birminghammail--2020-11-05--'We could lose more than in the Blitz' - health chief lockdown plea

The city 's public health chief has urged people to heed lockdown - or more people could die than were lost during the Birmingham Blitz .
In a passionate plea , Dr Justin Varney told BirminghamLive readers to ignore 'myths and conspiracy theories ' about Covid-19 .
He spoke out on the first day of the second lockdown to hit England .
`` If we all go , this is all myth and conspiracy and I do n't believe it , and we all go running out mixing and mingling , then we will see case numbers continue to rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Varney said .
`` We have lost over 1,400 people from Covid ( so far ) in this city .
That is after they cleaned all the death data , where Covid definitely contributed to their deaths .
`` In the Blitz ( in Birmingham ) we lost about 2,000 so we are certainly heading in the wrong direction .
`` It 's a horrible legacy to say this virus has cost this city more than World War Two did .
`` It is the decisions we make every day that matter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be looking for loopholes , we should be looking at what we each do every day that 's going to save lives because it 's up to us each to make the difference . ''
He spoke out during a Facebook Live special event , answering questions from our readers and politics and people editor Jane Haynes about lockdown rules , the pandemic and the city 's response .
He was asked which of the rules were advisory only and which were legally binding - and that sparked a powerful response .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` The reality is there are some things in legislation predominantly where the government needs to have laws to be able to fine people if they do n't abide by them , or if we need to make sure shops close , for example , there are things set out about which shops can and ca n't open and if a business does n't abide we can do something about it .
The Birmingham Blitz saw the city and surrounding towns undergo heavy bombing from August 1940 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bombs rained down on the city - it was third worst hit of all the cities in England , behind London and Liverpool .
It was a target because it was an important industrial and manufacturing city .
There was also significant bombing of towns in the Black Country , particularly Dudley , Tipton , Smethwich and West Bromwich .
Overall , there were 365 air raid alerts , and 77 actual air raids on Birmingham , eight of which were classified as major ( in which at least 100 tons of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state that 5,129 high explosive bombs and 48 parachute mines landed on the city , along with many thousands of incendiary bombs .
Around one fifth of high explosives failed to detonate and one third of the parachute mines were left suspended after the parachute cords became caught in trees .
In total , 2,241 people were killed , and 3,010 seriously injured .
12,391 houses , 302 factories and 239 other buildings were destroyed , with many more damaged .
`` There is also a lot in the regulations that is explicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what constitutes a gathering , but most of the regulations are about what you can do - they are about the exemptions , not the rules .
`` But my view is , if government is saying do n't do it , then do n't do it .
`` Do n't spend a day trying to work out why you can find some little loophole to do it , because what you are doing putting yourself at risk , your family at risk , and your community at risk . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make every day are the things that will bring this virus under control .
`` If we choose to follow the guidance and we choose to make the right decisions we will keep the people we love out of hospital and we can keep this city going , and that will also mean the economy can open faster and keep jobs and livelihoods . ''
Here are the new national lockdown rules While the new national lockdown is in effect , you may only leave your home for specific reasons including : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home • Exercise or recreation - either with your household or with one person from another household • To escape injury and harm ( this is designed to safeguard people experiencing domestic abuse or similar issues at home ) • To provide care for vulnerable people or as a volunteer The Government is urging businesses to keep workplaces open if staff can not work from home , and for employees to continue going to work .
That does n't just include `` key workers '' - it includes anyone who ca n't work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on using public transport to get to work .
Non essential shops , leisure and entertainment venues will all be closed , although online shopping will still be allowed .
Pubs , bars and restaurants must close except for takeaway and delivery services Support bubbles will remain .
This means that a person living along can form a `` bubble '' with another household , so that they are effectively treated as just one household .
Children are able to move between households if their parents are separated .
People aged over 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be `` especially careful '' to follow the rules and minimise contact with other people .
But those with medical conditions are NOT being asked to `` shield '' as they were during the last local lockdown , when they were urged to avoid almost any contact with other people .
Schools , colleges and universities remain open , as will childcare and nursery facilities .
You can revisit the Facebook Live here to hear Dr Varney answer your questions on schools , care homes , testing , lockdown rules , a @ @ @ @

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The city's public health chief has urged people to heed lockdown - or more people could die than were lost during the Birmingham Blitz.
In a passionate plea, Dr Justin Varney told BirminghamLive readers to ignore 'myths and conspiracy theories' about Covid-19.
He spoke out on the first day of the second lockdown to hit England.
"If we all go, this is all myth and conspiracy and I don't believe it, and we all go running out mixing and mingling, then we will see case numbers continue to rise and more people die," Dr Varney said.
"We have lost over 1,400 people from Covid (so far) in this city. That is after they cleaned all the death data, where Covid definitely contributed to their deaths.
"In the Blitz (in Birmingham) we lost about 2,000 so we are certainly heading in the wrong direction.
"It's a horrible legacy to say this virus has cost this city more than World War Two did.
"It is the decisions we make every day that matter.
"I don't think we should be looking for loopholes, we should be looking at what we each do every day that's going to save lives because it's up to us each to make the difference."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
He spoke out during a Facebook Live special event, answering questions from our readers and politics and people editor Jane Haynes about lockdown rules, the pandemic and the city's response.
He was asked which of the rules were advisory only and which were legally binding - and that sparked a powerful response.
"We need to follow all of them," he said.
"The reality is there are some things in legislation predominantly where the government needs to have laws to be able to fine people if they don't abide by them, or if we need to make sure shops close, for example, there are things set out about which shops can and can't open and if a business doesn't abide we can do something about it.
The Birmingham Blitz The Birmingham Blitz saw the city and surrounding towns undergo heavy bombing from August 1940 to April 1943. An estimated 1,852 tons of bombs rained down on the city - it was third worst hit of all the cities in England, behind London and Liverpool. It was a target because it was an important industrial and manufacturing city. There was also significant bombing of towns in the Black Country, particularly Dudley, Tipton, Smethwich and West Bromwich. Overall, there were 365 air raid alerts, and 77 actual air raids on Birmingham, eight of which were classified as major (in which at least 100 tons of bombs were dropped). Official figures state that 5,129 high explosive bombs and 48 parachute mines landed on the city, along with many thousands of incendiary bombs. Around one fifth of high explosives failed to detonate and one third of the parachute mines were left suspended after the parachute cords became caught in trees. In total, 2,241 people were killed, and 3,010 seriously injured. A further 3,682 sustained lesser injuries. 12,391 houses, 302 factories and 239 other buildings were destroyed, with many more damaged.
"There is also a lot in the regulations that is explicit about how many people can meet outside and what constitutes a gathering, but most of the regulations are about what you can do - they are about the exemptions, not the rules.
"But my view is, if government is saying don't do it, then don't do it.
"Don't spend a day trying to work out why you can find some little loophole to do it, because what you are doing putting yourself at risk, your family at risk, and your community at risk."
(Image: Mirrorpix)
He added: "The decisions we each make every day are the things that will bring this virus under control.
"If we choose to follow the guidance and we choose to make the right decisions we will keep the people we love out of hospital and we can keep this city going, and that will also mean the economy can open faster and keep jobs and livelihoods."
Here are the new national lockdown rules
While the new national lockdown is in effect, you may only leave your home for specific reasons including:
Education
Work if you cannot work at home
Exercise or recreation - either with your household or with one person from another household
Medical reasons and appointments
To escape injury and harm (this is designed to safeguard people experiencing domestic abuse or similar issues at home)
Shopping for food and essentials
To provide care for vulnerable people or as a volunteer
The Government is urging businesses to keep workplaces open if staff cannot work from home, and for employees to continue going to work. That doesn't just include "key workers" - it includes anyone who can't work from home. There is NO ban on using public transport to get to work.
Non essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues will all be closed, although online shopping will still be allowed.
Pubs, bars and restaurants must close except for takeaway and delivery services
Support bubbles will remain. This means that a person living along can form a "bubble" with another household, so that they are effectively treated as just one household.
Children are able to move between households if their parents are separated.
People aged over 70 or with underlying medical conditions are urged to be "especially careful" to follow the rules and minimise contact with other people. But those with medical conditions are NOT being asked to "shield" as they were during the last local lockdown, when they were urged to avoid almost any contact with other people.
Schools, colleges and universities remain open, as will childcare and nursery facilities.
You can revisit the Facebook Live here to hear Dr Varney answer your questions on schools, care homes, testing, lockdown rules, a vaccine and more.


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Motorcyclist remains in critical condition after crash with van

A biker remains in a critical condition a week after a crash on a Worcestershire road .
A white van and a black Suzuki motorcycle collided on the B4510 Offenham Road near the A46 in Evesham at around 3pm on Thursday , October 29 .
Police said the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions on the B road when the van turned right to cross the road , and the motorcycle collided with it .
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance , critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the service said : “ On arrival crews found a motorcyclist who had been involved in a collision with a van .
`` The motorcyclist , a man , suffered serious injuries and received trauma care on scene by the team of ambulance staff before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham . ''
Police appealed for anyone who saw the accident to come forward .
A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said : “ We are appealing for witnesses following a collision in Evesham that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital .
“ At around 3pm last Thursday ( October 29 ) a white panel van and a black Suzuki motorcycle were in collision on the B4510 Offenham Road , Evesham .
“ The two vehicles were travelling in opposite direction when the van has turned right to cross the road , this is when the motorcycle has collided with the van .
“ The motorcyclist remains in a critical but stable condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham .
“ If you saw the incident or have dash cam footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 042 528 using reference : 00318 I 29 October or online on the police 's website here .
”

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A biker remains in a critical condition a week after a crash on a Worcestershire road.
A white van and a black Suzuki motorcycle collided on the B4510 Offenham Road near the A46 in Evesham at around 3pm on Thursday, October 29.
Police said the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions on the B road when the van turned right to cross the road, and the motorcycle collided with it.
The motorcycle rider suffered serious injuries.
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance, critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board to the scene.
A spokeswoman for the service said: “On arrival crews found a motorcyclist who had been involved in a collision with a van.
"The motorcyclist, a man, suffered serious injuries and received trauma care on scene by the team of ambulance staff before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham."
Police appealed for anyone who saw the accident to come forward.
A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses following a collision in Evesham that has left a motorcyclist in a critical condition in hospital.
“At around 3pm last Thursday (October 29) a white panel van and a black Suzuki motorcycle were in collision on the B4510 Offenham Road, Evesham.
“The two vehicles were travelling in opposite direction when the van has turned right to cross the road, this is when the motorcycle has collided with the van.
“The motorcyclist remains in a critical but stable condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
“If you saw the incident or have dash cam footage please contact PC Rob Taylor on 07773 042 528 using reference: 00318 I 29 October or online on the police's website here.”


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Teenager spared jail time after being caught with class A drugs and stun gun

A Black Country teenager has been spared jail time after being found in possession of class A drugs and a @ @ @ @ @ , 19 , of Manifold Street , Wednesbury , was searched in Park Street , @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .
Officers found he was in possession of heroin and crack , £155 @ @ @ @ @ and a stun gun disguised as a torch .
Daley was later charged with possession @ @ @ @ @ A drugs and possession of a weapon for discharge of electrical incapacitation .
The 19-year-old @ @ @ @ @ and was remanded until being sentenced to 16 months in prison , suspended for 24 @ @ @ @ @ Court on October 30 .
Det Sgt Jon Bradbury from Staffordshire Police 's Disruption Team @ @ @ @ @ are delighted that , due to the diligence and hard work of our officers on @ @ @ @ @ been able to remove another drug dealer from the streets and make the community that @ @ @ @ @ people we serve . ''

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A Black Country teenager has been spared jail time after being found in possession of class A drugs and a stun gun.
Nathias Daley, 19, of Manifold Street, Wednesbury, was searched in Park Street, Tamworth, on June 2, 2020.
Officers found he was in possession of heroin and crack, £155 in cash, a phone and a stun gun disguised as a torch.
Daley was later charged with possession with intent to sell class A drugs and possession of a weapon for discharge of electrical incapacitation.
The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges and was remanded until being sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, at Stafford Crown Court on October 30.
Det Sgt Jon Bradbury from Staffordshire Police's Disruption Team South said: "We are delighted that, due to the diligence and hard work of our officers on the ground, we have been able to remove another drug dealer from the streets and make the community that little bit safer for the people we serve."


birminghammail--2020-11-05--The boy battling an octopus-like cancer tumour who needs £200k

`` He 's just so stoic .
What he 's been through has been pretty horrific but he 's just got on with it . ''
That statement sums up an Aston Villa-mad little boy who 's been battling cancer for the past 17 months .
Meet Henry Bard , the plucky five-year-old who needs to raise more than £200,000 for life-saving treatment across the Pond in New York .
`` He 's just finished his last bout of radiotherapy , '' detailed devout dad Graham , a life-long Villa fan living near Newark , Nottinghamshire .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS and we need £110,000 for cancer treatment in the US .
A further £40,000 needs to be raised for private scans afterwards as well .
It just all adds up . ''
Henry was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a cancerous tumour just above his kidneys - back in June 2019 after suddenly feeling unwell .
The tumour developed `` to the size of an octopus '' and spread rapidly .
Energy-sapping rounds of chemo have followed since with Henry losing all of his hair .
Last December , Henry and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undergoing surgery for seven hours to remove his tumour and part of his liver .
He 's slowly back on the mend with dad Graham , mum Rachel and little brother Oli awaiting scan results ahead of flying out to the US for treatment to stop the cancer from returning .
`` At the moment you could say it 's controlled but we 've got scan results coming back in about a month , '' Graham added .
`` Once we get them we 've got 45 days to get to New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help stop neuroblastoma from coming back . ''
Graham , meanwhile , has been leading Henry 's fund-raising mission which has gained support from the likes of Tyrone Mings , Emiliano Martinez , Ian Taylor and Gabby Agbonlahor .
Graham has reached out to fellow Villa supporters and has asked 42,640 fans - the capacity of Villa Park - to each donate £1 .
`` He 's pretty obsessed with the Villa now , '' added dad Graham .
`` It started off when he 'd peer over my shoulder in hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been interested ever since .
`` Henry was rather annoyed at the game on Sunday , though ! ''
To get behind Henry and his family 's Villa Park # QuidQuest appeal donate HERE .

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"He's just so stoic. What he's been through has been pretty horrific but he's just got on with it."
That statement sums up an Aston Villa-mad little boy who's been battling cancer for the past 17 months.
Meet Henry Bard, the plucky five-year-old who needs to raise more than £200,000 for life-saving treatment across the Pond in New York.
"He's just finished his last bout of radiotherapy," detailed devout dad Graham, a life-long Villa fan living near Newark, Nottinghamshire.
"We're at the end of treatment stage with the NHS and we need £110,000 for cancer treatment in the US. A further £40,000 needs to be raised for private scans afterwards as well. It just all adds up."
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Henry was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a cancerous tumour just above his kidneys - back in June 2019 after suddenly feeling unwell. The tumour developed "to the size of an octopus" and spread rapidly.
Energy-sapping rounds of chemo have followed since with Henry losing all of his hair. Last December, Henry and his family also spent Christmas in hospital after undergoing surgery for seven hours to remove his tumour and part of his liver.
He's slowly back on the mend with dad Graham, mum Rachel and little brother Oli awaiting scan results ahead of flying out to the US for treatment to stop the cancer from returning.
"At the moment you could say it's controlled but we've got scan results coming back in about a month," Graham added. "Once we get them we've got 45 days to get to New York for a new trial they're doing to help stop neuroblastoma from coming back."
Graham, meanwhile, has been leading Henry's fund-raising mission which has gained support from the likes of Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Martinez, Ian Taylor and Gabby Agbonlahor.
Graham has reached out to fellow Villa supporters and has asked 42,640 fans - the capacity of Villa Park - to each donate £1.
"He's pretty obsessed with the Villa now," added dad Graham. "It started off when he'd peer over my shoulder in hospital as I watched the matches and he's been interested ever since.
"Henry was rather annoyed at the game on Sunday, though!"
To get behind Henry and his family's Villa Park #QuidQuest appeal donate HERE.


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Albion fans will be relieved as Sky Box Office disruption ends

Rejoice , the powers that be have seen the light !
It ’ s being reported that the Premier League , Sky Sports and BT Sport are set to scrap the ridiculous pay-per-view scheme that has charged top flight fans the best part of fifteen quid a pop to watch their side in action if they were selected for Box Office coverage .
For some fanbases , they haven ’ t been affected at all .
For West Brom , it ’ s been an excruciating few weeks - and that ’ s before you starting talking about the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter The money that the honest folk of the Black Country , an area that - like the rest of the country - has struggled in recent months , and elsewhere have parted with to see their beloved Baggies in action has mounted up , to the tune of almost £45 .
That total will rise to £60 for those who wish to see Albion tackle Spurs this coming weekend , their fourth pay-per-view game on the spin .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the PPV idea going forwards won ’ t come before the international break , but I suppose it is something that the expected decision has arrived at all .
There was talk , initially , of the fee simply being lowered to £9.95 , or £7.50 .
It ’ s the right call to call time on the whole thing in its entirety , though .
# CharityNotPPV and # BoycottPPV are trending hashtags shared by thousands of fans who voiced their displeasure at the costs and found a better use for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charitable donation , with foodbanks nationwide the beneficiaries .
Let ’ s be honest , the next month or so is going to be particularly difficult for the vast majority of the general public , who will be going without friends , extended family members and the joys of a social life in which football plays a significant part for many .
That football , like back in June and July , is back on the telly as part of your already paid for Sky and BT subscriptions is a small comfort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to occupy themselves for the foreseeable future .
In the meantime , at least those who have protested hard against PPV and have opted for filled foodbanks for the needy have supported an excellent cause .

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Rejoice, the powers that be have seen the light!
It’s being reported that the Premier League, Sky Sports and BT Sport are set to scrap the ridiculous pay-per-view scheme that has charged top flight fans the best part of fifteen quid a pop to watch their side in action if they were selected for Box Office coverage.
For some fanbases, they haven’t been affected at all. For West Brom, it’s been an excruciating few weeks - and that’s before you starting talking about the results and performances.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
The money that the honest folk of the Black Country, an area that - like the rest of the country - has struggled in recent months, and elsewhere have parted with to see their beloved Baggies in action has mounted up, to the tune of almost £45. That total will rise to £60 for those who wish to see Albion tackle Spurs this coming weekend, their fourth pay-per-view game on the spin.
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It’s a shame that the cancelling of the PPV idea going forwards won’t come before the international break, but I suppose it is something that the expected decision has arrived at all.
There was talk, initially, of the fee simply being lowered to £9.95, or £7.50. It’s the right call to call time on the whole thing in its entirety, though.
#CharityNotPPV and #BoycottPPV are trending hashtags shared by thousands of fans who voiced their displeasure at the costs and found a better use for their cash by using it as a charitable donation, with foodbanks nationwide the beneficiaries.
Let’s be honest, the next month or so is going to be particularly difficult for the vast majority of the general public, who will be going without friends, extended family members and the joys of a social life in which football plays a significant part for many.
That football, like back in June and July, is back on the telly as part of your already paid for Sky and BT subscriptions is a small comfort to those who love the game and will have to occupy themselves for the foreseeable future.
In the meantime, at least those who have protested hard against PPV and have opted for filled foodbanks for the needy have supported an excellent cause.


birminghammail--2020-11-05--7 key announcements from Boris Johnson press conference

The Prime Minister and NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens have conducted a press conference tonight - with seven key announcements .
The pair appeared from Number Ten at 5pm on Thursday to mark the first day of England entering a month-long coronavirus lockdown .
It comes after chancellor Rishi Sunak said the coronavirus furlough scheme will be extended until the end of March .
The Chancellor said employees on furlough will receive 80 % of their salaries if businesses have been forced to close under lockdown measures .
These were the main announcements from Mr Johnson 's press briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint effort '' is under way to put coronavirus `` back in its box '' .
The prime minister added that an `` unprecedented '' effort is also under way to protect jobs , and there is a `` shared goal '' across the UK to protect the NHS .
The PM talked about the extension of the furlough scheme through to March , and said that more support will be available for the self employed .
He announced that the UK Government and devolved administrations are working together on a plan for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We want families to ensure they can come together at Christmas.
” “ There is light at the end of the tunnel on Covid.
” The average number of new cases is 22,398 , up from 9,716 compared to last month .
There are now 12,320 patients in hospital , after 2,602 compared to last month .
The weekly average number of deaths each day is now 295 up from 53 .
He said : “ That is why new restrictions are in place .
“ That is why we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prime minister also spoke about the length of the lockdown that started this morning .
He said : “ This is not a repeat of the spring , schools are all staying open , and these measures , although tough are time limited .
`` Four weeks is enough to make an impact , and on December 2 we will move back to a tiered approach.
” “ I know how tough this is , ” he told the nation .
However , he promised : “ There is light at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson said he knew the nation was anxious and fed up of the virus .
He reassured the public that this will not be a repeat of the spring and the lockdown will be lifted on December 2 .
Those who are working and living in the city will be tested .
The Army have been called to help with the mass testing .
The PM announced councils in England will get an additional £15m to help house rough sleepers during the winter months .
Sir Simon Stevens took over from the PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is serious .
He had just one chart to show today , saying that keeping up with the multiple charts previously was a little complicated .
His chart showed the increase of patients in hospitals from August up to today , which was 11,037 .
He said first that the second wave is real , second that the health service has been working hard to prepare and thirdly to continue to do that depends on the growth of the virus .
`` Left unchecked it will disrupt care , '' he added .

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The Prime Minister and NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens have conducted a press conference tonight - with seven key announcements.
The pair appeared from Number Ten at 5pm on Thursday to mark the first day of England entering a month-long coronavirus lockdown.
Downing Street confirmed the press briefing earlier today (November 5).
It comes after chancellor Rishi Sunak said the coronavirus furlough scheme will be extended until the end of March.
The Chancellor said employees on furlough will receive 80% of their salaries if businesses have been forced to close under lockdown measures.
These were the main announcements from Mr Johnson's press briefing:
'Huge effort'
Boris Johnson said a "huge joint effort" is under way to put coronavirus "back in its box".
The prime minister added that an "unprecedented" effort is also under way to protect jobs, and there is a "shared goal" across the UK to protect the NHS.
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Furlough extension
The PM talked about the extension of the furlough scheme through to March, and said that more support will be available for the self employed.
Christmas hope
He announced that the UK Government and devolved administrations are working together on a plan for the Christmas period.
The PM said: “We want families to ensure they can come together at Christmas.”
“There is light at the end of the tunnel on Covid.”
(Image: PA)
12,000 in hospital
The PM also revealed latest Covid-19 figures.
The average number of new cases is 22,398, up from 9,716 compared to last month.
There are now 12,320 patients in hospital, after 2,602 compared to last month.
Sadly, 492 deaths were reported yesterday.
The weekly average number of deaths each day is now 295 up from 53.
He said: “That is why new restrictions are in place.
“That is why we are asking you to stay at home.”
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Not a repeat of spring
The prime minister also spoke about the length of the lockdown that started this morning.
He said: “This is not a repeat of the spring, schools are all staying open, and these measures, although tough are time limited.
"Four weeks is enough to make an impact, and on December 2 we will move back to a tiered approach.”
“I know how tough this is,” he told the nation.
However, he promised: “There is light at the end of the tunnel”.
Lockdown will end on December 2
Boris Johnson said he knew the nation was anxious and fed up of the virus.
He reassured the public that this will not be a repeat of the spring and the lockdown will be lifted on December 2.
Mass testing will begin from tomorrow - Friday November 6.
Those who are working and living in the city will be tested.
The Army have been called to help with the mass testing.
Extra cash for homelessness
The PM announced councils in England will get an additional £15m to help house rough sleepers during the winter months.
Sir Simon Stevens took over from the PM and started by saying that the virus is serious.
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He had just one chart to show today, saying that keeping up with the multiple charts previously was a little complicated.
His chart showed the increase of patients in hospitals from August up to today, which was 11,037.
He said first that the second wave is real, second that the health service has been working hard to prepare and thirdly to continue to do that depends on the growth of the virus.
"Left unchecked it will disrupt care," he added.


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Seven announcements from Boris Johnson's Downing Street press conference

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced extra funding to get every rough sleeper off the streets , at today 's Downing Street press conference .
He said : `` As we face these challenges together , we must look after those most in need . ''
The press conference took place on the first day of the new four-week national lockdown , which is due to end on December 2 .
Birmingham city centre was earily quiet , with shops closed and pedestrians staying away .
Mr Johnson has said that regional restrictions will be re-introduced once the four weeks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while there will continued to be a `` tiered '' system , with restrictions varying depending on the level of coronavirus infections , there may be changes from the original three-tier local lockdown system introduced in October .
Here are the main announcements from the Prime Minister : Getting rough sleepers off the streets The Government launched a policy of getting every rough sleeper off the streets when the first national lockdown began in March .
It was known as Everyone In , and it allowed Birmingham City Council to offer accommodation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s streets and in need of housing .
The offer was accepted by more than 140 people .
Mr Johnson today announced an additional £15 million for councils to help them get everyone off the streets this winter , and to help people who are at risk of becoming homeless .
In grim news , the Prime Minister said nearly 500 deaths were reported yesterday .
He said : `` Sadly 492 deaths were reported yesterday and the weekly average number of deaths each day is now 295 , up from 53 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we face are siginicant across the UK More than 12,000 people are in hospital with Covid-19 There are 22,398 new cases every day on average , and 12,320 patients are currently in hospitals including 1,142 patients in mechanical ventilators The Prime Minister said 32 million tests had been conducted so far and half a million tests were now available every day across the UK Governments wants people to celebrate Christmas together Mr Johnson said the Government was determined to ensure familes can `` come together '' wherever in the UK they live .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks Mr Johnson insisted : `` The advice I have received suggests that four weeks is enough for these measures to make a real impact .
So these rules will expire , and on 2 December we plan to move back to a tiered approach .
`` There is light at the end of the tunnel . ''
Help for people threatened with redundancy Mr Johnson highlighted a new package of financial support announced earlier in the day by Chancellor Rishi Sunak , confirmed that the jobs furlough scheme is being extended until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told MPs : “ We can announce today that the furlough scheme will not be extended for one month , it will be extended until the end of March .
“ The Government will continue to help pay people ’ s wages up to 80 % of the normal amount . ''
Chief executive Paul Faulkner said : `` Today ’ s announcement will be welcome news for businesses , and their employees , struggling to plan even weeks ahead in this fast-changing environment . ''
It is understood the Treasury has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative through to March as it will depend on take-up levels .
But it has so far cost about £5 billion a month .

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced extra funding to get every rough sleeper off the streets, at today's Downing Street press conference.
He said: "As we face these challenges together, we must look after those most in need."
The press conference took place on the first day of the new four-week national lockdown, which is due to end on December 2. Birmingham city centre was earily quiet, with shops closed and pedestrians staying away.
Mr Johnson has said that regional restrictions will be re-introduced once the four weeks are up. Downing Street said today that while there will continued to be a "tiered" system, with restrictions varying depending on the level of coronavirus infections, there may be changes from the original three-tier local lockdown system introduced in October.
(Image: Birmingham Mail /Darren Quinton)
Here are the main announcements from the Prime Minister:
Getting rough sleepers off the streets
The Government launched a policy of getting every rough sleeper off the streets when the first national lockdown began in March. It was known as Everyone In, and it allowed Birmingham City Council to offer accommodation to everyone who was on the city’s streets and in need of housing. The offer was accepted by more than 140 people.
Mr Johnson today announced an additional £15 million for councils to help them get everyone off the streets this winter, and to help people who are at risk of becoming homeless.
295 people are dying - every day
In grim news, the Prime Minister said nearly 500 deaths were reported yesterday.
He said: "Sadly 492 deaths were reported yesterday and the weekly average number of deaths each day is now 295, up from 53 a month earlier."
"The challenges we face are siginicant across the UK
More than 12,000 people are in hospital with Covid-19
There are 22,398 new cases every day on average, and 12,320 patients are currently in hospitals including 1,142 patients in mechanical ventilators
32 million coronavirus tests conducted so far
The Prime Minister said 32 million tests had been conducted so far and half a million tests were now available every day across the UK
Governments wants people to celebrate Christmas together
Mr Johnson said the Government was determined to ensure familes can "come together" wherever in the UK they live.
Full national lockdown will only last four weeks
Mr Johnson insisted: "The advice I have received suggests that four weeks is enough for these measures to make a real impact. So these rules will expire, and on 2 December we plan to move back to a tiered approach.
"There is light at the end of the tunnel."
Help for people threatened with redundancy
Mr Johnson highlighted a new package of financial support announced earlier in the day by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, confirmed that the jobs furlough scheme is being extended until the end of March.
The Chancellor told MPs: “We can announce today that the furlough scheme will not be extended for one month, it will be extended until the end of March.
“The Government will continue to help pay people’s wages up to 80% of the normal amount."
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce welcomed the announcement.
Chief executive Paul Faulkner said: "Today’s announcement will be welcome news for businesses, and their employees, struggling to plan even weeks ahead in this fast-changing environment."
It is understood the Treasury has not put a cost on extending the furlough initiative through to March as it will depend on take-up levels. But it has so far cost about £5 billion a month.


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Clubs and bars welcome furlough extension but warn of new surge in illegal raves

Nightlife bosses have welcomed news of an extension to the furlough scheme but say are they fearful of the future and could be facing `` financial armageddon . ''
They also believe the closure of late-night bars is already triggering a new surge in illegal raves and parties .
Michael Kill , CEO of the Night Time Industries Association , said : `` While the crisis deepens and we move into a national lockdown for 28 days , we welcome the somewhat belated furlough update until March next year .
`` The furlough scheme will absolutely help preserve jobs within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains , where there is still a considerable void in financial support for night time economy businesses , will there be jobs to go back to ? ''
At the time lockdown was announced , he had said the sector was facing a `` financial armageddon '' with thousands of businesses and hundreds of thousands of workers suffering because of the impact of the pandemic .
He said : `` Many of our businesses have experienced extreme financial hardship , been presented with unmanageable operational measures and have in some cases been forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are extremely concerned for business owners , operators , freelancers , creatives and people working within this sector .
The level of despair and financial pressure this Government has placed them under can only be described as slow torture .
`` As a result we are seeing a substantial rise in people suffering from deteriorating mental health , with many simply unable to support themselves or their families .
`` Without immediate and significant Government financial support and an exit strategy , it is not an exaggeration to say that this will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many night time economy businesses .
And even with support , many viable businesses will be lost . ''
Mr Kill also warned that more illegal raves are already springing up because of lockdown .
He explained : `` Following the announcement of a national lockdown , we have seen an unprecedented increase in illegal events up and down the country .
`` As predicted , due to weather these have moved indoors in the many vacated business spaces and warehouses across the UK .
`` Young people are searching for alternatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cope with continuing restrictions on their lives due to the pandemic , which is impacting their mental health and social well being .
`` Thousands of businesses across the night time economy and events sector remain closed , unable to open and present safe spaces for people to express themselves , whilst struggling to survive and protect the livelihoods of their staff while unsafe illegal events continue . ''
And he added that the Government was still failing to solve the ongoing issue of commercial rent .
Those who are leasing premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to afford rent because of lack of trade are now protected from eviction until December 31 , but are racking up thousands of pounds in arrears in the meantime .
Mr Kill said : `` At some point we 've got to consider the human element here and the immense pressure that individuals , venues owners , staff and freelancers are under at the moment given the current financial , economic , cultural and social wellbeing environments that are being presented by government , particularly around our sector . ''

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Nightlife bosses have welcomed news of an extension to the furlough scheme but say are they fearful of the future and could be facing "financial armageddon."
They also believe the closure of late-night bars is already triggering a new surge in illegal raves and parties.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: "While the crisis deepens and we move into a national lockdown for 28 days, we welcome the somewhat belated furlough update until March next year.
"The furlough scheme will absolutely help preserve jobs within the sector, but the challenge still remains, where there is still a considerable void in financial support for night time economy businesses, will there be jobs to go back to?"
At the time lockdown was announced, he had said the sector was facing a "financial armageddon" with thousands of businesses and hundreds of thousands of workers suffering because of the impact of the pandemic.
He said: "Many of our businesses have experienced extreme financial hardship, been presented with unmanageable operational measures and have in some cases been forced into complete closure since March.
"We are extremely concerned for business owners, operators, freelancers, creatives and people working within this sector. The level of despair and financial pressure this Government has placed them under can only be described as slow torture.
"As a result we are seeing a substantial rise in people suffering from deteriorating mental health, with many simply unable to support themselves or their families.
"Without immediate and significant Government financial support and an exit strategy, it is not an exaggeration to say that this will be the final nail in the coffin for many night time economy businesses. And even with support, many viable businesses will be lost."
Mr Kill also warned that more illegal raves are already springing up because of lockdown.
He explained: "Following the announcement of a national lockdown, we have seen an unprecedented increase in illegal events up and down the country.
"As predicted, due to weather these have moved indoors in the many vacated business spaces and warehouses across the UK.
"Young people are searching for alternatives to late-night venues, as they struggle to cope with continuing restrictions on their lives due to the pandemic, which is impacting their mental health and social well being.
"Thousands of businesses across the night time economy and events sector remain closed, unable to open and present safe spaces for people to express themselves, whilst struggling to survive and protect the livelihoods of their staff while unsafe illegal events continue."
And he added that the Government was still failing to solve the ongoing issue of commercial rent.
Those who are leasing premises for restaurants, clubs and bars but unable to afford rent because of lack of trade are now protected from eviction until December 31, but are racking up thousands of pounds in arrears in the meantime.
Mr Kill said: "At some point we've got to consider the human element here and the immense pressure that individuals, venues owners, staff and freelancers are under at the moment given the current financial, economic, cultural and social wellbeing environments that are being presented by government, particularly around our sector."


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Centre deserted as lockdown starts 24 hours after shoppers queued

What a difference a day made in Worcestershire as streets bustling with early Christmas shoppers 24 hours ago were deserted today .
The second lockdown appeared to be well observed in Worcester city centre as the month-long shutdown began .
The scenes were in stark contrast to those on Wednesday , when the same spot was busy with shoppers aiming to beat the store closures .
The Prime Minister 's lockdown measures were approved by 516 to 38 , a majority of 478 , with all six Worcestershire MPs voting in favour .
Now the public must again stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ .
These include work , essential shopping , medical reasons or exercise .
And this time education is continuing – schools , colleges and universities remain open .
The Government 's renewed ‘ Stay at Home ’ plea was heeded in Worcester with the streets near-silent on Thursday .
While shoppers formed an orderly queue outside Primark on Wednesday , on Thursday the same stretch of pavement was empty .
Shoppers hurrying along Worcester ’ s High Street and taking a brief rest on benches , were conspicuous by their absence a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have sit-in diners but many are pinning their hopes on takeaway and a Deliveroo rider was spotted .
And Worcester ’ s Cathedral Square was also emptied save for a few souls .
Boots the chemist remained open and customers were able to collect a takeaway coffee from Costa .
West Mercia Police has vowed to be ‘ sensible and proportionate ’ in its policing of the lockdown – but said it would clamp down where necessary .
Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said : “ The last eight months have been incredibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful that the vast majority of people in Herefordshire , Shropshire and Worcestershire have been supportive .
“ “ I ask everyone to continue with this approach , following the new rules that are in place for everyone ’ s safety during this next phase of the pandemic .
“ We will continue to be out and about , providing a visible presence and engaging with the public as we all adjust to the new rules .
“ We will continue to take a sensible and proportionate approach to the Covid-19 laws with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If there are clear breaches , where people choose to put lives at risk by knowingly breaking the law then we will take positive enforcement action – as the public would expect .
”

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What a difference a day made in Worcestershire as streets bustling with early Christmas shoppers 24 hours ago were deserted today.
The second lockdown appeared to be well observed in Worcester city centre as the month-long shutdown began.
(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
The scenes were in stark contrast to those on Wednesday, when the same spot was busy with shoppers aiming to beat the store closures.
The Prime Minister's lockdown measures were approved by 516 to 38, a majority of 478, with all six Worcestershire MPs voting in favour.
Now the public must again stay at home, except for ‘specific purposes’. These include work, essential shopping, medical reasons or exercise.
And this time education is continuing – schools, colleges and universities remain open.
The Government's renewed ‘Stay at Home’ plea was heeded in Worcester with the streets near-silent on Thursday.
While shoppers formed an orderly queue outside Primark on Wednesday, on Thursday the same stretch of pavement was empty.
(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
Shoppers hurrying along Worcester’s High Street and taking a brief rest on benches, were conspicuous by their absence a day later.
Restaurants were not allowed to have sit-in diners but many are pinning their hopes on takeaway and a Deliveroo rider was spotted.
(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
And Worcester’s Cathedral Square was also emptied save for a few souls.
Boots the chemist remained open and customers were able to collect a takeaway coffee from Costa.
West Mercia Police has vowed to be ‘sensible and proportionate’ in its policing of the lockdown – but said it would clamp down where necessary.
(Image: David Davies/PA Wire)
Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: “The last eight months have been incredibly challenging for everyone. We are extremely grateful that the vast majority of people in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire have been supportive.
““I ask everyone to continue with this approach, following the new rules that are in place for everyone’s safety during this next phase of the pandemic.
“We will continue to be out and about, providing a visible presence and engaging with the public as we all adjust to the new rules.
“We will continue to take a sensible and proportionate approach to the Covid-19 laws with our aim always to ensure public safety.
“If there are clear breaches, where people choose to put lives at risk by knowingly breaking the law then we will take positive enforcement action – as the public would expect.”


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Snapchat 'monster' turned girls, 12, into his 'child porn slaves'

A dangerous 'monster ' made two 12-year-old girls his 'child porn slaves ' on Snapchat .
Nicky Hollyoake ordered the victims to perform a series of depraved sex acts on camera for his pleasure and call him 'daddy ' .
Among the sick demands were for them to use hair brushes and perfume bottles in perverted ways , drink toilet water whilst he even ordered one of them to 'accidentally ' grope her own father .
The 30-year-old from Birmingham threatened to ruin their lives by sending explicit pictures and videos to their friends if they failed to obey his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened to rape them , boasting he had done it to another child , leaving the two girls terrified they would be kidnapped and murdered .
Hollyoake , who was snared following a joint investigation by West Midlands Police and Avon and Somerset Police forces , admitted a dozen child sex acts .
He was jailed for 14 years at Birmingham Crown Court today , Thursday , November 5 , as sentencing judge Heidi Kubik QC described him as a 'determined , manipulative and predatory offender ' .
Prosecutor Rebecca Wade said Hollyoake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend on Snapchat earlier this year claiming his name was 'Jake ' from Manchester .
But he then started asking 'strange ' questions such as 'what colour her panties were ' and 'if she had a boyfriend ' .
Ms Wade said : `` She blocked him and he added her again .
He knew she was 12 , she told him .
He told her if she did n't obey him he would show the world their chats and tell them what a dirty little s*** she was .
At this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutor then outlined the vile demands Hollyoake made - most of which are too graphic to publish - and said he asked to meet the victim before 'moving on to video calls ' .
Ms Wade said the girl became more 'scared ' as the defendant grew 'stricter and wanting more ' .
Throughout the contact Hollyoake did not show his face or speak and instead issued his commands via typing into the social media app .
Ms Wade added : `` On one occasion she said he was annoyed by her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and would press a button to send to everyone she knew and her life would be ruined .
He sent a screenshot of all her followers by way of threat . ''
Hollyoake also set up another fake account posing as a female to ask the victim more questions including where she lived .
He then sank to a new low .
Ms Wade said : `` He knew how close she was with her father .
He asked her to send pictures of them kissing , and tried to persuade her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was an accident .
She never complied with these requests . ''
At a later point Hollyoake started targeting the second girl , a friend of the first victim , and made similar demands of her before ordering that both set up a group chat with him .
Ms Wade said : `` He made them pretend they were bisexual and told them to call each other girlfriends .
Both were made to be naked in the group chats and perform sex acts .
He described them as his child porn slaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she added : `` One day he threatened to leak pictures unless they did something as a punishment , such as go into the bathroom get down on the floor and lick the toilet bowl or drink the toilet water . ''
Delving further into the depths of his twisted mind Hollyoake told the girls to drink each other 's menstrual blood and also claimed he had previously raped a younger girl before warning he would come to 'collect them after lockdown ' to rape them .
Ms Wade said one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where she lived and was going to kidnap and kill her ' .
Ultimately their torment came to an end after one of the victims contacted an online support service which led to police hunting down and arresting the defendant .
During interview he admitted 'talking ' to both girls and claimed he thought they were 18 before clamming up and stating 'no comment ' .
Ms Wade then turned to the impact statement from the first victim and said : `` I was scared to be like a child , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast not giving me the chance to experience things with my friends in case I would n't be home in time and he would get mad .
`` I could n't do anything with my family .
I shut my door as they walked in . ''
While her mother described the emotional toll on the family saying her daughter 's 'broken ' father could no longer call her 'daddy 's little girl ' and she could not call him 'daddy ' anymore because of the now tainted connotations .
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter 's innocence and childhood . ''
The second victim said she had 'lost trust in people ' and now felt less safe than before .
Her mother stated 'everything became a struggle ' afterwards and that now 'silence fills the room instead of laughter ' .
Hollyoake , of Hunton Road , Erdington , admitted ten charges of causing/inciting a child into engaging in sexual activity and two charges of engaging in sexual communication with a child .
He denied two counts of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The elements of blackmail were treated as 'aggravating factors ' as opposed to offences in their own right .
Christopher O'Gorman , defending , said : `` It will come as no shock to anybody for me to say this is not a set of circumstances that encourage long mitigation .
He expresses his unreserved apologies to his victims for , I 'm struggling to find the right words , I 'll settle on appalling behaviour .
`` The victims go beyond the girls , they extend to his family as does his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his background to serve as an excuse or disguise his behaviour . ''
Judge Kubik , passing sentence , said : `` Nicky Hollyoak you are a determined , manipulative and predatory offender .
You used the internet to target a 12-year-old girl and subsequently her friend , also aged 12 .
You groomed and manipulated these young girls into performing a series of escalating , sexual and degrading acts , all for the purpose of your sexual arousal . ''
Addressing the impact on the victims she added : `` They say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their trust in others and it is clear your insistence of them referring to you as daddy has caused difficulty , affecting their relationship with their own loving fathers .
`` The impact of your actions will continue inevitably to have repercussions upon them as they develop into adulthood . ''
Judge Kubik imposed an 'extended sentence ' upon Hollyoake after concluding he was a 'dangerous ' offender who posed a 'serious risk of causing serious harm by committing further specific offences ' .
He must serve at least two thirds of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release and then a minimum of six years on licence .
Hollyoake was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders ' register indefinitely .

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A dangerous 'monster' made two 12-year-old girls his 'child porn slaves' on Snapchat.
Nicky Hollyoake ordered the victims to perform a series of depraved sex acts on camera for his pleasure and call him 'daddy'.
Among the sick demands were for them to use hair brushes and perfume bottles in perverted ways, drink toilet water whilst he even ordered one of them to 'accidentally' grope her own father.
The 30-year-old from Birmingham threatened to ruin their lives by sending explicit pictures and videos to their friends if they failed to obey his increasingly 'strict' instructions. He also threatened to rape them, boasting he had done it to another child, leaving the two girls terrified they would be kidnapped and murdered.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Hollyoake, who was snared following a joint investigation by West Midlands Police and Avon and Somerset Police forces, admitted a dozen child sex acts.
He was jailed for 14 years at Birmingham Crown Court today, Thursday, November 5, as sentencing judge Heidi Kubik QC described him as a 'determined, manipulative and predatory offender'.
Prosecutor Rebecca Wade said Hollyoake requested to be the first victim's friend on Snapchat earlier this year claiming his name was 'Jake' from Manchester. But he then started asking 'strange' questions such as 'what colour her panties were' and 'if she had a boyfriend'.
Ms Wade said: "She blocked him and he added her again. He knew she was 12, she told him. He told her if she didn't obey him he would show the world their chats and tell them what a dirty little s*** she was. At this point the sexual contact started."
(Image: Publicity Picture)
The prosecutor then outlined the vile demands Hollyoake made - most of which are too graphic to publish - and said he asked to meet the victim before 'moving on to video calls'. Ms Wade said the girl became more 'scared' as the defendant grew 'stricter and wanting more'. Throughout the contact Hollyoake did not show his face or speak and instead issued his commands via typing into the social media app.
Ms Wade added: "On one occasion she said he was annoyed by her, he had downloaded all of her pictures and would press a button to send to everyone she knew and her life would be ruined. He sent a screenshot of all her followers by way of threat."
Hollyoake also set up another fake account posing as a female to ask the victim more questions including where she lived. He then sank to a new low.
Ms Wade said: "He knew how close she was with her father. He asked her to send pictures of them kissing, and tried to persuade her to do things to her father and pretend it was an accident. She never complied with these requests."
At a later point Hollyoake started targeting the second girl, a friend of the first victim, and made similar demands of her before ordering that both set up a group chat with him.
Ms Wade said: "He made them pretend they were bisexual and told them to call each other girlfriends. Both were made to be naked in the group chats and perform sex acts. He described them as his child porn slaves."
Revealing yet more stomach-churning demands she added: "One day he threatened to leak pictures unless they did something as a punishment, such as go into the bathroom get down on the floor and lick the toilet bowl or drink the toilet water."
Delving further into the depths of his twisted mind Hollyoake told the girls to drink each other's menstrual blood and also claimed he had previously raped a younger girl before warning he would come to 'collect them after lockdown' to rape them.
(Image: West Midlands Police)
Ms Wade said one of the girls was 'scared he would find out where she lived and was going to kidnap and kill her'.
Ultimately their torment came to an end after one of the victims contacted an online support service which led to police hunting down and arresting the defendant.
During interview he admitted 'talking' to both girls and claimed he thought they were 18 before clamming up and stating 'no comment'. Ms Wade then turned to the impact statement from the first victim and said: "I was scared to be like a child, it's like he made me grow up too fast not giving me the chance to experience things with my friends in case I wouldn't be home in time and he would get mad.
"I couldn't do anything with my family. I shut my door as they walked in."
While her mother described the emotional toll on the family saying her daughter's 'broken' father could no longer call her 'daddy's little girl' and she could not call him 'daddy' anymore because of the now tainted connotations. She added: "This monster has taken away our daughter's innocence and childhood."
The second victim said she had 'lost trust in people' and now felt less safe than before. Her mother stated 'everything became a struggle' afterwards and that now 'silence fills the room instead of laughter'.
Hollyoake, of Hunton Road, Erdington, admitted ten charges of causing/inciting a child into engaging in sexual activity and two charges of engaging in sexual communication with a child. He denied two counts of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child which were ordered to lie on the file.
The elements of blackmail were treated as 'aggravating factors' as opposed to offences in their own right.
Christopher O'Gorman, defending, said: "It will come as no shock to anybody for me to say this is not a set of circumstances that encourage long mitigation. He expresses his unreserved apologies to his victims for, I'm struggling to find the right words, I'll settle on appalling behaviour.
"The victims go beyond the girls, they extend to his family as does his unreserved apologies. There is nothing in his background to serve as an excuse or disguise his behaviour."
Judge Kubik, passing sentence, said: "Nicky Hollyoak you are a determined, manipulative and predatory offender. You used the internet to target a 12-year-old girl and subsequently her friend, also aged 12. You groomed and manipulated these young girls into performing a series of escalating, sexual and degrading acts, all for the purpose of your sexual arousal."
Why BirminghamLive covers court cases Courts in the West Midlands serve a population of five million - and BirminghamLive brings you coverage from them each and every week. Magistrates Courts deal with offences where the maximum permitted sentence for each offence does not exceed six months imprisonment or one year if two or more offences are to be considered. Crown Courts deal with the more serious cases including murder, rape, robberies, serious assaults. BirminghamLive's team of journalists report on proceedings, but it can regularly surprise people, and sometimes anger them, when details are published. So we have come up with some frequently asked questions and answers to hopefully help people understand our role better.
Addressing the impact on the victims she added: "They say you have taken away their innocence, their trust in others and it is clear your insistence of them referring to you as daddy has caused difficulty, affecting their relationship with their own loving fathers.
"The impact of your actions will continue inevitably to have repercussions upon them as they develop into adulthood."
Judge Kubik imposed an 'extended sentence' upon Hollyoake after concluding he was a 'dangerous' offender who posed a 'serious risk of causing serious harm by committing further specific offences'.
He must serve at least two thirds of his term in prison before being considered for release and then a minimum of six years on licence. Hollyoake was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely.


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Asda issues announcement over customers queuing outside its stores

Fifty Asda stores will be telling customers to stay in cars before heading in to do their shopping as a new lockdown takes hold from today .
The formerly Walmart-owned supermarket giant , which has stores across Birmingham , announced the rule change in an e-mail to customers .
Chief executive Roger Burnley said : `` Providing a safe environment for our customers and colleagues to shop and work has been our priority throughout the pandemic and we are stepping up the measures we have in store to provide additional protection .
`` We would ask customers to play their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibly when they visit our stores.
” An app is being rolled out across 50 Asda stores which will allow customers to queue virtually from their cars .
The e-mail adds automatic counting technology will be installed in more than 100 stores to manage capacity and help customers socially distance .
Asda is trialling a queuing app in 50 stores where customers can wait in their cars before receiving a notification to enter the store , the e-mail continues .
Click and collect can continue , and essential shops such as supermarkets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods and services '' will remain open .
People were angered in Wales after the Labour-led administration ruled that items deemed non-essential would not be permitted to be sold in supermarkets during its two-week circuit-breaker lockdown , forcing shop workers to tape off whole aisles of goods .
The Welsh Government argued it was unfair to ask non-essential high street retailers to close , only to allow supermarkets to sell the same items .
But Number 10 has said it will not be following Wales ' lead during the English lockdown .
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they visit over the next four weeks , the Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` No .
You 're familiar with how this operated in March , April and parts of M

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Fifty Asda stores will be telling customers to stay in cars before heading in to do their shopping as a new lockdown takes hold from today.
The formerly Walmart-owned supermarket giant, which has stores across Birmingham, announced the rule change in an e-mail to customers.
Chief executive Roger Burnley said: "Providing a safe environment for our customers and colleagues to shop and work has been our priority throughout the pandemic and we are stepping up the measures we have in store to provide additional protection.
"We would ask customers to play their part by respecting social distancing and shopping responsibly when they visit our stores.”
An app is being rolled out across 50 Asda stores which will allow customers to queue virtually from their cars.
The e-mail adds automatic counting technology will be installed in more than 100 stores to manage capacity and help customers socially distance.
Asda is trialling a queuing app in 50 stores where customers can wait in their cars before receiving a notification to enter the store, the e-mail continues.
Click and collect can continue, and essential shops such as supermarkets, garden centres and shops "providing essential goods and services" will remain open.
People were angered in Wales after the Labour-led administration ruled that items deemed non-essential would not be permitted to be sold in supermarkets during its two-week circuit-breaker lockdown, forcing shop workers to tape off whole aisles of goods.
The Welsh Government argued it was unfair to ask non-essential high street retailers to close, only to allow supermarkets to sell the same items.
But Number 10 has said it will not be following Wales' lead during the English lockdown.
Asked whether shoppers would find fenced-off supermarket aisles when they visit over the next four weeks, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "No. You're familiar with how this operated in March, April and parts of M


birminghammail--2020-11-05--Watch - Cruel burglars hit 79-year-old as they search home for car keys

This is the moment a group of cruel burglars hit a pensioner as they tried to raid a Stourbridge house .
West Midlands Police said the intruders forced their way into the property just before 1.30am on Tuesday , November 3 .
The 79-year-old victim was awoken when he heard glass smashing .
He went to have a look and was faced with three men in his house .
They hit him , but he was not injured .
Police believe the men were trying to find the keys to his Mercedes car parked on his drive , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released video footage from inside his house in a bid to trace the offenders .
Sgt Leighton Shingles , from the Force CID team , said : “ I am urging anyone who recognises these men to get in touch with us as soon as possible .
Perhaps you even noticed something suspicious in the area .
“ It ’ s important we find those responsible for frightening an elderly man and causing him unnecessary stress and anxiety during an already difficult time for people.
” Enquiries continue and anyone with information is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Quote crime reference 20DY/268953A/20 .

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This is the moment a group of cruel burglars hit a pensioner as they tried to raid a Stourbridge house.
West Midlands Police said the intruders forced their way into the property just before 1.30am on Tuesday, November 3.
The 79-year-old victim was awoken when he heard glass smashing. He went to have a look and was faced with three men in his house.
They hit him, but he was not injured.
Police believe the men were trying to find the keys to his Mercedes car parked on his drive, but they left empty-handed.
Detectives investigating the burglary released video footage from inside his house in a bid to trace the offenders.
Sgt Leighton Shingles, from the Force CID team, said: “I am urging anyone who recognises these men to get in touch with us as soon as possible. Perhaps you even noticed something suspicious in the area.
“It’s important we find those responsible for frightening an elderly man and causing him unnecessary stress and anxiety during an already difficult time for people.”
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact police via live chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote crime reference 20DY/268953A/20.


birminghammail--2020-11-06--29 reasons you're allowed to leave home in lockdown

A new lockdown is now underway as coronavirus cases and deaths rise across the country , with measures and restrictions now in place .
Non-essential retailers are shut and Prime Minister Boris Johnson is urging people to work from home where possible amid a deadly second wave .
An estimated 618,700 people in private households in England had Covid-19 between October 25 and 31 , the ONS said .
This is the equivalent of around 1.13 % of the population .
The figures represent a jump from 568,100 people , or 1.04 % of the population , who were estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 to 23 .
And to combat the rising rate , the hospitality sector is shutting its doors except for takeaway services , with high street shops also closing as a result of them being deemed 'non-essential ' .
There are also curbs on households mixing and leaving your home as the deaths and cases from Covid-19 continue to rise .
Here ’ s the list of reasonable excuses in full : • If it is ‘ reasonable necessary ’ to “ buy goods or obtain services from ” businesses that remain open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or a “ vulnerable person ” or their household member .
• To withdraw or deposit money in a bank or building society or similar business .
• To “ take exercise outside ” , either alone , with members of your household or support/childcare bubble , or with one person from another household .
Under this exemption , there must just be two of you in total - though kids under 5 don ’ t count towards the limit .
• To attend a place of worship ( though they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
• To visit estate or letting agents or show homes ; view properties to buy or rent ; prepare a property to move , buy , rent or sell ; or move house .
• To visit someone in your support bubble or childcare bubble .
A childcare bubble is when two households join together for informal childcare for a child under 13 .
• To pick up takeaway food or drink .
• To attend work , education or training , or provide voluntary or charitable series , if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home .
• To provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person .
• To provide emergency assistance to any person .
• To access social services , DWP services , victim of crime services , and asylum and immigration services and interviews .
• If you ’ re an elite athlete , to continue training or competition .
• To seek medical assistance , including to donate blood , attend medical trials or take Covid tests or a vaccine .
• To avoid injury or illness or escape risk of harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving birth , at her request .
• To visit a household , close family member or friend who is being treated in hospital , a hospice or care home ( local rules on visits permitting ) .
• To attend a support group , including for domestic abuse victims , addicts and LGBT people , or provide or receive respite care .
• To visit a household , close family member or friend you reasonably believe is dying .
• To attend a funeral or wake , or burial ground or garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the numbers who can attend .
• To attend a marriage or civil partnership , but again there are strict limits on numbers .
• To allow children with separated parents to move between those two parents ’ homes .
• There are also certain exemptions for children in care and those preparing to be adopted .
• To walk or otherwise exercise your pet .
• To return home if you were on holiday before the lockdown came into force .
• To visit a close family or friend in prison @

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A new lockdown is now underway as coronavirus cases and deaths rise across the country, with measures and restrictions now in place.
Non-essential retailers are shut and Prime Minister Boris Johnson is urging people to work from home where possible amid a deadly second wave.
An estimated 618,700 people in private households in England had Covid-19 between October 25 and 31, the ONS said.
This is the equivalent of around 1.13% of the population.
The figures represent a jump from 568,100 people, or 1.04% of the population, who were estimated to have Covid-19 in the period October 17 to 23.
And to combat the rising rate, the hospitality sector is shutting its doors except for takeaway services, with high street shops also closing as a result of them being deemed 'non-essential'.
There are also curbs on households mixing and leaving your home as the deaths and cases from Covid-19 continue to rise.
People face fines for breaking the rules.
Here’s the list of reasonable excuses in full, reports the Mirror.
If it is ‘reasonable necessary’ to “buy goods or obtain services from” businesses that remain open - either for yourself, household members, or a “vulnerable person” or their household member.
To withdraw or deposit money in a bank or building society or similar business.
To “take exercise outside”, either alone, with members of your household or support/childcare bubble, or with one person from another household. Under this exemption, there must just be two of you in total - though kids under 5 don’t count towards the limit.
To attend a place of worship (though they’re only staying open for private prayer).
To attend a Remembrance Sunday event.
To visit estate or letting agents or show homes; view properties to buy or rent; prepare a property to move, buy, rent or sell; or move house.
To visit someone in your support bubble or childcare bubble. A childcare bubble is when two households join together for informal childcare for a child under 13.
To pick up takeaway food or drink.
To visit a waste disposal or recycling centre.
To attend work, education or training, or provide voluntary or charitable series, if it’s not reasonable to do so from home.
To provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person.
To provide emergency assistance to any person.
To fulfil a legal obligation, including attending court or satisfying bail conditions.
To access social services, DWP services, victim of crime services, and asylum and immigration services and interviews.
If you’re an elite athlete, to continue training or competition.
To seek medical assistance, including to donate blood, attend medical trials or take Covid tests or a vaccine.
To avoid injury or illness or escape risk of harm.
To be with a mother giving birth, at her request.
To visit a household, close family member or friend who is being treated in hospital, a hospice or care home (local rules on visits permitting).
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birminghammail--2020-11-06--Revealed - Memorial to honour brave Sikh soldiers set for temple

A memorial statue commemorating the bravery of 19th century Sikh soldiers is set to be created and place at a Wolverhampton temple .
Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet resources panel are expected to agree to transfer authority owned land to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Well Lane , Wednesfield .
The Sikh temple is looking to unveil the Saragarhi Monument , which will be sculpted by Black Country artist Luke Perry of Industrial Heritage Stronghold .
The memorial statue will commemorate the Battle of Saragarhi , which was a conflict between Sikh soldiers and Afghan tribesmen on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a great `` last stand '' as it saw 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment in a fort , surrounded by thousands of tribesmen , who chose to fight to the death .
To this day , the Indian Army 's 4th battalion of the Sikh regiment commemorates Saragarhi Day every September 12 .
Members of the Gurdwara approached the authority about the proposed statue and the committee is expected to transfer the land , between the library and the temple , on a 99-year peppercorn lease .
A plaque will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will read : `` In tribute to the 21 men of the 36th Sikh Regiment whose bravery became part of history at the Battle of Saragarhi - 12 September 1897 '' .
A report to committee said : `` ( We ) were approached by representatives of the Gurdwara for the proposed siting of a memorial statue and plaque which represented a tribute to the 36th Sikh Regiment and the 21 soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Saragarhi .
`` Following a consultation , a suitable location was identified for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The proposed site will be sympathetically landscaped in part and subsequently maintained by the Gurdwara for the duration of the lease which is currently subject to grounds maintenance as undertaken by the council .
`` The asset could alternatively remain as is , but this would be at the detriment of losing an excellent opportunity to utilise the land for the siting of a memorial monument that represents an important part of history which has significant importance to not only residents of Wednesfield , but throughout the city . ''
Committee members are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting on Wednesday , November 11 .

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A memorial statue commemorating the bravery of 19th century Sikh soldiers is set to be created and place at a Wolverhampton temple.
Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet resources panel are expected to agree to transfer authority owned land to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Well Lane, Wednesfield.
The Sikh temple is looking to unveil the Saragarhi Monument, which will be sculpted by Black Country artist Luke Perry of Industrial Heritage Stronghold.
The memorial statue will commemorate the Battle of Saragarhi, which was a conflict between Sikh soldiers and Afghan tribesmen on September 12 1897.
It is celebrated as a great "last stand" as it saw 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment in a fort, surrounded by thousands of tribesmen, who chose to fight to the death.
To this day, the Indian Army's 4th battalion of the Sikh regiment commemorates Saragarhi Day every September 12.
Members of the Gurdwara approached the authority about the proposed statue and the committee is expected to transfer the land, between the library and the temple, on a 99-year peppercorn lease.
A plaque will also be placed at the memorial which will read: "In tribute to the 21 men of the 36th Sikh Regiment whose bravery became part of history at the Battle of Saragarhi - 12 September 1897".
A report to committee said: "(We) were approached by representatives of the Gurdwara for the proposed siting of a memorial statue and plaque which represented a tribute to the 36th Sikh Regiment and the 21 soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Saragarhi.
"Following a consultation, a suitable location was identified for the siting of the statue.
"The proposed site will be sympathetically landscaped in part and subsequently maintained by the Gurdwara for the duration of the lease which is currently subject to grounds maintenance as undertaken by the council.
"The asset could alternatively remain as is, but this would be at the detriment of losing an excellent opportunity to utilise the land for the siting of a memorial monument that represents an important part of history which has significant importance to not only residents of Wednesfield, but throughout the city."
Committee members are expected to approve the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, November 11.


birminghammail--2020-11-06--Remembrance Day - search people from your street who died in WW1

Ahead of Remembrance Day use our search tool to find ancestors or people from your area who died in WW1 .
The database allows you to search more than one million First World War casualties .
The data comes from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission ( CWGC ) , who have kindly allowed BirminghamLive to share the astonishingly rich data that they have painstakingly put together over the years .
It includes all soldiers who died from the UK , soldiers from Ireland who fought as part of the British Army and soldiers from further afield who also signed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Peter Francis , spokesperson at the CWGC , said : “ This data is a window into the past .
`` It helps put a human face to the names engraved on memorials all over the world and allows families to reconnect with their ancestors.
” Search for your relatives and those from your area who died in the battle and the Great War with the tool above .
Our unique gadget allows you to search the archives of over one million casualties of the First World War .
You can search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or initial ) , surname , street or town/city .
You do n't have to fill in all the boxes - you can fill as many or as few as you can .
The database allows you , for example , to search for people with the same name as you , who came from the same city ; or just to see who died from the street where you live .

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Ahead of Remembrance Day use our search tool to find ancestors or people from your area who died in WW1.
The database allows you to search more than one million First World War casualties.
The data comes from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), who have kindly allowed BirminghamLive to share the astonishingly rich data that they have painstakingly put together over the years.
It includes all soldiers who died from the UK, soldiers from Ireland who fought as part of the British Army and soldiers from further afield who also signed up and lost their lives in the conflict.
Peter Francis, spokesperson at the CWGC, said: “This data is a window into the past.
"It helps put a human face to the names engraved on memorials all over the world and allows families to reconnect with their ancestors.”
Search for your relatives and those from your area who died in the battle and the Great War with the tool above.
Our unique gadget allows you to search the archives of over one million casualties of the First World War.
You can search by any combination of first name (or initial), surname, street or town/city.
You don't have to fill in all the boxes - you can fill as many or as few as you can.
The database allows you, for example, to search for people with the same name as you, who came from the same city; or just to see who died from the street where you live.


birminghammail--2020-11-06--County lockdown and Christmas parking charge changes announced

A number of free parking offers during the lockdown period and extending in to the run up to Christmas have been announced in Worcestershire .
Half the county ’ s district authorities have confirmed deals during November and December with one more stating it will have an offer for the festive period .
Bromsgrove , Wychavon and Wyre Forest councils are offering parking deals , with Malvern Hills also confirming a festive offer will be on its way and announced in December .
Wychavon District Council has confirmed the most generous offer .
The authority , which manages car parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pershore , has said council pay-and display car parks will be free from the start of lockdown ( Thursday , November 5 ) right through the festive period and up to and including Sunday , January 3 , 2021 .
The council said the offer will support residents needing to pick up essentials in lockdown and businesses in the crucial Christmas period .
Parking restrictions , including waiting times in on-street parking bays and double yellow lines , will ‘ still apply and will be enforced ’ .
But NHS , social care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ‘ any length of time ’ in on-street parking bays as long as they are on ‘ official duties ’ and are showing a valid ID , such as a photocopy of an identify badge , with sensitive information removed , or a letter on an official letterhead .
Cllr Bradley Thomas , Leader of Wychavon District Council , said : `` Nobody wanted another lockdown , but it 's necessary to get infection rates down , protect our NHS and save lives .
`` Providing free parking is just one way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this challenging period.
” A list of Wychavon 's car parks can be found here .
Bromsgrove District Council has said it is ‘ suspending ’ its car parking charges during lockdown from Friday , November 6 to December 2 but during this time the Churchfields multi-storey will be closed .
However the council did say people should only make essential trips to centres and should ‘ shop local ’ .
Leader of the council , Karen May , said : “ Our independent traders are particularly hit by lockdown restrictions and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and our centres , as part of their essential trips for shopping .
“ However , we urge everyone to stay at home where possible and adhere to Government guidance.
” A list of Bromsgrove 's council car parks can be found here .
Wyre Forest District Council responsible for car parks in Kidderminster , Stourport and Bewdley , has said there will be free parking at its sites ‘ after 3pm ’ during the festive period .
That will start during lockdown , on Friday , November 20 and continue through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forest District Council ’ s cabinet member for operational services , Councillor John Thomas said : “ We normally charge until 9pm in our car parks , this offer means motorists can park in any of our car parks for free from 3pm .
During the new national restrictions all non-essential shops will be closed so please only travel for essential journeys .
“ We are reminding everyone , who needs to visit essential shops in the district , to keep protecting each other by regularly washing their hands , wearing a face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only applies to council owned car parks and not at Weaver ’ s Wharf car park in Kidderminster , which is privately owned .
The council also said people only make essential journeys during lockdown to Wednesday , December 2 and the only shops allowed to open during this period being food shops , supermarkets , garden centres and those providing essential goods or services .
There will be no Christmas light switch-on ceremonies in Kidderminster , Stourport or Bewdley this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic .
A full list of Wyre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found here .
Redditch Borough Council said it did not have any council car parks , with the town centre ’ s main parking provided at the privately owned Kingfisher Shopping Centre .
And Worcester City Council said its ‘ not currently planning to make any changes to parking in Worcester ’ .

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A number of free parking offers during the lockdown period and extending in to the run up to Christmas have been announced in Worcestershire.
Half the county’s district authorities have confirmed deals during November and December with one more stating it will have an offer for the festive period.
Bromsgrove, Wychavon and Wyre Forest councils are offering parking deals, with Malvern Hills also confirming a festive offer will be on its way and announced in December.
Wychavon District Council has confirmed the most generous offer.
The authority, which manages car parks in towns including Evesham, Droitwich and Pershore, has said council pay-and display car parks will be free from the start of lockdown (Thursday, November 5) right through the festive period and up to and including Sunday, January 3, 2021.
The council said the offer will support residents needing to pick up essentials in lockdown and businesses in the crucial Christmas period.
Parking restrictions, including waiting times in on-street parking bays and double yellow lines, will ‘still apply and will be enforced’.
But NHS, social care staff and official community volunteers can park for ‘any length of time’ in on-street parking bays as long as they are on ‘official duties’ and are showing a valid ID, such as a photocopy of an identify badge, with sensitive information removed, or a letter on an official letterhead.
Cllr Bradley Thomas, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: "Nobody wanted another lockdown, but it's necessary to get infection rates down, protect our NHS and save lives.
"Providing free parking is just one way we are supporting residents and businesses through this challenging period.”
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A list of Wychavon's car parks can be found here.
Bromsgrove District Council has said it is ‘suspending’ its car parking charges during lockdown from Friday, November 6 to December 2 but during this time the Churchfields multi-storey will be closed. However the council did say people should only make essential trips to centres and should ‘shop local’.
Leader of the council, Karen May, said: “Our independent traders are particularly hit by lockdown restrictions and we want to encourage shoppers to use them, and our centres, as part of their essential trips for shopping.
“However, we urge everyone to stay at home where possible and adhere to Government guidance.”
A list of Bromsgrove's council car parks can be found here.
(Image: Google)
Wyre Forest District Council responsible for car parks in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley, has said there will be free parking at its sites ‘after 3pm’ during the festive period. That will start during lockdown, on Friday, November 20 and continue through until Sunday, January 3.
Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for operational services, Councillor John Thomas said: “We normally charge until 9pm in our car parks, this offer means motorists can park in any of our car parks for free from 3pm. During the new national restrictions all non-essential shops will be closed so please only travel for essential journeys.
“We are reminding everyone, who needs to visit essential shops in the district, to keep protecting each other by regularly washing their hands, wearing a face mask and social distancing.”
The offer only applies to council owned car parks and not at Weaver’s Wharf car park in Kidderminster, which is privately owned.
The council also said people only make essential journeys during lockdown to Wednesday, December 2 and the only shops allowed to open during this period being food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and those providing essential goods or services.
There will be no Christmas light switch-on ceremonies in Kidderminster, Stourport or Bewdley this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
A full list of Wyre Forest District Council car parks can be found here.
Redditch Borough Council said it did not have any council car parks, with the town centre’s main parking provided at the privately owned Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
And Worcester City Council said its ‘not currently planning to make any changes to parking in Worcester ’.