birminghammail--2020-10-25--Company fined £24k bill after acidic wheel parts dumped in street

A company has been fined £24,000 after acid-coated wheel parts were dumped in a Birmingham street .
Residents had found an overturned cage filled with alloy wheel shavings dipped in hazardous liquid , tied to a lamppost on Hyperion Road in Hodge Hill .
The acid from the parts had spilled on to the road , burning holes into the pavement and road tarmac .
Local councillor Diane Donaldson alerted the fire service , which confirmed it was toxic .
Officers from Birmingham City Council conducted an investigation into the dumping , which happened on May 20 , 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which traced the spillage to Wheel Furb Ltd , of Stafford Street , Dudley The company was found guilty in its absence of three counts under the Environmental Health Act at Birmingham Magistrates ' Court on October 12 .
It was fined £24,000 fine , with nearly £3,200 in costs .
Coun Donaldson said : “ The cage was full of residue from refurbished alloy wheels which has been coated in acid .
When it had toppled over , the acid had spilled on to the road surface , burning holes in it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences to humans and animals if they came into contact with the toxic chemicals .
“ I hope this sends out a strong message that flytipping of any type will not be tolerated in Bromford & Hodge Hill Ward .
“ Thank you to all local residents who are no longer prepared to see their local area become a dumping ground , who are remaining vigilant and reporting incidents to us as their local councillors .
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets .
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Find it on Google Play Store and App Store Co-ward councillor Majid Mahmood added : “ I ’ m sickened with the fly tipping happening across my ward and the city .
“ We were shocked to discover toxic materials in the Bromford which could have led to a serious accident to a child or vulnerable adult if touched .
“ I ’ m please that the city council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will always adopt a a zero-tolerance approach in such instances.
” The company has been contacted for comment .

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A company has been fined £24,000 after acid-coated wheel parts were dumped in a Birmingham street.
Residents had found an overturned cage filled with alloy wheel shavings dipped in hazardous liquid, tied to a lamppost on Hyperion Road in Hodge Hill.
The acid from the parts had spilled on to the road, burning holes into the pavement and road tarmac.
Local councillor Diane Donaldson alerted the fire service, which confirmed it was toxic.
Officers from Birmingham City Council conducted an investigation into the dumping, which happened on May 20, 2019.
They found a label on the container which traced the spillage to Wheel Furb Ltd, of Stafford Street, Dudley
The company was found guilty in its absence of three counts under the Environmental Health Act at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on October 12. It was fined £24,000 fine, with nearly £3,200 in costs.
Coun Donaldson said: “The cage was full of residue from refurbished alloy wheels which has been coated in acid. When it had toppled over, the acid had spilled on to the road surface, burning holes in it.
“This could have had serious consequences to humans and animals if they came into contact with the toxic chemicals.
“I hope this sends out a strong message that flytipping of any type will not be tolerated in Bromford & Hodge Hill Ward.
“Thank you to all local residents who are no longer prepared to see their local area become a dumping ground, who are remaining vigilant and reporting incidents to us as their local councillors.
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets. So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system. Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings. You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter. Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article. It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts. We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store
Co-ward councillor Majid Mahmood added: “I’m sickened with the fly tipping happening across my ward and the city.
“We were shocked to discover toxic materials in the Bromford which could have led to a serious accident to a child or vulnerable adult if touched.
“I’m please that the city council prosecuted and I’m hopeful we will always adopt a a zero-tolerance approach in such instances.”
The company has been contacted for comment.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Tesco issues customers with urgent Christmas shopping message

Supermarket giant Tesco has asked shoppers not to stockpile items and only purchase what they need ahead of the festive season .
Some products have already gone on sale so customers can stock up on what they need well ahead of the big day .
But the supermarket 's boss is asking people not to be greedy - and only to buy what they need , reports the ManchesterEveningNews .
Tesco chief executive Jason Tarry said : `` Our stock levels are good , so there ’ s no need to buy more of your regular groceries than normal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s always busier for our stores , so please consider shopping a little earlier than you usually would , to avoid the peak festive period . ''
The supermarket boss also issued guidelines in place for stores ahead of the Christmas period , reports the Mirror .
`` We understand that it won ’ t always be possible , but if you ’ re able to shop alone then please do .
It ’ ll help make our stores safer and make everyone ’ s shop a bit quicker , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tesco has now installed a ‘ traffic light ’ system in some larger stores to help manage customer numbers .
`` Once in-store , please keep to the social distancing markings .
If there ’ s a queue outside and it ’ s raining , we ’ ll be handing out sanitised umbrellas in our larger stores , '' Tarry said .
`` Please follow the legal guidance on wearing a face covering .
If you forget to bring one , you can pick up a pack at the front of the store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rachel Pugh, James Andrews, Brett Gibbons)

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Supermarket giant Tesco has asked shoppers not to stockpile items and only purchase what they need ahead of the festive season.
Some products have already gone on sale so customers can stock up on what they need well ahead of the big day.
But the supermarket's boss is asking people not to be greedy - and only to buy what they need, reports the ManchesterEveningNews.
Tesco chief executive Jason Tarry said: "Our stock levels are good, so there’s no need to buy more of your regular groceries than normal.
"And as the festive season approaches, it’s always busier for our stores, so please consider shopping a little earlier than you usually would, to avoid the peak festive period."
The supermarket boss also issued guidelines in place for stores ahead of the Christmas period, reports the Mirror.
"We understand that it won’t always be possible, but if you’re able to shop alone then please do. It’ll help make our stores safer and make everyone’s shop a bit quicker," he said.
He added that Tesco has now installed a ‘traffic light’ system in some larger stores to help manage customer numbers.
"Once in-store, please keep to the social distancing markings. If there’s a queue outside and it’s raining, we’ll be handing out sanitised umbrellas in our larger stores," Tarry said.
"Please follow the legal guidance on wearing a face covering. If you forget to bring one, you can pick up a pack at the front of the store and pay for it with your shopping later."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Dean Smith told four Villa players were 'scared' of Patrick Bamford

Aston Villa were 'scared ' of Patrick Bamford as the Leeds United striker rattled in a hat-trick on Friday night .
That 's the view of former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink , who believes Villa 's defenders played into Bamford 's hands as he found the net three times without reply in 19 second-half minutes .
First , the 27-year-old was on hand to bury the rebound after Emiliano Martinez saved Rodrigo 's shot before he doubled his tally with a smart finish into top corner from the edge of the box having been afforded time to turn and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the forward for his final goal as he clipped the ball into the far corner beyond the reach of Martinez .
`` There are four people around him [ Tyrone Mings , Ezri Konsa , Douglas Luiz and Matt Targett ] and they are all afraid to get really tight on him , '' Hasselbaink told beIN SPORTS .
`` To get a little bit more physical .
`` I think the tempo for 90 minutes , and definitely for 70 minutes , was very high for Villa .
When you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are not thinking as quickly as you want to think because you are tired .
`` Your legs have gone a little and that has been the difference , especially during the last 20 minutes . ''
The defeat was Villa 's first in eight Premier League matches .
Head coach Dean Smith said : `` I told the players I was disappointed with our reaction to their first goal because I thought it was an even game .
`` We had a moment in the game we did n't take and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reactions were n't as good as they should be .
`` They gained a yard in pace and we lost a yard in pace .
If you do that you 're going to concede goals .
You have to give credit to Leeds , they were excellent , their one-touch passing in the second-half and their running .
They comfortably beat us in the second half .
`` I also said to the players that I 've only been disappointed with 40 minutes this season and we 've got 12 points . ''

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Aston Villa were 'scared' of Patrick Bamford as the Leeds United striker rattled in a hat-trick on Friday night.
That's the view of former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who believes Villa's defenders played into Bamford's hands as he found the net three times without reply in 19 second-half minutes.
First, the 27-year-old was on hand to bury the rebound after Emiliano Martinez saved Rodrigo's shot before he doubled his tally with a smart finish into top corner from the edge of the box having been afforded time to turn and pick his spot.
Villa similarly stood off the forward for his final goal as he clipped the ball into the far corner beyond the reach of Martinez.
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"There are four people around him [Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Douglas Luiz and Matt Targett] and they are all afraid to get really tight on him," Hasselbaink told beIN SPORTS. "To get a little bit more physical.
"I think the tempo for 90 minutes, and definitely for 70 minutes, was very high for Villa. When you have to go to that extent, mentally you are not thinking as quickly as you want to think because you are tired.
"Your legs have gone a little and that has been the difference, especially during the last 20 minutes."
The defeat was Villa's first in eight Premier League matches.
Head coach Dean Smith said: "I told the players I was disappointed with our reaction to their first goal because I thought it was an even game.
"We had a moment in the game we didn't take and, after that first goal, our reactions weren't as good as they should be.
"They gained a yard in pace and we lost a yard in pace. If you do that you're going to concede goals. You have to give credit to Leeds, they were excellent, their one-touch passing in the second-half and their running. They comfortably beat us in the second half.
"I also said to the players that I've only been disappointed with 40 minutes this season and we've got 12 points."


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Postman assaulted and robbed on his round

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of robbery after a postman was robbed and assaulted on his round in @ @ @ @ @ happened yesterday morning ( October 24 ) the Tower View Road/Poplar Road area of Landywood @ @ @ @ @ to the floor and a trolley of mail was snatched at around 11.30am .
The @ @ @ @ @ but not believed to be injured .
A short time afterwards three men were arrested @ @ @ @ @ and remain in custody .
A 37-year-old man from Smethwick , a 30-year-old man from @ @ @ @ @ 17-year-old from Walsall were arrested on suspicion of robbery and further suspected theft offences .
@ @ @ @ @ Staffordshire Police , said : “ We want to thank the local community for their @ @ @ @ @ been invaluable .
We will provide updates as the investigation continues .
”

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Three men have been arrested on suspicion of robbery after a postman was robbed and assaulted on his round in Great Wyrley.
The attack happened yesterday morning (October 24) the Tower View Road/Poplar Road area of Landywood.
Thugs pushed the victim to the floor and a trolley of mail was snatched at around 11.30am.
The postman was shaken up, but not believed to be injured.
A short time afterwards three men were arrested in connection with the incident and remain in custody.
A 37-year-old man from Smethwick, a 30-year-old man from West Bromwich, and a 17-year-old from Walsall were arrested on suspicion of robbery and further suspected theft offences.
Inspector Mat Walker, of Staffordshire Police, said: “We want to thank the local community for their help and support which has been invaluable. We will provide updates as the investigation continues.”


birminghammail--2020-10-25--List of Worcestershire businesses offering free meals to kids

They are the generous Worcestershire businesses providing free meals for children - because the Government will not .
So far , 10 firms in the county have stepped forward to help after the Conservatives ruled out extending meal vouchers for vulnerable children during half-term .
But many more are expected to also sign up in the coming days .
They are among 400 UK companies listed on The Help Out When School 's Out website , backed by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford..
The website was set up by trade union press officer Jack Horwood and his friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , October 24 ) So far , more than 400 businesses have signed up across the UK , with more being added daily .
People can enter their postcode on the site and it will show them the nearest business offering free meals for children in half-term .
Businesses interested in taking part can also register with the scheme .
These are all the businesses in Worcestershire which have so far signed up to the website : More businesses are being added daily - click here to see the current list .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily - @ HalfTermMeals

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They are the generous Worcestershire businesses providing free meals for children - because the Government will not.
So far, 10 firms in the county have stepped forward to help after the Conservatives ruled out extending meal vouchers for vulnerable children during half-term. But many more are expected to also sign up in the coming days.
They are among 400 UK companies listed on The Help Out When School's Out website, backed by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford..
The website was set up by trade union press officer Jack Horwood and his friends and went live last night (Saturday, October 24)
(Image: PA)
So far, more than 400 businesses have signed up across the UK, with more being added daily.
People can enter their postcode on the site and it will show them the nearest business offering free meals for children in half-term.
Businesses interested in taking part can also register with the scheme.
These are all the businesses in Worcestershire which have so far signed up to the website:
The Courtyard Cafe at Tardebigge, Hewell Lane, Redditch, B97 6QJ
Muffin Break , Redditch, B97 4HJ
The Ladybird Inn , Finstall Road, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove, B60 2DZ
Rasoi Cottage , Castleditch Lane, Redditch, B98 7YB
The Fig, Church Street, Malvern, WR14 2AE
The Picnic Box , Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern, WR14 4PZ
Gallery 36 , Great Malvern, WR14 4PZ
, High Street, Studley, B80 7HJ
Foley’s Fish Bar, Stourport Road, Kidderminster, DY11 7BQ
Ma Baker's, Worcester, Cranham Drive, Worcester, WR4 9PA
More businesses are being added daily - click here to see the current list. There is also a Twitter feed which updates daily - @HalfTermMeals


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Doctors warn Covid-19 tier system will have no effect on spread of virus

The Government ’ s tiering system will have no impact on efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus with more than a third of doctors doubting its effectiveness .
Some 37 per cent of medics in England said they felt the three-tier system would be ineffective , while less than half ( 46 per cent ) said they thought they would work to a slight extent and just 5.95 per cent said a significant extent .
Research , from the British Medical Association ( BMA ) , also shows concern among healthcare staff for the winter period , with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious ” about it .
Almost two thirds ( 65 per cent ) said staffing shortages are a worry in the coming months , while 60 per cent said they are concerned about their personal health and wellbeing .
More than 6,000 medics were questioned as part of the survey and the findings show the “ enormous scale of the challenges ” facing the NHS into winter , the BMA chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul said .
Only around a third claimed they have premises currently suitable to adequately separate Covid and non-Covid patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how difficult it will be to meet an expectation of resuming normal NHS services .
Dr Nagpaul said : “ Doctors know that this winter is likely be one of the most difficult times of their careers .
They are extremely worried about the ability for the NHS to cope and their ability to care for the needs of their patients.
” The BMA said it is calling for the Government to be “ both honest and realistic with the public about whether the NHS can cope with routine care and Covid care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Large numbers of doctors across England have little faith that the Government ’ s current ‘ tiered ’ based lock-downs will have any significant impact on controlling the virus .
“ Instead of a few short weeks of suppression , bringing economic and emotional misery for those in the areas affected , we need a national prevention strategy that has a lasting impact and gets growing infection rates under control across England.
” The BMA said 6,610 doctors in England took part in the survey during the week of October 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) said they had not contracted coronavirus .

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The Government’s tiering system will have no impact on efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus with more than a third of doctors doubting its effectiveness.
Some 37 per cent of medics in England said they felt the three-tier system would be ineffective, while less than half (46 per cent) said they thought they would work to a slight extent and just 5.95 per cent said a significant extent.
Research, from the British Medical Association (BMA), also shows concern among healthcare staff for the winter period, with more than half saying they are “quite anxious” about it.
Almost two thirds (65 per cent) said staffing shortages are a worry in the coming months, while 60 per cent said they are concerned about their personal health and wellbeing.
More than 6,000 medics were questioned as part of the survey and the findings show the “enormous scale of the challenges” facing the NHS into winter, the BMA chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul said.
Only around a third claimed they have premises currently suitable to adequately separate Covid and non-Covid patients – a statistic the BMA said highlights how difficult it will be to meet an expectation of resuming normal NHS services.
Dr Nagpaul said: “Doctors know that this winter is likely be one of the most difficult times of their careers. They are extremely worried about the ability for the NHS to cope and their ability to care for the needs of their patients.”
The BMA said it is calling for the Government to be “both honest and realistic with the public about whether the NHS can cope with routine care and Covid care this winter”.
Dr Nagpaul said: “Large numbers of doctors across England have little faith that the Government’s current ‘tiered’ based lock-downs will have any significant impact on controlling the virus.
“Instead of a few short weeks of suppression, bringing economic and emotional misery for those in the areas affected, we need a national prevention strategy that has a lasting impact and gets growing infection rates under control across England.”
The BMA said 6,610 doctors in England took part in the survey during the week of October 19.
A majority (70 per cent) said they had not contracted coronavirus.


birminghammail--2020-10-25--Raheem Sterling creates foundation to help disadvantaged young people

England footballer Raheem Sterling is set to launch a foundation aimed at helping disadvantaged young people .
Stirker Sterling , 25 , said he wanted to create something “ humongous ” for the people he was helping with the organisation which would focus on social mobility .
The Manchester City star ’ s charitable body would help those supported by Marcus Rashford , who plays for his club ’ s rivals Manchester United , and his food poverty activism .
Speaking to the Sunday Times magazine , Sterling said : “ That ’ s me finished with the ‘ what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now I ’ m trying to put into place stuff I can do myself .
“ Stuff to give young people in the same circumstances I was in another shot .
If there is a university they want to go to , football equipment they need , other things … I want to be a helping hand.
” The Sunday Times reported Sterling was still working on the final details of the foundation , but that his cash contribution was likely to be in seven figures .
It claimed he has asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mirror his outlay , meaning the fund could top £10 million .
He said : “ It comes down to , OK , I come from northwest London , I move out of my area – what good is it if I take all I have made in life , my success and just build a big house somewhere ?
I ’ m happy , cool , but that ’ s not who I am .
”

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England footballer Raheem Sterling is set to launch a foundation aimed at helping disadvantaged young people.
Stirker Sterling, 25, said he wanted to create something “humongous” for the people he was helping with the organisation which would focus on social mobility.
The Manchester City star’s charitable body would help those supported by Marcus Rashford, who plays for his club’s rivals Manchester United, and his food poverty activism.
Speaking to the Sunday Times magazine, Sterling said: “That’s me finished with the ‘what can happen, what should happen’. Now I’m trying to put into place stuff I can do myself.
“Stuff to give young people in the same circumstances I was in another shot. If there is a university they want to go to, football equipment they need, other things … I want to be a helping hand.”
The Sunday Times reported Sterling was still working on the final details of the foundation, but that his cash contribution was likely to be in seven figures.
It claimed he has asked his club and main personal sponsors to mirror his outlay, meaning the fund could top £10 million.
He said: “It comes down to, OK, I come from northwest London, I move out of my area – what good is it if I take all I have made in life, my success and just build a big house somewhere? I’m happy, cool, but that’s not who I am.”


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Solihull council tells people to stay at home this Halloween

People in Solihull have been urged to avoid Trick or Treat this year to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .
The council 's public health team has warned against going door-to-door over Halloween , amid fears it could increase the risk of transmission .
Officers told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the family activity could expose elderly and vulnerable householders , at a time when cases are continuing to rise across the borough .
There are also concerns groups of youngsters scooping up sweets from buckets would also prove a hygiene problem in the current situation .
With this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to stay safe and stay home this All Hallows Eve .
A council spokesman said : `` Halloween is a time when people often gather together and this poses a risk for Covid-19 transmission .
`` The current lockdown restrictions in Solihull prevent gatherings of more than six taking place in private gardens outside , with no one permitted to come inside your home unless they have a valid exemption . ''
With the usual parties off-limits because of the rules mentioned above , residents are instead having to enjoy smaller-scale or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like carving a pumpkin , watching a scary film or having an online meet-up .
Halloween is one of several events in the calendar which is set to look very different this autumn .
Bonfire Night has also fallen victim to Covid restrictions , with large-scale displays planned for next month having been called off across the borough .
Balsall Common Lions , among the groups to have confirmed the cancellation , said it was the first time in more than 40 years that the village 's charity event would n't be taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also pulled the plug on its flagship event at Tudor Grange Park .
With the council suspecting more may now be setting off fireworks at home , it has urged people to follow safety advice and consider buying quieter products .
And as the LDRS has previously reported , the pandemic has also impacted on the borough 's Remembrance commemorations .
The council event on Remembrance Sunday has been called off and the local authority has urged people to honour the fallen at home rather than gathering at war memorials .
The Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short wreath laying , with the footage to be broadcast on the council 's website , YouTube channel and Facebook page on Sunday , November 8 ( starting from 10.55am ) .

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People in Solihull have been urged to avoid Trick or Treat this year to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The council's public health team has warned against going door-to-door over Halloween, amid fears it could increase the risk of transmission.
Officers told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the family activity could expose elderly and vulnerable householders, at a time when cases are continuing to rise across the borough.
There are also concerns groups of youngsters scooping up sweets from buckets would also prove a hygiene problem in the current situation.
With this in mind, Solihull residents have been told to stay safe and stay home this All Hallows Eve.
A council spokesman said: "Halloween is a time when people often gather together and this poses a risk for Covid-19 transmission.
"The current lockdown restrictions in Solihull prevent gatherings of more than six taking place in private gardens outside, with no one permitted to come inside your home unless they have a valid exemption."
With the usual parties off-limits because of the rules mentioned above, residents are instead having to enjoy smaller-scale or virtual celebrations.
These could include activities like carving a pumpkin, watching a scary film or having an online meet-up.
Halloween is one of several events in the calendar which is set to look very different this autumn.
Bonfire Night has also fallen victim to Covid restrictions, with large-scale displays planned for next month having been called off across the borough.
Balsall Common Lions, among the groups to have confirmed the cancellation, said it was the first time in more than 40 years that the village's charity event wouldn't be taking place. While Solihull Round Table has also pulled the plug on its flagship event at Tudor Grange Park.
With the council suspecting more may now be setting off fireworks at home, it has urged people to follow safety advice and consider buying quieter products.
And as the LDRS has previously reported, the pandemic has also impacted on the borough's Remembrance commemorations.
The council event on Remembrance Sunday has been called off and the local authority has urged people to honour the fallen at home rather than gathering at war memorials.
The Mayor of Solihull will, however, pre-record a short wreath laying, with the footage to be broadcast on the council's website, YouTube channel and Facebook page on Sunday, November 8 (starting from 10.55am).


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Samatta to Jota - How Aston Villa's forgotten 13 are getting on

Dean Smith has been praised for making his Aston Villa squad more streamlined for the season ahead and , in doing so , added `` quality over quantity '' .
The head coach spent an initial £75 million on Matty Cash , Ollie Watkins , Emiliano Martinez , Bertrand Traore and Ross Barkley on loan , with four of the five new recruits starting every Premier League match they 've been able to since joining .
As far as outgoings go , Villa waved goodbye to as many as 13 previously-contracted players last summer while , in the space of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ripped up the contracts of fringe players Orjan Nyland and Spanish winger Jota - almost eight months before their respective deals were up ( June 2021 ) .
Last week , of course , another player on a dwindling contract - Henri Lansbury - was left out of Smith 's 25-man Premier League squad after reportedly turning down Villa 's offer of a pay-off .
Lansbury , 30 , will continue to train with the club until June 2021 as it stands - that 's despite not being eligible to play first-team matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how the forgotten 13 are getting on after their abrupt Villa Park exits from the final day of last season to now : Just hours after coming on for the final 13 minutes in the Carabao Cup defeat to Stoke City , Jota completed a free-transfer to La Liga outfit Alaves .
The 29-year-old came to an agreement with Villa to terminate his contract before it expired next summer with the Spaniard desperate to kick-start his playing career .
Since his switch to Alaves on October 4 , Jota has started twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2-0 defeat by Elche and at left-wing in Sunday 's 2-0 win over Real Valladolid .
Jota assisted Tomas Pina for Alaves ' first goal while , this weekend , he 'll come up against Lionel Messi and Barcelona .
Alaves are currently 15th in La Liga having won two , drew one and lost four of their opening seven games .
The Norwegian was Villa 's only bit of deadline-day business when they ripped up his contract and let him move onto pastures new .
The goalkeeper , 30 , is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League appearances last season .
You 'd think an imminent move to Europe should suffice in the coming weeks .
The Tanzanian has been in Turkey for exactly a month now after sealing a loan move to Fenerbahçe .
The striker will make that deal permanent in the summer for an obligatory fee of £5.4 million with Villa taking a relatively small loss on the £8.5 million they paid for him back in January .
Samatta , 27 , has started well for Fener after making his debut by coming off the bench @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the following game , the forward scored a match-winning brace in the 2-1 win over Karagumruk and played 84 minutes .
Samatta started again against Goztepe and was named in the XI once more vs Trabzonspor on Sunday with Fenerbahçe winning 3-1 thanks to an own-goal , Papiss Cisse and Enner Valencia .
Samatta 's record in Turkey is two goals from his opening four games .
In a similar but more drastic story to Samatta , exiled former Villa striker Scott Hogan returned to Birmingham City on a permanent cut-price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal at St Andrew 's .
Hogan , 28 , has started four games under Aitor Karanka with Blues winless in six games ( D4 L2 ) .
The former Brentford ace has been starting in a lone striker role with Lukas Jutkiewicz previusly struck down with coronavirus .
Hogan played 76 minutes in the goalless draw with QPR on Saturday and is without a goal since scoring for Blues against Reading prior to lockdown in March in a run that 's stretched 14 Championship games .
Last season 's Chelsea loanee recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bread '' in reference to his fitness levels when he arrived at Villa Park to replace the injured John McGinn at the turn of the year .
Drinkwater , 30 , made just four appearances for Villa and did n't feature at all throughout Project Restart .
The Premier League title winner - who head-butted Jota during a training session last term - is currently training alone at Chelsea having been left out of Frank Lampard 's 25-man squad .
His £110,000-a-week Stamford Bridge contract expires in 2022 .
Staying with loan additions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't going to be around after his heroics to keep Villa up last season .
The veteran Spaniard , 38 , has since signed a two-year deal at Lazio but has predominantly had a watching brief from the bench with No.1 Thomas Strakosha keeping him out .
Reina , though , made his Lazio debut on Saturday in the 2-1 win over Bologna .
The Rome club are 12th in Serie A. Borja 's Villa career spanned just 16 minutes in games against Spurs and Saints prior to lockdown .
The striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January and , with the Premier League extended into the summer due to Covid , Villa decided not to keep him on for their final six games .
The one-time £16 million forward is playing for CD Leganes in the Spanish second tier and , this season , he 's scored twice and assisted once in eight appearances .
Leganes are third in the division currently .
The 22-year-old right-back joined Luton on a permanent deal in the summer after impressing on-loan last season .
He 's made just three appearances this term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Carabao Cup win over Reading and coming on in Luton 's two Championship victories over Barnsley and Derby in September .
Bree , though , has missed the last five games with a knee injury .
Luton are ninth in the Championship after a decent start .
Sadly , 'Chezzie ' was rested for Stoke 's visit to Villa Park last month with the Potters triumphant in the Carabao Cup .
Chester , 31 , has missed just one match for Stoke in the Championship when he sustained a niggle prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every single minute other than that under Michael O'Neill and plays on the left of a back three .
The Welshman signed a one-year deal at Stoke which will see him upto June 2021 .
The Montenegro international signed a three-year at Wolves in the summer before being loaned out to Shrewsbury in League One .
Sarkic drew rave reviews for his first three performances but sustained a devastating knee injury against Gillingham which has ruled him out until January at the earliest .
Villa 's academy graduate is currently without a club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right move .
Still just 22 , Green made 14 appearances for Charlton last season before his Villa contract expired .
He recently responded to club favourite Gabby Agbonlahor with a love heart , with Gabby tweeting : `` I really wan na see Andre Green at a club playing football again !
The kid is very talented . ''
Callum O'Hare is playing regular Championship football for Coventry City - a club he helped to promotion while on-loan last season .
O'Hare has started every league game under Mark Robins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The play-maker scored in the 3-2 win over QPR last month but , since then , Cov have drew two and lost three during a mini slump .
Villa 's youngest-ever first-team player scored seven goals during a pre-season game after his move to Cyprus with Pafos FC , playing with the likes of Jason Puncheon .
Pafos are eighth in the Cypriot premier division with Hepburn-Murphy making three starts from eight league games to date .
He has n't featured in a match-day squad since September 19 and has missed the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to score .

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Dean Smith has been praised for making his Aston Villa squad more streamlined for this season and, in doing so, added "quality over quantity" during the summer transfer window.
The head coach spent an initial £75 million on Matty Cash, Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez, Bertrand Traore and Ross Barkley on loan, with all of the new additions making a positive impact on the club so far this season.
As far as outgoings go, Villa waved goodbye to as many as 13 previously-contracted players last summer while, in the space of 24 hours earlier this month, they ripped up the contracts of fringe players Orjan Nyland and Spanish winger Jota - almost eight months before their respective deals were up (June 2021).
Another player on a dwindling contract - Henri Lansbury - was left out of Smith's 25-man Premier League squad after reportedly turning down Villa's offer of a pay-off. Lansbury, 30, will continue to train with the club until June 2021 as it stands - that's despite not being eligible to play first-team matches.
Here, BirminghamLive checks in to see how the forgotten 13 are getting on after their abrupt Villa Park exits from the final day of last season to now:
Jota
Just hours after coming on for the final 13 minutes in the Carabao Cup defeat to Stoke City, Jota completed a free transfer to La Liga outfit Alaves. The 29-year-old came to an agreement with Villa to terminate his contract before it expired next summer with the Spaniard desperate to kick-start his career.
Since his switch to Alaves on October 4, Jota has played 13 times in all competitions for the Spanish side with 12 of the appearances coming in La Liga.
He has been utilised in a number of positions, including attacking midfield and as a right-winger, but is yet to get on the scoresheet for his new club. His one assist of the season came in the 2-0 win over Real Valladolid back in October.
His last appearance was in a 3-1 defeat against Cadiz CF leaving Alavez in 16th place in the table, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Orjan Nyland
The Norwegian was Villa's only bit of deadline-day business when they ripped up his contract and let him move onto pastures new. The goalkeeper, 30, is still without a club after making seven Premier League appearances last season.
Latest reports suggest the Norwegian is in talks with Championship side Norwich City over a potential move to Carrow Road.
Mbwana Ally Samatta
The Tanzanian sealed a loan move to Turkish side Fenerbahçe during the summer transfer window. The striker will make that deal permanent in the summer for an obligatory fee of £5.4 million with Villa taking a relatively small loss on the £8.5 million they paid for him this time last year.
After a flying start for his new club, scoring a brace in his first start in the 2-1 win over Karagumruk, the goals seem to have dried up for the forward.
The 27-year-old has not found the net since scoring that brace back in October.
A twisted knee meant the striker missed five games, although he has made an appearance from the bench in the last three matches.
Scott Hogan
In a similar but more drastic story to Samatta, exiled former Villa striker Scott Hogan returned to Birmingham City on a permanent cut-price deal in the summer, signing a four-year deal at St Andrew's.
(Image: PA)
Hogan has been in and out of the side under Aitor Karanka so far this season, making a total of 16 appearances in all competitions for Birmingham.
The 28-year-old has found the net on two occasions, but both goals came in losses against Bournemouth and Barnsley.
Hogan has started three of the last four Championship games but was used from the bench in Blues' last league outing where they lost 2-0 against Blackburn Rovers.
Birmingham are currently in 19th place in the Championship table and are without a win in six league games.
Danny Drinkwater
Last season's Chelsea loanee recently described himself "as a loaf of bread" in reference to his fitness levels when he arrived at Villa Park to replace the injured John McGinn at the turn of the year. Drinkwater, 30, made just four appearances for Villa and didn't feature at all throughout Project Restart.
The Premier League title winner looks set to seal a move away from Chelsea this January as he looks to get his career back on track.
He looks set to join Turkish club Kasimpsa on loan until the end of the season.
Drinkwater has 18 months remaining on his £100,000-a-week contract at Stamford Bridge.
Pepe Reina
Staying with loan additions many were gutted to hear Pepe Reina wasn't going to be around after his heroics to keep Villa up last season. The veteran Spaniard, 38, signed a two-year deal at Lazio.
After having a watching brief from the bench in his opening weeks at the club, Reina has since established himself as number one at the club, with injury and illness to Thomas Strakosha giving Reina the chance to make his mark.
The goalkeeper has played 12 times in Serie A and five times in the Champions League so far this season.
Borja Baston
Borja's Villa career spanned just 16 minutes in games against Spurs and Saints prior to lockdown. The striker signed a six-month agreement from Swansea in January and, with the Premier League extended into the summer due to Covid, Villa decided not to keep him on for their final six games.
The one-time £16 million forward is playing for CD Leganes in the Spanish second tier and, this season, he has scored four goals and provided two assists in 20 league appearances so far.
Leganes are currently in sixth place in the table.
James Bree
The 22-year-old right-back joined Luton on a permanent deal in the summer after impressing on-loan last season. He's made eight Championship appearances for the club this season and has seen his campaign disrupted by injury.
A knee problem saw the full-back miss seven league games, with injury seeing him miss a further six games throughout December.
He made his comeback in last week's 2-0 loss against QPR.
James Chester
Sadly, 'Chezzie' was rested for Stoke's visit to Villa Park at the start of the season with the Potters triumphant in the Carabao Cup.
The defender has missed six games this season through injury but has played the full 90 minutes of every Championship game for the Potters, wearing the captain's armband for the past seven matches.
He was not included in the squad for the FA Cup third-round tie vs Leicester City last weekend.
Chester signed a one-year deal with Stoke in the summer.
Matija Sarkic
The Montenegro international signed a three-year at Wolves in the summer before being loaned out to Shrewsbury in League One. Sarkic drew rave reviews for his first three performances but sustained a devastating knee injury against Gillingham which was expected to rule him out until January.
However, he came back earlier than expected, playing the second round FA Cup tie vs Oxford in late November. He has since started every league game for the Shrews.
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Andre Green
Still just 22, Green made 14 appearances for Charlton last season before his Villa contract expired.
The 22-year-old has since joined Championship club Sheffield Wednesday and could make his debut in the FA Cup fourth round vs Everton later this month.
Callum O'Hare
Callum O'Hare is playing regular Championship football for Coventry City - a club he helped to promotion while on-loan last season. O'Hare has started most of Coventry City's Championship games this season.
He has been n the scoresheet twice in the league, in the 3-1 win over QPR back in September and in the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in November.
The Sky Blues are currently in 17th position in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy
Villa's youngest-ever first-team player scored seven goals during a pre-season game after his move to Cyprus with Pafos FC, playing with the likes of Jason Puncheon.
He has not been a regular starter for his new club, having to settle for appearances from the bench.
He did however score his first goal in Cyprus earlier this month, coming off the bench to find the net in the 5-0 win over Olympiakos Nicosia. That was Pafos' only win in the last eight games.


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Tesco 'sorry' after shoppers banned from buying sanitary products

Tesco has issued an apology after telling shoppers in Wales they could not buy sanitary products .
Tampons and other items were cordoned off in branches of Britain 's biggest grocer across the border following the Welsh 'fire break ' announcement .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said supermarkets have `` discretion '' over the ban on selling non-essential items during the nation 's firebreak lockdown .
But on Monday Welsh customers seeking period products said they found the pharmaceuticals area of their local Tesco blocked off .
Tesco responded : `` We understand how frustrating these changes will be for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been told by the Welsh Government not to sell these items for the duration of the firebreak lockdown . ''
The Welsh Government later corrected Tesco , tweeting : `` This is wrong - period products are essential .
`` Supermarkets can still sell items that can be sold in pharmacies .
`` Only selling essential items during firebreak is to discourage spending more time than necessary in shops .
It should not stop you accessing items that you need . ''
It came following complaints from shoppers who found aisles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant , which is one of the so-called Big Four , alongside Sainsbury 's , Morrisons and Asda .
The company has now apologised , adding that the issue was localised to one store and is being urgently rectified .
`` Of course sanitary products are essential items and are available to customers in all of our stores including those in Wales , '' a spokesperson said .
`` The reply to this customer was sent by mistake and we 're very sorry for any confusion caused . ''

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Tesco has issued an apology after telling shoppers in Wales they could not buy sanitary products.
Tampons and other items were cordoned off in branches of Britain's biggest grocer across the border following the Welsh 'fire break' announcement.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said supermarkets have "discretion" over the ban on selling non-essential items during the nation's firebreak lockdown.
But on Monday Welsh customers seeking period products said they found the pharmaceuticals area of their local Tesco blocked off.
Tesco responded: "We understand how frustrating these changes will be for our Welsh customers.
"However, we have been told by the Welsh Government not to sell these items for the duration of the firebreak lockdown."
(Image: Getty Images)
The Welsh Government later corrected Tesco, tweeting: "This is wrong - period products are essential.
"Supermarkets can still sell items that can be sold in pharmacies.
"Only selling essential items during firebreak is to discourage spending more time than necessary in shops. It should not stop you accessing items that you need."
It came following complaints from shoppers who found aisles cordoned off inside branches of the supermarket giant, which is one of the so-called Big Four, alongside Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda.
The company has now apologised, adding that the issue was localised to one store and is being urgently rectified.
"Of course sanitary products are essential items and are available to customers in all of our stores including those in Wales," a spokesperson said.
"The reply to this customer was sent by mistake and we're very sorry for any confusion caused."


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Tamworth pub given shout out by Man United's Marcus Rashford over free meals

Tamworth has been given a shout out by the nation ’ s new national treasure for ensuring no child goes unfed this half term .
MBE winner and Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford , whose campaign has captured the heart of the nation , has featured The Fox Inn in Lichfield Road on his map of places across the country who have backed his ‘ End Child Poverty ’ campaign .
The 22 year old also tweeted details of The Fox Inn ’ s promise to his 3.7 million followers yesterday ( Sunday ) .
A pub spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away by the response to our offer for free lunches for kids during half-term and it is also really heart-warming to see the offers of help from the community .
No child should go hungry .
“ Explaining their promise , they added : “ We will be offering any children free packed lunches to take away , Monday to Friday this week.
” “ If you need a lunch for your children , all you need to do is call us on 01827 318951 and press option 2 to speak to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no judgements will be made .
You don ’ t even have to give us your real name .
“ You can collect from the pub between 11-12 noon before we open .
We also understand that some of you may be isolating or have no transport and so we are also offering to deliver to those that need .
`` This will be limited though and so we would ask you to collect if you can .
“ We have been and purchased the items today , and our amazing team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put the food together .
We also have some drivers giving their time .
“ If you would like to volunteer any time in the morning this week to help with deliveries then please do get in touch on the same methods as above .
“ For anyone who wishes to make a cash donation to help , we will take collections at the pub - any money raised will go to pay for the lunches and we are currently talking to a couple of local organisations so any surplus will be distributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware that the Red Lion Hopwas will provide free takeaway packed lunches and Corey ’ s Sports Bar will be supplying 100 children ’ s packed lunches per day to support families that are struggling during these testing times while Jeffrey ’ s Fine Sandwiches will supply 20 meals a day .

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Tamworth has been given a shout out by the nation’s new national treasure for ensuring no child goes unfed this half term.
MBE winner and Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford, whose campaign has captured the heart of the nation, has featured The Fox Inn in Lichfield Road on his map of places across the country who have backed his ‘End Child Poverty’ campaign.
The 22 year old also tweeted details of The Fox Inn’s promise to his 3.7 million followers yesterday (Sunday).
A pub spokesman admitted: “We have been blown away by the response to our offer for free lunches for kids during half-term and it is also really heart-warming to see the offers of help from the community. No child should go hungry. “
Explaining their promise, they added: “We will be offering any children free packed lunches to take away, Monday to Friday this week.”
“If you need a lunch for your children, all you need to do is call us on 01827 318951 and press option 2 to speak to us.
"No questions will be asked and no judgements will be made. You don’t even have to give us your real name.
(Image: Google)
“You can collect from the pub between 11-12 noon before we open. We also understand that some of you may be isolating or have no transport and so we are also offering to deliver to those that need.
"This will be limited though and so we would ask you to collect if you can.
“We have been and purchased the items today, and our amazing team are volunteering their time for free to put the food together. We also have some drivers giving their time.
“If you would like to volunteer any time in the morning this week to help with deliveries then please do get in touch on the same methods as above.
(Image: PA)
“For anyone who wishes to make a cash donation to help, we will take collections at the pub - any money raised will go to pay for the lunches and we are currently talking to a couple of local organisations so any surplus will be distributed fairly.”
We have also been made aware that the Red Lion Hopwas will provide free takeaway packed lunches and Corey’s Sports Bar will be supplying 100 children’s packed lunches per day to support families that are struggling during these testing times while Jeffrey’s Fine Sandwiches will supply 20 meals a day.


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Lawrenson tells Klopp to pay 'big money' for Wolves captain Coady

The Premier League champions will be without star defender van Dijk for the foreseeable future after he suffered a serious knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Everton .
A number of players have been suggested as possible replacements for van Dijk , including Coady , and Lawrenson believes Wolves ' ever-present skipper is a good shout .
`` I would think Virgil will be out for the season , '' Lawrenson told the Argus .
`` I think it ’ s a write-off because you ’ ve got to get match fit and that ’ s almost impossible nowadays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team football .
`` If Liverpool are going to pay big money for somebody in January , they want absolutely ready-made .
Conor Coady has had loads of shouts and he is a very good organiser who has played lots of games in the Premier League . ''
Coady , who is a lifelong Liverpool fan and came through their academy , will always have a soft spot for the Reds but he delighted Wolves supporters with his response to a wind up from Jamie Carragher recently .
Speaking to Coady after Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight-faced Carragher said : “ Obviously you won ’ t be aware as you ’ re playing tonight but Jurgen Klopp has had his Champions League press conference and he ’ s mentioned you and two other players who could be a replacement for Virgil van Dijk .
Would that come into your thinking ?
” Carragher was of course joking but Coady wasn ’ t to know and laughed it off live on Sky Sports .
“ I can ’ t believe you ’ ve just put this on me here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , I love playing for this football club .
We ’ ve just beat Leeds in an amazing game - so no !
” But the connection is likely to keep being made with Coady now a full England international and playing some of the best football of his career .
What 's important for Wolves is that Coady has only recently committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new five-year contract .

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Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes Wolves captain Conor Coady is a 'ready-made' replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
The Premier League champions will be without star defender van Dijk for the foreseeable future after he suffered a serious knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Everton.
A number of players have been suggested as possible replacements for van Dijk, including Coady, and Lawrenson believes Wolves' ever-present skipper is a good shout.
"I would think Virgil will be out for the season," Lawrenson told the Argus. "I think it’s a write-off because you’ve got to get match fit and that’s almost impossible nowadays because they don’t play reserve team football.
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"If Liverpool are going to pay big money for somebody in January, they want absolutely ready-made. Conor Coady has had loads of shouts and he is a very good organiser who has played lots of games in the Premier League."
Coady, who is a lifelong Liverpool fan and came through their academy, will always have a soft spot for the Reds but he delighted Wolves supporters with his response to a wind up from Jamie Carragher recently.
Speaking to Coady after Wolves had beaten Leeds last week, a straight-faced Carragher said: “Obviously you won’t be aware as you’re playing tonight but Jurgen Klopp has had his Champions League press conference and he’s mentioned you and two other players who could be a replacement for Virgil van Dijk. Would that come into your thinking?”
Carragher was of course joking but Coady wasn’t to know and laughed it off live on Sky Sports.
“I can’t believe you’ve just put this on me here,” he said. “Not at all, I love playing for this football club. We’ve just beat Leeds in an amazing game - so no!”
But the connection is likely to keep being made with Coady now a full England international and playing some of the best football of his career.
What's important for Wolves is that Coady has only recently committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new five-year contract.


birminghammail--2020-10-26--4 changes to lockdown this week as Hancock hints tier 4 could be introduced

Another week brings with it the threat of further coronavirus lockdown changes as some parts of the country enter new tiers .
This weekend saw the coronavirus hospital death toll rose by 151 on Sunday , with 26 new deaths in the Midlands , including Birmingham .
Changes to the lockdown this week could see parts of the Midlands region enter a stricter tier .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock teased changes to the lockdown this morning during his media rounds , talking to BBC Breakfast and Sky News .
He confirmed ideas around a proposed tier 4 were not off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it would take for a tier 3 area to be reduced to tier 2 .
Mr Hancock said areas would have to prove that their infection rate was `` coming down '' , especially among those aged 60 or over , before they could be removed from the strictest measures .
So , what could change this week ?
Parts of Nottinghamshire look set to be the next to enter the highest Tier 3 alert level in England after discussions carried on through the weekend .
Local politicians have indicated that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force as early as Wednesday .
The council in Warrington in Cheshire has already said it will be joining Tier 3 on Thursday , with Downing Street saying discussions are still `` ongoing '' .
Going into Tier 3 means pubs and bars have to close unless they serve meals while households are banned from mixing indoors or in private gardens and beer gardens .
Over the weekend , South Yorkshire became the latest region to come under the highest tier of controls following Liverpool City Region , Greater Manchester and Lancashire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to exit Tier 3 , Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` The first thing that 's most important is that the case rate has to be coming down , and in particular we look at the number of cases amongst the over-60s because that 's the number that is likely to translate into hospital admissions and sadly into deaths . ''
Mr Hancock also suggested a vaccine would not provide an escape route from the social restrictions until next year .
Meanwhile , the Welsh Government has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supermarkets selling non-essential items during a two-week `` firebreak '' lockdown which began on Friday .
Explaining the purpose of the review , Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething told Sky News : `` We want the clarity on the principle that if there really are exceptional circumstances when someone needs what would otherwise be a non-essential item , that can happen as well . ''

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Another week brings with it the threat of further coronavirus lockdown changes as some parts of the country enter new tiers.
This weekend saw the coronavirus hospital death toll rose by 151 on Sunday, with 26 new deaths in the Midlands, including Birmingham.
Changes to the lockdown this week could see parts of the Midlands region enter a stricter tier.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock teased changes to the lockdown this morning during his media rounds, talking to BBC Breakfast and Sky News.
He confirmed ideas around a proposed tier 4 were not off the table, and also spelled out what it would take for a tier 3 area to be reduced to tier 2.
Mr Hancock said areas would have to prove that their infection rate was "coming down", especially among those aged 60 or over, before they could be removed from the strictest measures.
So, what could change this week?
Nottinghamshire - tier 3
Parts of Nottinghamshire look set to be the next to enter the highest Tier 3 alert level in England after discussions carried on through the weekend.
Local politicians have indicated that they expect the new measures could come into force as early as Wednesday.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Warrington - tier 3
The council in Warrington in Cheshire has already said it will be joining Tier 3 on Thursday, with Downing Street saying discussions are still "ongoing".
Going into Tier 3 means pubs and bars have to close unless they serve meals while households are banned from mixing indoors or in private gardens and beer gardens.
South Yorkshire - tier 3
Over the weekend, South Yorkshire became the latest region to come under the highest tier of controls following Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Asked about the criteria for an area to exit Tier 3, Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The first thing that's most important is that the case rate has to be coming down, and in particular we look at the number of cases amongst the over-60s because that's the number that is likely to translate into hospital admissions and sadly into deaths."
Mr Hancock also suggested a vaccine would not provide an escape route from the social restrictions until next year.
Welsh ban on 'non-essential products' reviewed
Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has said it will review a controversial ban on supermarkets selling non-essential items during a two-week "firebreak" lockdown which began on Friday.
Explaining the purpose of the review, Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething told Sky News: "We want the clarity on the principle that if there really are exceptional circumstances when someone needs what would otherwise be a non-essential item, that can happen as well."


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Aldi shoppers obsessed with 'beautiful' £1.69 food item

Aldi fans and customers are all going absolutely wild for a new food product in stores now .
Shoppers at the bargain supermarket chain are obsessed with a product they are branding `` absolutely beautiful . ''
The new product is available now in store , in jars costing just £1.69 .
The Biscuit Spread has been compared to Lotus Biscoff Spread after an eagle-eyed customer posted a picture on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group .
Fans of the new spread have taken to social media to post their gushing reviews , with many lauding Aldi for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letting friends and family know about the new product .
Some are even ask them to pick up a few jars for them , with the spread supposedly brilliant on the top of cakes , and also used as a spread .
One wrote on social media this week : `` If you go to Aldi can you grab me five of these please want to make a biscoff cheesecake . ''
Biscoff is a staple product in British supermarkets and is routinely snapped up by hungry shoppers at stores up and down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key fixture of Birmingham 's retail scene - meaning you have plenty of chances to pick up a jar .
Aldi opened its first store in the UK right here in Birmingham way back in the early 1990s .
So , if you fancy picking one up , head to your nearest branch and capitalise o n the offer , which will set you back less than two quid .

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Aldi fans and customers are all going absolutely wild for a new food product in stores now.
Shoppers at the bargain supermarket chain are obsessed with a product they are branding "absolutely beautiful."
The new product is available now in store, in jars costing just £1.69.
The Biscuit Spread has been compared to Lotus Biscoff Spread after an eagle-eyed customer posted a picture on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group.
Fans of the new spread have taken to social media to post their gushing reviews, with many lauding Aldi for selling it.
Many are busy excitedly letting friends and family know about the new product.
Some are even ask them to pick up a few jars for them, with the spread supposedly brilliant on the top of cakes, and also used as a spread.
One wrote on social media this week: "If you go to Aldi can you grab me five of these please want to make a biscoff cheesecake."
Biscoff is a staple product in British supermarkets and is routinely snapped up by hungry shoppers at stores up and down the land.
Thankfully, Aldi is a key fixture of Birmingham's retail scene - meaning you have plenty of chances to pick up a jar.
Aldi opened its first store in the UK right here in Birmingham way back in the early 1990s.
So, if you fancy picking one up, head to your nearest branch and capitalise o n the offer, which will set you back less than two quid.


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Primark shoppers love 'gorgeous' coat that fans are rushing out to buy

Primark shoppers have fallen in love with a `` dreamy '' new coat that fans say they are trying to find in stores .
With the colder weather upon us , we 're all out looking for a new and comfy coat that 's going to keep us warm in the months approaching .
And retailers such as Primark are introducing dreamy new fashion lines that people are going crazy for .
Now , the popular retailer has wow 'd its fans on social media with a new coat that looks perfect for the winter months .
The £35 coat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailer 's Instagram page with the caption : `` Yep , we want this whole outfit ! ''
The coat seems to have captured the heart 's of other fashionistas with people rushing out to buy it .
One person said : `` Oh my god this coat '' while another wrote : `` Def didn ’ t see this coat !
Love the loafers too !
!
! ''
A third person said : `` This coat is bootttiful '' while a fourth person added : `` I need this coat x @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in love with a Christmas outfit that people were saying was `` cuteness overload '' .
The Christmas months are approaching and some of us might be introducing a new member of the family so Primark introduced a £7 Santa outfit for your toddler .
If you want to purchase either item , you can use the store 's locator .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris  Harper)

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Primark shoppers have fallen in love with a "dreamy" new coat that fans say they are trying to find in stores.
With the colder weather upon us, we're all out looking for a new and comfy coat that's going to keep us warm in the months approaching.
And retailers such as Primark are introducing dreamy new fashion lines that people are going crazy for.
Now, the popular retailer has wow'd its fans on social media with a new coat that looks perfect for the winter months.
The £35 coat featured in a new outfit on the retailer's Instagram page with the caption: "Yep, we want this whole outfit!"
The coat seems to have captured the heart's of other fashionistas with people rushing out to buy it. One person said: "Oh my god this coat" while another wrote: "Def didn’t see this coat! Love the loafers too!!!"
A third person said: "This coat is bootttiful" while a fourth person added: "I need this coat x"
This comes after fashion fans went in love with a Christmas outfit that people were saying was "cuteness overload".
The Christmas months are approaching and some of us might be introducing a new member of the family so Primark introduced a £7 Santa outfit for your toddler.
If you want to purchase either item, you can use the store's locator.


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Award-winning restaurant forced to tear down pergola after fury from locals

An award-winning restaurant in a historic market town has been ordered to tear down a wooden pergola after locals said it “ looked like Jewson ” .
The wooden structure appeared outside the Dough and Brew to allow diners to eat outside .
Boss John Martin said the structure allowed the pizzeria to cater for more customers while complying with social distancing rules .
The eaterie opened just yards from Warwick Castle in 2016 and was voted the UK ’ s best restaurant two years later .
But council chiefs ruled the new pergola breached planning laws because the restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row erupted after locals slammed the 10ft-tall structure , with some saying it resembled a builders merchants .
IT consultant Sue Taylor , 50 , said : “ I feel very sorry for restaurant and bar owners because they are struggling to survive at the moment but this just looks wrong .
“ Considering the care which goes into their dishes , the pergola looks like a dozen planks were nailed together over a lunch hour .
“ It looks more like a branch of Jewson than a nice restaurant.
” Retired business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Everybody knows how hard businesses are finding it since coronavirus but standards must be kept .
“ This town relies heavily on tourism , the main draw obviously being the castle which attracts tens of thousands of people every year .
“ If people leave the castle and wander around the shops nearby they expect to see a high level of attention has gone into their upkeep .
“ I ’ m afraid this bodged pergola , which frankly looks more like fence panels , does not cut the mustard .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same.
” Planning officers ruled at a council meeting last week that the pergola “ harmed the look of the surrounding area ” .
Warwick District Council ’ s development services manager Gary Fisher said : “ The key issues here are very much around the impact the structure has on the character and appearance of the conservation area balanced with the benefits of the structure to the business in question particularly in the current circumstances .
“ Officers feel that the benefits could be achieved by an alternative structure with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more acceptable in a conservation area.
” Restaurant boss Mr Martin said that the capacity inside the restaurant had halved since coronavirus restrictions were introduced .
He said : “ The site is not located in an overly prominent part of the conservation area .
`` Instead it is in a quiet corner of the town behind Marks and Spencer and Westgate House .
`` We plan to complete the work to a high standard and are happy to work with officers to agree to landscaping features and materials.
” He now has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face possible further action .

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

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An award-winning restaurant in a historic market town has been ordered to tear down a wooden pergola after locals said it “looked like Jewson”.
The wooden structure appeared outside the Dough and Brew to allow diners to eat outside.
Boss John Martin said the structure allowed the pizzeria to cater for more customers while complying with social distancing rules.
The eaterie opened just yards from Warwick Castle in 2016 and was voted the UK’s best restaurant two years later.
But council chiefs ruled the new pergola breached planning laws because the restaurant is in a conservation area.
The row erupted after locals slammed the 10ft-tall structure, with some saying it resembled a builders merchants.
(Image: SWNS)
IT consultant Sue Taylor, 50, said: “I feel very sorry for restaurant and bar owners because they are struggling to survive at the moment but this just looks wrong.
“Considering the care which goes into their dishes, the pergola looks like a dozen planks were nailed together over a lunch hour.
“It looks more like a branch of Jewson than a nice restaurant.”
Retired business owner David Morris, 67, added: “Everybody knows how hard businesses are finding it since coronavirus but standards must be kept.
“This town relies heavily on tourism, the main draw obviously being the castle which attracts tens of thousands of people every year.
“If people leave the castle and wander around the shops nearby they expect to see a high level of attention has gone into their upkeep.
“I’m afraid this bodged pergola, which frankly looks more like fence panels, does not cut the mustard. I’m relieved the council feel the same.”
(Image: SWNS)
Planning officers ruled at a council meeting last week that the pergola “harmed the look of the surrounding area”.
Warwick District Council’s development services manager Gary Fisher said: “The key issues here are very much around the impact the structure has on the character and appearance of the conservation area balanced with the benefits of the structure to the business in question particularly in the current circumstances.
“Officers feel that the benefits could be achieved by an alternative structure with an improved design and appearance which would be more acceptable in a conservation area.”
Restaurant boss Mr Martin said that the capacity inside the restaurant had halved since coronavirus restrictions were introduced.
He said: “The site is not located in an overly prominent part of the conservation area.
"Instead it is in a quiet corner of the town behind Marks and Spencer and Westgate
House.
"We plan to complete the work to a high standard and are happy to work with officers to agree to landscaping features and materials.”
He now has a month to remove the pergola or face possible further action.


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Kitten horrifically burned in bonfire adopted by vet who saved him

An adorable kitten which suffered horrific burns in a fire has made a miracle recovery after being adopted by the veterinary nurse who saved him .
The seven-week old animal was rescued by police officers who spotted him lying in the road near a bonfire .
He was taken to Pride Veterinary Centre in Derby on September 15 where he was given a slim chance of survival .
But after an operation to save his eye and dress his wounds , the kitten survived .
Veterinary nurse Jenni Gretton was so taken with him she started an online campaign to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just six hours after launching the campaign , wellwishers donated £2,000 to cover his vet ’ s bills .
Jenni , 32 , has now adopted the kitten , which she has named ‘ Fire Cat ’ after no one came forward to claim him .
The mum-of-one has to cover his feet in cling film to help them heal and now moistures his eyes several times a day so they don ’ t dry out .
Jenni , from Mickelover , Derbys.
, said : “ He smelled of burnt hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fur was charred and his ears and whiskers were burnt .
“ All of the skin on his face was burnt and his eyes were really quite singed .
His ears were clinging over the top and he was really sore .
“ He looked worse a few days later when the skin started to peel off - the skin on his face peeled away after a few days .
“ He was very small and weak and didn ’ t want to do anything .
“ We put him on fluids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could eat or drink but didn ’ t really expect him to survive .
“ It was difficult to know whether to carry on with treatment or not .
We decided to try .
“ We were really unsure at that point what to do because we had never seen a kitten that had been so badly burnt before .
“ We knew there was a high risk of him getting an infection or not being able to breathe properly and we knew how much pain he was in .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so we started treatment starting with pain relief .
“ His eyes were really burnt .
I flushed his eyes out and cleaned his face to see how bad his injuries were .
“ His lips were burnt away right to his teeth .
“ Over a period of a couple of days he was doing well .
Soon his demeanour and behaviour got much better .
“ Nobody had come forward looking for him so I offered to take him home .
“ We still don ’ t know who his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or whether it was malicious or not .
“ Maybe they didn ’ t call for him because they didn ’ t think he would survive his injuries .
“ I took him home after seven days and his hair started falling off .
“ I was bathing him throughout the day and putting vaseline on his wounds .
His skin fell off his face , nose and nostrils.
” The cat now lives with Jenni , her husband Phil Gretton , 42 , and their two-year-old son Jude .
She said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he just called him Fire Cat .
Although we tried to call him something else , it stuck .
“ He fitted in straight away at home and plays with our Cavalier cross breeds , Harvey and Ringo .
“ He is really happy and really bright .
He is just like a normal kitten except that he looks different .
“ I did n't think he would get his hair back but it is growing back .
He ’ s too young to go outside and won ’ t be going out @ @ @ @ @

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An adorable kitten which suffered horrific burns in a fire has made a miracle recovery after being adopted by the veterinary nurse who saved him.
The seven-week old animal was rescued by police officers who spotted him lying in the road near a bonfire.
He was taken to Pride Veterinary Centre in Derby on September 15 where he was given a slim chance of survival.
But after an operation to save his eye and dress his wounds, the kitten survived.
Veterinary nurse Jenni Gretton was so taken with him she started an online campaign to raise money for his treatment.
Incredibly, just six hours after launching the campaign, wellwishers donated £2,000 to cover his vet’s bills.
Jenni, 32, has now adopted the kitten, which she has named ‘Fire Cat’ after no one came forward to claim him.
(Image: Jenni Gretton / SWNS.COM)
The mum-of-one has to cover his feet in cling film to help them heal and now moistures his eyes several times a day so they don’t dry out.
Jenni, from Mickelover, Derbys., said: “He smelled of burnt hair because he was singed. All of his fur was charred and his ears and whiskers were burnt.
“All of the skin on his face was burnt and his eyes were really quite singed. His ears were clinging over the top and he was really sore.
“He looked worse a few days later when the skin started to peel off - the skin on his face peeled away after a few days.
“He was very small and weak and didn’t want to do anything.
“We put him on fluids because we didn’t know if he could eat or drink but didn’t really expect him to survive.
“It was difficult to know whether to carry on with treatment or not. We decided to try.
(Image: Jenni Gretton / SWNS.COM)
“We were really unsure at that point what to do because we had never seen a kitten that had been so badly burnt before.
“We knew there was a high risk of him getting an infection or not being able to breathe properly and we knew how much pain he was in.
“But we wanted to give him a chance, so we started treatment starting with pain relief.
“His eyes were really burnt. I flushed his eyes out and cleaned his face to see how bad his injuries were.
“His lips were burnt away right to his teeth.
“Over a period of a couple of days he was doing well. Soon his demeanour and behaviour got much better.
(Image: Jenni Gretton / SWNS.COM)
“Nobody had come forward looking for him so I offered to take him home.
“We still don’t know who his owners were, what happened to him or whether it was malicious or not.
“Maybe they didn’t call for him because they didn’t think he would survive his injuries.
“I took him home after seven days and his hair started falling off.
“I was bathing him throughout the day and putting vaseline on his wounds. His skin fell off his face, nose and nostrils.”
The cat now lives with Jenni, her husband Phil Gretton, 42, and their two-year-old son Jude.
She said: “When my son saw him, he just called him Fire Cat. Although we tried to call him something else, it stuck.
“He fitted in straight away at home and plays with our Cavalier cross breeds, Harvey and Ringo.
“He is really happy and really bright. He is just like a normal kitten except that he looks different.
“I didn't think he would get his hair back but it is growing back. He’s too young to go outside and won’t be going out for a while.”


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Dr Hilary predicts when most people will get coronavirus vaccine

Dr Hilary Jones has predicted the date where the majority of people will be able to get a Covid-19 vaccine in a frank discussion with Lorraine Kelly today .
Dr Hilary said : `` Yes a chief executive at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton in Warwickshire has sent an e-mail to staff telling them to prepare and get ready .
`` Glen Burley has asked them to get ready for the NHS vaccination programme which could start in December for NHS workers and vulnerable patients . ''
The e-mail was circulated by national media publications over the weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen a staff memo sent earlier this month by Glen Burley , chief executive of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire , explaining that health service organisations had been told `` to be prepared to start a Covid-19 staff vaccine programme in early December '' .
The newspaper reported the memo added : `` The latest intelligence states a coronavirus vaccine should be available this year with NHS staff prioritised prior to Christmas . ''
Dr Hilary continued : `` However do not know that for sure yet .
There is optimism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently .
They are both saying they have potential vaccines .
`` Now this is the first we have heard of a vaccination programme this year - by December , i.e.
, before Christmas .
`` For certain groups of people , of course .
The majority of people would have to wait until the spring .
`` Globally there are currently about 200 vaccines in development - not for everybody , clearly .
Most would have to wait for spring and summer .
`` But we do know it needs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're hoping if these prove to be effective and safe , we can have it sooner than we once thought . ''

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Dr Hilary Jones has predicted the date where the majority of people will be able to get a Covid-19 vaccine in a frank discussion with Lorraine Kelly today.
Dr Hilary said: "Yes a chief executive at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton in Warwickshire has sent an e-mail to staff telling them to prepare and get ready.
"Glen Burley has asked them to get ready for the NHS vaccination programme which could start in December for NHS workers and vulnerable patients."
The e-mail was circulated by national media publications over the weekend.
The Mail on Sunday said it had seen a staff memo sent earlier this month by Glen Burley, chief executive of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire, explaining that health service organisations had been told "to be prepared to start a Covid-19 staff vaccine programme in early December".
The newspaper reported the memo added: "The latest intelligence states a coronavirus vaccine should be available this year with NHS staff prioritised prior to Christmas."
Dr Hilary continued: "However do not know that for sure yet. There is optimism from Ireland and from the United States currently. They are both saying they have potential vaccines.
"Now this is the first we have heard of a vaccination programme this year - by December, i.e., before Christmas.
"For certain groups of people, of course. The majority of people would have to wait until the spring.
"Globally there are currently about 200 vaccines in development - not for everybody, clearly. Most would have to wait for spring and summer.
"But we do know it needs to be safe and effective first.
"So we're hoping if these prove to be effective and safe, we can have it sooner than we once thought."


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Amazon release early Black Friday 2020 deals

It 's just over one month until Black Friday .
While the official date is set at November 27 , Amazon have already kicked off their deals .
Starting today , October 26 and lasting through until November 17 , Amazon will have a number of flash deals across a number of categories including toys , tech , fashion and many more .
You can check what is currently available at www.amazon.co.uk/events/blackfriday '' Deals of the day '' , as the name would suggest , will change every 24hrs .
As of the time of publishing , savings are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Xiaomi Mi Smartphone and a De'Longhi Coffee Machine .
With Christmas looming on the horizon , the early start on the sales are likely to be welcomed .
Some savings available are as much as 74 % off the original RRP .
In easy-to-navigate list of categories is available along the banner of this page .
You can also select from the different deals available in the list below : If you 're on the lookout for some inspiration , Amazon also have this handy gift guide .
Various Amazon vouchers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ savings across a wide-range of products .
The closer we get to the official Black Friday sales , the more other retailers are also likely to show their proverbial hands .
Whether this added competition will drive prices on products down even further remains to be seen , but for the time being Amazon 's early deals will give bargain-hunters plenty to sink their teeth into .

It's just over one month until Black Friday.
While the official date is set at November 27, Amazon have already kicked off their deals.
Starting October 26 and lasting through until November 17, Amazon will have a number of flash deals across a number of categories including toys, tech, fashion and many more.
You can check what is currently available at www.amazon.co.uk/events/blackfriday
"Deals of the day", as the name would suggest, will change every 24hrs. As of the time of publishing, savings are currently on offer on a GPS smartwatch, a Xiaomi Mi Smartphone and a De'Longhi Coffee Machine.
With Christmas looming on the horizon, the early start on the sales are likely to be welcomed. Some savings available are as much as 74% off the original RRP.
In easy-to-navigate list of categories is available along the banner of this page. You can also select from the different deals available in the list below:
If you're on the lookout for some inspiration, Amazon also have this handy gift guide. Various Amazon vouchers are also available to help you get further savings across a wide-range of products.
The closer we get to the official Black Friday sales, the more other retailers are also likely to show their proverbial hands.
Whether this added competition will drive prices on products down even further remains to be seen, but for the time being Amazon's early deals will give bargain-hunters plenty to sink their teeth into.


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Lorraine Kelly issues stark warning over Halloween - and Dr Hilary agrees

Lorraine Kelly has issued a stark warning over Halloween alongside Dr Hilary Jones this week .
On her self-titled ITV1 show , Lorraine said : `` Finally Halloween of course is nearly upon us .
Probably best just not to this year . ''
The Scottish TV presenter denied she was being a `` killyjoy '' and said she was merely being realistic within the coronavirus restrictions as they stand .
She told ITV1 viewers : `` Let me make it clear , people are saying 'you can do this , you can do that ' , perhaps it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no .
I 'm sorry . ''
Medical expert and healthcare professional Dr Hilary agreed , nodding , and echoed her thoughts .
Halloween takes place this coming Saturday up and down the land , but will be a far cry from the dressing up , apple bobbing , trick or treating and costume parties of Halloweens gone by .
`` I think in tier 3 you should n't be doing it - it is effectively banned , households can not mix even outside , it is not allowed , `` Dr Hilary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` You think about children , you think about the communal tubs of sweets outside homes .
How many people are touching those wrappers ?
`` You should not be doing it .
You are increasing the risk of transmission quite a lot by doing that . ''
He continued : `` Again , calling on an elderly person 's house .
You are putting them at risk .
`` I agree with you Lorraine .
I agree with you . ''
Lorraine said : `` Probably best , for clarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this year is n't it ? ''

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Lorraine Kelly has issued a stark warning over Halloween alongside Dr Hilary Jones this week.
On her self-titled ITV1 show, Lorraine said: "Finally Halloween of course is nearly upon us. Probably best just not to this year."
The Scottish TV presenter denied she was being a "killyjoy" and said she was merely being realistic within the coronavirus restrictions as they stand.
She told ITV1 viewers: "Let me make it clear, people are saying 'you can do this, you can do that', perhaps it is easy this year just to say: no. I'm sorry."
Medical expert and healthcare professional Dr Hilary agreed, nodding, and echoed her thoughts.
Halloween takes place this coming Saturday up and down the land, but will be a far cry from the dressing up, apple bobbing, trick or treating and costume parties of Halloweens gone by.
"I think in tier 3 you shouldn't be doing it - it is effectively banned, households cannot mix even outside, it is not allowed, " Dr Hilary warned.
The TV medical professional then added: "You think about children, you think about the communal tubs of sweets outside homes. How many people are touching those wrappers?
"You should not be doing it. You are increasing the risk of transmission quite a lot by doing that."
He continued: "Again, calling on an elderly person's house. You are putting them at risk.
"I agree with you Lorraine. I agree with you."
Lorraine said: "Probably best, for clarity's sake, just to cancel it for this year isn't it?"


birminghammail--2020-10-26--Confirmed: West Brom promotion winner Hegazi  departs

Hegazi has moved to the eight-time Saudi champions on loan , with a permanent transfer agreed for next summer .
@ @ @ @ @ Brom from Egyptian outfit El Ahly in July 2017 and made 104 appearances for the @ @ @ @ @ .
Hegazi made 14 starts in the Sky Bet Championship last season as Albion were @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The club would like to thank Ahmed for his contribution over the last @ @ @ @ @ , and his family , all the very best in the future , ” West @ @ @ @ @ website .

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West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi has joined Saudi Professional League side Al-Ittihad.
Hegazi has moved to the eight-time Saudi champions on loan, with a permanent transfer agreed for next summer.
The 29-year-old centre-half joined West Brom from Egyptian outfit El Ahly in July 2017 and made 104 appearances for the Baggies, scoring four goals.
Hegazi made 14 starts in the Sky Bet Championship last season as Albion were promoted to the Premier League.
“The club would like to thank Ahmed for his contribution over the last three seasons and wishes him, and his family, all the very best in the future,” West Brom said on their official website.