birminghammail--2020-07-29--Foreign Office failed Brits stranded abroad in coronavirus pandemic

British citizens stranded abroad during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic were failed by the Government , an inquiry has found .
The Foreign Office was allocated £75 million to help people stuck in countries such as Pakistan and India to return home , but only £40 million was spent .
In a highly-critical report , the Foreign Affairs Select Committee said : `` While no one would advocate waste , these funds were allocated to rescue British citizens and the amount unspent suggests that the lifelines that many needed were available but not used .
We were given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £35 million wasn ’ t used to provide a better service for those UK citizens stranded abroad . ''
The finding was welcomed by Black Country MP John Spellar ( Lab Warley ) , who said a number of his constituents had been affected .
Mr Spellar said : `` I am pleased the Foreign Affairs Committee have exposed the shocking handling of repatriation '' My constituents experienced an appalling mixture of complacency , incompetence and indifference .
It needed a huge effort to get the Foreign Office to recognise the scale of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaken up from top to bottom . ''
Families were divided as the coronavirus pandemic led to flights being cancelled .
Tens of thousands of Brits were stranded abroad in countries from Peru to India and Pakistan .
BIrmingham Live spoke to Brummies stuck in Pakistan and India who said they had been `` abandoned '' by the British government .
Sutton Coldfield resident Robbie Chahal told us about his struggle to help his elderly parents and sister return from India .
Erdington mum Nazneen Afzal told Birmingham Live about her parents ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had been visiting relatives .
The Foreign Affairs Committee , an influential Parliamentary committee involved MPs from all parties , criticised the Foreign Office 's initial decision to depend on existing commercial flights to bring people home .
Countries such as France and Germany were quicker to provide charter flights , which are flights chartered for a specific journey .
The Committee said : `` The Government placed too much reliance on commercial carriers at the start of the crisis ... this decision was clearly made with cost saving in mind .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have been the most cost effective and convenient way to help the majority of travellers return to the UK , for some people this was not a practical solution . ''
The Committee also found that many of those stuck abroad faced soaring costs for accommodation , food and other essentials .
The Foreign Office offered temporary loans , but many of those affected were not aware that loans were available , and others who contacted the Foreign Office were told to approach family and friends for money - or to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Foreign Office has now changed its policy and no longer advises people to try crowdfunding .
The Committee said : `` Whilst the crowdfunding advice was eventually removed from the Foreign Office 's website , we are disappointed that the Foreign Office ever considered this acceptable advice to give to a British Citizen seeking help . ''
The loans are interest free but must be repaid within six months .
The Committee warned that some people would find them hard to repay , and should be offered extensions .
It said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office commits to offering loan extensions where people are in genuine financial difficulty .
The Foreign Office should also make it clear that , in current circumstances , there may be some flexibility afforded to those who are genuinely struggling to repay . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
British citizens stranded abroad during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic were failed by the Government, an inquiry has found.
The Foreign Office was allocated £75 million to help people stuck in countries such as Pakistan and India to return home, but only £40 million was spent.
In a highly-critical report, the Foreign Affairs Select Committee said: "While no one would advocate waste, these funds were allocated to rescue British citizens and the amount unspent suggests that the lifelines that many needed were available but not used. We were given no explanation as to why the remaining £35 million wasn’t used to provide a better service for those UK citizens stranded abroad."
The finding was welcomed by Black Country MP John Spellar (Lab Warley), who said a number of his constituents had been affected. Mr Spellar said: "I am pleased the Foreign Affairs Committee have exposed the shocking handling of repatriation
" My constituents experienced an appalling mixture of complacency, incompetence and indifference. It needed a huge effort to get the Foreign Office to recognise the scale of the problem. They need to be shaken up from top to bottom."
Families were divided as the coronavirus pandemic led to flights being cancelled. Tens of thousands of Brits were stranded abroad in countries from Peru to India and Pakistan.
BIrmingham Live spoke to Brummies stuck in Pakistan and India who said they had been "abandoned" by the British government.
Sutton Coldfield resident Robbie Chahal told us about his struggle to help his elderly parents and sister return from India.
Erdington mum Nazneen Afzal told Birmingham Live about her parents' attempts to return from Pakistan, where they had been visiting relatives.
The Foreign Affairs Committee, an influential Parliamentary committee involved MPs from all parties, criticised the Foreign Office's initial decision to depend on existing commercial flights to bring people home. Countries such as France and Germany were quicker to provide charter flights, which are flights chartered for a specific journey.
The Committee said: "The Government placed too much reliance on commercial carriers at the start of the crisis ... this decision was clearly made with cost saving in mind.
"Whilst reliance on the commercial system may have been the most cost effective and convenient way to help the majority of travellers return to the UK, for some people this was not a practical solution."
The Committee also found that many of those stuck abroad faced soaring costs for accommodation, food and other essentials. The Foreign Office offered temporary loans, but many of those affected were not aware that loans were available, and others who contacted the Foreign Office were told to approach family and friends for money - or to try crowdfunding, such as through a website.
The Foreign Office has now changed its policy and no longer advises people to try crowdfunding.
The Committee said: "Whilst the crowdfunding advice was eventually removed from the Foreign Office's website, we are disappointed that the Foreign Office ever considered this acceptable advice to give to a British Citizen seeking help."
The loans are interest free but must be repaid within six months. The Committee warned that some people would find them hard to repay, and should be offered extensions.
It said: "We recommend that the Foreign Office commits to offering loan extensions where people are in genuine financial difficulty. The Foreign Office should also make it clear that, in current circumstances, there may be some flexibility afforded to those who are genuinely struggling to repay."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Wesley Streete tells Keeley Bunker murder trial he 'had to lie' over her death

A `` trusted friend '' accused of raping and murdering Keeley Bunker today told his murder trial he `` had to lie '' to police .
Wesley Streete , 20 , continued to be cross-examined in the witness box by Jacob Hallam QC , prosecuting , on the morning of Wednesday , July 29 , as his defence case entered its second day .
Streete , of no fixed address , denies the rape and murder of Ms Bunker , 20 , in Tamworth after they returned from a night out in Birmingham on September 19 last year .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her `` accidentally '' as they had sex in the town 's Wigginton Park .
He threw her jacket away and hid her body , he told jurors on Tuesday .
And he said he had lied when he initially claimed he had left her safe and well near a telephone box after walking her partway home from a friend 's house .
This morning , Streete was asked about his initial co-operation with Pc Samuel Small over Ms Bunker ’ s whereabouts .
Mr Hallam asked him about a comment he made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helpful.
” He asked the defendant : `` You were trying to make your lies more believable ? ''
Streete replied : “ I couldn ’ t tell them the truth about what happened , so that ’ s why I had to lie like that . ''
He said he felt as if he was `` getting the blame '' , adding : `` I was was annoyed by the whole situation .
I couldn ’ t tell them the truth as they didn ’ t know what I was on about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my lies .
I couldn ’ t say : ' I know where Keeley is ' .
I was scared , I felt like I couldn ’ t tell anyone .
`` Throughout the whole thing with police - I ’ m lying.
” Streete was asked why his phone was also shown to be in the area of Tamworth Rugby Club .
He said : `` I had to stick to my lie .
I had put myself in that position .
I just didn ’ t want to say any more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken the defendant `` hours '' to come up with a false version of events .
Streete said : `` I couldn ’ t tell the answers of what happened that night . ''
During police interviews , officers told Streete that Ms Bunker ’ s injuries were not the result of natural causes .
And they said CCTV placed them together , which was not consistent with his account .
Police also revealed there was forensic evidence linking him to the site of Ms Bunker 's body .
Police showed him CCTV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Bunker had left their friend ’ s house in the early hours of September 19 .
They also showed him footage of the pair together outside the clubhouse at Tamworth Rugby Club .
`` Even though I was with a solicitor I was sticking with what I was saying , '' he said .
Streete later replied `` no comment '' or that he `` couldn ’ t remember '' to various questions .
`` I couldn ’ t tell anyone what happened that night .
I ’ ve never been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Streete was taken to a police station and admitted he felt `` scared '' on September 19 , last year .
`` When I got into custody I was scared , '' said Streete .
He said an officer told him : `` Just tell the truth to the questions . ''
In evidence , Streete said of two officers : `` They were staring at me with two cameras .
I felt awkward . ''
In the footage , Streete tells them : `` I ’ ve just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his nan was unwell .
In evidence , Streete said he felt `` sad about the whole thing .
I didn ’ t want to lie '' .
Police asked Streete in his police interview if he had sex with Ms Bunker , but he replied “ no.
” Streete explained to the officers he left a friend ’ s house with her and he last saw her at a phone box in Tamworth .
`` That was a lie , '' Streete admitted in evidence today .
He said he felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I didn ’ t think how much I drank back then .
I had loads of things going through my mind , '' he said .
Streete said Ms Bunker did not seem to consume much alcohol .
She was due to have a job interview later that day .
Streete told officers he and Ms Bunker shared a hug and there was no kissing when the pair said goodbye .
`` That was a lie , '' said Streete .
The prosecutor said : `` You had made all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he denied scratches to his face were caused by Ms Bunker and maintained they were caused by his dog .
Streete has also pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman over 16 , the rape of a child under 16 , sexual activity with a girl and three counts of sexual activity .
These charges relate to three people between 2015 and 2019 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Rodger, Ben Perrin)

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
A "trusted friend" accused of raping and murdering Keeley Bunker today told his murder trial he "had to lie" to police.
Wesley Streete, 20, continued to be cross-examined in the witness box by Jacob Hallam QC, prosecuting, on the morning of Wednesday, July 29, as his defence case entered its second day.
Streete, of no fixed address, denies the rape and murder of Ms Bunker, 20, in Tamworth after they returned from a night out in Birmingham on September 19 last year.
He yesterday told Stafford Crown Court he killed her "accidentally" as they had sex in the town's Wigginton Park. He threw her jacket away and hid her body, he told jurors on Tuesday.
And he said he had lied when he initially claimed he had left her safe and well near a telephone box after walking her partway home from a friend's house.
This morning, Streete was asked about his initial co-operation with Pc Samuel Small over Ms Bunker’s whereabouts.
(Image: PA)
Mr Hallam asked him about a comment he made to the officer about being “totally helpful.” He asked the defendant: "You were trying to make your lies more believable?" Streete replied: “I couldn’t tell them the truth about what happened, so that’s why I had to lie like that."
He said he felt as if he was "getting the blame", adding: "I was was annoyed by the whole situation. I couldn’t tell them the truth as they didn’t know what I was on about.
"I had to carry on my lies. I couldn’t say: 'I know where Keeley is'. I was scared, I felt like I couldn’t tell anyone.
"Throughout the whole thing with police - I’m lying.”
Streete was asked why his phone was also shown to be in the area of Tamworth Rugby Club.
He said: "I had to stick to my lie. I had put myself in that position. I just didn’t want to say any more."
Mr Hallam said it had taken the defendant "hours" to come up with a false version of events.
Streete said: "I couldn’t tell the answers of what happened that night."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
During police interviews, officers told Streete that Ms Bunker’s injuries were not the result of natural causes.
And they said CCTV placed them together, which was not consistent with his account.
Police also revealed there was forensic evidence linking him to the site of Ms Bunker's body.
Police showed him CCTV of a still just after he and Ms Bunker had left their friend’s house in the early hours of September 19.
They also showed him footage of the pair together outside the clubhouse at Tamworth Rugby Club.
"Even though I was with a solicitor I was sticking with what I was saying," he said.
Streete later replied "no comment" or that he "couldn’t remember" to various questions.
"I couldn’t tell anyone what happened that night. I’ve never been in that situation before in my life," he said.
Streete was taken to a police station and admitted he felt "scared" on September 19, last year.
"When I got into custody I was scared," said Streete.
A police body-worn camera captured Streete sitting down chatting to officers.
He said an officer told him: "Just tell the truth to the questions."
In evidence, Streete said of two officers: "They were staring at me with two cameras. I felt awkward."
In the footage, Streete tells them: "I’ve just had a mad, mad week" after his nan was unwell.
In evidence, Streete said he felt "sad about the whole thing. I didn’t want to lie".
(Image: PA)
Police asked Streete in his police interview if he had sex with Ms Bunker, but he replied “no.”
Streete explained to the officers he left a friend’s house with her and he last saw her at a phone box in Tamworth.
"That was a lie," Streete admitted in evidence today.
He said he felt "drunk" and "stumbley".
"I didn’t think how much I drank back then. I had loads of things going through my mind," he said.
Streete said Ms Bunker did not seem to consume much alcohol. She was due to have a job interview later that day.
Streete told officers he and Ms Bunker shared a hug and there was no kissing when the pair said goodbye.
"That was a lie," said Streete.
The prosecutor said: "You had made all that up hadn’t you?"
Streete replied: "Yes."
But he denied scratches to his face were caused by Ms Bunker and maintained they were caused by his dog.
Streete has also pleaded not guilty to the rape of a woman over 16, the rape of a child under 16, sexual activity with a girl and three counts of sexual activity.
These charges relate to three people between 2015 and 2019.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--McDonald's price list for all menu items as government slashes VAT

VAT has been cut - and that means your trip to McDonald 's could be a lot cheaper .
The @ @ @ @ @ amendments to its pricing strategy after the government announced it would be slashing VAT .
@ @ @ @ @ coronavirus 'mini-budget ' earlier this month , menu items are set to be cheaper on @ @ @ @ @ D 's .
VAT was slashed from 20 per cent to 5 per cent , @ @ @ @ @ , and that means changes to your burgers , Big Macs , Chicken McNuggets , @ @ @ @ @ .
McDonald 's continues to re-open restaurants for dine-in services having shuttered eateries throughout Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ UK back in March .
As customers return to fast food outlets , every single @ @ @ @ @ released on the McDonald 's menu from July 2020 : You can find full information @ @ @ @ @ local restaurant on the McDonald 's website .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rachel Pugh, James Rodger)

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
VAT has been cut - and that means your trip to McDonald's could be a lot cheaper.
The fast food giant has made amendments to its pricing strategy after the government announced it would be slashing VAT.
Following Chancellor Rishi Sunak's coronavirus 'mini-budget' earlier this month, menu items are set to be cheaper on your next visit to Maccy D's.
VAT was slashed from 20 per cent to 5 per cent, the Manchester Evening News reports, and that means changes to your burgers, Big Macs, Chicken McNuggets, fries, McFlurries and more.
McDonald's continues to re-open restaurants for dine-in services having shuttered eateries throughout Birmingham and the rest of the UK back in March.
As customers return to fast food outlets, every single item's price has been released on the McDonald's menu from July 2020:
Big Mac - £1.69
Bacon Cheese Burger - £0.99
Bacon Mayo Chicken - £0.69
Double Cheese Burger - £0.79
Quarter Pounder - £1.69
Vegetable Deluxe - £1.69
Filet-O-Fish - £1.69
Cheese Burger - £0.49
McChicken Sandwich - £1.69
Hamburger - £0.44
Mayo Chicken - £0.49
20 Chicken Nuggets - £2.39
9 Chicken Nuggets - £1.89
5 Chicken Selects - £2.39
Veggie Dippers - £1.69
3 Chicken Selects - £1.84
6 Chicken Nuggets - £1.69
Mozzarella Dippers Share-box - £2.54
Mozzarella Dippers - £0.94
Dips - £0.10
Happy Meal - £1.49
Large Fries - £0.74
Medium Fries - £0.59
Small Fries - £0.49
Mini McFlurry - £0.39
McFlurry - £0.49
Milkshake - £0.94
Large Milkshake - £1.04
No Sugar Drinks:
No Sugar Drinks: Small - £0.45
Medium - £0.49
Large - £0.69
Sugar Taxed Drinks:
Small - £0.48
Medium - £0.55
Large - £0.76
Tropicana - £0.69
Water - £0.64
Robinsons Fruit Shoot - £0.49
Milk - £0.44
Flat White - £0.74
Latte - £0.74
Cappuccino - £0.74
Black Coffee - £0.49
White Coffee - £0.49
Single Espresso - £0.39
Double Espresso - £0.49
Hot Chocolate - £0.49
PG Tips Tea - £0.49
You can find full information about the menu and your local restaurant on the McDonald's website.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--'The complete opposite' - Aston Villa ace opens up on a crisis of confidence

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings has revealed how playing for England had an adverse affect on his mental health and his performances at club level .
Mings received his first England call-up for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo in September last year after an impressive start to Villa 's Premier League campaign .
He was an unused substitute in those matches , making his international debut in the return tie against Bulgaria .
The 27-year-old was one of several England stars subjected to vile racist abuse as England ran out 6-0 winners on a shameful night in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much the sickening discrimination that affected Mings ' mindset when he returned to his club , more the pressure he inadvertently placed himself under as a fully-fledged international .
Speaking to HRH The Duke of Cambridge as part of the Heads Up campaign , designed to empower and support people suffering with mental health problems , Mings said : `` My playing career has gone in many different directions .
`` It ( the England call-up ) probably came slightly earlier than I thought in the season – it was the first international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I was included in it .
`` It came with a whole new set of pressures and a whole new set of challenges , and one of them was probably how to deal with coming back from England [ duty ] to being a club player again .
`` I 'd just been called up for the first time and all of a sudden people were expecting me to probably be a lot better and a lot more experienced than I actually was .
`` I found that it actually affected my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I bet he thinks he 's made it and that he 's better than he is now ' when , if anything , it was the complete opposite .
`` I came back and found myself playing within myself because I did n't want to make mistakes and did n't want to put any unnecessary pressure on myself .
They 're things that are nothing to do with football – they 're just a mentality . ''
It was n't the first time Mings had experienced anxiety and self-doubt in his career .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was seriously injured on his Premier League debut with Bournemouth in 2015 .
`` We 've spoken weekly ever since and I think that 's something that 's really helped me , '' he added .
`` I 've found that , when it comes to football and using a psychologist , it just seems like a natural step . ''
Mings , who made his loan move to the West Midlands permanent last summer , joining for a fee in the region of £25 million with add ons , began his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton as a teenager .
He was only six minutes into his Premier League bow with the Cherries when he suffered a knee injury , meaning his next top-flight appearance would not come for another 16 months .
`` I felt like I 'd worked so hard and faced so many setbacks and challenges to get to the Premier League eventually , so to then get injured for the rest of the season on my debut was crushing , '' he said .
`` I felt like at that point I was at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Bournemouth were going to stay in the league and whether I 'd ever get the chance to play in the Premier League again .
`` Having the control taken away from myself – my fate and my career was no longer really in my hands – was probably the most mentally-unstable I 've been .
`` I felt like that was a natural time to speak with a psychologist – or life coach or whatever you want to call them – and just try and get to the bottom of why I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could get myself out of it .
`` I think it is a battle that you have to keep on top of and something that you really have to keep talking about . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings has revealed how playing for England had an adverse affect on his mental health and his performances at club level.
Mings received his first England call-up for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo in September last year after an impressive start to Villa's Premier League campaign.
He was an unused substitute in those matches, making his international debut in the return tie against Bulgaria.
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old was one of several England stars subjected to vile racist abuse as England ran out 6-0 winners on a shameful night in Sofia.
Yet it wasn't so much the sickening discrimination that affected Mings' mindset when he returned to his club, more the pressure he inadvertently placed himself under as a fully-fledged international.
Speaking to HRH The Duke of Cambridge as part of the Heads Up campaign, designed to empower and support people suffering with mental health problems, Mings said: "My playing career has gone in many different directions.
"It (the England call-up) probably came slightly earlier than I thought in the season – it was the first international camp and squad that was released, and I was included in it.
"It came with a whole new set of pressures and a whole new set of challenges, and one of them was probably how to deal with coming back from England [duty] to being a club player again.
"I'd just been called up for the first time and all of a sudden people were expecting me to probably be a lot better and a lot more experienced than I actually was.
"I found that it actually affected my performances because naturally people thought 'ah, I bet he thinks he's made it and that he's better than he is now' when, if anything, it was the complete opposite.
"I came back and found myself playing within myself because I didn't want to make mistakes and didn't want to put any unnecessary pressure on myself. They're things that are nothing to do with football – they're just a mentality."
It wasn't the first time Mings had experienced anxiety and self-doubt in his career. The Bath-born centre-back consulted a psychologist after he was seriously injured on his Premier League debut with Bournemouth in 2015.
"We've spoken weekly ever since and I think that's something that's really helped me," he added. "I've found that, when it comes to football and using a psychologist, it just seems like a natural step."
Mings, who made his loan move to the West Midlands permanent last summer, joining for a fee in the region of £25 million with add ons, began his career in non-league after being released by Southampton as a teenager.
He was only six minutes into his Premier League bow with the Cherries when he suffered a knee injury, meaning his next top-flight appearance would not come for another 16 months.
"I felt like I'd worked so hard and faced so many setbacks and challenges to get to the Premier League eventually, so to then get injured for the rest of the season on my debut was crushing," he said.
"I felt like at that point I was at my lowest. I didn't know if Bournemouth were going to stay in the league and whether I'd ever get the chance to play in the Premier League again.
"Having the control taken away from myself – my fate and my career was no longer really in my hands – was probably the most mentally-unstable I've been.
"I felt like that was a natural time to speak with a psychologist – or life coach or whatever you want to call them – and just try and get to the bottom of why I was feeling like that, or how I could get myself out of it.
"I think it is a battle that you have to keep on top of and something that you really have to keep talking about."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--McDonald’s announces permanent change to Happy Meals - and it starts today

McDonalds has announced a big change to Happy Meals - and it is taking effect today .
The new , permanent change to Happy Meals at McDonald 's comes as restuarants continue to re-open following the lockdown .
Drive-thrus re-opened last month , with eateries re-opening to welcome customers back for dine-in meals last week .
McDonald 's is a go-to for Brummies with more restaurants in the city than any other in the UK outside of London .
The fast food giant , renowned for its burgers , Big Macs , Chicken McNuggets , fries , McFlurries and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taking to social media on July 29 , McDonald 's shared details of the new , permanent change - and it could turn out to be a brilliant one .
The burger chain has just said that parents will now have the choice of which bonus item they would like in their Happy Meal - a book or toy .
Michelle Graham-Clare from McDonald ’ s UK said : “ We have been committed to getting books in children ’ s hands for nearly a decade , and are proud to have distributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and Ireland in that time .
`` The Book or Toy initiative is another example of providing our Happy Meal families with even greater choice – and what a choice to have !
A brilliant story from some fantastic authors or a fun toy featuring some of their favourite film and TV characters . ''
Two new books will be available from today : Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle ; Scooby-Doo and the Werewolf .
Graham-Clare said : “ This programme not only allows us to distribute even more books , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families the ability to opt out of plastic toys .
`` We are always working on our Happy Meal and from 2021 , we will no longer give away hard plastic toys .
We ’ re testing new packaging solutions for books and toys and constantly reviewing the menu to offer even greater choice to families.
” Children ’ s author and McFly front-man Tom Fletcher said : “ My son loves reading at school with his teachers and friends , which he has been missing over the last few months .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families during the pandemic , I ’ m sure many other children across the country have been missing reading at school and borrowing books from libraries . ''
He added : `` Book or Toy is a very timely and important initiative , which will be beneficial to kids and families over the holidays and beyond , encouraging them to read new books at home together.
” Jonathan Douglas , chief executive of the National Literacy Trust , said : “ Books have the power to enrich children ’ s lives – they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things and support positive mental wellbeing .
`` Yet many children are missing out on these benefits at a time when they need them most because they don ’ t have a single book of their own . ''
He added : `` When children enjoy reading and have their own books , they are more likely to succeed in school , work and life , so we must do everything we can to inspire children to fall in love with reading for a lifetime .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
McDonalds has announced a big change to Happy Meals - and it is taking effect today.
The new, permanent change to Happy Meals at McDonald's comes as restuarants continue to re-open following the lockdown.
Drive-thrus re-opened last month, with eateries re-opening to welcome customers back for dine-in meals last week.
McDonald's is a go-to for Brummies with more restaurants in the city than any other in the UK outside of London.
The fast food giant, renowned for its burgers, Big Macs, Chicken McNuggets, fries, McFlurries and more, confirmed the move on Wednesday.
Taking to social media on July 29, McDonald's shared details of the new, permanent change - and it could turn out to be a brilliant one.
The burger chain has just said that parents will now have the choice of which bonus item they would like in their Happy Meal - a book or toy.
Michelle Graham-Clare from McDonald’s UK said: “We have been committed to getting books in children’s hands for nearly a decade, and are proud to have distributed more than 93 million books in the UK and Ireland in that time.
"The Book or Toy initiative is another example of providing our Happy Meal families with even greater choice – and what a choice to have! A brilliant story from some fantastic authors or a fun toy featuring some of their favourite film and TV characters."
(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Two new books will be available from today: Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle; Scooby-Doo and the Werewolf.
Graham-Clare said: “This programme not only allows us to distribute even more books, but also supports our sustainability journey, giving families the ability to opt out of plastic toys.
"We are always working on our Happy Meal and from 2021, we will no longer give away hard plastic toys. We’re testing new packaging solutions for books and toys and constantly reviewing the menu to offer even greater choice to families.”
Children’s author and McFly front-man Tom Fletcher said: “My son loves reading at school with his teachers and friends, which he has been missing over the last few months.
"With books being less accessible to some families during the pandemic, I’m sure many other children across the country have been missing reading at school and borrowing books from libraries."
He added: "Book or Toy is a very timely and important initiative, which will be beneficial to kids and families over the holidays and beyond, encouraging them to read new books at home together.”
(Image: PA)
Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Books have the power to enrich children’s lives – they fuel imaginations, help children learn new things and support positive mental wellbeing.
"Yet many children are missing out on these benefits at a time when they need them most because they don’t have a single book of their own."
He added: "When children enjoy reading and have their own books, they are more likely to succeed in school, work and life, so we must do everything we can to inspire children to fall in love with reading for a lifetime.”


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Live updates as Blues close in on Aitor Karanka appointment

Birmingham City are expected to appoint Aitor Karanka as manager .
The Spaniard , who formerly managed Middlesbrough and Nottingham @ @ @ @ @ is close to being confirmed as Pep Clotet 's successor .
Karanka , 46 , @ @ @ @ @ since leaving the City Ground in January 2019 .
It ’ s claimed in Spain @ @ @ @ @ to La Liga outfit managerless Deportivo Alaves by agent Jorge Mendes , but BBC Sport @ @ @ @ @ Xuandong Ren has been out in Spain himself to finalise those negotiations .
Clotet left @ @ @ @ @ on July 8 having previously announced his intention to step down at the end of @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Shane Ireland)

Hello and welcome to Friday's LIVE coverage of Birmingham City from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest developments as Blues announce Aitor Karanka as manager.
Following the departure of Pep Clotet last month, having originally agreed to stay on until the end of the season, the club had been looking for a new manager.
Aitor Karanka was the main name in the frame, and Blues hopes of landing Karanka - a former Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough boss have been realised this evening, with the club announced
Karanka has been out of work since he left Forest in January last year and will now plan Blues' future ahead of the 20/21 season.
Stay up to date with all the very latest on today's live blog below...


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Frozen 2 to hit the big screen at Himley Hall drive-in

Frozen 2 has been added to the list of films being shown when a drive-in cinema rolls into Himley Hall and Park .
The family favourite has replaced Paddington 2 , which has been pulled from the bill due to licencing issues .
Customers who had already bought tickets have been informed and given the option to either transfer them over to Frozen 2 or to get a full refund .
Toy Story and The Lion King and Grease will also be hitting the big screen on August 8 and 9 , although tickets for the latter have sold out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the grounds of the stately home .
Vehicles will be parked two metres apart and movie fans will be able to stream the audio via their radios .
People will be encouraged to bring their own food and refreshments but alcohol is not allowed on site .
Coun Ian Kettle , Dudley 's cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise , said : `` We are very disappointed that we can not now show Paddington 2 , but delighted that we are able to put on such a great family film as Frozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope customers will understand that this change is totally out of our control and we apologise for any disappointment caused .
`` Tickets are selling very fast for the drive-in shows which are proving really popular , and we ’ re delighted Grease has sold out already .
`` I would urge people to get in quickly and get their tickets to avoid missing out on a fantastic weekend of great films in an idyllic location . ''
Frozen 2 , will be shown at noon on Saturday , August 8 , followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5pm .
Toy Story will be showing at noon on Sunday , August 9 with The Lion King later at 5pm .
Tickets are on sale at www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk .
The cost is £20 per car , plus VAT and booking fee .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Frozen 2 has been added to the list of films being shown when a drive-in cinema rolls into Himley Hall and Park.
The family favourite has replaced Paddington 2, which has been pulled from the bill due to licencing issues.
Customers who had already bought tickets have been informed and given the option to either transfer them over to Frozen 2 or to get a full refund.
Toy Story and The Lion King and Grease will also be hitting the big screen on August 8 and 9, although tickets for the latter have sold out.
All four films will be shown in the grounds of the stately home.
Vehicles will be parked two metres apart and movie fans will be able to stream the audio via their radios.
People will be encouraged to bring their own food and refreshments but alcohol is not allowed on site.
Coun Ian Kettle, Dudley's cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "We are very disappointed that we cannot now show Paddington 2, but delighted that we are able to put on such a great family film as Frozen 2 in its place.
"We hope customers will understand that this change is totally out of our control and we apologise for any disappointment caused.
"Tickets are selling very fast for the drive-in shows which are proving really popular, and we’re delighted Grease has sold out already.
"I would urge people to get in quickly and get their tickets to avoid missing out on a fantastic weekend of great films in an idyllic location."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Frozen 2, will be shown at noon on Saturday, August 8, followed by the sing-along version of Grease at 5pm.
Toy Story will be showing at noon on Sunday, August 9 with The Lion King later at 5pm.
Tickets are on sale at www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk. The cost is £20 per car, plus VAT and booking fee.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Taxi seized and CCTV scoured after driver stabbed by passengers in £8 fare row

Police investigating the brutal stabbing of a taxi driver in Digbeth have seized his vehicle for forensic examination .
Detectives were also scouring CCTV after cab driver Tahir Imran was knifed in the shoulder in the early hours of Wednesday , July 29 .
Two passengers - who allegedly refused to pay the £8 fare from Ravenshurst Street to Lozells - were said to have lashed out at the driver , punching him in the face before pulling out a knife .
Tahir , a married father-of-five from Sheldon , was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering at home .
West Midlands Police urged anyone with information to contact officers .
`` We received a call at 1.38am on Wednesday , July 22 , reporting a taxi driver having been stabbed in the back in the Highgate area of Birmingham , '' a spokeswoman said .
`` It ’ s understood the victim collected two passengers in Ravenhurst Street but , as the man drove off , the pair began assaulting him .
`` As the victim turned into Moseley Road one of the men stabbed him in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car and the offenders ran off .
`` His injury is not life-threatening or changing .
`` The car has been seized for forensic analysis , CCTV has been seized and we are following up other enquiries in a bid to identify the offenders .
`` Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting crime number 20BW/171278Q/20 . ''
Tahir 's wife Nargis spoke to BirminghamLive last week and told how she had been left devastated by the attack .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ males travelling from Ravenshurst Street in Digbeth to Lozells .
Because they were travelling after midnight , it is the company rule to take an upfront fare .
`` The car had moved only yards , to Bradford Street , when the passengers set upon Tahir .
They had refused to pay the £8 fee and instead stabbed him in the shoulder .
`` My husband 's brother was on the phone to him at the time and heard everything .
He called the taxi company and the emergency services and we rushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived there were about ten police cars , but my husband had already been taken to hospital .
`` Why could n't they leave him ?
Why did they have to stab him ?
He 's been a taxi driver for ten years and there 's been a lot of disputes over fares but never anything involving a knife .
`` I do n't think i 'm ever going to be happy with him doing a night shift again .
Assaults like this are life-changing and I could n't live without him .
@

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Police investigating the brutal stabbing of a taxi driver in Digbeth have seized his vehicle for forensic examination.
Detectives were also scouring CCTV after cab driver Tahir Imran was knifed in the shoulder in the early hours of Wednesday, July 29.
Two passengers - who allegedly refused to pay the £8 fare from Ravenshurst Street to Lozells - were said to have lashed out at the driver, punching him in the face before pulling out a knife.
Tahir, a married father-of-five from Sheldon, was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment following the savage attack.
He is now recovering at home.
West Midlands Police urged anyone with information to contact officers.
"We received a call at 1.38am on Wednesday, July 22, reporting a taxi driver having been stabbed in the back in the Highgate area of Birmingham," a spokeswoman said.
"It’s understood the victim collected two passengers in Ravenhurst Street but, as the man drove off, the pair began assaulting him.
"As the victim turned into Moseley Road one of the men stabbed him in the back. The taxi driver stopped the car and the offenders ran off.
"His injury is not life-threatening or changing.
"The car has been seized for forensic analysis, CCTV has been seized and we are following up other enquiries in a bid to identify the offenders.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting crime number 20BW/171278Q/20."
Tahir's wife Nargis spoke to BirminghamLive last week and told how she had been left devastated by the attack.
She said: "My husband picked up two males travelling from Ravenshurst Street in Digbeth to Lozells. Because they were travelling after midnight, it is the company rule to take an upfront fare.
"The car had moved only yards, to Bradford Street, when the passengers set upon Tahir. They had refused to pay the £8 fee and instead stabbed him in the shoulder.
"My husband's brother was on the phone to him at the time and heard everything. He called the taxi company and the emergency services and we rushed down to Bradford Street. When we arrived there were about ten police cars, but my husband had already been taken to hospital.
"Why couldn't they leave him? Why did they have to stab him? He's been a taxi driver for ten years and there's been a lot of disputes over fares but never anything involving a knife.
"I don't think i'm ever going to be happy with him doing a night shift again. Assaults like this are life-changing and I couldn't live without him."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Toddler suffers harrowing third-degree burns from Primark nail glue

A toddler suffered third-degree chemical burns and needed a skin graft - after he accidentally poured Primark nail glue on his arm .
Full-time mum Laura Tucker , 32 , had applied false nails and fastened the top on the glue pot and put it on a shelf before she went to take the bins out .
But 18-month-old Santi Haines managed to reach the bottle from his highchair and removed the lid .
He then got out of the highchair and onto the settee before pouring the contents over himself when his grandfather turned his back for a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santi to the sink to wash the glue off , but were horrified to find it had spilled on his arm and reacted with his pyjama top , causing a large burn .
Santi was taken to hospital with third-degree burns so severe he had to have a graft operation - with surgeons removing skin from his bottom and transferring it to his left arm .
Distraught Laura claims shocked nurses told her the ingredients in the nail glue were the same as the hospital ’ s surgical glue .
Santi could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might take two years for him to recover fully .
Laura , from Reading , said : `` The worst I thought it would probably do is stick fingers together .
“ Santi cried but didn ’ t scream - the deeper the burn , the less it hurts , - but he was very distressed in the hospital .
“ I was upset at first but now I ’ m more angry .
I 've found out it has happened to other people , and Primark has n't done anything about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were going to investigate the product , but they obviously haven ’ t . ''
Laura had bought the £1.50 Primark ‘ PS Brush On Nail Glue ’ , which has a sticker on it warning of potential skin ‘ bonding ’ , to apply her own false nails .
But while she was in the garden with the bins , her dad Peter popped into the kitchen for a matter of seconds and returned to find Santi on the sofa playing with the open bottle .
Laura noticed her toddler son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top to find burns just below his elbow .
The little amount Santi had spilled onto the sofa was also started to smoke .
Nurses at Royal Berkshire Hospital ’ s A & E department were astonished by Santi ’ s injuries and could n't wash out all of the glue , even after two attempts .
Santi was transferred to Stoke Mandeville Hospital ’ s specialist burns unit in Aylesbury , Bucks.
, where he underwent a skin graft operation .
Laura was unable to be with her son when he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came round later due to social distancing measures .
She said : “ We were worried because babies put everything in their mouths !
“ I have no problems with how we were treated in hospital , but it did make it lots harder . ''
Fortunately , Santi was allowed to return home immediately after the procedure .
Laura informed Primark but is yet to hear back from the company .
She also posted about her experience on social media , and was appalled when she received numerous messages from people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Laura discovered that some of the people who had also complained to the brand had only received a £20 voucher in compensation .
A Primark spokesperson said : “ We were very sorry to learn of this customer ’ s experience and we are in touch with her to investigate her complaint .
`` We take the safety of our customers and the quality of our products very seriously .
`` This nail glue complies fully with EU standards for safety , quality and product labelling .
`` The glue is made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used in similar products sold by retailers across the high street .
`` The ingredients are listed on the product packaging alongside the required warnings about skin contact . ''
Santi is due to return to Stoke Mandeville Hospital next week to have his bandages re-dressed .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A toddler suffered third-degree chemical burns and needed a skin graft - after he accidentally poured Primark nail glue on his arm.
Full-time mum Laura Tucker, 32, had applied false nails and fastened the top on the glue pot and put it on a shelf before she went to take the bins out.
But 18-month-old Santi Haines managed to reach the bottle from his highchair and removed the lid.
He then got out of the highchair and onto the settee before pouring the contents over himself when his grandfather turned his back for a second.
Laura and her dad Peter rushed Santi to the sink to wash the glue off, but were horrified to find it had spilled on his arm and reacted with his pyjama top, causing a large burn.
Santi was taken to hospital with third-degree burns so severe he had to have a graft operation - with surgeons removing skin from his bottom and transferring it to his left arm.
Distraught Laura claims shocked nurses told her the ingredients in the nail glue were the same as the hospital’s surgical glue.
(Image: Laura Tucker / SWNS)
Santi could be scarred for life and medics have warned it might take two years for him to recover fully.
Laura, from Reading, said: "The worst I thought it would probably do is stick fingers together.
“Santi cried but didn’t scream - the deeper the burn, the less it hurts, - but he was very distressed in the hospital.
“I was upset at first but now I’m more angry. I've found out it has happened to other people, and Primark hasn't done anything about it.
"Primark have told people they were going to investigate the product, but they obviously haven’t."
(Image: Laura Tucker / SWNS)
Laura had bought the £1.50 Primark ‘PS Brush On Nail Glue’, which has a sticker on it warning of potential skin ‘bonding’, to apply her own false nails.
But while she was in the garden with the bins, her dad Peter popped into the kitchen for a matter of seconds and returned to find Santi on the sofa playing with the open bottle.
Laura noticed her toddler son was scratching his arm and removed his top to find burns just below his elbow.
The little amount Santi had spilled onto the sofa was also started to smoke.
Nurses at Royal Berkshire Hospital’s A&E department were astonished by Santi’s injuries and couldn't wash out all of the glue, even after two attempts.
Santi was transferred to Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s specialist burns unit in Aylesbury, Bucks., where he underwent a skin graft operation.
Laura was unable to be with her son when he was being put under anaesthetic or when he came round later due to social distancing measures.
She said: “We were worried because babies put everything in their mouths!
“I have no problems with how we were treated in hospital, but it did make it lots harder."
(Image: Laura Tucker / SWNS)
Fortunately, Santi was allowed to return home immediately after the procedure.
Laura informed Primark but is yet to hear back from the company.
She also posted about her experience on social media, and was appalled when she received numerous messages from people who had also been burned by the product.
Laura discovered that some of the people who had also complained to the brand had only received a £20 voucher in compensation.
A Primark spokesperson said: “We were very sorry to learn of this customer’s experience and we are in touch with her to investigate her complaint.
"We take the safety of our customers and the quality of our products very seriously.
"This nail glue complies fully with EU standards for safety, quality and product labelling.
"The glue is made of two ingredients which are both commonly used in similar products sold by retailers across the high street.
"The ingredients are listed on the product packaging alongside the required warnings about skin contact."
Santi is due to return to Stoke Mandeville Hospital next week to have his bandages re-dressed.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--When every Albion player's contract expires after PL return

The contracts of professional footballers are usually a hot topic of conversation .
The pendulum of power between the club and the player can often swing one way or the other , depending where the latter is in their contract .
Three or more years left to run on a deal represents security for the player , but also for the club - particularly if they ’ re an asset .
On the flip side , big contracts can mean that shifting a player who is no longer in the manager ’ s plans can be tricky .
Anything less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertain period .
Has the player justified the offering of fresh terms ?
Do they fancy moving on ?
In the case of the latter , it often means they can run their contract down and leave for nothing , or force their employers into selling up early .
Things are no different at West Brom ; on the back of firing the club to promotion , this is how the land lies with every senior player .
Albion 's second choice keeper Bond remained at the club until the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while veteran trio Barry , Brunt and Peltier are all moving on now the job is done .
Albion have already agreed personal terms with Matheus Pereira ahead of his permanent move , which was triggered in the draw with Blues after the restart .
Grady Diangana will , at least initially , return to West Ham .
His form raised fears that there ’ d be a repeat of the situation that saw the Baggies lose Harvey Barnes last year , but ultimately he stayed put .
Diangana suffered frustratingly from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with three goals since the restart .
Filip Krovinovic is another player who could earn a permanent deal , with Albion and parent club Benfica expected to open talks in the coming weeks , while what the future holds for fellow loanee Callum Robinson remains to be seen .
There 'll be a bit of a cross-roads period for players here , as they enter the final year of those deals .
Kieran Gibbs signed a four-year deal when he arrived in 2017 , while Kyle Bartley agreed a three-year deal and Charlie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who recently committed his future , Conor Townsend and Jonathan Leko are the other players who , as it stands , will see their contracts expire in the summer of 2021 .
Grosicki signed an 18-month deal when agreeing to move from Hull last January .
The bulk of the Albion squad have a little over two years left .
Romaine Sawyers agreed a three-year deal in the summer when he arrived from Brentford , while Rekeem Harper and Matt Phillips have both fairly recently put pen to paper on new deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , signed a chunky contract in December 2017 , while Oli Burke will have two years to save his Albion career when he returns from his season-long loan at Alaves - though Albion are expected to try and get what they can for him in the summer .
Captain Jake Livermore and Charlton loanee Sam Field are the other players who have a cushion .
The former trio have only arrived this past season , and were all tied down to long-term deals upon arrival .
Darnell Furlong and Semi Ajayi are looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a combined fee of £3m , while Kenneth Zohore is still to live up to his rather expensive price-tag .
All in their early to mid twenties , they agreed four-year contracts and will be at the club until 2023 - or longer , all being well .
Then there is O'Shea , who like Nathan Ferguson burst onto the first-team scene this season .
Bilic is a huge fan , and Albion managed to tie him down to a new long term contract in January 2020 .
Alex Palmer did likewise after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Securing this deal this summer looks a real coup for Albion .
With other clubs sniffing around Tulloch , they agreed a long-term deal with his representatives that will see him remain at The Hawthorns , all being well , until at least 2024 .

The contracts of professional footballers are usually a hot topic of conversation. The pendulum of power between the club and the player can often swing one way or the other, depending on where the latter is in their contract. Three or more years left to run on a deal represents security for the player, but also for the club - particularly if they’re an asset.
On the flip side, big contracts can mean that shifting a player who is no longer in the manager’s plans can be tricky. Anything less than that, and there is an uncertain period. Has the player justified the offering of fresh terms? Do they fancy moving on? In the case of the latter, it often means they can run their contract down, and leave for nothing, or force their employers into selling up early.
Things are no different at West Brom, who have begun work ahead of this significant summer by making decisions on the futures of a host of players within their squad. Senior players, like Jake Livermore, Tom Rogic and Kean Bryan, have left, while many more will be moving into the final 12 months of their respective contracts.
Here are the contract statuses of every player in the squad, including those heading into the final year of their deals who will need Carlos Corberan's attention in the coming months.
Summer 2024 (loans)
Jeremy Sarmiento (Brighton)
Albion began their transfer business for the 2023 summer by borrowing Jeremy Sarmiento for the coming season, from Premier League Brighton.
Summer 2024
Alex Mowatt, Rayhaan Tulloch, Cedric Kipre,Matt Phillips,Ethan Ingram, Jovan Malcolm, Tom Fellows, Adam Reach, David Button, Martin Kelly, Kyle Bartley, Nathaniel Chalobah, Reyes Cleary, Ted Cann, Josh Shaw, Reece Hall, Jamie Andrews, Brad Foster, Aaron Harper-Bailey, Layton Love, Narel Phillips, Fenton Heard
A sizeable chunk of the squad have a buffer of a year left on their contracts. Alex Mowatt and Adam Reach are both two thirds of the way into three-year deals they signed summer 2021, though the former has spent his second season out on loan, while David Button penned a new two-year agreement in the summer of 2022.
Matt Phillips extended his stay to 2024 at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, while the lesser spotted Cedric Kipre - lent to Cardiff last year - is now three quarters of the way through his four-year contract signed upon arrival in 2020. Tom Fellows has been off out getting some EFL experience, while Martin Kelly, who joined in the summer, suffered a devastating season-ending injury while out at Wigan. He is still recovering.
Ethan Ingram tasted first-team football at the beginning of last season, while Kyle Bartley triggered a further year in his contract. Nathaniel Chalobah, upon arriving in January, agreed an 18-month contract. A host of youngsters this summer have signed one-year deals - Jamie Andrews, Aaron-Harper Bailey, Ted Cann, Brad Foster, Layton Love, Narel Phillips and Fenton Heard all have a further season to impress.
Summer 2025
Grady Diangana,Josh Griffiths, Darnell Furlong, Conor Townsend,Semi Ajayi, Jayson Molumby, John Swift,Zac Ashworth (on loan at Bolton),Caleb Taylor, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Okay Yokuslu, Harry Whitwell, Matt Richards, Ronnie Hollingshead, Alex Williams, Eseosa Sule, Akeel Higgins
Grady Diangana is tied to the club until 2025 as things stand, although there is interest in the winger this summer. Full backs Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong both have a little over two remaining years.
Josh Griffiths' potential excites Albion - he impressed in the first team after three separate loan spells away - but he might be considered for a sale this summer if a suitor comes in. Semi Ajayi extended his contract in summer 2022 but he has struggled to regain his place in the first XI until the run-in following injury, while Jayson Molumby made his loan switch a permanent one and has by contrast been a key member of the starting line-up.
John Swift was the first new face into the club last summer, following Molumby in as one of Albion's early permanent acquisitions. He signed a three-year deal on a free transfer having left Reading. Fellow summer arrivals Okay Yokuslu and Brandon Thomas-Asante also penned three-year agreements upon arrival and also have two of those respective years remaining.
Summer 2026
Karlan Grant (on loan at Cardiff), Taylor Gardner-Hickman, Daryl Dike, Alex Palmer, Jed Wallace, Josh Maja
Grant, Albion's top scorer in 2021-22, is now halfway through his six-year contract but has been loaned out to Cardiff City. Alex Palmer, who ended the season as the club's outright number one after a number of loan deals in recent years, also committed his future to The Hawthorns in the summer of 2022 but there remains interest too in him.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman's breakthrough into the Albion first team last season was one of the rare highlights of an otherwise dreary campaign in 21-22 and he was rewarded with a professional deal in December of 2021, while Daryl Dike arrived shortly after and signed a deal the same length - he is expected to remain out for the rest of 2023 with injury, though.
Jed Wallace's time at The Hawthorns has begun well - he's already a fan favourite - and he agreed a four-year contract upon arrival on a free, while Josh Maja is the newest face at the club having signed this summer on a three-year deal.
What do you make of Albion's contracts situation? Have your say in the comments section...


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Martin Lewis shares genius trick to get free £37 Sainsbury's shop

Sainsbury 's is a go-to for Brummies looking to do a supermarket shop , with the retailer one of the so-called 'Big Four ' in the UK .
The retailer is a prominent supermarket across the country - not least here in Birmingham , with plenty of branches across the city and Midlands .
Sainsbury 's operates a loyalty scheme with its Nectar cards , and plenty of shoppers are signed up to it .
You can get Nectar points at Sainsbury 's stores as well as doing Argos and eBay shops , too .
And this week , MoneySavingExpert.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared a nifty , clever trick to get plenty of points .
The MSE legend who writes a newsletter each week and has his own ITV1 show The Martin Lewis Money Show has spoken out to reveal all .
He writes : `` As we have n't featured a trick like this in a while , we thought we 'd tell you about it now .
However , as we always say , NEVER use such cards as an excuse to overspend or fill income gaps . ''
Martin reveals shoppers get 750 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £35 spent at the supermarket giant , reports The Mirror .
But this incentive only comes when doing Sainsbury 's shops within the first two months of signing up to the scheme and getting the card .
So Martin is advising shoppers to act , with the bonus capped at 7,500 points .
That means shoppers could bag £37.50 in points just by shopping , earning 750 points maximum per shop .
It reads : `` You can split your shop to hit it quicker , eg , on a £120 spend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £50 , so each gets 750 points ( although you may be unpopular if there 's a queue ) . ''
That 's all on top of the normal two points for each £1 spent at Sainsbury 's .
Martin adds : `` Remember , only do this for normal shopping - please do n't overspend .
`` And if you 're just doing this for the freebie , even though there 's no interest for the first 20mths , it 's still safest to pay it off IN FULL each month to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Andrews, James Rodger)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top money saving stories sent straight to your e-mail
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top money saving stories sent straight to your e-mail
Sainsbury's is a go-to for Brummies looking to do a supermarket shop, with the retailer one of the so-called 'Big Four' in the UK.
The retailer is a prominent supermarket across the country - not least here in Birmingham, with plenty of branches across the city and Midlands.
Sainsbury's operates a loyalty scheme with its Nectar cards, and plenty of shoppers are signed up to it.
You can get Nectar points at Sainsbury's stores as well as doing Argos and eBay shops, too.
And this week, MoneySavingExpert.com founder and consumer champion Martin Lewis has shared a nifty, clever trick to get plenty of points.
The MSE legend who writes a newsletter each week and has his own ITV1 show The Martin Lewis Money Show has spoken out to reveal all.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
He writes: "As we haven't featured a trick like this in a while, we thought we'd tell you about it now. However, as we always say, NEVER use such cards as an excuse to overspend or fill income gaps."
Martin reveals shoppers get 750 bonus Nectar points worth £3.75 for every £35 spent at the supermarket giant, reports The Mirror.
But this incentive only comes when doing Sainsbury's shops within the first two months of signing up to the scheme and getting the card.
So Martin is advising shoppers to act, with the bonus capped at 7,500 points.
That means shoppers could bag £37.50 in points just by shopping, earning 750 points maximum per shop.
It reads: "You can split your shop to hit it quicker, eg, on a £120 spend, do it as £35, £35 and £50, so each gets 750 points (although you may be unpopular if there's a queue)."
That's all on top of the normal two points for each £1 spent at Sainsbury's.
Martin adds: "Remember, only do this for normal shopping - please don't overspend.
"And if you're just doing this for the freebie, even though there's no interest for the first 20mths, it's still safest to pay it off IN FULL each month to ensure you'll never pay interest."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Aston Villa learn new update on Milot Rashica transfer claim

Borussia Dortmund have identified Milot Rashica as a transfer target , according to reports .
Rashica , 24 , has been linked with Aston Villa for several months having impressed for Werder Bremen this season .
According to Sky Sports , Villa , Wolves , West Ham and Brighton have all been keeping tabs on the 24-year-old , who scored eight goals and added seven assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances this term .
Werder narrowly avoided relegation from the German top-flight by winning the end of season play-off and Rashica is almost certain to leave the club .
Sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the box at the top of the page or click here Sporting director Frank Baumann confirmed earlier in July that discussions over his exit are underway .
`` There is movement and discussions with a club , but other clubs are also interested in him .
We have to assume that he wo n't be with us next season .
But we do n't need to sell below value , '' said Baumann .
Villa are intent on backing Dean Smith in the transfer window as they look for a replacement for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role as sporting director this week .
But Rashica is attracting plenty of interest , with the Telegraph now reporting Dortmund have set their sights on him .
Dortmund could lose England winger Jadon Sancho to the Premier League this summer and it is claimed they see the Kosovo international as a potential replacement .
Rashica , who has a £33m release clause written into his contract , is thought to be pursuing a move to RB Leipzig amid claims he turned down a request from Liverpool .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Borussia Dortmund have identified Milot Rashica as a transfer target, according to reports.
Rashica, 24, has been linked with Aston Villa for several months having impressed for Werder Bremen this season.
According to Sky Sports, Villa, Wolves, West Ham and Brighton have all been keeping tabs on the 24-year-old, who scored eight goals and added seven assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances this term.
Werder narrowly avoided relegation from the German top-flight by winning the end of season play-off and Rashica is almost certain to leave the club.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Sporting director Frank Baumann confirmed earlier in July that discussions over his exit are underway.
"There is movement and discussions with a club, but other clubs are also interested in him. We have to assume that he won't be with us next season. But we don't need to sell below value," said Baumann.
Villa are intent on backing Dean Smith in the transfer window as they look for a replacement for Jesus Garcia Pitarch, who left his role as sporting director this week.
But Rashica is attracting plenty of interest, with the Telegraph now reporting Dortmund have set their sights on him.
Dortmund could lose England winger Jadon Sancho to the Premier League this summer and it is claimed they see the Kosovo international as a potential replacement.
Rashica, who has a £33m release clause written into his contract, is thought to be pursuing a move to RB Leipzig amid claims he turned down a request from Liverpool.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Appeal as horror crash leaves man with 'serious injuries

Police are appealing for witnesses following a horror crash in Worcestershire which led to three people being taken to hospital .
West Mercia Police asked for people to come forward after a Ford Focus travelling north on the A449 in Cookley , north of Kidderminster , collided with a Mazda on the opposite side of the carriageway shortly after 12.30pm on Tuesday , July 28 .
Two people had to be cut out of one car , by the fire service .
Three people were treated and taken to hospital with one man said to have serious injuries .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Focus was travelling north on the A449 , when just south of the junction with Caunsall Road , it reportedly swerved onto the opposite carriageway .
`` The Focus drove into the path of another vehicle , a Mazda 2 GT Sport , travelling in the opposite direction .
`` The cars collided , resulting in extensive damage to both vehicles , forcing the closure of the road for several hours . ''
Three ambulances , two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a trauma doctor on board attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service spokeswoman said : `` On arrival crews found two cars which had been involved in a collision .
`` One occupant , a man , was out of his vehicle and was described as ‘ walking wounded ’ .
He was given treatment on scene before being taken to the Alexandra Hospital for further checks .
`` Two other occupants , a man and woman , were assessed by ambulance staff who needed assistance from the fire service to extricate them safely from the vehicle .
`` The man suffered serious injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency care .
The woman received treatment on scene for injuries before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital . ''
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service sent two crews , both from the Wyre Forest Station , after a call at 12.48pm to a two-vehicle collision on Wolverhampton Road .
A spokesman said : `` Two casualties , one male and one female , were trapped and were released from their vehicle by firefighters who removed the roof of the car .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended and the two casualties were attended to by paramedics who also attended to a further female casualty who had suffered minor injuries .
`` The incident was marked as pending closure at 2.28pm . ''
A West Mercia Police spokesman added : `` The driver of the Ford was taken to hospital to treat their injuries however they are not thought to be life-threatening .
The passenger in the Mazda was also taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries .
`` We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their vehicle and may have recorded the incident .
“ You can call us on 101 , quoting log number 00266i of the 28 July 2020 or online here https : //bit.ly/338RMhd . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Police are appealing for witnesses following a horror crash in Worcestershire which led to three people being taken to hospital.
West Mercia Police asked for people to come forward after a Ford Focus travelling north on the A449 in Cookley, north of Kidderminster, collided with a Mazda on the opposite side of the carriageway shortly after 12.30pm on Tuesday, July 28.
Two people had to be cut out of one car, by the fire service.
Three people were treated and taken to hospital with one man said to have serious injuries.
A police spokesman said: "A Ford Focus was travelling north on the A449, when just south of the junction with Caunsall Road, it reportedly swerved onto the opposite carriageway.
"The Focus drove into the path of another vehicle, a Mazda 2 GT Sport, travelling in the opposite direction.
"The cars collided, resulting in extensive damage to both vehicles, forcing the closure of the road for several hours."
Three ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a trauma doctor on board attended the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "On arrival crews found two cars which had been involved in a collision.
"One occupant, a man, was out of his vehicle and was described as ‘walking wounded’. He was given treatment on scene before being taken to the Alexandra Hospital for further checks.
"Two other occupants, a man and woman, were assessed by ambulance staff who needed assistance from the fire service to extricate them safely from the vehicle.
"The man suffered serious injuries and was taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency care. The woman received treatment on scene for injuries before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital."
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service sent two crews, both from the Wyre Forest Station, after a call at 12.48pm to a two-vehicle collision on Wolverhampton Road.
A spokesman said: "Two casualties, one male and one female, were trapped and were released from their vehicle by firefighters who removed the roof of the car.
"Police, air and land ambulances also attended and the two casualties were attended to by paramedics who also attended to a further female casualty who had suffered minor injuries.
"The incident was marked as pending closure at 2.28pm."
A West Mercia Police spokesman added: "The driver of the Ford was taken to hospital to treat their injuries however they are not thought to be life-threatening. The passenger in the Mazda was also taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries.
"We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dash cam footage from their vehicle and may have recorded the incident.
“You can call us on 101, quoting log number 00266i of the 28 July 2020 or online here https://bit.ly/338RMhd."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Funeral plan to charge for video-links could hit Solihull families

Bereaved families in Solihull could be set to face charges for a video-link to funeral services under plans being considered .
In April the council had launched a new service , which enabled mourners unable to attend in person - because of Covid-19 - to watch via a web stream .
Now it has faced pleas not to start charging for what , up until now , has been a free system , with fears this would be `` an extra burden '' for those grieving the loss of a loved one .
Proposals for the `` introduction of fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , although the decision will be taken behind closed doors after the council suggested sensitive financial information would be discussed .
Earlier this month , Cllr David Cole ( Lab , Kingshurst & Fordbridge ) had said he was concerned about the possibility of adding to funeral costs at a time when services were `` very expensive '' .
Speaking at Full Council , he said : `` Could I implore you not to put charges on crematorium webcasting ?
`` It 's an extra addition and it 's an extra burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't think that 's morally right to charge a webcasting fee . ''
At the time , Cllr Alison Rolf , cabinet member for stronger and safer communities , who will have the final say , said the coming report would set out `` much more detail '' on the proposals .
`` Clearly that will be looked at and I will take a decision based on the information that I 've got , but I do take on board what you 've said . ''
Although it has since emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , given that part of this week 's virtual decision session will be closed to residents and the press .
Papers are likely to include details of possible charges and reasons for why the policy to waive fees , in place since April , is being reviewed .
When it announced the web streams were being launched , the council said there would not be an additional cost while government guidelines physically prevented more than a few mourners attended .
Those in attendance have also been able to film proceedings themselves so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and the person officiating .
Early in the outbreak , just six people were able to say their goodbyes in person in Solihull , although the easing of lockdown measures has gradually seen limits relaxed .
Since July 13 , up to 30 mourners have been allowed at the graveside for burials and a maximum of 20 can enter the crematorium at Woodlands and Robin Hood ( with 10 others allowed outside . )
Solihull Council has been asked to comment further on the proposals being put forward .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Bereaved families in Solihull could be set to face charges for a video-link to funeral services under plans being considered.
In April the council had launched a new service, which enabled mourners unable to attend in person - because of Covid-19 - to watch via a web stream.
Now it has faced pleas not to start charging for what, up until now, has been a free system, with fears this would be "an extra burden" for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Proposals for the "introduction of fees" at crematoriums will be considered later today, although the decision will be taken behind closed doors after the council suggested sensitive financial information would be discussed.
Earlier this month, Cllr David Cole (Lab, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) had said he was concerned about the possibility of adding to funeral costs at a time when services were "very expensive".
Speaking at Full Council, he said: "Could I implore you not to put charges on crematorium webcasting?
"It's an extra addition and it's an extra burden to families who are suffering ... And I don't think that's morally right to charge a webcasting fee."
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
At the time, Cllr Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger and safer communities, who will have the final say, said the coming report would set out "much more detail" on the proposals.
"Clearly that will be looked at and I will take a decision based on the information that I've got, but I do take on board what you've said."
Although it has since emerged this document will not be made public, given that part of this week's virtual decision session will be closed to residents and the press.
Papers are likely to include details of possible charges and reasons for why the policy to waive fees, in place since April, is being reviewed.
When it announced the web streams were being launched, the council said there would not be an additional cost while government guidelines physically prevented more than a few mourners attended.
Those in attendance have also been able to film proceedings themselves so long as they have the permission of the family and the person officiating.
Early in the outbreak, just six people were able to say their goodbyes in person in Solihull, although the easing of lockdown measures has gradually seen limits relaxed.
Since July 13, up to 30 mourners have been allowed at the graveside for burials and a maximum of 20 can enter the crematorium at Woodlands and Robin Hood (with 10 others allowed outside.)
Solihull Council has been asked to comment further on the proposals being put forward.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--TUI cancels hundreds more flights and shares date it hopes to resume

Tui has extended the suspension of holidays to the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands for UK customers until August 4 .
It had previously cancelled trips up to and including Friday .
The tour operator will increase flights to Greece and Turkey this weekend to enable more affected customers to switch their destinations .
It comes on the same day Oliver Dowden said people should continue to book holidays but `` need to be aware of the risk that quarantine could be imposed '' .
`` But as long as people are aware of that risk they should continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind that this may happen , and sadly it has happened in Spain , '' the Culture Secretary told BBC Breakfast .
Asked where else the Government might be considering for quarantine restrictions , Mr Dowden said : `` I do genuinely understand people 's anxiety and frustration about it and , believe me , from friends and family and people I meet on the street , everyone is asking this question .
`` Inevitably what we have to do is analyse the situation in countries around the world .
`` Where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of risk - where the incidence of the disease is rising in another country and we risk that import - we have to take measures . ''
The Prime Minister triggered a diplomatic row with Spain by reimposing a warning against all but essential travel to the country and insisting travellers arriving in the UK from there spend 14 days in quarantine .
But he said ministers were looking at ways to mitigate the impact amid suggestions testing could be used to cut the time spent in isolation for those arriving from nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea floated is for passengers to be tested on arrival before being tested again a number of days later to confirm they are not infected with the virus .
A second test could allow their quarantine to be shortened under the proposal .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Tui has extended the suspension of holidays to the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands for UK customers until August 4.
It had previously cancelled trips up to and including Friday.
Holidays to mainland Spain remain cancelled until August 10.
The tour operator will increase flights to Greece and Turkey this weekend to enable more affected customers to switch their destinations.
It comes on the same day Oliver Dowden said people should continue to book holidays but "need to be aware of the risk that quarantine could be imposed".
"But as long as people are aware of that risk they should continue to book holidays, but just bear in mind that this may happen, and sadly it has happened in Spain," the Culture Secretary told BBC Breakfast.
Asked where else the Government might be considering for quarantine restrictions, Mr Dowden said: "I do genuinely understand people's anxiety and frustration about it and, believe me, from friends and family and people I meet on the street, everyone is asking this question.
"Inevitably what we have to do is analyse the situation in countries around the world.
"Where we feel there is too high a degree of risk - where the incidence of the disease is rising in another country and we risk that import - we have to take measures."
The Prime Minister triggered a diplomatic row with Spain by reimposing a warning against all but essential travel to the country and insisting travellers arriving in the UK from there spend 14 days in quarantine.
But he said ministers were looking at ways to mitigate the impact amid suggestions testing could be used to cut the time spent in isolation for those arriving from nations not exempted from the quarantine.
One idea floated is for passengers to be tested on arrival before being tested again a number of days later to confirm they are not infected with the virus. A second test could allow their quarantine to be shortened under the proposal.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Cops blasted over blurred CCTV of racist suspects to 'protect identities'

A police force has been ridiculed for posting an appeal with CCTV images of four suspected racist thugs – with their faces blurred out to protect their identities .
Derbyshire Police are hunting two males and two females after a 15-year-old boy was battered in a shocking racist attack .
The youngster was chased by the gang in Chapel-en-le-Frith , Derbys.
, and thrown to the ground before the yobs kicked and punched him .
Police issued CCTV images of the suspects following the June 29 attack but deliberately blurred their faces with white blobs .
The alert , posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who suggested that the appeal “ looks like any other day in JD Sports ” .
One Facebook user , Sue Davies , said : “ How ridiculous ... does anyone recognise them ... how can we if we cant see them !
!
`` Aren ’ t we meant to look after the victim not the criminals !
” Kev Lee wrote : “ Grow a pair Derbyshire Constabulary if you ’ re going to use FB use it properly otherwise this this looks like any other day in JD Sports.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being serious ?
?
?
If they are old enough to commit crime , they are old enough to face the consequences of being identifiable in an appeal .
Grow a spine Derbyshire Constabulary .
“ Pampering to the pansy society that protects criminals more than victims.
” Meanwhile Gary Brittain wrote : “ Is this the opposite of 'blacking up ? '
How are you meant to recognise them without a face ?
” User Timm Cox joked : “ I think one could be slenderman.
” The force defended the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , claiming the images had to be “ anonymised due to their age ” .
A police spokesperson said : “ A 15-year-old boy was chased from the Co-op to the Morrisons where he was thrown to the ground , kicked and punched to head and body and racially abused between 9.30pm and 10pm on Monday 29 June .
“ Officers want to speak to the people pictured in relation to the offence .
“ The images have been anonymised due to the age of those pictured , however , their clothing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by anyone who knows them .
“ If you recognise the people pictured , or you witnessed the incident , then please contact Derbyshire Police .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jack Evans, James Rodger)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A police force has been ridiculed for posting an appeal with CCTV images of four suspected racist thugs – with their faces blurred out to protect their identities.
Derbyshire Police are hunting two males and two females after a 15-year-old boy was battered in a shocking racist attack.
The youngster was chased by the gang in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbys., and thrown to the ground before the yobs kicked and punched him.
Police issued CCTV images of the suspects following the June 29 attack but deliberately blurred their faces with white blobs.
The alert, posted on Facebook, was mocked by users who suggested that the appeal “looks like any other day in JD Sports”.
One Facebook user, Sue Davies, said: “How ridiculous... does anyone recognise them ...how can we if we cant see them!!
"Aren’t we meant to look after the victim not the criminals!”
(Image: Derbyshire Police / SWNS)
Kev Lee wrote: “Grow a pair Derbyshire Constabulary if you’re going to use FB use it properly otherwise this this looks like any other day in JD Sports.”
Dale Smith posted: “Are you being serious??? If they are old enough to commit crime, they are old enough to face the consequences of being identifiable in an appeal. Grow a spine Derbyshire Constabulary.
“Pampering to the pansy society that protects criminals more than victims.”
The force defended the decision to blur the faces of the suspects, claiming the images had to be “anonymised due to their age”.
A police spokesperson said: "While the age of criminal responsibility is 10 there are very strict laws around identifying any child or young person – either as a witness, victim or perpetrator – and as a force we have to abide by this legislation.
"In this case, with Chapel-en-le-Frith being such a small town coupled with the distinctive clothing, it was believed that the individuals would be able to be identified.
!In this case the mother of one of the persons pictured has come forward as a result of the appeal and officers will be in touch with them in order to conduct further lines of enquiry."
A police spokesperson said: “A 15-year-old boy was chased from the Co-op to the Morrisons where he was thrown to the ground, kicked and punched to head and body and racially abused between 9.30pm and 10pm on Monday 29 June.
“Officers want to speak to the people pictured in relation to the offence.
“The images have been anonymised due to the age of those pictured, however, their clothing is distinctive and is likely to be recognised by anyone who knows them.
“If you recognise the people pictured, or you witnessed the incident, then please contact Derbyshire Police.”


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Commonwealth Games village poses 'real risk' - claim

Completing the Commonwealth Games athletes ' village in time for Birmingham 2022 poses “ a real risk to the finances of the city ” , a council committee heard .
Speaking at a meeting of Birmingham City Council ’ s audit committee this week ( July 28 ) - two years to the day before the games ’ opening ceremony - Cllr Paul Tilsley raised concerns about runaway costs .
He also warned about the risk of not being able to sell property at the village in Perry Barr due to the economic crisis emerging from the pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the village was set to cost £91.8 million more than the £496 million originally budgeted .
The council pledged at the time to reduce this figure by £25 million for the scheme , which is intended to host 6,500 athletes during the competition and provide 1,400 homes afterwards .
Construction work on the village began in May last year and is due to be completed in early 2022 .
In documents to the audit committee , the village was identified as one of seven “ top operational risks ” to the council - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overruns .
Cllr Tilsley ( Lib Dem ) , former deputy council leader and councillor for Sheldon , said : “ I have no doubt that we can meet the deadlines , but the only way to meet deadlines for this is throwing money at it .
“ As Government have put a cap on the amount of money that they are going to provide for the Commonwealth Games to the city , it will be at our risk .
“ We are going to hopefully be selling the Commonwealth Games village off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the current economic situation remains , this is going to be real risk a far as we are concerned .
“ You only have to turn the clock back to what happened with off-plan sales in Spain when the economic crisis hit and you go round Spain and still see the residual skeletons that remain .
`` As far as I am concerned , it is a real risk to the finances of the city.
” Sarah Dunlavey , the city council ’ s assistant director for audit and risk management , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s own risk register , and it is extensive .
“ All of those risks will be picked up separately and will be managed in a cross-organisation structure.
” Other top operational risks cited in the documents to councillors included : * Covid-19 impact including staff burnout , pressure on other council business and a “ compound effect ” of worsening health inequalities * “ managing the safe return of children and young people to educational settings ” * “ failure to respond positively and effectively to the required outcomes of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of homelessness on the citizens of Birmingham ” * Risks around planned IT and finance programmes Birmingham City Council has forecast its budget shortfall across 2020-21 and 2021-22 to be £212 million in the wake of the pandemic .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Completing the Commonwealth Games athletes' village in time for Birmingham 2022 poses “a real risk to the finances of the city”, a council committee heard.
Speaking at a meeting of Birmingham City Council ’s audit committee this week (July 28) - two years to the day before the games’ opening ceremony - Cllr Paul Tilsley raised concerns about runaway costs.
He also warned about the risk of not being able to sell property at the village in Perry Barr due to the economic crisis emerging from the pandemic.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported in March the village was set to cost £91.8 million more than the £496 million originally budgeted.
The council pledged at the time to reduce this figure by £25 million for the scheme, which is intended to host 6,500 athletes during the competition and provide 1,400 homes afterwards.
Construction work on the village began in May last year and is due to be completed in early 2022.
In documents to the audit committee, the village was identified as one of seven “top operational risks” to the council - namely in terms of slippage and cost overruns.
Cllr Tilsley (Lib Dem), former deputy council leader and councillor for Sheldon, said: “I have no doubt that we can meet the deadlines, but the only way to meet deadlines for this is throwing money at it.
“As Government have put a cap on the amount of money that they are going to provide for the Commonwealth Games to the city, it will be at our risk.
“We are going to hopefully be selling the Commonwealth Games village off to private owners off-plan.
"Now if the current economic situation remains, this is going to be real risk a far as we are concerned.
“You only have to turn the clock back to what happened with off-plan sales in Spain when the economic crisis hit and you go round Spain and still see the residual skeletons that remain.
"As far as I am concerned, it is a real risk to the finances of the city.”
Sarah Dunlavey, the city council’s assistant director for audit and risk management, said: “Commonwealth Games has it’s own risk register, and it is extensive.
“All of those risks will be picked up separately and will be managed in a cross-organisation structure.”
Other top operational risks cited in the documents to councillors included:
* Covid-19 impact including staff burnout, pressure on other council business and a “compound effect” of worsening health inequalities
* “managing the safe return of children and young people to educational settings”
* “failure to respond positively and effectively to the required outcomes of the Grenfell Tower enquiry”
* “the impact of homelessness on the citizens of Birmingham”
* Risks around planned IT and finance programmes
Birmingham City Council has forecast its budget shortfall across 2020-21 and 2021-22 to be £212 million in the wake of the pandemic.