performances.
That changed by some measure. Petrov's ability was there, but his work-rate and mental attributes were close to legendary. Nobody worked as hard as him, and it showed. He grew into a club captain and became somewhat a Villa great.
(Image: PA)
Then, he became a legend. Stan retired due to a diagnosis with leukaemia and not only did he beat it, he inspired others. After that, he fought for a new contract at Villa.
Sadly, that didn't work out - but it didn't dent Stan's reputation one bit.
If a situation had occurred where MON's buys turned out to be awful, Petrov himself would go a long way to redeeming his manager's transfer nous.
That didn't need to happen, though.
Verdict: Hit. Absolute hit.
Didier Agathe
The wing-back made a name for himself under O'Neill at Celtic, but was quickly forgotten at Villa. A trial earned him a short deal which wrapped up his entire time at the club. He left in January 2007 with five appearances to his name.
Verdict: There is a void and it's called Didier - miss.
Chris Sutton
O'Neill quickly bound the Villa dressing room to his will, and three ex-Celtic players helped that transition, including Chris Sutton.
The veteran striker adapted well, but that was all he managed to do.
It'd be unfair to make a true judgment on Sutton's time at Villa as it was quickly curbed when he took a whack on the head that left him with vision issues.
Sutton spent just about two months at Villa Park due to that.
Verdict: Miss - sorry, Chris.
John Carew
Hollywood John Carew was the striker Villa had been missing for a long time. In January 2007, Martin O'Neill didn't just need a striker, he needed a Carew.
The giant Norwegian joined Villa in exchange for Milan Baros, and when the two legacies are compared, it's clear that Villa got some value when they signed Carew.
A fan-favourite, Carew's goals helped define the O'Neill period at the club, and while he was only truly at his best under the Ulsterman - that's all that really mattered to the club.
At his peak, Villa got the best out of a unique striker who scored thirty-seven times for the club in 113 games.
Verdict: A rocket of a hit.
(Image: PA)
Ashley Young
Joining alongside Carew was the slight figure of Ashley Young - who's technical ability made him a giant on the Villa Park pitch.
In Young's time at the club, fans were treated to jet-stream counter attacks, thundering volleys, cosmic free-kicks and ability that hadn't been seen at the club for some time.
Cruelly, it seems as though Young's legacy was dampened at the club by the way of his departure and the eventual emergence of Jack Grealish that has possibly wiped some memories clean.
That shouldn't be the case. Young at Villa was like bringing a chaingun to a bar-fight. Before Grealish made it cool to win games with a flick of the boot, Young made it his staple.
Three player of the month awards in a year showcased his mainstream brilliance, and often he'd bring the sunshine to Villa Park himself.
Verdict: The biggest of hits
Shaun Maloney
Somewhat a shadow of Young, Maloney stood out as a gifted footballer and was yet another Celtic signing for O'Neill.
Ironically, if Young wasn't at the club, Maloney could've had a fair crack at making up some of what the Villa were missing - but that was never to be the case.
An abundance of riches at the club saw Maloney turned into a bit-part player despite some crucial goals, and the forward was left with no choice but to seek a move back to Celtic. It simply wasn't to be.
Verdict: A slim hit, but barely
(Image: newsteam.co.uk)
Moustapha Salifou
Villa went to a decent length to bring in Salifou, who was hit with work permit issues until a move was agreed.
"He has great determination to succeed at this level and may well prove to be an excellent asset" said of Salifou, who was christened as the Togolese Zidane before making four appearances for Villa then never being seen again.
Verdict: Miss - his song is more memorable than his time at Villa
Zat Knight
Villa have been a club blessed with centre-backs throughout history, and Knight doesn't really stand out.
It didn't help that Villa could deploy Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen either - but Knight barely stood out at all after joining from Fulham.
Granted plenty of time at the club, Knight didn't form into anything close to Mellberg or Laursen.
Verdict: Miss
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
Harry Forrester
Forrester had plenty of talent, and plenty of obstacles at Villa when he joined from Watford for £1 million. A highly-rated youngster, he couldn't break through to the first-team squad and recently praised the departure of former youth coach Kevin MacDonald.
Verdict: Unfortunately, a miss
Eric Lichaj
The player that Lichaj became perfectly fits the bill for a peak O'Neill signing. One that might not be Premier League quality, but can certainly work hard enough to be a success in the right team.
It took until O'Neill's departure for the then-youngster to break into the Villa team, and he has forged a successful Championship career at Nottingham Forest and Hull.
Verdict: Straddling the line of hit and miss. He broke through eventually, so the investment paid off. This is in-between.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Government wants you to stay off trains, buses and metro as you return to work

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has urged everyone to stay off public transport - even if they are returning to work .
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged people who can not work from home to go back to work , in a statement over the weekend .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press office , Mr Shapps said : `` We are asking the public to help ensure the transport system does not become significantly overwhelmed by returning commuters . ''
Workers should walk , cycle or drive a car instead of using public transport if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` If you ca n't walk or cycle but you do have access to a car , please use it , rather than travelling by bus , train or tram . ''
He insisted the government had been `` busy , getting on with essential work '' to improve roads and rail lines while people stayed at home .
Mr Shapps also highlighted a new announcement of £1.7bn in funding to improve roads , pavements and cycle paths across the country .
The aim is to help people travel as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is limited , with passengers required to sit at least two metres apart .
The money includes £201 million to improve roads and boost connections across the West Midlands .
And he said there would be more charging stations for electric cars .
The Department of Health said its figures showed 33,614 people had died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Wednesday , up by 428 from 33,186 the day before .
The Government also met its daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the latest figures .
In the 24-hour period up to 9am on Thursday , 126,064 tests were carried out or dispatched .
Overall a total of 1,593,902 people have been tested of whom 233,151 tested positive .
New data published by the Office for National Statistics showed around one in 400 people may have coronavirus .
At any given time between 27 April and 10 May 2020 , it is estimated that an average of 0.27 % of the community population had Covid-19 .
It means an average of 148,000 people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But 1.33 % of those working in England in patient-facing healthcare roles , or resident-facing social care roles , tested positive for Covid-19 between April 27 and May 10 .
This includes NHS professionals , such as nurses and doctors , as well as social care workers , such as nursing home or home care workers .
The study also found that children are as likely to be infected as adults .
The transport package will target around 1.4 million nuisance potholes across the West Midlands .
It will also see smaller improvements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as enhancing road safety at key locations , the installation of priority bus lanes and the creation of projects to help lock in improvements in air quality experienced during lockdown .

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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has urged everyone to stay off public transport - even if they are returning to work.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson encouraged people who cannot work from home to go back to work, in a statement over the weekend.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press office, Mr Shapps said: "We are asking the public to help ensure the transport system does not become significantly overwhelmed by returning commuters."
Workers should walk, cycle or drive a car instead of using public transport if they could, he said.
Mr Shapps added: "If you can't walk or cycle but you do have access to a car, please use it, rather than travelling by bus, train or tram."
He insisted the government had been "busy, getting on with essential work" to improve roads and rail lines while people stayed at home.
Mr Shapps also highlighted a new announcement of £1.7bn in funding to improve roads, pavements and cycle paths across the country. The aim is to help people travel as the lockdown eases but space on public transport is limited, with passengers required to sit at least two metres apart.
The money includes £201 million to improve roads and boost connections across the West Midlands.
And he said there would be more charging stations for electric cars.
The Department of Health said its figures showed 33,614 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Wednesday, up by 428 from 33,186 the day before.
The Government also met its daily target for 100,000 coronavirus tests, according to the latest figures.
In the 24-hour period up to 9am on Thursday, 126,064 tests were carried out or dispatched.
Overall a total of 1,593,902 people have been tested of whom 233,151 tested positive.
Get email updates with the latest Politics news This newsletter will bring you a brief round-up of the best, most important or simply quirky stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past few days in the world of politics across Birmingham and the West Midlands. To subscribe click on the link, tick the politics box and enter your email address.
New data published by the Office for National Statistics showed around one in 400 people may have coronavirus.
At any given time between 27 April and 10 May 2020, it is estimated that an average of 0.27% of the community population had Covid-19. It means an average of 148,000 people in England had Covid-19 during this time.
But 1.33% of those working in England in patient-facing healthcare roles, or resident-facing social care roles, tested positive for Covid-19 between April 27 and May 10.
This includes NHS professionals, such as nurses and doctors, as well as social care workers, such as nursing home or home care workers.
The study also found that children are as likely to be infected as adults.
The transport package will target around 1.4 million nuisance potholes across the West Midlands . It will also see smaller improvements completed to upgrade local networks, such as enhancing road safety at key locations, the installation of priority bus lanes and the creation of projects to help lock in improvements in air quality experienced during lockdown.
Funding breakdown:
Herefordshire, County of £19.946m
Telford and Wrekin £6.686m
Stoke-on-Trent £5.695m
Shropshire £29.236m
Staffordshire £37.225m
Warwickshire £24.196m
Worcestershire £26.997m
West Midlands Combined Authority £51.323m


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Woman fighting for her life after stabbing in city house

A woman is fighting for her life after being stabbed in the stomach at a house in Frankley .
The victim was rushed to hospital where she remains in a critical condition after being found seriously injured at an address in Quarry House Close .
Detectives are investigating the attack and have appealed for anyone with information , or anyone who saw a man fleeing the scene , to contact police urgently .
CCTV footage is being examined and officers are combing the scene following the discovery of the injured woman , at 11.20am today - Thursday , May 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We ’ ve launched an investigation after a woman suffered a serious stab injury at a house in Birmingham this morning .
`` Ambulance colleagues alerted us to the patient in Quarry House Close , Frankley , at 11.20am after she was found with a stomach injury .
`` She has been taken to hospital where she remains in a critical condition .
`` Efforts are underway to trace the person responsible .
House to house enquiries are being carried out and a CCTV trawl commenced .
`` Anyone who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today and saw anything suspicious , a disorder or a man fleeing the scene is urged to contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 and quoting log 1365 from 14/5 . ''
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed they were called to the scene , where they treated a woman for serious injuries before rushing her to hospital .
“ We were called at 11:20am to reports of a stabbing in Quarry House Close in Birmingham , '' the spokeswoman said .
`` We sent one ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Care Team to the scene .
We treated one patient , a woman for serious injuries before taking her on blue lights to hospital for further treatment .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Paxton, Oprah Flash)

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A woman is fighting for her life after being stabbed in the stomach at a house in Frankley.
The victim was rushed to hospital where she remains in a critical condition after being found seriously injured at an address in Quarry House Close.
Detectives are investigating the attack and have appealed for anyone with information, or anyone who saw a man fleeing the scene, to contact police urgently.
CCTV footage is being examined and officers are combing the scene following the discovery of the injured woman, at 11.20am today - Thursday, May 14.
A West Midlands Police appeal read: "We’ve launched an investigation after a woman suffered a serious stab injury at a house in Birmingham this morning.
"Ambulance colleagues alerted us to the patient in Quarry House Close, Frankley, at 11.20am after she was found with a stomach injury.
"She has been taken to hospital where she remains in a critical condition.
"Efforts are underway to trace the person responsible. House to house enquiries are being carried out and a CCTV trawl commenced.
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"Anyone who was in Quarry House Close at around 11am today and saw anything suspicious, a disorder or a man fleeing the scene is urged to contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 and quoting log 1365 from 14/5."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed they were called to the scene, where they treated a woman for serious injuries before rushing her to hospital.
“We were called at 11:20am to reports of a stabbing in Quarry House Close in Birmingham," the spokeswoman said.
"We sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and the West Midlands Care Team to the scene. We treated one patient, a woman for serious injuries before taking her on blue lights to hospital for further treatment.”