birminghammail--2020-10-21--Warning against 'Covid complacency' as cases soar in Walsall

`` Complacent '' Walsall people who ignore Covid-19 rules have been criticised by a health boss as cases continue to rise in the borough .
Councillor Stephen Craddock , portfolio holder for health and wellbeing , said a reality check was needed over the inconsistencies in compliance which could hinder attempts at controlling infection rates .
Data released on Wednesday showed Walsall 's rate was now one of the highest in the West Midlands with 196 cases per 100,000 population .
And figures released the previous day showed Walsall Manor Hospital had 71 patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week Walsall was placed in Alert Level 2 of the Government 's three tier system , putting it in a high risk category .
At a meeting of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board on Tuesday , Councillor Craddock said they were hoping to be placed in the lower risk level one by Christmas .
But he said : `` The virus is spreading still very quickly in the community and we 've got to follow the guidelines to bring it back under control .
`` There seems to be a growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ignored .
`` For the vast majority of people , the virus has minor symptoms but there are very many people who will be severely impacted by it .
`` I have a close relative who works in a hospital looking after Covid patients and she described the conditions in the ward where patients are fighting and struggling to breathe .
`` They are scared and frightened and they are isolated for their loved ones .
They are fighting for every breath and she described them feeling as though they are drowning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with water .
`` I make no apologies for describing the conditions because it 's time for a bit of a reality check .
So we all need to do more .
`` The basic message is still simple .
Wash your hands , cover your mouth and nose and socially distance and limiting social contact and working from home if you can is vital .
`` It is really disappointing that the wearing of face masks when shopping is seen as optional by some people and I 'd ask that shops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being worn .
`` There is a wide variation in compliance but ultimately we all have a responsibility to comply with the regulations .
`` It 's not difficult , unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask , wear one . ''
He added : `` But our ambition is to contain the outbreak and reduce infections to get down to level one by the time the Christmas holidays , meaning family groups of up to six people could meet indoors and celebrate the holiday together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We must all work together and follow the guidelines to bring the rates down .
`` Ignore them and the infections will continue to increase and we will see more restrictions imposed on us . ''

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"Complacent" Walsall people who ignore Covid-19 rules have been criticised by a health boss as cases continue to rise in the borough.
Councillor Stephen Craddock, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said a reality check was needed over the inconsistencies in compliance which could hinder attempts at controlling infection rates.
Data released on Wednesday showed Walsall's rate was now one of the highest in the West Midlands with 196 cases per 100,000 population.
And figures released the previous day showed Walsall Manor Hospital had 71 patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus - a rise of 20 from the weekend.
Last week Walsall was placed in Alert Level 2 of the Government's three tier system, putting it in a high risk category.
At a meeting of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board on Tuesday, Councillor Craddock said they were hoping to be placed in the lower risk level one by Christmas.
But he said: "The virus is spreading still very quickly in the community and we've got to follow the guidelines to bring it back under control.
"There seems to be a growing complacency and belief that the rules can be ignored.
"For the vast majority of people, the virus has minor symptoms but there are very many people who will be severely impacted by it.
"I have a close relative who works in a hospital looking after Covid patients and she described the conditions in the ward where patients are fighting and struggling to breathe.
"They are scared and frightened and they are isolated for their loved ones. They are fighting for every breath and she described them feeling as though they are drowning as though their lungs are filling up with water.
"I make no apologies for describing the conditions because it's time for a bit of a reality check. So we all need to do more.
"The basic message is still simple. Wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose and socially distance and limiting social contact and working from home if you can is vital.
"It is really disappointing that the wearing of face masks when shopping is seen as optional by some people and I'd ask that shops and supermarkets do more to insist on them being worn.
"There is a wide variation in compliance but ultimately we all have a responsibility to comply with the regulations.
"It's not difficult, unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, wear one."
He added: "But our ambition is to contain the outbreak and reduce infections to get down to level one by the time the Christmas holidays, meaning family groups of up to six people could meet indoors and celebrate the holiday together.
"It is entirely in our hands. We must all work together and follow the guidelines to bring the rates down.
"Ignore them and the infections will continue to increase and we will see more restrictions imposed on us."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Primark fans adore PJ set people say they 'need' this winter

Primark fans have gone absolutely crazy over a new PJ set that everyone has said they are going to go out and buy .
The popular retail chain has been coming out with all the amazingly cosy autumn and winter clothes to match the chilly weather and darker nights .
Because when it comes to this time of the year , we all need to get a change of clothes to make sure we can enjoy the winter nights .
And it appears to be going in with the cosy clothing sets and the most recent PJ set has people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Primark posted the cute set on its Instagram with the description : '' Early mornings made sweeter with a snuggly set , made with sustainable viscose .
PJ Top £8 '' .
The post seems to have been extremely popular with fashion fans with over 70,000 likes and tons of comments from people wanting the set right now .
One person wrote : `` Brilliant !
Going into Edinburgh Princes Street for some now '' while another said : `` Just want to jump in them and snuggle up till New Years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes !
!
!
Got mine ca n't wait to snuggle inside them '' and a fourth added : `` Omg these look so cosy '' This comes after Disney fans went mental over another pair of Dumbo pyjamas .
Tons of customers were saying how they were `` winter goals '' and commented on how comfortable they were .
If you think you want these comfy PJs then head over to your nearest Primark store because they might not last much longer .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris  Harper)

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Primark fans have gone absolutely crazy over a new PJ set that everyone has said they are going to go out and buy.
The popular retail chain has been coming out with all the amazingly cosy autumn and winter clothes to match the chilly weather and darker nights.
Because when it comes to this time of the year, we all need to get a change of clothes to make sure we can enjoy the winter nights.
And it appears to be going in with the cosy clothing sets and the most recent PJ set has people saying they "absolutely need them".
Primark posted the cute set on its Instagram with the description:" Early mornings made sweeter with a snuggly set, made with sustainable viscose. PJ Top £8".
The post seems to have been extremely popular with fashion fans with over 70,000 likes and tons of comments from people wanting the set right now.
One person wrote: "Brilliant! Going into Edinburgh Princes Street for some now" while another said: "Just want to jump in them and snuggle up till New Years".
A third wrote: "Yes!!! Got mine can't wait to snuggle inside them" and a fourth added: "Omg these look so cosy"
This comes after Disney fans went mental over another pair of Dumbo pyjamas. Tons of customers were saying how they were "winter goals" and commented on how comfortable they were.
If you think you want these comfy PJs then head over to your nearest Primark store because they might not last much longer.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Kalvin Phillips posts message after Villa injury blow confirmed

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips admits he was 'lucky ' to avoid surgery after suffering an injury blow that rules him out against Aston Villa .
Phillips , 24 , faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after hurting his shoulder as Leeds lost 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night .
He managed to finish the match but appeared to be in discomfort after the final whistle at Elland Road having been nudged by Wolves striker Raul Jimenez in the closing stages of the match .
The injury means he is out of Friday 's clash at Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to test Villa 's 100 per cent Premier League record .
Leeds confirmed the news in an update to their website on Tuesday .
`` Tough one to take but proud of our performance as a team , '' Phillips posted on Twitter and Instagram .
`` We dust ourselves down and go again .
Unfortunately during last night 's match I suffered a shoulder injury which will leave me out for a few weeks .
`` Luckily I won ’ t be needing surgery and have already started my rehab so looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible . ''
The defeat to Wolves leaves Leeds in 10th with two wins , one draw and two defeats from their opening fixtures - three points adrift of Villa who boast the country 's only perfect league record .
Phillips has settled into life in the Premier League extremely well after the Whites ' long-awaited promotion and he 's been included in Gareth Southgate 's last two England squads .
It could have all been so different after Villa tried to lure him to the second city in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a top transfer target by Dean Smith but the club failed with a £25million bid .

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Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips admits he was 'lucky' to avoid surgery after suffering an injury blow that rules him out against Aston Villa.
Phillips, 24, faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after hurting his shoulder as Leeds lost 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.
He managed to finish the match but appeared to be in discomfort after the final whistle at Elland Road having been nudged by Wolves striker Raul Jimenez in the closing stages of the match.
The injury means he is out of Friday's clash at Villa Park as Leeds become the latest side to test Villa's 100 per cent Premier League record.
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Leeds confirmed the news in an update to their website on Tuesday.
"Tough one to take but proud of our performance as a team," Phillips posted on Twitter and Instagram. "We dust ourselves down and go again. Unfortunately during last night's match I suffered a shoulder injury which will leave me out for a few weeks.
"Luckily I won’t be needing surgery and have already started my rehab so looking forward to getting back on the pitch as soon as possible."
The defeat to Wolves leaves Leeds in 10th with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their opening fixtures - three points adrift of Villa who boast the country's only perfect league record.
Phillips has settled into life in the Premier League extremely well after the Whites' long-awaited promotion and he's been included in Gareth Southgate's last two England squads.
It could have all been so different after Villa tried to lure him to the second city in the summer of 2019. Phillips was identified as a top transfer target by Dean Smith but the club failed with a £25million bid.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Far right activists who harassed refugees in hotels condemned

A coalition of organisations have united to condemn far right activists who filmed and harassed asylum seekers and refugees at local hotels .
More than 100 charities , councils , faith groups and unions have jointly criticised the actions of the men from Britain First .
The group filmed refugees at hotels in Birmingham and Bromsgrove without consent , later posting their videos on their website , while claiming asylum seekers and refugees were to blame for the country 's housing crisis .
Birmingham civic and charity leaders have joined a national coalition who say the incidents , and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of concerted attempts to scapegoat refugees , when blame for the country 's housing crisis was instead rooted in government policies and a lack of social housing .
The statement comes in the wake of incidents at accommodation housing asylum seekers in Birmingham , Bromsgrove , London , Wakefield and Newcastle .
One asylum seeker claimed an incident at the hotel she was staying in had left her traumatised : “ They were banging on my door .
I could hear shouting .
I didn ’ t know what was happening .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident and been told not to open my door or window . ''
In some of the videos , posted by Britain First on their own website , people can be seen entering different hotels without consent and banging on bedroom doors .
They question occupants about which country they are from and if they have paid for the room , before claiming thousands of British forces veterans are 'on the streets ' .
In one of the videos shot in Birmingham , the men approached the front doors but were unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an emergency lockdown procedure .
The footage was published online by the organisation , with no attempt to hide the faces of those filmed .
Many refugees are fleeing persecution , torture and wars , say the statement signatories .
Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said the actions of Britain First were designed to sow division , while Birmingham voluntary services council chief executive Brian Carr said : `` The attempt to scapegoat and intimidate refugees and asylum seekers for the country ’ s housing emergency is abhorrent . ''
The signatories said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to set the record straight : our housing emergency is caused not by those fleeing persecution but by a chronic lack of social housing in our communities . ''
Homeless Link , The Big Issue Foundation , Shelter , Crisis Skylight , St Basil 's , the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance , Acorns Birmingham , Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth , Emmaus UK , Women 's Aid Federation of England , Choose Love and Doctors of the World ( UK ) are among the signatories .
They are asking people to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local or national housing campaign to find out how to support their work .
• Writing to their local M.P .
asking them to support investment in social housing .
• Using the hashtag # socialhousingnotscapegoating when responding to articles or posts which blame asylum seekers , refugees or migrants for the housing crisis .
Nobody from Britain First was available to comment .
The statement is headed Social Housing Not Scapegoating and it cites research that revealed there were 280,000 people recorded as homeless in England last year , many of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B & Bs and hostels .
Of these , around 3 % are veterans , it says , citing a report by the West Midlands Combined Authority , entitled ‘ Designing out Veterans ’ Homelessness ’ ( 2020 ) .
In the same report , supported housing organisation Stoll say that of the 4,677 people sleeping rough in England on a single night in autumn 2018 , ‘ 140 of these were veterans ’ .
Their comments are to refute claims about the prevalence of veterans among the homeless .
The statement adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face a national housing emergency , but one caused by a failure from successive governments to build the social homes we need and not by asylum seekers or refugees .
`` We , the undersigned , deplore the actions of Britain First .
`` Instead of scapegoating vulnerable communities , we need to tackle the root causes of homelessness .
`` We are committed to ending homelessness amongst veterans and all members of society .
`` It is for this reason that hundreds of thousands of individuals and organisations are campaigning for urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Birmingham City Council , Councillor Ian Ward , said the joint statement was vital : “ Birmingham is a city that has consistently welcomed people fleeing persecution and we are proud that this continues to be a city of sanctuary .
`` We will resist attempts by organisations such as Britain First to sow division and we will not allow vulnerable communities to be scapegoated for the lack of social housing in the UK.
” Fellow signatory , deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands , Waheed Saleem , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and vulnerable is how we can ensure we create a just and fair society .
`` We know we have a housing crisis in this country and these attempts by the far-right to use vulnerable people as an excuse to spout hate and raise tension in our communities won ’ t work .
`` As people of Birmingham and the West Midlands we have written into our DNA the values of tolerance , respect and the want for everyone to be able to live a life without fear of persecution.
” Brian Carr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council , added : `` Our energy must be put into growing the availability of social housing , supporting vulnerable people , and working together to unite , rather than divide , our communities.
” And Lee Barron , the Regional Secretary for TUC Midlands , said : “ Those individuals who ’ ve attempted to scapegoat such vulnerable people for the housing crisis should be ashamed .
`` It is true that we have a housing crisis .
But that is a crisis of policy .
A crisis of government .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing is a political choice .
What we need is real action from political leaders to ensure all people to have a secure roof over their head.
” Coronavirus latest updates - how to get our free newsletter in your inbox There 's no doubt that Covid-19 has had a huge impact on all our lives .
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Find it on Google Play Store and App Store Nicki Norman , acting CEO of Women ’ s Aid Federation , added : “ There are many reasons why asylum seekers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women - which is why it ’ s so concerning that they could be identified in the shocking recorded footage .
`` It ’ s essential that asylum seekers can access their rights to safe and appropriate accommodation and investing in social housing is crucial to ensure this in the long term.
“ Britain First is a far right group formed by former members of the BNP .
In March 2018 , Facebook removed its accounts on the grounds that it had repeatedly violated its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly posted content designed to incite animosity and hatred against minority groups . ''
At the time its content had been liked by two million people .
The Home Office said the government has a legal obligation to provide destitute asylum seekers with temporary accommodation and support while their applications are being considered .

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A coalition of organisations have united to condemn far right activists who filmed and harassed asylum seekers and refugees at local hotels.
More than 100 charities, councils, faith groups and unions have jointly criticised the actions of the men from Britain First.
The group filmed refugees at hotels in Birmingham and Bromsgrove without consent, later posting their videos on their website, while claiming asylum seekers and refugees were to blame for the country's housing crisis.
Birmingham civic and charity leaders have joined a national coalition who say the incidents, and others like them this summer, were part of concerted attempts to scapegoat refugees, when blame for the country's housing crisis was instead rooted in government policies and a lack of social housing.
The statement comes in the wake of incidents at accommodation housing asylum seekers in Birmingham, Bromsgrove, London, Wakefield and Newcastle.
One asylum seeker claimed an incident at the hotel she was staying in had left her traumatised:
“They were banging on my door. I could hear shouting. I didn’t know what was happening. I’ve been left really traumatised by the incident and been told not to open my door or window."
In some of the videos, posted by Britain First on their own website, people can be seen entering different hotels without consent and banging on bedroom doors.
They question occupants about which country they are from and if they have paid for the room, before claiming thousands of British forces veterans are 'on the streets'.
In one of the videos shot in Birmingham, the men approached the front doors but were unable to get inside after the hotel activated an emergency lockdown procedure.
The footage was published online by the organisation, with no attempt to hide the faces of those filmed. Many refugees are fleeing persecution, torture and wars, say the statement signatories.
Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said the actions of Britain First were designed to sow division, while Birmingham voluntary services council chief executive Brian Carr said: "The attempt to scapegoat and intimidate refugees and asylum seekers for the country’s housing emergency is abhorrent."
The signatories said: "We want to take this opportunity to set the record straight: our housing emergency is caused not by those fleeing persecution but by a chronic lack of social housing in our communities."
Homeless Link, The Big Issue Foundation, Shelter, Crisis Skylight, St Basil's, the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, Acorns Birmingham, Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth, Emmaus UK, Women's Aid Federation of England, Choose Love and Doctors of the World (UK) are among the signatories.
They are asking people to help their campaign by:
Contacting a local or national housing campaign to find out how to support their work.
Writing to their local M.P. asking them to support investment in social housing.
Using the hashtag #socialhousingnotscapegoating when responding to articles or posts which blame asylum seekers, refugees or migrants for the housing crisis.
Nobody from Britain First was available to comment.
The Statement of Solidarity
The statement is headed Social Housing Not Scapegoating and it cites research that revealed there were 280,000 people recorded as homeless in England last year, many of them living in temporary accommodation, including emergency B&Bs and hostels.
Of these, around 3% are veterans, it says, citing a report by the West Midlands Combined Authority, entitled ‘Designing out Veterans’ Homelessness’ (2020).
In the same report, supported housing organisation Stoll say that of the 4,677 people sleeping rough in England on a single night in autumn 2018, ‘140 of these were veterans’.
Their comments are to refute claims about the prevalence of veterans among the homeless.
The statement adds: "In England, we do face a national housing emergency, but one caused by a failure from successive governments to build the social homes we need and not by asylum seekers or refugees.
"We, the undersigned, deplore the actions of Britain First.
"Instead of scapegoating vulnerable communities, we need to tackle the root causes of homelessness.
"We are committed to ending homelessness amongst veterans and all members of society.
"It is for this reason that hundreds of thousands of individuals and organisations are campaigning for urgent investment in social housing."
Birmingham is "city of sanctuary"
Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Ian Ward, said the joint statement was vital: “Birmingham is a city that has consistently welcomed people fleeing persecution and we are proud that this continues to be a city of sanctuary.
"We will resist attempts by organisations such as Britain First to sow division and we will not allow vulnerable communities to be scapegoated for the lack of social housing in the UK.”
Fellow signatory, deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Waheed Saleem, said: “Standing up for the marginalised and vulnerable is how we can ensure we create a just and fair society.
"We know we have a housing crisis in this country and these attempts by the far-right to use vulnerable people as an excuse to spout hate and raise tension in our communities won’t work.
"As people of Birmingham and the West Midlands we have written into our DNA the values of tolerance, respect and the want for everyone to be able to live a life without fear of persecution.”
Brian Carr, chief executive of Birmingham Voluntary Services Council, added: "Our energy must be put into growing the availability of social housing, supporting vulnerable people, and working together to unite, rather than divide, our communities.”
And Lee Barron, the Regional Secretary for TUC Midlands, said: “Those individuals who’ve attempted to scapegoat such vulnerable people for the housing crisis should be ashamed.
"It is true that we have a housing crisis. But that is a crisis of policy. A crisis of government.
"The chronic shortfall in social and affordable housing is a political choice. What we need is real action from political leaders to ensure all people to have a secure roof over their head.”
Nicki Norman, acting CEO of Women’s Aid Federation, added: “There are many reasons why asylum seekers have fled their country – including experiences of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women - which is why it’s so concerning that they could be identified in the shocking recorded footage.
"It’s essential that asylum seekers can access their rights to safe and appropriate accommodation and investing in social housing is crucial to ensure this in the long term.“
Britain First is a far right group formed by former members of the BNP.
In March 2018, Facebook removed its accounts on the grounds that it had repeatedly violated its community standards, saying the organisation "repeatedly posted content designed to incite animosity and hatred against minority groups." At the time its content had been liked by two million people.
The Home Office said the government has a legal obligation to provide destitute asylum seekers with temporary accommodation and support while their applications are being considered.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--BA plane makes emergency landing over "technical issue" and burning smell

A British Airways jet was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow shortly after take-off this morning because of a `` technical issue . ''
One passenger reported a burning smell and crew feeling unwell before the jet bound for Verona in Italy returned to the airport soon after 9am .
Flight BA 2596 had set off for the Italian city but had to turn back because of safety fears .
The airline posted an update to passengers saying aircraft had suffered a `` technical issue '' .
In a message from British Airways sent to one traveller , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the delay to your flight to Verona today .
`` We had to return back to London Heathrow due to a technical issue .
Safety is our number one priority and we would never continue a flight unless it was safe to do so .
`` We are currently in the process of arranging a new aircraft so that we are able to get you to your destination . ''
One passenger took to Twitter claiming “ they smelt burning and some of the cabin crew felt unwell ” .
A new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now expected to take-off later this morning .

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A British Airways jet was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow shortly after take-off this morning because of a "technical issue."
One passenger reported a burning smell and crew feeling unwell before the jet bound for Verona in Italy returned to the airport soon after 9am.
Flight BA 2596 had set off for the Italian city but had to turn back because of safety fears.
The airline posted an update to passengers saying aircraft had suffered a "technical issue".
In a message from British Airways sent to one traveller, a statement said: "We apologise for the delay to your flight to Verona today.
"We had to return back to London Heathrow due to a technical issue. Safety is our number one priority and we would never continue a flight unless it was safe to do so.
"We are currently in the process of arranging a new aircraft so that we are able to get you to your destination."
One passenger took to Twitter claiming “they smelt burning and some of the cabin crew felt unwell”.
A new aircraft has been arranged and the flight is now expected to take-off later this morning.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--University student, 20, found dead at accommodation

A student from Coventry University has been found dead at accommodation in the city centre .
Coventry University has confirmed that the man was one of their students .
The man , aged 20 , was discovered by emergency services after they were called to the Bishop Gate student complex .
The complex is situated on Tower Street and the 20-year-old was discovered on Friday .
West Midlands Police has confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious .
The death has now been referred to the coroner .
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday where the body of a man in his 20s was found .
`` His death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner . ''
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk .
You can contact them for free by calling 116 123 , email jo @ samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch .
You matter .
A Coventry University spokeswoman said : “ We are saddened by the death of one of our students .
`` Our thoughts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this awful time and we are offering all the support we can to the family .
“ We have a full range of mental health support services available for students and colleagues affected by this tragic news .
`` We ask that the family ’ s privacy be respected .
”

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A student from Coventry University has been found dead at accommodation in the city centre.
West Midlands Police has issued a statement on Wednesday October 21.
Coventry University has confirmed that the man was one of their students.
The man, aged 20, was discovered by emergency services after they were called to the Bishop Gate student complex.
The complex is situated on Tower Street and the 20-year-old was discovered on Friday.
West Midlands Police has confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
The death has now been referred to the coroner.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "We were called to the student accommodation on Friday where the body of a man in his 20s was found.
"His death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner."
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
A Coventry University spokeswoman said: “We are saddened by the death of one of our students.
"Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this awful time and we are offering all the support we can to the family.
“We have a full range of mental health support services available for students and colleagues affected by this tragic news.
"We ask that the family’s privacy be respected.”


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Drug dealer who earned £350,000 selling cocaine told to repay just £6

A kingpin drug dealer who pocketed almost £350k selling Batman cocaine was ordered to repay just £6.22 .
Daniel Delaney .
39 , was the head of a drugs network and employed his pals to distribute the class A drug which carried a Batman logo .
He was told that if he does n't stump up the cash within a month he will have an extra two weeks added to his 10 year three month sentence .
Judge David Griffith-Jones QC even quipped to defence barrister William England : `` I suppose you 'll pay that yourself . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ netted £348,595 from distributing cocaine via his friends throughout Medway .
But after an investigation into his means , Delaney was ordered to pay back a pittance sum after it was revealed he has just over £6 to his name .
Delaney was jailed in March after admitting conspiracy to supply class A drugs .
After an in-depth analysis of mobile phone evidence , detectives were able to link him to a 32-year-old man from Gillingham who was jailed for six years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been in possession of a bag containing several blocks of cocaine stamped with the Batman logo , with tens of thousands of pounds hidden in a secret compartment behind the back passenger seat of his car .
He was linked to the case of a 46-year-old travel agent from Lordswood who was jailed for eight years after he pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs .

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A kingpin drug dealer who pocketed almost £350k selling Batman cocaine was ordered to repay just £6.22.
Daniel Delaney. 39, was the head of a drugs network and employed his pals to distribute the class A drug which carried a Batman logo.
He was told that if he doesn't stump up the cash within a month he will have an extra two weeks added to his 10 year three month sentence.
Judge David Griffith-Jones QC even quipped to defence barrister William England: "I suppose you'll pay that yourself."
The dealer, from Gillingham, Kent, netted £348,595 from distributing cocaine via his friends throughout Medway.
But after an investigation into his means, Delaney was ordered to pay back a pittance sum after it was revealed he has just over £6 to his name.
Delaney was jailed in March after admitting conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
After an in-depth analysis of mobile phone evidence, detectives were able to link him to a 32-year-old man from Gillingham who was jailed for six years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
He was found to have been in possession of a bag containing several blocks of cocaine stamped with the Batman logo, with tens of thousands of pounds hidden in a secret compartment behind the back passenger seat of his car.
He was linked to the case of a 46-year-old travel agent from Lordswood who was jailed for eight years after he pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Bad landlords who fail to support vulnerable tenants target of new £1m project

A clampdown on landlords who exploit vulnerable tenants has been announced as part of a new pilot project in Birmingham .
The city council has secured £1 million to fund a six-month project to kickstart work to tackle bad landlords who take a benefits cash premium for housing people in need , but fail to provide the care and support they need .
The new funding from the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government , announced this week , will fund extra inspectors and social workers to visit problem properties .
It will also be used to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their families aware of the service they should expect and to roll out a Quality Standard for providers of exempt accommodation .
The pilot project comes as soaring numbers of people are living in rooms under exempt accommodation rules across the city .
Around 18,000 people are living in exempt accommodation , yet is it largely unregulated and little enforcement action is taken against bad landlords .
Tenants include people who are homeless , those with additional needs , people with mental health issues , addicts and prison leavers .
A recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation and HMOs in and around Handsworth 's Westminster Road area highlighted the impact of badly run services , with crime , violence , anti social behaviour and noise blighting entire neighbourhoods .
Exempt accommodation is funded through housing benefit which is topped up to include care and support elements .
Landlords who rent out a room under exempt rules can often charge two or three times as much , and more , in exchange for providing extra 'care and support ' .
Cllr Sharon Thompson , cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a welcome first step but more needed to be done .
“ Supported accommodation is essential for thousands of people who rely on it to live as independently as possible .
But it is essential that providers honour their commitment to deliver the right support .
“ I ’ m really pleased that we ’ ve received this funding which will not only help us to champion landlords who are providing a quality service but to have the resource available to be able to effectively monitor those landlords who are not .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulation for local authorities , Department for Work and Pensions and the Regulator of Social Housing so that those who provide poor standards to their tenants and the communities which they serve , face consequences which will make them change their practices .
`` The pilot in Birmingham will provide important learning to inform the scale of supported housing required and to help shape the provision in terms of quality and standards.
” The Birmingham pilot is also backed by key partners in the city .
Dominic Bradley , group chief executive at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are really pleased to work with Birmingham City Council to support their ambition that everyone living in supported accommodation should have the right to decent living conditions , to feel safe and protected , and have access to the right support at the right time .
“ What ’ s special for us is that the Charter of Rights has been co-designed with over 50 people that have experienced homelessness and the charter is a testament to their incredibly hard work over a sustained period , which will now be put into practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent approach to this style of housing provision in the city.
” Natalie Allen , programmes director at Birmingham Voluntary Services Council said , “ BVSC are delighted to be part of the Birmingham pilot into the use of Exempt Accommodation across our city .
`` The introduction of the Quality Standards will improve the consistency of support offered to individuals and allow referring agencies to identify those providers delivering quality support.
” Residents concerned about supported housing in their neighbourhoods should contact PRS @ birmingham.gov.uk to report issues .
Lords Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baroness Stedman-Scott said the Birmingham project was the biggest of five pilot schemes being launched , at a total cost of £3m .
“ We will work with experienced partners to make sure that , across the board , this vital support is up to scratch.
” BirminghamLive is investigating the impact of exempt accommodation and HMOs in our city - contact Jane Haynes to share your experiences , whether you are a neighbour , a tenant or a landlord .
We want to hear all sides of the story .

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A clampdown on landlords who exploit vulnerable tenants has been announced as part of a new pilot project in Birmingham.
The city council has secured £1 million to fund a six-month project to kickstart work to tackle bad landlords who take a benefits cash premium for housing people in need, but fail to provide the care and support they need.
The new funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, announced this week, will fund extra inspectors and social workers to visit problem properties.
It will also be used to create a Charter of Rights to make tenants and their families aware of the service they should expect and to roll out a Quality Standard for providers of exempt accommodation.
The pilot project comes as soaring numbers of people are living in rooms under exempt accommodation rules across the city.
Around 18,000 people are living in exempt accommodation, yet is it largely unregulated and little enforcement action is taken against bad landlords.
Tenants include people who are homeless, those with additional needs, people with mental health issues, addicts and prison leavers.
A recent report about the issue focussed on exempt accommodation and HMOs in and around Handsworth's Westminster Road area highlighted the impact of badly run services, with crime, violence, anti social behaviour and noise blighting entire neighbourhoods.
Exempt accommodation is funded through housing benefit which is topped up to include care and support elements. Landlords who rent out a room under exempt rules can often charge two or three times as much, and more, in exchange for providing extra 'care and support'.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods for Birmingham City Council, said it was a welcome first step but more needed to be done.
“Supported accommodation is essential for thousands of people who rely on it to live as independently as possible. But it is essential that providers honour their commitment to deliver the right support.
(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
“I’m really pleased that we’ve received this funding which will not only help us to champion landlords who are providing a quality service but to have the resource available to be able to effectively monitor those landlords who are not.
"However, we also need stronger regulation for local authorities, Department for Work and Pensions and the Regulator of Social Housing so that those who provide poor standards to their tenants and the communities which they serve, face consequences which will make them change their practices.
"The pilot in Birmingham will provide important learning to inform the scale of supported housing required and to help shape the provision in terms of quality and standards.”
The Birmingham pilot is also backed by key partners in the city.
Dominic Bradley, group chief executive at Spring Housing Association said, “We are really pleased to work with Birmingham City Council to support their ambition that everyone living in supported accommodation should have the right to decent living conditions, to feel safe and protected, and have access to the right support at the right time.
“What’s special for us is that the Charter of Rights has been co-designed with over 50 people that have experienced homelessness and the charter is a testament to their incredibly hard work over a sustained period, which will now be put into practice to ensure that we get a more consistent approach to this style of housing provision in the city.”
Natalie Allen, programmes director at Birmingham Voluntary Services Council said, “BVSC are delighted to be part of the Birmingham pilot into the use of Exempt Accommodation across our city.
"The introduction of the Quality Standards will improve the consistency of support offered to individuals and allow referring agencies to identify those providers delivering quality support.”
Residents concerned about supported housing in their neighbourhoods should contact PRS@birmingham.gov.uk to report issues.
Lords Minister for the Department for Work and Pensions, Baroness Stedman-Scott said the Birmingham project was the biggest of five pilot schemes being launched, at a total cost of £3m. “We will work with experienced partners to make sure that, across the board, this vital support is up to scratch.”
BirminghamLive is investigating the impact of exempt accommodation and HMOs in our city - contact Jane Haynes to share your experiences, whether you are a neighbour, a tenant or a landlord. We want to hear all sides of the story.
Email jane.haynes@reachplc.com


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Dean Smith lifts lid on interest in Leeds star Kalvin Phillips

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has confirmed how he was priced out of a move for Leeds United and England star Kalvin Phillips .
The head coach had the 24-year-old at the top of last summer 's wish-list but soon learned that Leeds demanded top-dollar for their star midfielder .
Phillips has since gone onto become an England starter under Gareth Southgate and , upon clinching promotion with his boyhood club last year , openly admitted how he came close to moving to Villa Park .
`` Aston Villa had been in touch and they ’ d gone into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play in the Premier League just like that , '' Phillips told The Athletic back in July .
`` And us losing in the play-offs killed me a bit .
It was hard to take .
`` To be honest , I was in a situation where I didn ’ t know what to do .
I was basically on the verge of leaving .
I was on the verge of saying I wanted to leave , but at the same time I didn ’ t want to say it . ''
Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victor Orta demanded as much as £30 million for Phillips last summer with Villa walking away from a deal at that price .
In the end , Smith - under the guidance of then-sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch - signed two defensive midfielders for £26 million , Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba .
Phillips controversially said he would have been `` getting relegated with Aston Villa instead '' during the post-promotion celebrations with Smith 's side ingrained in a relegation battle .
Villa , of course , survived by a single point and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's most in-form team having won four from their opening four Premier League matches .
As for Phillips , the midfielder has been ruled out of Friday 's match with a shoulder injury and , when asked about transfer discussions last summer , Smith expressed how there was interest .
`` He was on a list of players that we were interested in , '' he explained .
`` As far as I was aware it never got past initial talks stage with the price tag they wanted and rightly so if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they 're going now . ''
Phillips has been an ever-present under Marcelo Bielsa and , knowing he 's out of Friday 's clash , Smith added : `` Yeah ( it 's a boost ) , similar to Vardy not being in the Leicester team .
He 's been pivotal to the way they play and has rightly earned his way into the England team as well . ''

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Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has confirmed how he was priced out of a move for Leeds United and England star Kalvin Phillips.
The head coach had the 24-year-old at the top of last summer's wish-list but soon learned that Leeds demanded top-dollar for their star midfielder.
Phillips has since gone onto become an England starter under Gareth Southgate and, upon clinching promotion with his boyhood club last year, openly admitted how he came close to moving to Villa Park.
"Aston Villa had been in touch and they’d gone into the Premier League so I knew I could play in the Premier League just like that," Phillips told The Athletic back in July. "And us losing in the play-offs killed me a bit. It was hard to take.
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"To be honest, I was in a situation where I didn’t know what to do. I was basically on the verge of leaving. I was on the verge of saying I wanted to leave, but at the same time I didn’t want to say it."
Leeds, though, under director of football Victor Orta demanded as much as £30 million for Phillips last summer with Villa walking away from a deal at that price. In the end, Smith - under the guidance of then-sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch - signed two defensive midfielders for £26 million, Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba.
Phillips controversially said he would have been "getting relegated with Aston Villa instead" during the post-promotion celebrations with Smith's side ingrained in a relegation battle.
Villa, of course, survived by a single point and have started this season as the division's most in-form team having won four from their opening four Premier League matches.
As for Phillips, the midfielder has been ruled out of Friday's match with a shoulder injury and, when asked about transfer discussions last summer, Smith expressed how there was interest.
"He was on a list of players that we were interested in," he explained. "As far as I was aware it never got past initial talks stage with the price tag they wanted and rightly so if you look at their season last year and what they're going now."
Phillips has been an ever-present under Marcelo Bielsa and, knowing he's out of Friday's clash, Smith added: "Yeah (it's a boost), similar to Vardy not being in the Leicester team. He's been pivotal to the way they play and has rightly earned his way into the England team as well."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Aston Villa fans have '£35m' transfer theory as Ivan Toney nets again

Aston Villa fans think their side could be in the market for another Brentford player soon .
Villa signed Ollie Watkins from the Bees for £28 million in September , with Dean Smith returning to his old side for the striker who he signed from Exeter City in 2017 .
Smith had also been linked with Said Benrahma , who has since moved to West Ham United and left-back Rico Henry while Ezri Konsa was signed by Smith last year .
Neal Maupay , who ended up going to Brighton and Hove Albion , was heavily linked with Villa last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the two clubs in terms of players being linked and transfers getting done .
Ivan Toney , Watkins ' replacement , scored his sixth and seventh goals in four games for Brentford tonight .
Toney netted the opening strike in the Bees ' Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday tonight after only seven minutes before adding a second on the half-hour mark .
The former Newcastle United man was signed for around £10m from Peterborough United in the summer and has hit the ground running in West London .
And Villa fans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Villa Park .
`` Looking forward to signing Toney for £35m in 2022 , '' one fan said .
Another added : `` I 'm guessing Toney will be a Villa player in about one or two seasons , '' while another said : `` I was thinking that . ''
`` Just called up Brentford , they want £30m for him , '' a fourth fan added .
`` We buying Toney next year then or what ? ''
another asked .

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Aston Villa fans think their side could be in the market for another Brentford player soon.
Villa signed Ollie Watkins from the Bees for £28 million in September, with Dean Smith returning to his old side for the striker who he signed from Exeter City in 2017.
Smith had also been linked with Said Benrahma, who has since moved to West Ham United and left-back Rico Henry while Ezri Konsa was signed by Smith last year.
Neal Maupay, who ended up going to Brighton and Hove Albion, was heavily linked with Villa last summer so there is quite the history between the two clubs in terms of players being linked and transfers getting done.
Ivan Toney, Watkins' replacement, scored his sixth and seventh goals in four games for Brentford tonight.
Toney netted the opening strike in the Bees' Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday tonight after only seven minutes before adding a second on the half-hour mark.
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The former Newcastle United man was signed for around £10m from Peterborough United in the summer and has hit the ground running in West London.
And Villa fans, perhaps cheekily, think he is destined for Villa Park.
"Looking forward to signing Toney for £35m in 2022," one fan said.
Another added: "I'm guessing Toney will be a Villa player in about one or two seasons," while another said: "I was thinking that."
"Just called up Brentford, they want £30m for him," a fourth fan added.
"We buying Toney next year then or what?" another asked.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Aston Villa evening headlines as Chelsea demand sent and Leeds decision made

Aston Villa are preparing for Friday night 's Premier League clash with Leeds United at Villa Park ( 8pm ) .
It 's been a busy day of Villa news and views with head coach Dean Smith holding his pre-match press conference and Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa also briefing the media .
We 've had injury updates from both sides with the biggest story coming from Elland Road with confirmation that Kalvin Phillips , who is going to miss the game with a shoulder injury , set to be replaced by Pascal Struijk .
Smith has been responding to questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ross Barkley on a permanent deal from Chelsea , while he was also quizzed on the latest injury news and views as his side look to retain their 100 per cent start to 2020-21 .
Villa fans have been reacting to Smith 's comments about a permanent transfer for Barkley .
Barkley , signed on loan from Premier League rivals Chelsea in September , has shone in both of his games for Smith 's side so far .
The former Everton man has scored in games against Liverpool and Leicester City , netting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the King Power Stadium .
Barkley 's loan is up at the end of the season and his contract with Chelsea , whom he joined in 2018 from boyhood club Everton , runs until 2023 .
Leeds fans have been reacting to Bielsa 's injury update on Phillips and his replacement .
England international Phillips has been ruled out of Friday night 's game .
Phillips injured his shoulder in Monday night 's 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers but does not need surgery on the injury .
While Leeds ' website said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six weeks out , Bielsa moved to dismiss that and said he does n't have a timescale for the one-time Villa transfer target '' s return .
Former Villa striker Stan Collymore has revealed his reservations about goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez - and has admitted they have already gone .
Martinez , a summer signing from Arsenal for around £20 million , has slotted in as Smith 's number one goalkeeper .
With Pepe Reina heading back to Italy after the conclusion of his loan spell and Orjan Nyland 's consistency an issue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Added to that an injury to Jed Steer - who is back fit - and the long-term absence of Tom Heaton because of a serious knee injury suffered on New Year 's Day , goalkeeper was a department that could have done with strengthening .
Indiana Vassilev is continuing his progress at Burton Albion .
Jake Buxton 's side are currently in a rut , but Vassilev is doing his level best to get them back to winning ways .
The Villa loanee was one of the Brewers ' better players in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Vassilev played the full 90 minutes of the League One match , the first time he has done so in a League game .

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Aston Villa are preparing for Friday night's Premier League clash with Leeds United at Villa Park (8pm).
It's been a busy day of Villa news and views with head coach Dean Smith holding his pre-match press conference and Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa also briefing the media.
We've had injury updates from both sides with the biggest story coming from Elland Road with confirmation that Kalvin Phillips, who is going to miss the game with a shoulder injury, set to be replaced by Pascal Struijk.
Smith has been responding to questions about whether Villa can land loan signing Ross Barkley on a permanent deal from Chelsea, while he was also quizzed on the latest injury news and views as his side look to retain their 100 per cent start to 2020-21.
Villa sent 'pay £40m' transfer after Chelsea response
Villa fans have been reacting to Smith's comments about a permanent transfer for Barkley.
Barkley, signed on loan from Premier League rivals Chelsea in September, has shone in both of his games for Smith's side so far.
The former Everton man has scored in games against Liverpool and Leicester City, netting the winner late on last time out at the King Power Stadium.
Barkley's loan is up at the end of the season and his contract with Chelsea, whom he joined in 2018 from boyhood club Everton, runs until 2023.
More HERE.
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Leeds fans react as Bielsa confirms Villa decision
Leeds fans have been reacting to Bielsa's injury update on Phillips and his replacement.
England international Phillips has been ruled out of Friday night's game.
Phillips injured his shoulder in Monday night's 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers but does not need surgery on the injury.
While Leeds' website said that Phillips could face as long as six weeks out, Bielsa moved to dismiss that and said he doesn't have a timescale for the one-time Villa transfer target''s return.
Full piece HERE.
The 'exceptional' Villa star proving Collymore wrong
Former Villa striker Stan Collymore has revealed his reservations about goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez - and has admitted they have already gone.
Martinez, a summer signing from Arsenal for around £20 million, has slotted in as Smith's number one goalkeeper.
With Pepe Reina heading back to Italy after the conclusion of his loan spell and Orjan Nyland's consistency an issue, Smith felt a new stopper was needed.
Added to that an injury to Jed Steer - who is back fit - and the long-term absence of Tom Heaton because of a serious knee injury suffered on New Year's Day, goalkeeper was a department that could have done with strengthening.
More HERE.
The Villa starlet catching Smith's eye with dazzling display
Indiana Vassilev is continuing his progress at Burton Albion.
Jake Buxton's side are currently in a rut, but Vassilev is doing his level best to get them back to winning ways.
The Villa loanee was one of the Brewers' better players in a 1-0 defeat to Rochdale last night.
Vassilev played the full 90 minutes of the League One match, the first time he has done so in a League game.
Full piece HERE.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Pub slams 'no-shows' after 162 bookings fail to turn up in a week

A Shirley gastropub has hit out at 'no-shows ' after 162 bookings failed to show up in just a week .
Bosses at The Farm shared their disappointment after a huge number of would-be diners failed to turn up over the course of seven days .
The popular venue was left with empty seats , while other frustrated customers said they had struggled to get a reservation after being told the pub was 'fully booked ' .
The pub say they can 'cope with the ever-changing Covid rules ' - but 'wo n't survive ' if the no-shows continue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right thing and cancel ' .
A statement on the gastropub 's Facebook page read : `` We can cope with the ever changing COVID rules , regulations and reduced trading hours .
`` We can adapt and strive to do what we do best as this is what we love to do .
We want to be here to offer you a lovely place to meet , eat , drink and catch up .
`` Last week alone we unfortunately had 162 no shows .
We wont survive if this continues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crop up but if you can ’ t make your reservation please contact us to let us know .
`` The last thing we want is empty seats .
Please do the right thing and cancel ! ''
Commenting on the post , one woman wrote : `` This is really annoying .
Especially this past month .
I tried to book a table twice and was told it was fully booked both times .
It 's so disappointing to think we could n't get a table and so many people just have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on businesses trying to survive during these difficult times . ''

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A Shirley gastropub has hit out at 'no-shows' after 162 bookings failed to show up in just a week.
Bosses at The Farm shared their disappointment after a huge number of would-be diners failed to turn up over the course of seven days.
The popular venue was left with empty seats, while other frustrated customers said they had struggled to get a reservation after being told the pub was 'fully booked'.
The pub say they can 'cope with the ever-changing Covid rules ' - but 'won't survive' if the no-shows continue.
And they urged people to 'do the right thing and cancel'.
A statement on the gastropub's Facebook page read: "We can cope with the ever changing COVID rules, regulations and reduced trading hours.
"We can adapt and strive to do what we do best as this is what we love to do. We want to be here to offer you a lovely place to meet, eat, drink and catch up.
"Last week alone we unfortunately had 162 no shows. We wont survive if this continues.
"We appreciate plans change and things crop up but if you can’t make your reservation please contact us to let us know.
"The last thing we want is empty seats. Please do the right thing and cancel!"
Commenting on the post, one woman wrote: "This is really annoying. Especially this past month. I tried to book a table twice and was told it was fully booked both times. It's so disappointing to think we couldn't get a table and so many people just haven't bothered turning up. Not fair on businesses trying to survive during these difficult times."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--West Midlands city will enter tier 2 - with 'no extra financial support'

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has confirmed Coventry will enter tier two of coronavirus restrictions , But the Mayor has also said the government has `` no extra financial support available '' for the West Midlands hospitality sector .
In an update on social media this evening , Mr Street wrote on Twitter : `` Currently , there 's no extra financial support available for our hospitality sector in Tier Two which can not possibly be right .
`` I will continue to press Govt on this & I 'm confident we will get a breakthrough soon . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed to see Coventry joining the majority of the WM in Tier 2 , but with cases rising over the last few weeks it is clear the city needs to move to stricter restrictions .
`` However as I 've said before , Tier 2 restrictions do present a serious economic challenge . ''
It comes merely 24 hours after the former John Lewis managing director said he would be `` lobbying vociferously '' for financial support if the West Midlands was forced into lockdown .
Mr Street said there were currently no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tier 3 , but added that if the number of cases continued to rise then he would `` naturally '' have to begin dialogue with the Government .
The majority of the West Midlands is currently under Tier 2 , with Birmingham reaching 219.7 cases per 100,000 - a total of 2,509 new cases in the seven days up to October 16 .
Releasing a statement on Tuesday evening , Mr Street said : `` As it stands , there are no plans for any of the West Midlands to move into Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a position we must look to maintain for as long as possible to help protect people 's lives and livelihoods .
`` However , our case numbers are rising - albeit more slowly than in other parts of the country - and if they continue to rise in the coming weeks then naturally we will have to begin the dialogue with Government about whether a move into the 'very high ' level of restrictions is appropriate .
`` Clearly any move into Tier 3 - the current highest level of restrictions - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will be lobbying vociferously for this .
`` I would hope to do this alongside local authority leaders on a cross-party basis , as has been the way throughout the pandemic . ''

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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has confirmed Coventry will enter tier two of coronavirus restrictions,
But the Mayor has also said the government has "no extra financial support available" for the West Midlands hospitality sector.
In an update on social media this evening, Mr Street wrote on Twitter: "Currently, there's no extra financial support available for our hospitality sector in Tier Two which cannot possibly be right.
"I will continue to press Govt on this & I'm confident we will get a breakthrough soon."
He had earlier posted: "I'm disappointed to see Coventry joining the majority of the WM in Tier 2, but with cases rising over the last few weeks it is clear the city needs to move to stricter restrictions.
"However as I've said before, Tier 2 restrictions do present a serious economic challenge."
It comes merely 24 hours after the former John Lewis managing director said he would be "lobbying vociferously" for financial support if the West Midlands was forced into lockdown.
Mr Street said there were currently no plans for the region to move into Tier 3, but added that if the number of cases continued to rise then he would "naturally" have to begin dialogue with the Government.
The majority of the West Midlands is currently under Tier 2, with Birmingham reaching 219.7 cases per 100,000 - a total of 2,509 new cases in the seven days up to October 16.
Releasing a statement on Tuesday evening, Mr Street said: "As it stands, there are no plans for any of the West Midlands to move into Tier 3 of coronavirus restrictions, and this is a position we must look to maintain for as long as possible to help protect people's lives and livelihoods.
"However, our case numbers are rising - albeit more slowly than in other parts of the country - and if they continue to rise in the coming weeks then naturally we will have to begin the dialogue with Government about whether a move into the 'very high' level of restrictions is appropriate.
"Clearly any move into Tier 3 - the current highest level of restrictions - will require significant financial support, and I will be lobbying vociferously for this.
"I would hope to do this alongside local authority leaders on a cross-party basis, as has been the way throughout the pandemic."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Indiana Vassilev continues Burton Albion progress with dazzling Rochdale display

Indiana Vassilev is continuing his progress at Burton Albion .
Jake Buxton 's side are currently in a rut , but Vassilev is doing his level best to get them back to winning ways .
The Aston Villa loanee was one of the Brewers ' better players in a 1-0 defeat to Rochdale last night .
Vassilev played the full 90 minutes of the League One match , the first time he has done so in a League game .
The two-cap United States Under-20 international , who has been with Villa since 2018 and signed a new deal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of a front-three .
In a fluid forward line , Vassilev interchanged with Lucas Akins and drifted over to the right on occasion .
Vassilev showed devilish trickery and has a wand of a left foot , the former IMG Academy starlet always looking to beat his marker and whip in a cross .
Unfortunately for him , no Burton player could get on the end of any of Vassilev 's crosses .
He was at the heart of most of Albion 's attacks , heading over with their first attempt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross that presented Albion with their best chance as Kane Hemmings hit the post and another sumptuous ball in late on deserved to be turned home .
Buxton has said Vassilev is improving with each game and once the youngster is fully firing in League One Villa fans could be in for a treat .
`` He 's been improving with the minutes each week , Vassilev has , '' Buxton said .
`` He 's a good lad and his performances have got better each game and I thought tonight ...
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that his performance was at the level which was required .
`` He ran his socks off on Saturday against Bristol and I expected him to be short of energy and not be quite right .
`` He trained really brightly yesterday and he stayed in the side and he was one of the positives tonight . ''
Villa head coach Dean Smith and academy manager Mark Harrison will have high hopes for Vassilev and he is one of a few emerging talents at Bodymoor Heath .
If Vassilev can continue his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record for developing loanees - then surely a place in the first-team squad at Villa is definitely in his sights .

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Indiana Vassilev is continuing his progress at Burton Albion.
Jake Buxton's side are currently in a rut, but Vassilev is doing his level best to get them back to winning ways.
The Aston Villa loanee was one of the Brewers' better players in a 1-0 defeat to Rochdale last night.
Vassilev played the full 90 minutes of the League One match, the first time he has done so in a League game.
The two-cap United States Under-20 international, who has been with Villa since 2018 and signed a new deal in May, started out on the left-hand side of a front-three.
In a fluid forward line, Vassilev interchanged with Lucas Akins and drifted over to the right on occasion.
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Vassilev showed devilish trickery and has a wand of a left foot, the former IMG Academy starlet always looking to beat his marker and whip in a cross.
Unfortunately for him, no Burton player could get on the end of any of Vassilev's crosses.
He was at the heart of most of Albion's attacks, heading over with their first attempt on goal.
Indeed, it was his cross that presented Albion with their best chance as Kane Hemmings hit the post and another sumptuous ball in late on deserved to be turned home.
Buxton has said Vassilev is improving with each game and once the youngster is fully firing in League One Villa fans could be in for a treat.
"He's been improving with the minutes each week, Vassilev has," Buxton said.
"He's a good lad and his performances have got better each game and I thought tonight...I singled him out after the game to say that his performance was at the level which was required.
"He ran his socks off on Saturday against Bristol and I expected him to be short of energy and not be quite right.
"He trained really brightly yesterday and he stayed in the side and he was one of the positives tonight."
Villa head coach Dean Smith and academy manager Mark Harrison will have high hopes for Vassilev and he is one of a few emerging talents at Bodymoor Heath.
If Vassilev can continue his development - and Burton have a good record for developing loanees - then surely a place in the first-team squad at Villa is definitely in his sights.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Oxford University coronavirus vaccine trial volunteer dies in Brazil

A probe has been launched after a volunteer taking part in trials for the Oxford University and AstraZeneca vaccine died in South America .
But testing has not been halted , according to reports .
The Federal University of Sao Paulo said the volunteer was Brazilian , and the death took place in the South American country .
An investigation is underway into the death but no further details are available ( Wednesday October 21 ) .
It comes after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has overruled his own health minister , rejecting the announced purchase of 46 million doses of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being tested in Sao Paulo state .
Health minister Eduardo Pazuello announced the purchase on Tuesday alongside Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria , a foe of Mr Bolsonaro whose state government is participating in the vaccine 's development .
The cost of the acquisition was estimated at two billion Brazilian reals ( £272 million ) .
`` The Brazilian people will not be anyone 's guinea pig , '' Mr Bolsonaro said on his social media channels , adding the shot made by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac is yet to finish its testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential vaccines .
`` My decision is to not purchase such a vaccine , '' he said .
It is common practice for governments to purchase doses of promising vaccines to build a stockpile in case they are proven effective .
That investment is usually not refundable if the shot fails .
Brazil counts more than 153,000 deaths by Covid-19 second only to the United States .

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A probe has been launched after a volunteer taking part in trials for the Oxford University and AstraZeneca vaccine died in South America.
But testing has not been halted, according to reports.
The Federal University of Sao Paulo said the volunteer was Brazilian, and the death took place in the South American country.
An investigation is underway into the death but no further details are available (Wednesday October 21).
It comes after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has overruled his own health minister, rejecting the announced purchase of 46 million doses of CoronaVac, a potential vaccine against Covid-19 being tested in Sao Paulo state.
Health minister Eduardo Pazuello announced the purchase on Tuesday alongside Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria, a foe of Mr Bolsonaro whose state government is participating in the vaccine's development.
(Image: PA)
The cost of the acquisition was estimated at two billion Brazilian reals (£272 million).
"The Brazilian people will not be anyone's guinea pig," Mr Bolsonaro said on his social media channels, adding the shot made by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac is yet to finish its testing phase - which is true of all potential vaccines.
"My decision is to not purchase such a vaccine," he said.
It is common practice for governments to purchase doses of promising vaccines to build a stockpile in case they are proven effective.
That investment is usually not refundable if the shot fails.
Brazil counts more than 153,000 deaths by Covid-19 second only to the United States.


birminghammail--2020-10-21--New Covid-19 testing site will be first of 5 new walk-in venues

The first of five new walk-in Covid-19 testing sites is set to open in Worcestershire with the date and location now revealed .
A new Covid testing site will open at the Trescott Road Car Park near the Trafford Retail Park in Redditch on Monday ( October 26 ) .
It will be the first of five new testing sites in the county announced more than a month ago to bolster testing capacity in the county .
A second will open at the Worcester Arena car park on the University of Worcester site ‘ next week ’ .
With three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at an as yet unnamed location .
Redditch currently has the second highest coronavirus rate in the county at 118.5 cases per 100,000 ( 101 cases ) in the week to October 16 , up from 76.2 ( 65 ) a week ago .
Bromsgrove has the highest rate at 167.2 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people , Wyre Forest third highest at 82.9 , then Wychavon at 82.7 , Worcester at 79 and Malvern Hills at 59.7 .
Dr Kathryn Cobain , Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said : “ For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with partners across the county and Department for Health and Social Care to find locations for additional local walk-through testing sites in each of the districts of Worcestershire .
`` One of the first to come in to use , will be located in Redditch .
The site in Trescott Road car park should be operational by Monday ( October 26 ) if a pilot day on Friday ( October 23 ) confirms the site is ready to use .
“ The walk-through testing sites , which include Worcester Arena car park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also due to start operating next week , will offer local options for testing for all Worcestershire residents .
“ There will be five new walk-through testing sites available throughout Worcestershire by the end of November .
In addition , they can be accessed on foot offering more choice for those who don ’ t drive or have access to a vehicle .
“ The local walk through testing sites , provide the opportunity to be tested much nearer to where you live .
These are not walk in centres and tests must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book an appointment at a local walk through testing site please avoid using public transport and instead walk or cycle if you can .
“ Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures , including social distancing and wearing a face covering while at the centre .
“ By expanding our local testing sites and offering the extra 'on foot ' option , we are making it even easier for people to get a test when they need it.
” Redditch MP , Rachel Maclean , said the Redditch site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum of three months ’ , if the pilot goes well .
Mrs Maclean said : “ The local testing site I secured for our town after working with local Public Health officials and the Department for Health & Social Care will be opening next Monday ( October 26 ) .
“ A pilot day at the Trescott Road Car Park testing site will take place on Friday .
This will help officials to make sure this site is suitable for this facility as it will remain in place for a minimum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the site will then go live on Monday .
“ This facility , the first of these local testing sites to open in Worcestershire , will help in our fight against coronavirus here in Redditch .
Residents will be able to access testing much more easily – enabling us to control the spread of this virus .
”

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The first of five new walk-in Covid-19 testing sites is set to open in Worcestershire with the date and location now revealed.
A new Covid testing site will open at the Trescott Road Car Park near the Trafford Retail Park in Redditch on Monday (October 26).
It will be the first of five new testing sites in the county announced more than a month ago to bolster testing capacity in the county. A second will open at the Worcester Arena car park on the University of Worcester site ‘next week’.
With three more planned in Bromsgrove, Kidderminster and at an as yet unnamed location.
Redditch currently has the second highest coronavirus rate in the county at 118.5 cases per 100,000 (101 cases) in the week to October 16, up from 76.2 (65) a week ago.
Bromsgrove has the highest rate at 167.2 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people, Wyre Forest third highest at 82.9, then Wychavon at 82.7, Worcester at 79 and Malvern Hills at 59.7.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said: “For a number of weeks, we have been working with partners across the county and Department for Health and Social Care to find locations for additional local walk-through testing sites in each of the districts of Worcestershire.
"One of the first to come in to use, will be located in Redditch. The site in Trescott Road car park should be operational by Monday (October 26) if a pilot day on Friday (October 23) confirms the site is ready to use.
“The walk-through testing sites, which include Worcester Arena car park on the University of Worcester site, also due to start operating next week, will offer local options for testing for all Worcestershire residents.
“There will be five new walk-through testing sites available throughout Worcestershire by the end of November. In addition, they can be accessed on foot offering more choice for those who don’t drive or have access to a vehicle.
“The local walk through testing sites, provide the opportunity to be tested much nearer to where you live. These are not walk in centres and tests must be booked online.
“If you book an appointment at a local walk through testing site please avoid using public transport and instead walk or cycle if you can.
“Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing and wearing a face covering while at the centre.
“By expanding our local testing sites and offering the extra 'on foot' option, we are making it even easier for people to get a test when they need it.”
Redditch MP, Rachel Maclean, said the Redditch site will remain in place ‘for a minimum of three months’, if the pilot goes well.
Mrs Maclean said: “The local testing site I secured for our town after working with local Public Health officials and the Department for Health & Social Care will be opening next Monday (October 26).
“A pilot day at the Trescott Road Car Park testing site will take place on Friday. This will help officials to make sure this site is suitable for this facility as it will remain in place for a minimum of three months. If all goes well, the site will then go live on Monday.
“This facility, the first of these local testing sites to open in Worcestershire, will help in our fight against coronavirus here in Redditch. Residents will be able to access testing much more easily – enabling us to control the spread of this virus.”


birminghammail--2020-10-21--Robbers deliberately reverse car into newsagents in ram raid

An investigation has been launched after a Willenhall newsagents was ram raided .
Thieves reportedly reversed a car into the @ @ @ @ @ , at around 2am today , Tuesday , October 21 .
Raiders snatched a quantity @ @ @ @ @ shops till .
No arrests have been made and police are urging anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for West Midlands Police said : “ We ’ ve launched an investigation following @ @ @ @ @ Walsall newsagents in the early hours of this morning ( October 21 ) .
“ @ @ @ @ @ at RS News in Wolverhampton Street , Willenhall .
We believe a car was deliberately @ @ @ @ @ before offenders got out to steal the till and a quantity of cigarettes .
“ @ @ @ @ @ is asked to message us on Live Chat via our website and quote crime reference @ @ @

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An investigation has been launched after a Willenhall newsagents was ram raided.
Thieves reportedly reversed a car into the RS News on Wolverhampton Street, at around 2am today, Tuesday, October 21.
Raiders snatched a quantity of cigarettes along with the shops till.
No arrests have been made and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “We’ve launched an investigation following a ram raid at a Walsall newsagents in the early hours of this morning (October 21).
“It happened just after 2am at RS News in Wolverhampton Street, Willenhall. We believe a car was deliberately reversed into the shop shutters before offenders got out to steal the till and a quantity of cigarettes.
“Anyone who saw what happened is asked to message us on Live Chat via our website and quote crime reference 20WS/256701Q/20."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--The inside track on Craig Shakespeare's impact at Aston Villa

Dean Smith has detailed the importance of Craig Shakespeare after getting the Leicester City title-winner to sign terms over the summer .
'Shakey ' became Smith 's third assistant head coach at Villa and he 's been working alongside John Terry and Richard O'Kelly since August .
Head of goalkeeping Neil Cutler remains an influential figure too - as does performance director Jeremy Oliver .
But , following his shock dismissal from Watford back in July , Smith immediately went to work on asking chief executive Christian Purslow to add Shakespeare to his backroom setup .
The former Everton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr - has already put his stamp on Villa and remains a vocal figure at Bodymoor Heath and during the warm-ups on match-days .
Smith , meanwhile , has spoken about how Shakespeare 's fitted in and revealed how he leans on the 56-year-old to gauge the mood amongst the first-team playing squad .
`` Yeah , he 's had a big impact , '' Smith explained .
`` He 's a top coach , he 's been a manager at Leicester at this level before and understands how I 'm working and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you lot , especially !
`` He understands the ins and outs of everything .
He 's been a Premier League winner as an assistant manager .
He 's got a good character and personality - but a really good feel about players and feelings amongst everybody .
That 's as well as being as good a coach as he is on the training ground as well .
`` He 's added what we 've already got here .
We 've got a really good coaching staff with different variations now and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Speaking after being unveiled at Bodymoor Heath , new assistant head coach Shakespeare said : `` Premier League know-how means nothing unless you want to add to it as well , to be involved and to push , cajole people along and , sometimes , demand .
It 's about that .
It 's about winning , getting results .
`` I 'm a different pair of eyes , a different thought process , tactically .
I 'm chuffed to be working with Richard , John and Neil .
There seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here amongst the staff and players . ''

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Dean Smith has detailed the importance of Craig Shakespeare after getting the Leicester City title-winner to sign terms over the summer.
'Shakey' became Smith's third assistant head coach at Villa and he's been working alongside John Terry and Richard O'Kelly since August. Head of goalkeeping Neil Cutler remains an influential figure too - as does performance director Jeremy Oliver.
But, following his shock dismissal from Watford back in July, Smith immediately went to work on asking chief executive Christian Purslow to add Shakespeare to his backroom setup.
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The former Everton and England coach - who hails from Great Barr - has already put his stamp on Villa and remains a vocal figure at Bodymoor Heath and during the warm-ups on match-days.
Smith, meanwhile, has spoken about how Shakespeare's fitted in and revealed how he leans on the 56-year-old to gauge the mood amongst the first-team playing squad.
"Yeah, he's had a big impact," Smith explained. "He's a top coach, he's been a manager at Leicester at this level before and understands how I'm working and the time I have to give to you lot, especially!
"He understands the ins and outs of everything. He's been a Premier League winner as an assistant manager. He's got a good character and personality - but a really good feel about players and feelings amongst everybody. That's as well as being as good a coach as he is on the training ground as well.
"He's added what we've already got here. We've got a really good coaching staff with different variations now and it's helpful, that's for sure."
Speaking after being unveiled at Bodymoor Heath, new assistant head coach Shakespeare said: "Premier League know-how means nothing unless you want to add to it as well, to be involved and to push, cajole people along and, sometimes, demand. It's about that. It's about winning, getting results.
"I'm a different pair of eyes, a different thought process, tactically. I'm chuffed to be working with Richard, John and Neil. There seems to be a really good work ethic here amongst the staff and players."


birminghammail--2020-10-21--The 'exceptional' Aston Villa star who has proved Stan Collymore wrong

Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has revealed his reservations about goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez - and has admitted they have already gone .
Martinez , a summer signing from Arsenal for around £20 million , has slotted in as Dean Smith 's number one goalkeeper .
With Pepe Reina heading back to Italy after the conclusion of his loan spell and Orjan Nyland 's consistency an issue , Smith felt a new stopper was needed .
Added to that an injury to Jed Steer - who is back fit - and the long-term absence of Tom Heaton because of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Day , goalkeeper was a department that could have done with strengthening .
Martinez ended up leaving Arsenal to secure first-team football in the long-term after finally getting his break at the Emirates Stadium after a decade in North London .
The Argentine ended the season as Mikel Arteta 's first-choice stopper after injury ended Bernd Leno 's campaign but the German was reinstated as Arsenal 's number one once he returned to fitness .
Martinez has enjoyed a fine start to life in claret and blue , keeping three clean sheets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming in the 7-2 defeat of Premier League champions Liverpool .
His Villa career got off to a flyer when he saved a penalty in a 1-0 win against Sheffield United on his debut .
And Villa fan Collymore says his doubts about Martinez have gone away after a commanding beginning to his time at Villa Park .
Writing in the Mirror , he said : `` Getting rid of Suso , the previous incumbent , was the right thing to do by Villa .
He was rubbish and if you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signings. ''
Lange has recruited very , very well and Matty Cash , Ollie Watkins , Ross Barkley and Emiliano Martinez are all 9/10 signings. ''
Barkley and Martinez , in particular - and I 'm happy to say my reservations about the latter have gone already .
`` I was n't sure why someone who was n't good enough to be Arsenal 's No.1 at a time when they did n't have a brilliant goalkeeping roster would be good enough for the job at Villa .
`` But he has been exceptional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was just unlucky look to have been right . ''

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Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has revealed his reservations about goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez - and has admitted they have already gone.
Martinez, a summer signing from Arsenal for around £20 million, has slotted in as Dean Smith 's number one goalkeeper.
With Pepe Reina heading back to Italy after the conclusion of his loan spell and Orjan Nyland's consistency an issue, Smith felt a new stopper was needed.
Added to that an injury to Jed Steer - who is back fit - and the long-term absence of Tom Heaton because of a serious knee injury suffered on New Year's Day, goalkeeper was a department that could have done with strengthening.
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Martinez ended up leaving Arsenal to secure first-team football in the long-term after finally getting his break at the Emirates Stadium after a decade in North London.
The Argentine ended the season as Mikel Arteta's first-choice stopper after injury ended Bernd Leno's campaign but the German was reinstated as Arsenal's number one once he returned to fitness.
Martinez has enjoyed a fine start to life in claret and blue, keeping three clean sheets and conceding only two goals with both coming in the 7-2 defeat of Premier League champions Liverpool.
His Villa career got off to a flyer when he saved a penalty in a 1-0 win against Sheffield United on his debut.
And Villa fan Collymore says his doubts about Martinez have gone away after a commanding beginning to his time at Villa Park.
Writing in the Mirror , he said: "Getting rid of Suso, the previous incumbent, was the right thing to do by Villa. He was rubbish and if you have a rubbish sporting director he will make rubbish signings.
" Lange has recruited very, very well and Matty Cash, Ollie Watkins, Ross Barkley and Emiliano Martinez are all 9/10 signings.
" Barkley and Martinez, in particular - and I'm happy to say my reservations about the latter have gone already.
"I wasn't sure why someone who wasn't good enough to be Arsenal's No.1 at a time when they didn't have a brilliant goalkeeping roster would be good enough for the job at Villa.
"But he has been exceptional and all those Gooners who told me he was just unlucky look to have been right."