birminghammail--2020-08-25--Birmingham City fans pile in after Jon Toral return

Jon Toral has returned to Birmingham City - four years after the best season of his career .
The former Arsenal loan man , who was the club ’ s Players Player and Supporters Player of the 2015/2016 season , has signed a one year deal , with an option for a second .
He returns having had a lean three-year period at Hull City - and with questions about whether he can regain the form that made him such a fan favourite first time round .
Here ’ s what Blues supporters have been saying .
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Google Play Store and App Store @ JoeWathen14 : How can you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You don ’ t lose talent overnight he is still a good player , low risk cheap wages and we are desperate for numbers .
@ MrScottyPowell : Dunno about a signing but I bet that Ipswich goal from Jon Toral in the 15/16 season is going to be on the Blues Twitter today ... @ Harry_BCFC : Toral is great signing .
Can play in multiple positions and was great to watch previously .
A signing I ’ m backing @ MattyBrennan : Happy with a back-up for Crowley .
Great bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free .
@ CoobaJackson : I ’ ve seen mixed review re Jon Toral - definitely a player in there , was clear during his season at Blues , at times he looked unstoppable , tough spell at Hull is understandable , will add good depth and a quality option if AK can get him going !
@ BluesBreathe : Jon Toral .
Class playmaker for us when he joined on loan .
Him and Crowley have that Arsenal link up which will be great , with Karanka and Toral being Spanish could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low risk signing and it ’ s on a free , it ’ s a bargain at the end of the day !
@ SHarrison94 : Been waiting for Blues to resign toral since his loan finished .
Quality for a free @ Richard_14 : Honestly think the structure of this deal is great he ’ ll know he has to fight from day one to earn that second year or anything beyond that great business @ BcfcDebate : Should suit Karanka ’ s style , could be a cheap coup , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he was last with us could be a big player .
Crowley and Toral linking up will be interesting @ BluenoseKnows : Jon Toral is a great signing on a free , was one of my favourite players from the 2015/16 season .
Will bring some genuine class to the team @ Matt_1976 : Happy with Toral .
At his best makes our starting XI .
If not , good squad player and only 25 .
Win win @ Jamesssyb : Toral was class in rowetts system , karanka sets up similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was for us so being back in that environment all be it a different dressing room .
You can see this being a great bit of business for no risk @ RunJamieHarper : Happy with this .
Hopefully can get back to what he was like when on loan @ JamesJenkinson_ : Low risk with potential for high reward .
Again .
Free transfer .
Can ’ t imagine it ’ ll be mega wages .
Still only 25 .
It ’ s not a guarantee but if you can get him firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Jon Toral has returned to Birmingham City - four years after the best season of his career.
The former Arsenal loan man, who was the club’s Players Player and Supporters Player of the 2015/2016 season, has signed a one year deal, with an option for a second.
He returns having had a lean three-year period at Hull City - and with questions about whether he can regain the form that made him such a fan favourite first time round.
Here’s what Blues supporters have been saying.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
@JoeWathen14: How can you be mad about the toral signing? You don’t lose talent overnight he is still a good player, low risk cheap wages and we are desperate for numbers.
@MrScottyPowell: Dunno about a signing but I bet that Ipswich goal from Jon Toral in the 15/16 season is going to be on the Blues Twitter today...
@Harry_BCFC: Toral is great signing. Can play in multiple positions and was great to watch previously. A signing I’m backing
@MattyBrennan: Happy with a back-up for Crowley. Great bit of business to get him on a free.
@CoobaJackson: I’ve seen mixed review re Jon Toral - definitely a player in there, was clear during his season at Blues, at times he looked unstoppable, tough spell at Hull is understandable, will add good depth and a quality option if AK can get him going!
@BluesBreathe: Jon Toral. Class playmaker for us when he joined on loan. Him and Crowley have that Arsenal link up which will be great, with Karanka and Toral being Spanish could also help. It’s a low risk signing and it’s on a free, it’s a bargain at the end of the day!
@SHarrison94: Been waiting for Blues to resign toral since his loan finished. Quality for a free
@Richard_14: Honestly think the structure of this deal is great he’ll know he has to fight from day one to earn that second year or anything beyond that great business
@BcfcDebate: Should suit Karanka’s style, could be a cheap coup, if he can find the form he had when he was last with us could be a big player. Crowley and Toral linking up will be interesting
@BluenoseKnows: Jon Toral is a great signing on a free, was one of my favourite players from the 2015/16 season. Will bring some genuine class to the team
@Matt_1976: Happy with Toral. At his best makes our starting XI. If not, good squad player and only 25. Win win
@Jamesssyb: Toral was class in rowetts system, karanka sets up similar. Arguably his best season so far was for us so being back in that environment all be it a different dressing room. You can see this being a great bit of business for no risk
@RunJamieHarper: Happy with this. Hopefully can get back to what he was like when on loan
@JamesJenkinson_: Low risk with potential for high reward. Again. Free transfer. Can’t imagine it’ll be mega wages. Still only 25. It’s not a guarantee but if you can get him firing again he’s can be instrumental.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Konsa details importance of Aston Villa partnership with Mings

It 's a crucial partnership that will set the foundations for Aston Villa 's all-important 20/21 campaign as they look to be well away from the dreaded drop-zone places .
Dean Smith 's incredible revival with four games to go last term was arguably down to two men , midfield dynamo Douglas Luiz and centre-back Ezri Konsa .
And it 's the latter who 's just provided a telling interview with Villa TV , detailing just how vital his partnership with Tyrone Mings will be for the forthcoming season .
`` I want to continue developing my partnership with Tyrone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained .
`` We grew as the season went on , especially towards the end in the final four games and it 's something I 'm looking to build on .
`` It 's always good to have a right-footed centre-half and a left-footed centre-half , it balances it well . ''
There will be no need for Villa to spend a proportion of their summer budget on a new centre-half given Smith has Bjorn Engels and Kortney Hause in reserve , a right-footer and left-footer respectively .
James Chester , meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no plans in place to add a new defender - that 's despite Italian media linking Villa with a big-money move for Omar Colley .
As for Mings and Konsa , the pair performed wonders last term and struck up a rock-solid partnership following Hause 's injury prior to the Crystal Palace victory .
The ex-Wolves man pulling up in the warm-up prior to that one meant Konsa switched seamlessly back from right-back to centre-back .
`` I done it a few years ago at Charlton , playing right-back .
It 's something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Konsa , who cost Villa £12 million last summer .
With Konsa and Mings brick-like at the back , Villa kept two clean sheets in their final four games .
They managed just four clean sheets all season prior to Project Restart .
Engels ( Achilles ) and Hause ( groin ) are now back fit and pushing Mings and Konsa hard ahead of the new season down at the training camp in Wales .
However , for Villa 's season-opener against Sheffield United , it will be the duo that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get the nod by Smith .
`` It 's a great opportunity to build again , '' Konsa said of Villa 's expectations for the year ahead .
`` I believe we 'll do much better this season .
We know how the Prem is now .
We 've played against the top teams and we know how they play .
Obviously there will be a few new faces but , as I said , it 's the second season for us and it 's time to push on now and get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to finish as high up as possible , to build on what we finished on last season .
It 's been an enjoyable one ( personally ) , a dream come true to play and score in the Premier League in my first season .
I 'm learning every day and , with the help of the coaches and teammates , I can only get better . ''
Konsa 's certainly getting better , that 's for sure , and looks every bit of the £12 million fee when Smith raided former @ @ @ @ @ @ @

It's a crucial partnership that will set the foundations for Aston Villa's all-important 20/21 campaign as they look to be well away from the dreaded drop-zone places.
Dean Smith's incredible revival with four games to go last term was arguably down to two men, midfield dynamo Douglas Luiz and centre-back Ezri Konsa.
And it's the latter who's just provided a telling interview with Villa TV, detailing just how vital his partnership with Tyrone Mings will be for the forthcoming season.
"I want to continue developing my partnership with Tyrone Mings," Konsa, 22, explained. "We grew as the season went on, especially towards the end in the final four games and it's something I'm looking to build on.
"It's always good to have a right-footed centre-half and a left-footed centre-half, it balances it well."
There will be no need for Villa to spend a proportion of their summer budget on a new centre-half given Smith has Bjorn Engels and Kortney Hause in reserve, a right-footer and left-footer respectively. James Chester, meanwhile, was allowed to leave and there's no plans in place to add a new defender - that's despite Italian media linking Villa with a big-money move for Omar Colley.
As for Mings and Konsa, the pair performed wonders last term and struck up a rock-solid partnership following Hause's injury prior to the Crystal Palace victory. The ex-Wolves man pulling up in the warm-up prior to that one meant Konsa switched seamlessly back from right-back to centre-back.
"I done it a few years ago at Charlton, playing right-back. It's something that wasn't new to me," said Konsa, who cost Villa £12 million last summer.
With Konsa and Mings brick-like at the back, Villa kept two clean sheets in their final four games. They managed just four clean sheets all season prior to Project Restart.
Engels (Achilles) and Hause (groin) are now back fit and pushing Mings and Konsa hard ahead of the new season down at the training camp in Wales. However, for Villa's season-opener against Sheffield United, it will be the duo that finished the season in sterling fashion that will get the nod by Smith.
"It's a great opportunity to build again," Konsa said of Villa's expectations for the year ahead. "I believe we'll do much better this season. We know how the Prem is now. We've played against the top teams and we know how they play. Obviously there will be a few new faces but, as I said, it's the second season for us and it's time to push on now and get in a better position.
"We need to finish as high up as possible, to build on what we finished on last season. It's been an enjoyable one (personally), a dream come true to play and score in the Premier League in my first season. I'm learning every day and, with the help of the coaches and teammates, I can only get better."
Konsa's certainly getting better, that's for sure, and looks every bit of the £12 million fee when Smith raided former club Brentford for him last summer.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Eamonn Holmes leaves Ruth Langsford blushing with jaw-dropping innuendo

Eamonn Holmes has left Ruth Langsford red-faced on ITV1 This Morning on Tuesday .
During the ITV1 daytime TV favourite , Eamonn - who is stepping in to replace Phillip Schofield - made a comment to his wife that left her gasping .
Ruth was left blushing and embarrassed during the exchange , which saw Eamonn drop an x-rated innuendo .
During the show , Ruth told her husband : `` Sit up straight . ''
Eamonn looked baffled as he asked : `` What are you talking about ?
I 'm fully erect . ''
As Ruth started to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think I was stooped ? ''
as she decided to move the conversation on .
Naturally , the exchange was all the talk of Twitter .
One wrote : `` Revealing far too much information on This Morning . ''
Holly and Phil will be back on September 1 after enjoying having the summer off .
They and the rest of the ITV breakfast presenters , such as Piers Morgan , Susanna Reid and Lorraine Kelly , appeared on an advert to confirm they will finally be back on screens .
GMB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarking : `` In a world where everything is different , '' before Piers finishes : `` Not everything needs to be a new normal . ''
Kate Garraway also makes a cameo in the short clip after taking almost five months off work when her husband Derek Draper suffered with complications from the coronavirus .
This Morning continues tomorrow at 10am on ITV .

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Eamonn Holmes has left Ruth Langsford red-faced on ITV1 This Morning on Tuesday.
During the ITV1 daytime TV favourite, Eamonn - who is stepping in to replace Phillip Schofield - made a comment to his wife that left her gasping.
Ruth was left blushing and embarrassed during the exchange, which saw Eamonn drop an x-rated innuendo.
During the show, Ruth told her husband: "Sit up straight."
Eamonn looked baffled as he asked: "What are you talking about? I'm fully erect."
As Ruth started to giggle, he continued: "Did you think I was stooped?" as she decided to move the conversation on.
Naturally, the exchange was all the talk of Twitter.
One wrote: "Revealing far too much information on This Morning."
Another added: "He’s fully erect!"
Holly and Phil will be back on September 1 after enjoying having the summer off.
They and the rest of the ITV breakfast presenters, such as Piers Morgan, Susanna Reid and Lorraine Kelly, appeared on an advert to confirm they will finally be back on screens.
GMB's Susanna then closes the ad by remarking: "In a world where everything is different," before Piers finishes: "Not everything needs to be a new normal."
Kate Garraway also makes a cameo in the short clip after taking almost five months off work when her husband Derek Draper suffered with complications from the coronavirus.
This Morning continues tomorrow at 10am on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Police update after four or more stabbed in knife brawl

Police have issued an update after a 'at least ' four people were stabbed in a mass knife brawl in the Jewellery Quarter .
One man was seriously ill in hospital after he was knifed in the early hours disorder in Great Hampton Street on Saturday , August 22 .
The knife victim , who was hurt as trouble flared between up to 15 people , has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home .
The condition of the others who were hurt in the 5am violence was not known .
A 24-year-old man was initially arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police custody over the weekend .
He has now been released with no charge , West Midlands Police said in the latest update .
The latest from West Midlands Police read : `` The 24-year-old man arrested has been released with no charge .
`` The man who suffered a more serious injury has since been discharged and is recovering at home . ''
A stretch of the major road , near Vyse Street , was closed by police after a flurry of 999 calls to the scene .
The street was shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were carried out and evidence was gathered .
Witnesses of the violence are still urged to contact police on 101 or message them via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website .
Anyone with information should quote log 674 from 22 Aug .

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Police have issued an update after a 'at least' four people were stabbed in a mass knife brawl in the Jewellery Quarter.
One man was seriously ill in hospital after he was knifed in the early hours disorder in Great Hampton Street on Saturday, August 22.
The knife victim, who was hurt as trouble flared between up to 15 people, has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.
The condition of the others who were hurt in the 5am violence was not known.
A 24-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of wounding and remained in police custody over the weekend.
He has now been released with no charge, West Midlands Police said in the latest update.
The latest from West Midlands Police read: "The 24-year-old man arrested has been released with no charge.
"The man who suffered a more serious injury has since been discharged and is recovering at home."
A stretch of the major road, near Vyse Street, was closed by police after a flurry of 999 calls to the scene.
The street was shut for more than seven hours while investigations were carried out and evidence was gathered.
Witnesses of the violence are still urged to contact police on 101 or message them via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website. Anyone with information should quote log 674 from 22 Aug.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--All the places affected by Birmingham's tightened lockdown rules

A raft of places across Birmingham are set to be impacted by new , tighter lockdown restrictions from tomorrow .
Wednesday will see the Birmingham City Council introduce new powers as it aims to contain the spread of Covid-19 .
Coronavirus has killed well over 45,000 Brits in hospitals , and new changes made by the local authority could impact city businesses from tomorrow .
Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward today ( Tuesday ) confirmed it will introduce a series of legally enforceable measures from Wednesday , after consultation with the UK government over a recent spike in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen its rate drop down to 22 cases per 100,000 at the start of this week , days after it was placed on a national `` watchlist '' following a spike to 32 cases per 100k .
The new powers will allow West Midlands Police and council officers to investigate reports of business premises which are failing to comply with guidelines .
They can issue fines and even restrict access to pubs , bars and restaurants , as well as forcing them to shut up shop .
The council is also given powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place on the basis of a maximum event size , including life events such as weddings or funerals .
It will also give officials the power to restrict access to , or close , public outdoor places if there is a public health need to .
Ian Ward , Leader of Birmingham City Council said : “ While the recent figures show our rates are going down , we can not be complacent . ''
He added : `` No one wants to see a continual ‘ stop , start ’ approach as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can go , least of all our business community .
`` Most of whom are adhering to the guidance and are doing all they can to keep our citizens safe .
For those that are not we are now enacting powers to ensure that they do .
`` These new powers will allow us to intervene when businesses are putting staff and customers at risk of infection .
`` By all working together to take action now , we can hopefully bring the numbers down , prevent further restrictions and protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city . ''

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A raft of places across Birmingham are set to be impacted by new, tighter lockdown restrictions starting today
Wednesday will see the Birmingham City Council introduce new powers as it aims to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Coronavirus has killed well over 45,000 Brits in hospitals, and new changes made by the local authority could impact city businesses from tomorrow.
Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward on Tuesday, August 25, confirmed it will introduce a series of legally enforceable measures from Wednesday, after consultation with the UK government over a recent spike in case numbers in the city.
Birmingham has seen its rate drop down to 22 cases per 100,000 at the start of this week, days after it was placed on a national "watchlist" following a spike to 32 cases per 100k.
The new powers will allow West Midlands Police and council officers to investigate reports of business premises which are failing to comply with guidelines.
They can issue fines and even restrict access to pubs, bars and restaurants, as well as forcing them to shut up shop.
The council is also given powers to prohibit certain types of event taking place on the basis of a maximum event size, including life events such as weddings or funerals.
It will also give officials the power to restrict access to, or close, public outdoor places if there is a public health need to.
Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “While the recent figures show our rates are going down, we cannot be complacent."
He added: "No one wants to see a continual ‘stop, start’ approach as to what citizens can do and where they can go, least of all our business community.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
"Most of whom are adhering to the guidance and are doing all they can to keep our citizens safe. For those that are not we are now enacting powers to ensure that they do.
"These new powers will allow us to intervene when businesses are putting staff and customers at risk of infection.
"By all working together to take action now, we can hopefully bring the numbers down, prevent further restrictions and protect the health and jobs of people across the city."


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Man trapped after fire at Tamworth flats

The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Glascote .
Crews from Polesworth and Tamworth attended and paramedics treated the patient for smoke inhalation .
A spokesman for Polesworth fire station said : `` The on duty crew have just returned from a fire in Bancroft , Glascote .
`` The incident happened around 4am this morning and involved a fire in a residential block with one male occupant trapped inside .
`` Crews from Tamworth and Polesworth forced entry to a first floor flat and rescued a male occupant suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to fully extinguish the fire but a domestic sprinkler had already activated and suppressed the fire to a survivable level .
`` A fire investigation officer is currently on scene establishing the cause of the fire .
`` Please test your smoke alarms , working smoke alarms do help to save lives . ''
West Midlands Ambulance Service added : `` We were called by the fire service at 4.50am to a fire at a property in Bancroft .
`` One ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene .
`` Crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for minor injuries and he was conveyed to Good Hope Hospital for further treatment .
”

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Firefighters rescued a trapped man after a fire at a Tamworth flats.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Glascote.
Crews from Polesworth and Tamworth attended and paramedics treated the patient for smoke inhalation.
A spokesman for Polesworth fire station said: "The on duty crew have just returned from a fire in Bancroft, Glascote.
"The incident happened around 4am this morning and involved a fire in a residential block with one male occupant trapped inside.
"Crews from Tamworth and Polesworth forced entry to a first floor flat and rescued a male occupant suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.
"A breathing apparatus team were able to fully extinguish the fire but a domestic sprinkler had already activated and suppressed the fire to a survivable level.
"A fire investigation officer is currently on scene establishing the cause of the fire.
"Please test your smoke alarms, working smoke alarms do help to save lives."
West Midlands Ambulance Service added: "We were called by the fire service at 4.50am to a fire at a property in Bancroft.
"One ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.
"Crews treated one patient, a man, for minor injuries and he was conveyed to Good Hope Hospital for further treatment.”


birminghammail--2020-08-25--CONFIRMED: Birmingham City favourite makes St Andrew's return

Jon Toral is back in the Royal Blue of Birmingham City .
The ex-Arsenal and Hull City play-maker has finalised a deal that sees him become Aitor Karanka ’ s second signing of the summer .
The Spaniard has signed a one-year deal , with a further season 's option .
The move represents a return to St Andrew ’ s for a gifted attacker who became a fan favourite when he was on loan at the club in 2015/2016 when he scored eight goals in 38 matches for Gary Rowett ’ s team .
He ended that campaign as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Player of the Season , whilst also scooping Goal of the Season for his audacious , long-range volley against Ipswich Town .
He spent the following season on loan with Granada and Rangers before Arsenal sold him to Hull for £3million in the summer of 2017 .
However , injuries undermined his time with the Tigers and he was allowed to leave as a free agent following their relegation earlier this summer – after just 55 appearances in three seasons .
Blues have already brought George Friend to the club - and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leko .

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Jon Toral is back in the Royal Blue of Birmingham City.
The ex-Arsenal and Hull City play-maker has finalised a deal that sees him become Aitor Karanka’s second signing of the summer.
The Spaniard has signed a one-year deal, with a further season's option.
The move represents a return to St Andrew’s for a gifted attacker who became a fan favourite when he was on loan at the club in 2015/2016 when he scored eight goals in 38 matches for Gary Rowett’s team.
He ended that campaign as the Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season, whilst also scooping Goal of the Season for his audacious, long-range volley against Ipswich Town.
He spent the following season on loan with Granada and Rangers before Arsenal sold him to Hull for £3million in the summer of 2017.
However, injuries undermined his time with the Tigers and he was allowed to leave as a free agent following their relegation earlier this summer – after just 55 appearances in three seasons.
Blues have already brought George Friend to the club - and have agreed a fee of £1million for Jonathan Leko.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--New powers to shut down pubs and bars and axe weddings in covid fight

Pubs and bars will be shut down by Birmingham City Council if they pose too much of a coronavirus risk under beefed-up powers handed to the authority .
Weddings and funerals could also be curtailed if more than 30 people - the maximum current number - are expected to attend .
And some outdoor public spaces could also be declared out-of-bounds .
The authority has been handed legally enforceable powers , which come into force from tomorrow , Wednesday , August 26 , in a bid to reduce the city 's coronavirus infection rate .
It was last week placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in Birmingham placed it at risk of a local lockdown .
The council said the big-stick approach was needed because `` much of the guidance in force at present suggests that businesses or people should do/not do certain things which are not legally enforceable '' .
It said they were aimed at businesses which were `` failing to comply with Covid-secure risk assessments '' .
Offending businesses could also be issued with written warning or served with a notice of closure .
The council said `` staying disciplined now is a price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to return to school next week .
It reminded venues they should not accept bookings for more than six people or from groups from more than two households .
Track and trace should also be enforced to make sure all customers provide their personal details in case of a positive test result whilst staff should be sent home to isolate and take a test if they show symptoms .
“ While the recent figures show our rates are going down , we can not be complacent , '' said Ian Ward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We must all continue to follow all the relevant safety guidance in order to protect our families , friends and work colleagues .
`` Most importantly staying disciplined now is a price worth paying when compared to the cost of damaging the future life chances of our city ’ s children – which may happen if there is a spike in the rate of infections and schools have to close , or parents do not send them due to concerns about the potential risks .
`` Whilst the impact of Covid-19 may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the negative impacts upon children not being present at school will last a lifetime .
“ Staying focused now will also support our fragile economic recovery in the long term .
No one wants to see a continual ‘ stop , start ’ approach as to what citizens can do and where they can go , least of all our business community .
`` Most of whom are adhering to the guidance and are doing all they can to keep our citizens safe .
For those that are not we are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` These new powers will allow us to intervene when businesses are putting staff and customers at risk of infection .
`` By all working together to take action now , we can hopefully bring the numbers down , prevent further restrictions and protect the health and jobs of people across the city .
“ We want citizens to be able to feel safe when they support the local economy , so if you are eating out or just going for drinks remember the restaurant of bar should be asking for your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing all they can to make you comfortable .
If not then you can leave and make the council aware of your concerns.
” Businesses are reminded they must enforce Government guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus .
This includes ensuring customers and staff comply with social distancing and unless exempt , customers wear a face covering where required .
The council also has a whistle blowing number for concerned members of the public to ring if they feel a business is not complying with Covid regulations .
They can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a form online : https : //www.birmingham.gov.uk/xfp/form/755

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Pubs and bars will be shut down by Birmingham City Council if they pose too much of a coronavirus risk under beefed-up powers handed to the authority.
Weddings and funerals could also be curtailed if more than 30 people - the maximum current number - are expected to attend.
And some outdoor public spaces could also be declared out-of-bounds.
The authority has been handed legally enforceable powers, which come into force from tomorrow, Wednesday, August 26, in a bid to reduce the city's coronavirus infection rate.
It was last week placed on a national watchlist amid fears the situation in Birmingham placed it at risk of a local lockdown.
The council said the big-stick approach was needed because "much of the guidance in force at present suggests that businesses or people should do/not do certain things which are not legally enforceable".
It said they were aimed at businesses which were "failing to comply with Covid-secure risk assessments". Offending businesses could also be issued with written warning or served with a notice of closure.
The council said "staying disciplined now is a price worth paying" as thousands of children due to return to school next week.
It reminded venues they should not accept bookings for more than six people or from groups from more than two households.
Track and trace should also be enforced to make sure all customers provide their personal details in case of a positive test result whilst staff should be sent home to isolate and take a test if they show symptoms.
“While the recent figures show our rates are going down, we cannot be complacent," said Ian Ward, the leader of Birmingham City Council.
"We must all continue to follow all the relevant safety guidance in order to protect our families, friends and work colleagues.
"Most importantly staying disciplined now is a price worth paying when compared to the cost of damaging the future life chances of our city’s children – which may happen if there is a spike in the rate of infections and schools have to close, or parents do not send them due to concerns about the potential risks.
"Whilst the impact of Covid-19 may be felt over the next few years, the negative impacts upon children not being present at school will last a lifetime.
“Staying focused now will also support our fragile economic recovery in the long term. No one wants to see a continual ‘stop, start’ approach as to what citizens can do and where they can go, least of all our business community.
"Most of whom are adhering to the guidance and are doing all they can to keep our citizens safe. For those that are not we are now enacting powers to ensure that they do.
"These new powers will allow us to intervene when businesses are putting staff and customers at risk of infection.
"By all working together to take action now, we can hopefully bring the numbers down, prevent further restrictions and protect the health and jobs of people across the city.
“We want citizens to be able to feel safe when they support the local economy, so if you are eating out or just going for drinks remember the restaurant of bar should be asking for your contact details and the staff should be doing all they can to make you comfortable. If not then you can leave and make the council aware of your concerns.”
Businesses are reminded they must enforce Government guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus. This includes ensuring customers and staff comply with social distancing and unless exempt, customers wear a face covering where required.
The council also has a whistle blowing number for concerned members of the public to ring if they feel a business is not complying with Covid regulations. They can call 0121 303 1116 or fill in a form online: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/xfp/form/755


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Urgent plea by Redditch leader as town's Covid rate soars by 800 per cent

The leader of Redditch Council has issued an urgent appeal as the town 's coronavirus infection rate soars .
His plea came as the number of cases in Redditch shot up by 800 per cent in just one week - jumping from just three cases to 25 .
Leaders are now anxiously waiting to find out if Redditch will be put on a Government watchlist - or have a local lockdown imposed on them .
Redditch 's rate is now higher than neighbouring Birmingham - which is already on a watchlist .
Another statistic , the rolling seven-day rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority area in England , showed a rise in Redditch from four cases per 100,000 to 29.3 .
The town is now above Birmingham , which has 22.1 cases , down from from 32 last week .
The figures covered the seven days to August 21 and were based on tests carried out in laboratories .
Redditch Borough Council leader , Coun Matt Dormer , took to social media on Tuesday to appeal to residents to `` redouble their efforts '' to fight Covid .
He said : `` I can confirm that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has increased sharply , going from three cases in a week to 25 .
`` This large increase does not not appear to be as a result of a single workplace but is happening in the wider community .
Therefore I need to appeal to all residents and businesses across Redditch to redouble your efforts to prevent the spread of this disease .
`` You must wash your hands regularly , cover your face and maintain social distancing .
This includes in our parks and open spaces , shops , restaurants , bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is as a result of community activity it is the responsibility of the community - of each and every one of us - to get it back down again .
Thank you for your cooperation . ''

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The leader of Redditch Council has issued an urgent appeal as the town's coronavirus infection rate soars.
His plea came as the number of cases in Redditch shot up by 800 per cent in just one week - jumping from just three cases to 25.
Leaders are now anxiously waiting to find out if Redditch will be put on a Government watchlist - or have a local lockdown imposed on them.
Redditch's rate is now higher than neighbouring Birmingham - which is already on a watchlist.
(Image: Gov.UK)
Another statistic, the rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority area in England, showed a rise in Redditch from four cases per 100,000 to 29.3. The town is now above Birmingham, which has 22.1 cases, down from from 32 last week.
The figures covered the seven days to August 21 and were based on tests carried out in laboratories.
Redditch Borough Council leader, Coun Matt Dormer, took to social media on Tuesday to appeal to residents to "redouble their efforts" to fight Covid.
He said: "I can confirm that the infection rate for Covid-19 across Redditch has increased sharply, going from three cases in a week to 25.
"This large increase does not not appear to be as a result of a single workplace but is happening in the wider community. Therefore I need to appeal to all residents and businesses across Redditch to redouble your efforts to prevent the spread of this disease.
"You must wash your hands regularly, cover your face and maintain social distancing. This includes in our parks and open spaces, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
"Given this increase is as a result of community activity it is the responsibility of the community - of each and every one of us - to get it back down again. Thank you for your cooperation."


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Man arrested after M6 police swoop on van filled with 40 puppies

A man has been arrested after a tip-off alerted police to up to 40 puppies - in the back of @ @ @ @ @ of the public alerted authorities after allegedly spotting beagles and border collies being loaded into @ @ @ @ @ near Cheltenham , Glos .
Local officers then contacted colleagues at West Mercia Police , @ @ @ @ @ suspicious vehicle on the M6 on Saturday ( August 22 ) .
A man , @ @ @ @ @ has been arrested on suspicion of the theft of puppies and remains in custody .
@ @ @ @ @ 40 dogs were recovered from the van and have been taken to an RSPCA vet @ @ @ @ @ with further information about the incident is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police .

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A man has been arrested after a tip-off alerted police to up to 40 puppies - in the back of a van.
A member of the public alerted authorities after allegedly spotting beagles and border collies being loaded into a vehicle in a village near Cheltenham, Glos.
Local officers then contacted colleagues at West Mercia Police, who located and stopped the suspicious vehicle on the M6 on Saturday (August 22).
A man, 24, from Durham, has been arrested on suspicion of the theft of puppies and remains in custody.
Police say between 30 and 40 dogs were recovered from the van and have been taken to an RSPCA vet surgery for assessment.
Anyone with further information about the incident is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Slaven Bilic breaks his silence on West Brom target Krovinovic

Slaven Bilic insists he will ‘ do anything ’ to re-sign Filip Krovinovic this summer .
In an extended interview with Croatian news outlet Index HR , the West Brom boss held court on a wide range of topics .
He expressed his desire to bring Nikola Vlasic to The Hawthorns – but admits CSKA Moscow ’ s demands would be too high – and also outlined his commitment to seeing Krovinovic return from Benfica .
The Croatian midfielder grew into his loan move last season and ended up as positive force in the Baggies squad .
Why should you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
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If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store “ I hope the situation with Krovinovic will change soon , ” Bilic said .
“ Krovinovic is our priority , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He can play in various positions .
He has made a lot of progress and he is now constantly in the penalty area which wasn ’ t the case at the start of the season .
“ He shoots three times per game .
He gets assists .
“ Off the field , the team fell in love with him in three days .
He is the only player whom it could not be judged whether he is playing , coming in from the bench or not playing at all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to play and he has ambition , but he understands the situation .
“ He also had a minor injury .
He played , he came in from the bench and he sat on the bench .
But he always supported the team .
And that matters.
” Krovinovic made 40 Championship appearances , including 26 starts and three goals , helping the club win automatic promotion .
He has two years left on his contract with Benfica .

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Slaven Bilic insists he will ‘do anything’ to re-sign Filip Krovinovic this summer.
In an extended interview with Croatian news outlet Index HR, the West Brom boss held court on a wide range of topics.
He expressed his desire to bring Nikola Vlasic to The Hawthorns – but admits CSKA Moscow’s demands would be too high – and also outlined his commitment to seeing Krovinovic return from Benfica.
The Croatian midfielder grew into his loan move last season and ended up as positive force in the Baggies squad.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
“I hope the situation with Krovinovic will change soon,” Bilic said. “Krovinovic is our priority, I will do anything to keep him.
“He can play in various positions. He has made a lot of progress and he is now constantly in the penalty area which wasn’t the case at the start of the season.
“He shoots three times per game. He gets assists.
“Off the field, the team fell in love with him in three days. He is the only player whom it could not be judged whether he is playing, coming in from the bench or not playing at all.
“He is always smiling. He wants to play and he has ambition, but he understands the situation.
“He also had a minor injury. He played, he came in from the bench and he sat on the bench. But he always supported the team. And that matters.”
Krovinovic made 40 Championship appearances, including 26 starts and three goals, helping the club win automatic promotion. He has two years left on his contract with Benfica.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Man becomes first to share terminal diagnosis after cancer op axed amid Covd

A man has become the first known cancer victim to reveal he is now terminal after potentially life-saving surgery was cancelled - due to Covid .
Adrian Rogers , 46 , is a casualties of the huge NHS backlog caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the UK .
He was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in July 2018 - and his wife Amanda , 48 , said that their world `` came crashing down '' .
But after 18 months of gruelling chemotherapy for Adrian , the family were finally given a glimmer of hope in February this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemo had got his bowel to an operable state .
His surgery was scheduled for early April - but when Covid-19 hit doctors decided it was `` too risky '' to go ahead with his surgery .
And the scaffolding supervisor , from Retford , Notts.
, has now been told his cancer is terminal - as the number of tumours on his bowels and liver has since swelled from six , to a massive 20 .
The devastating blow for Adrian and his family comes as cancer charity , Cancer Research UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer patients have experienced cancellations or delays to their treatment .
A survey by the charity revealed that one in three cancer patients across the UK have had their treatment impacted by the pandemic - with hundreds left fearful of the implications of this .
Adrian , who is step-dad to Amanda 's three children Laura , 25 , and twins Edward and Alexander , 21 , said : `` I feel like the government left us high and dry .
`` We were hearing in the news how there were all these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set aside for people with other illnesses to have treatment .
`` But they were apparently just empty .
`` It is hard to take in that there were places where I could have gone to have treatment , but they just chose to cancel it instead .
`` I do believe that more could have been done to make sure I had my operation when it was an option .
`` There have still been other illnesses that have needed treating during this time , too - not just Covid . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope - after Amanda found out about a potentially life-saving drug called Avastin , which could get Adrian back to being operable again .
The drug , which is administered alongside chemotherapy , costs a whopping £600 per fortnight .
So Amanda has now set up a fundraising page in a desperate attempt to be able to afford the treatment - and has raised over £10,000 in just ten days .
The `` amazing '' amount is enough to fund more than seven months of Avastin treatment for Adrian - and he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
He will receive his first dose of the drug on September 4 , at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield .
The drug is administered alongside chemotherapy - with chemo killing the tumours , and Avastin designed to prevent them from returning .
And Adrian said he is remaining hopeful about his chances with this new drug .
He said : `` We 've got to keep our hopes up .
`` I 'm so used to accepting chemotherapy now , that this is just the next thing for me .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well before all this , so hopefully it will be the same with Avastin .
`` I 'm just taking every day as it comes . ''
And Amanda , a former school kitchen supervisor , added : `` We wo n't know until he starts the course how well it will work for him , or whether it will get him back to an operable state .
`` For some people it works really well , and for others not so well .
We 'll have to wait and see how he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was responding brilliantly to the chemotherapy before - better than the doctors expected .
We 're hoping that this will work well for him , too . ''
Amanda , who has been with Adrian for 17 years , and has been married to him for four years , said described it as `` devastating '' when they were told that Adrian 's operation had been cancelled .
She said : `` We thought we were getting somewhere , and then Covid came and spoiled all our plans .
`` He was responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was diagnosed , the cancer had already spread to his liver .
`` But the chemotherapy was working really well , and it got him to the stage where he was operable on both sides of his bowel , and on his liver .
`` We spoke to the surgeon in February , and he told Adrian to come off the chemo for eight weeks to get ready for the surgery .
`` But then Covid hit .
His surgeon phoned us up and he was really nice about it .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go ahead with Adrian 's operation had to be put before a board , but that he had recommended that Adrian should still be operated on .
`` But the board made their decision and said no .
They decided it was too risky . ''
And during the time that Adrian was off chemotherapy , his tumours spread - and by the end of April , he had 20 tumours in his liver area .
Amanda said : `` He 's no longer operable , because there just would n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined Amanda quickly took to online forums , and found out about miracle drug Avastin - which could still give her husband a fighting chance .
She said : `` We were told that Adrian can either stop treatment and enjoy what time he has left - or , Avastin can be given alongside more chemotherapy , and that could work .
`` If Adrian was having private care , he would automatically get Avastin as standard .
`` But as we are on the NHS , we have to self-fund this for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pouring in , Amanda added : `` It 's been quite overwhelming for us .
`` It was a big thing for us to share the fundraising page - we were really anxious to put it out there , as we have n't even told some people close to us what 's been going on .
`` But it 's so important for us to have some hope .
Adrian worked so hard to get to the stage where he could have the operation - only to find out he could n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down days , but he needs to keep hopeful - and people have been so amazing with their donations .
`` It 's far better than we imagined it would be . ''
Cancer Research UK 's Chief Executive , Michelle Mitchell , said : `` Covid-19 has undoubtedly put a huge strain on people affected by cancer .
`` It has had an extraordinary impact on their care and wellbeing .
`` We ’ ve been hearing many of these stories over the past few months . ''
In a recent survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 per cent of the 1,900 respondents reported feeling more frustrated and anxious about having a recurrence of their diagnosis .
Professor Charles Swanton , Cancer Research UK ’ s chief clinician , added that the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients during the pandemic has been profound .
He said : `` I ’ ve had some difficult conversations with patients throughout the pandemic to explain adjustments to their treatment plans .
`` It has been a stressful and lonely time for many patients , worried about coming to hospital for fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment delayed or altered . ''
Meanwhile , Amanda now hopes that people will keep donating to Adrian 's fundraising page , to keep him going on Avastin for as long as possible .

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A man has become the first known cancer victim to reveal he is now terminal after potentially life-saving surgery was cancelled - due to Covid.
Adrian Rogers, 46, is a casualties of the huge NHS backlog caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.
He was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in July 2018 - and his wife Amanda, 48, said that their world "came crashing down".
But after 18 months of gruelling chemotherapy for Adrian, the family were finally given a glimmer of hope in February this year,.
A surgeon said that the chemo had got his bowel to an operable state.
His surgery was scheduled for early April - but when Covid-19 hit doctors decided it was "too risky" to go ahead with his surgery.
And the scaffolding supervisor, from Retford, Notts., has now been told his cancer is terminal - as the number of tumours on his bowels and liver has since swelled from six, to a massive 20.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The devastating blow for Adrian and his family comes as cancer charity, Cancer Research UK, revealed that hundreds of thousands of cancer patients have experienced cancellations or delays to their treatment.
A survey by the charity revealed that one in three cancer patients across the UK have had their treatment impacted by the pandemic - with hundreds left fearful of the implications of this.
Adrian, who is step-dad to Amanda's three children Laura, 25, and twins Edward and Alexander, 21, said: "I feel like the government left us high and dry.
"We were hearing in the news how there were all these private hospitals that were supposed to be set aside for people with other illnesses to have treatment.
(Image: Lee McLean/SWNS)
"But they were apparently just empty.
"It is hard to take in that there were places where I could have gone to have treatment, but they just chose to cancel it instead.
"I do believe that more could have been done to make sure I had my operation when it was an option.
"There have still been other illnesses that have needed treating during this time, too - not just Covid."
But the family are not giving up hope - after Amanda found out about a potentially life-saving drug called Avastin, which could get Adrian back to being operable again.
(Image: Lee McLean/SWNS)
The drug, which is administered alongside chemotherapy, costs a whopping £600 per fortnight.
So Amanda has now set up a fundraising page in a desperate attempt to be able to afford the treatment - and has raised over £10,000 in just ten days.
The "amazing" amount is enough to fund more than seven months of Avastin treatment for Adrian - and he is keen to get started as soon as possible.
He will receive his first dose of the drug on September 4, at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.
The drug is administered alongside chemotherapy - with chemo killing the tumours, and Avastin designed to prevent them from returning.
And Adrian said he is remaining hopeful about his chances with this new drug.
(Image: Lee McLean/SWNS)
He said: "We've got to keep our hopes up.
"I'm so used to accepting chemotherapy now, that this is just the next thing for me.
"But I was responding to the chemotherapy well before all this, so hopefully it will be the same with Avastin.
"I'm just taking every day as it comes."
And Amanda, a former school kitchen supervisor, added: "We won't know until he starts the course how well it will work for him, or whether it will get him back to an operable state.
"For some people it works really well, and for others not so well. We'll have to wait and see how he responds to it.
"But he was responding brilliantly to the chemotherapy before - better than the doctors expected. We're hoping that this will work well for him, too."
Amanda, who has been with Adrian for 17 years, and has been married to him for four years, said described it as "devastating" when they were told that Adrian's operation had been cancelled.
She said: "We thought we were getting somewhere, and then Covid came and spoiled all our plans.
"He was responding brilliantly to the chemotherapy.
"When he was diagnosed, the cancer had already spread to his liver.
"But the chemotherapy was working really well, and it got him to the stage where he was operable on both sides of his bowel, and on his liver.
"We spoke to the surgeon in February, and he told Adrian to come off the chemo for eight weeks to get ready for the surgery.
"But then Covid hit. His surgeon phoned us up and he was really nice about it.
"He said that the decision of whether to go ahead with Adrian's operation had to be put before a board, but that he had recommended that Adrian should still be operated on.
"But the board made their decision and said no. They decided it was too risky."
(Image: Lee McLean/SWNS)
And during the time that Adrian was off chemotherapy, his tumours spread - and by the end of April, he had 20 tumours in his liver area.
Amanda said: "He's no longer operable, because there just wouldn't be any liver left afterwards."
But determined Amanda quickly took to online forums, and found out about miracle drug Avastin - which could still give her husband a fighting chance.
She said: "We were told that Adrian can either stop treatment and enjoy what time he has left - or, Avastin can be given alongside more chemotherapy, and that could work.
"If Adrian was having private care, he would automatically get Avastin as standard.
"But as we are on the NHS, we have to self-fund this for him."
And with the donations pouring in, Amanda added: "It's been quite overwhelming for us.
"It was a big thing for us to share the fundraising page - we were really anxious to put it out there, as we haven't even told some people close to us what's been going on.
"But it's so important for us to have some hope. Adrian worked so hard to get to the stage where he could have the operation - only to find out he couldn't have it.
"He does have his down days, but he needs to keep hopeful - and people have been so amazing with their donations.
"It's far better than we imagined it would be."
Cancer Research UK's Chief Executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: "Covid-19 has undoubtedly put a huge strain on people affected by cancer.
"It has had an extraordinary impact on their care and wellbeing.
"We’ve been hearing many of these stories over the past few months."
In a recent survey carried out by the charity, around 70 per cent of the 1,900 respondents reported feeling more frustrated and anxious about having a recurrence of their diagnosis.
Professor Charles Swanton, Cancer Research UK’s chief clinician, added that the impact of Covid-19 on cancer patients during the pandemic has been profound.
He said: "I’ve had some difficult conversations with patients throughout the pandemic to explain adjustments to their treatment plans.
"It has been a stressful and lonely time for many patients, worried about coming to hospital for fear of catching the virus or having their treatment delayed or altered."
Meanwhile, Amanda now hopes that people will keep donating to Adrian's fundraising page, to keep him going on Avastin for as long as possible.
To donate to Adrian's treatment, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cancer-treatment-for-adrian.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Killer Asian hornets set to invade UK in coming days

Britain is set to be invaded by killer Asian hornets in the coming weeks - starting with 'Bee-Day ' on September 7 , experts warned today .
Recent wet weather has created a 'perfect breeding ground ' and raised fears the deadly insects will arrive in record numbers on British shores .
They can give a powerful sting and will play 'havoc ' with the UK 's bee population .
Officials say they are heading this way and even claim to know the date when they will arrive - September 7 .
The species began to spread through Europe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France inside a freight ship .
They were was spotted in the British Isles on the Channel Island of Jersey in late 2016 .
Since then , the number of nests had been growing annually .
But after years of establishing themselves on Jersey and Guernsey , the battleground has now shifted to Southern England .
Small pockets of them have been spotted in previous years , but a beekeepers association say the public 's help is now desperately needed to destroy nests before they are able to multiply .
Calls have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to help fight off an impending invasion of killer hornets onto mainland Britain .
Lynne Ingram , co-ordinator of Somerset ’ s Asian hornet action teams and a member of Somerset Beekeepers said the best weapon the public had in the battle was their smart phones .
She said : `` “ See it , snap it and send it !
“ We need the public ’ s help to save our bees from the Asian hornet which has been wreaking havoc through Europe since 2004.
” Lynne , a beekeeper with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Asian hornet week – September 7-13 – was a key moment in the battle .
She added : `` Now is the time to spot the hornets so that their nests can be destroyed before they multiply .
“ If you see a hornet take a photo , send it to us and we ’ ll do the rest .
Or use the official Asian hornet watch app and report it .
`` The arrival of the hornet in Britain is especially bad news for bees – a favourite food source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastate a beehive , devouring up to 60 at a time.
” The University of Exeter is carrying our research into the impact Asian hornets are having on honeybees and other pollinators where they become established .
Research Fellow and behavioural ecologist Dr Peter Kennedy said : “ Asian hornets are anticipated to be a significant mortality factor influencing a broad spectrum of insects , including honeybees , on top of existing stressors ( habitat loss , disease , pollution , climate change , etc . )
that already impact our beleaguered native @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-native species are recognised as being a serious threat to biodiversity , and it is consequently important that we encourage the public to be informed , vigilant and proactive in reporting the presence of Asian hornets and other invasive species.
” The British Beekeepers Association ( BBKA ) says Asian hornets are now most likely to be spotted in the south of England .
The hornets are able to kill with one sting among people who have an allergy , while they also pose a threat to the environment and native species .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a day .

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Britain is set to be invaded by Asian hornets in the coming weeks - starting with 'Bee-Day' on September 7, experts warned today.
Recent wet weather has created a 'perfect breeding ground' and raised fears the deadly insects will arrive in record numbers on British shores.
They can give a powerful sting and will play 'havoc' with the UK's bee population.
Officials say they are heading this way and even claim to know the date when they will arrive - September 7.
The species began to spread through Europe in 2004 after arriving in the south of France inside a freight ship.
They were was spotted in the British Isles on the Channel Island of Jersey in late 2016.
Since then, the number of nests had been growing annually.
But after years of establishing themselves on Jersey and Guernsey, the battleground has now shifted to Southern England.
Small pockets of them have been spotted in previous years, but a beekeepers association say the public's help is now desperately needed to destroy nests before they are able to multiply.
Calls have been made for a "people's army" to help fight off an impending invasion of killer hornets onto mainland Britain.
Lynne Ingram, co-ordinator of Somerset’s Asian hornet action teams and a member of Somerset Beekeepers said the best weapon the public had in the battle was their smart phones.
(Image: Getty Images)
She said: “See it, snap it and send it!
“We need the public’s help to save our bees from the Asian hornet which has been wreaking havoc through Europe since 2004.”
Lynne, a beekeeper with 30 honeybee colonies near Bridgwater, Somerset, said Asian hornet week – September 7-13 – was a key moment in the battle.
She added: "Now is the time to spot the hornets so that their nests can be destroyed before they multiply.
“If you see a hornet take a photo, send it to us and we’ll do the rest. Or use the official Asian hornet watch app and report it.
"The arrival of the hornet in Britain is especially bad news for bees – a favourite food source – and a single hornet can completely devastate a beehive, devouring up to 60 at a time.”
The University of Exeter is carrying our research into the impact Asian hornets are having on honeybees and other pollinators where they become established.
Research Fellow and behavioural ecologist Dr Peter Kennedy said: “Asian hornets are anticipated to be a significant mortality factor influencing a broad spectrum of insects, including honeybees, on top of existing stressors (habitat loss, disease, pollution, climate change, etc.) that already impact our beleaguered native pollinator community.
“Worldwide, invasive non-native species are recognised as being a serious threat to biodiversity, and it is consequently important that we encourage the public to be informed, vigilant and proactive in reporting the presence of Asian hornets and other invasive species.”


birminghammail--2020-08-25--The typical coronavirus side effect which puts your risk of death higher

The common side effect of Covid-19 that makes you more likely to die has been revealed by coronavirus experts .
Researchers at an educational establishment in the UK have identified a common symptom of coronavirus which puts you at a heightened risk .
Sheena Cruickshank , Professor in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester , explained that your level of inflammation is a major factor to your death risk .
She wrote : “ While many factors contribute to how severely people are affected , including access to healthcare , occupational exposure and environmental risks such as pollution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of these at-risk groups , it ’ s the response of their immune system – inflammation – that explains why they get so sick.
” Common symptoms of coronavirus include persistent , continuous coughs , as well as high temperatures and fevers .
Covid-19 also presents itself through a sudden loss of taste or smell , too , according to the official signs and symptoms listed by the World Health Organization .
Professor Cruickshank explained : “ Cytokines can be really powerful tools in the immune response : they can stop viruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some cytokine actions – such as helping bring in other immune cells to fight an infection or enhancing the ability of these recruited cells to get across blood vessels – can cause real damage if they are not controlled .
This is exactly what happens in a cytokine storm.
” Professor Cruikshank said : “ Inflammageing is characterised by having high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines .
It ’ s influenced by a number of factors , including genetics , the microbiome ( the bacteria , viruses and other microbes that live inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' “ Many older people also have fewer lymphocytes – the very cells that can specifically target and destroy viruses .
“ This all means that for some older people , their immune system is not only poorly equipped to fight off an infection , but it is also more likely to lead to a damaging immune response.
” She added : “ The more we understand about these differences and vulnerabilities , the more we can consider how best to treat each patient .
Data like these also highlight the need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of varied demographics in drug and vaccine trials .
”

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The common side effect of Covid-19 that makes you more likely to die has been revealed by coronavirus experts.
Researchers at an educational establishment in the UK have identified a common symptom of coronavirus which puts you at a heightened risk.
Sheena Cruickshank, Professor in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester, explained that your level of inflammation is a major factor to your death risk.
She wrote: “While many factors contribute to how severely people are affected, including access to healthcare, occupational exposure and environmental risks such as pollution, it’s becoming clear that for some of these at-risk groups, it’s the response of their immune system – inflammation – that explains why they get so sick.”
Common symptoms of coronavirus include persistent, continuous coughs, as well as high temperatures and fevers.
Covid-19 also presents itself through a sudden loss of taste or smell, too, according to the official signs and symptoms listed by the World Health Organization.
Professor Cruickshank explained: “Cytokines can be really powerful tools in the immune response: they can stop viruses reproducing, for example.
“However, some cytokine actions – such as helping bring in other immune cells to fight an infection or enhancing the ability of these recruited cells to get across blood vessels – can cause real damage if they are not controlled. This is exactly what happens in a cytokine storm.”
Professor Cruikshank said: “Inflammageing is characterised by having high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It’s influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, the microbiome (the bacteria, viruses and other microbes that live inside and on you) and obesity."
“Many older people also have fewer lymphocytes – the very cells that can specifically target and destroy viruses.
“This all means that for some older people, their immune system is not only poorly equipped to fight off an infection, but it is also more likely to lead to a damaging immune response.”
She added: “The more we understand about these differences and vulnerabilities, the more we can consider how best to treat each patient. Data like these also highlight the need to consider variation in immune function and include people of varied demographics in drug and vaccine trials.”


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Every word from Grealish & Southgate ahead of England announcement

Gareth Southgate will name his England squad at 2pm this afternoon - and Jack Grealish is heavily tipped to be called up for the very first time .
The 24-year-old enjoyed his most-successful season to date at Aston Villa and helped them clinch Premier League survival thanks to eight goals and six assists .
The skipper looks set to be included in the Three Lions squad for upcoming Nations League games against Iceland on September 5 and Denmark on September 8 .
With that in mind , here 's everything that 's been said previously , with Grealish speaking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Restart while , before England games last year , Southgate was asked specifically about why he never picked Villa 's No.10 despite an outcry to do so .
Prior to the Restart and Villa 's game against Sheffield United , Grealish spoke to the Guardian about his misdemeanours during lockdown and promised to come back stronger .
Villa 's No.10 was all set to be named in Southgate 's squad for a March friendly with Italy - but for the pandemic to enforce a sustained lockdown period .
On his England chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what I have set out to achieve since I committed to England .
Who knows if I would have been called up or not [ for the last England squad ] ?
`` All I can do is start the way I was playing before and hopefully next season I can start strongly and when the internationals come back around I will be back in with a shout . ''
Grealish , of course , switched his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2015 and , in an interview with The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let himself down during previous England trials .
`` When I was 15 , I went to England trials and I collapsed , '' he said .
`` I was just nervous .
I don ’ t usually get nervous but I collapsed .
I told them I was fine .
I was desperate to stay on but they said : ‘ No , you ’ ve got to go home.
’ '' Then Ireland called me up .
I played with Ireland , loved it , loved all the lads , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
England didn ’ t call me so I carried on playing for Ireland .
But a year later England called me .
Kenny Swain rang .
I said : ‘ I ’ m enjoying playing for Ireland.
’ So I stayed there .
But the older I got , I put things into perspective .
My grandparents are Irish .
But I ’ m English , I was born here , my parents were born here.
” He added on his time with England under-21s : `` Our team was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Gareth .
He gives all the boys confidence .
I feel in the future I can go and play for England .
That ’ s definitely my target .
That ’ s my dream . ''
As for England 's manager , one of the first questions he was asked as he named his squad for games against Montenegro and Kosovo back in November was why he left out Grealish given the Villa 's man form at that time .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ App Store Southgate said : `` He 's a very good player .
I 've watched him closely this season .
I thought he played very well against Brighton although Brighton had 10 men for 55 minutes which was a big influence on that game .
The reality of that is he 's up against Sterling , Rashford , Hudson-Odoi , Sancho in those wide areas .
I know he can play as a No.8 but that 's not where Villa have played him in the last six or seven weeks where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that area is really high-level .
They 're all good players .
`` Jack 's a very good player , I worked with him in the under-21s so I know all about him .
He 's very close , he 's just got to keep playing the way he is . ''
England 's next squad will be announced at 2pm this afternoon .

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Gareth Southgate will name his England squad at 2pm this afternoon - and Jack Grealish is heavily tipped to be called up for the very first time.
The 24-year-old enjoyed his most-successful season to date at Aston Villa and helped them clinch Premier League survival thanks to eight goals and six assists.
The skipper looks set to be included in the Three Lions squad for upcoming Nations League games against Iceland on September 5 and Denmark on September 8.
With that in mind, here's everything that's been said previously, with Grealish speaking about his England chances prior to last term's Restart while, before England games last year, Southgate was asked specifically about why he never picked Villa's No.10 despite an outcry to do so.
Grealish 'set out to achieve' England call-up
Prior to the Restart and Villa's game against Sheffield United, Grealish spoke to the Guardian about his misdemeanours during lockdown and promised to come back stronger.
Villa's No.10 was all set to be named in Southgate's squad for a March friendly with Italy - but for the pandemic to enforce a sustained lockdown period.
On his England chances, Grealish last said: "That is what I have set out to achieve since I committed to England. Who knows if I would have been called up or not [for the last England squad]?
"All I can do is start the way I was playing before and hopefully next season I can start strongly and when the internationals come back around I will be back in with a shout."
Grealish on England trials 'collapse', Ireland & Three Lions dream
Grealish, of course, switched his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2015 and, in an interview with The Times in 2016, detailed how he let himself down during previous England trials.
"When I was 15, I went to England trials and I collapsed," he said. "I was just nervous. I don’t usually get nervous but I collapsed. I told them I was fine. I was desperate to stay on but they said: ‘No, you’ve got to go home.’
"Then Ireland called me up. I played with Ireland, loved it, loved all the lads, the coaching staff, and you get treated well. England didn’t call me so I carried on playing for Ireland. But a year later England called me. Kenny Swain rang. I said: ‘I’m enjoying playing for Ireland.’ So I stayed there. But the older I got, I put things into perspective. My grandparents are Irish. But I’m English, I was born here, my parents were born here.”
He added on his time with England under-21s: "Our team was so together and that’s partly because of Gareth. He gives all the boys confidence. I feel in the future I can go and play for England. That’s definitely my target. That’s my dream."
Southgate explained Grealish snub
(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
As for England's manager, one of the first questions he was asked as he named his squad for games against Montenegro and Kosovo back in November was why he left out Grealish given the Villa's man form at that time.
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Southgate said: "He's a very good player. I've watched him closely this season. I thought he played very well against Brighton although Brighton had 10 men for 55 minutes which was a big influence on that game. The reality of that is he's up against Sterling, Rashford, Hudson-Odoi, Sancho in those wide areas. I know he can play as a No.8 but that's not where Villa have played him in the last six or seven weeks where they've been getting their results. Competition in that area is really high-level. They're all good players.
"Jack's a very good player, I worked with him in the under-21s so I know all about him. He's very close, he's just got to keep playing the way he is."
England's next squad will be announced at 2pm this afternoon.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Birmingham City favourite in line for surprise St Andrew's return

Jon Toral is edging closer to a return to Birmingham City , BirminghamLive has been told .
The ex-Arsenal and Hull City play-maker is close to finalising a deal that would see him become Aitor Karanka ’ s second signing of the summer .
Once complete the move would represent a return to St Andrew ’ s for a gifted attacker who became a fan favourite when he was on loan at the club in 2015/2016 when he scored eight goals in 38 matches for Gary Rowett ’ s team .
He ended that campaign as the Players ’ Player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whilst also scooping Goal of the Season for his audacious , long-range volley against Ipswich Town .
He spent the following season on loan with Granada and Rangers before Arsenal sold him to Hull for £3million in the summer of 2017 .
However , injuries undermined his time with the Tigers and he was allowed to leave as a free agent following their relegation earlier this summer – after just 55 appearances in three seasons .
Blues have already brought George Friend to the club - and have agreed a fee of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope a move can be finalised before tomorrow 's friendly with Leicester City .

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Jon Toral is edging closer to a return to Birmingham City, BirminghamLive has been told.
The ex-Arsenal and Hull City play-maker is close to finalising a deal that would see him become Aitor Karanka’s second signing of the summer.
Once complete the move would represent a return to St Andrew’s for a gifted attacker who became a fan favourite when he was on loan at the club in 2015/2016 when he scored eight goals in 38 matches for Gary Rowett’s team.
He ended that campaign as the Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season, whilst also scooping Goal of the Season for his audacious, long-range volley against Ipswich Town.
He spent the following season on loan with Granada and Rangers before Arsenal sold him to Hull for £3million in the summer of 2017.
However, injuries undermined his time with the Tigers and he was allowed to leave as a free agent following their relegation earlier this summer – after just 55 appearances in three seasons.
Blues have already brought George Friend to the club - and have agreed a fee of £1million for Jonathan Leko.
Karanka will hope a move can be finalised before tomorrow's friendly with Leicester City.


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Birmingham MP leads campaign to give people 'right to die' without pain

Birmingham MP Andrew Mitchell is leading calls to change the law so that people can choose to end their own life .
And he said that he believes a majority of people support a change in the law - and MPs may now be willing to vote for it , despite rejecting similar proposals in 2016 .
Mr Mitchell , Conservative MP for the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield , is backing what is known as assisted dying .
People who had only months to live , with no chance of recovery , would have the option of ending their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea is to reduce the suffering of people with conditions that mean they die in pain and distress .
A high court judge would need to examine each request , to ensure that it had been made voluntarily and the patient had not been put under any pressure or coercion .
Mr Mitchell said : `` When I entered the House of Commons in 1987 , I was adamantly opposed to all forms of assisted dying .
But over the years I have completely changed my mind .
`` It is first and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constituency MP .
I have sat in my office in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield and heard stories from so many of my constituents .
Often with tears pouring down their faces , they have given me deeply intimate details of the last days of someone they loved but who died a miserable and sometimes very painful death .
`` By the end of these meetings , often with tears coursing down my own face , I was invariably left with two overwhelming feelings : the first is that we would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in such a way and , second , I do not myself wish to go through the sort of end of life experience that my constituents have so often eloquently described .
`` And just as I would not want it for myself , I no longer want members of my family or those I represent in Parliament to have to navigate so awful an end . ''
The MP is chair of the All Party Group on choice at the end of life , which includes members of both the Commons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change to the law .
He said he believed MPs may be willing to vote to change the law within four years .
The proposed legislation would mean • Giving people who are terminally ill ( and also in the final months of their lives ) the option of dying on their own terms .
• The change in the law would contain stringent safeguards to protect people ; it would only be accessible to mentally competent adults .
• Two doctors would assess the person making the request to ensure that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They would explain all other care options in full .
• A High Court judge would examine the person ’ s request and make sure that it was being made voluntarily – free from any pressure or coercion .
• Once the request was approved , a doctor would be able to prescribe life-ending medication for the person who would then take it themselves under the supervision of a doctor or another healthcare professional .
• Healthcare professionals who wanted to exercise conscientious objection would , of course , be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear reporting procedures for doctors as well as monitoring through an annual report published by the Government .
Mr Mitchell said : `` Assisted dying is legal in 10 states in the United States of America , two states in Australia , nationwide in Canada and likely to be nationwide in New Zealand later this year .
`` It is interesting to note that in no country with legalised assisted dying has the law been repealed .
And in Britain we now have the opportunity to look at the differing legislative approaches in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and deliver the best possible results for our constituents . ''

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Birmingham MP Andrew Mitchell is leading calls to change the law so that people can choose to end their own life.
And he said that he believes a majority of people support a change in the law - and MPs may now be willing to vote for it, despite rejecting similar proposals in 2016.
Mr Mitchell, Conservative MP for the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, is backing what is known as assisted dying. People who had only months to live, with no chance of recovery, would have the option of ending their life in a pain-free way. The idea is to reduce the suffering of people with conditions that mean they die in pain and distress.
A high court judge would need to examine each request, to ensure that it had been made voluntarily and the patient had not been put under any pressure or coercion.
Mr Mitchell said: "When I entered the House of Commons in 1987, I was adamantly opposed to all forms of assisted dying. But over the years I have completely changed my mind.
"It is first and foremost because of my experience as a constituency MP. I have sat in my office in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield and heard stories from so many of my constituents. Often with tears pouring down their faces, they have given me deeply intimate details of the last days of someone they loved but who died a miserable and sometimes very painful death.
"By the end of these meetings, often with tears coursing down my own face, I was invariably left with two overwhelming feelings: the first is that we would not let an animal we loved be treated in such a way and, second, I do not myself wish to go through the sort of end of life experience that my constituents have so often eloquently described.
"And just as I would not want it for myself, I no longer want members of my family or those I represent in Parliament to have to navigate so awful an end."
The MP is chair of the All Party Group on choice at the end of life, which includes members of both the Commons and the Lords and is calling for a change to the law. He said he believed MPs may be willing to vote to change the law within four years.
The proposed legislation would mean
Giving people who are terminally ill (and also in the final months of their lives) the option of dying on their own terms.
The change in the law would contain stringent safeguards to protect people; it would only be accessible to mentally competent adults.
Two doctors would assess the person making the request to ensure that they met the eligibility criteria under the law. They would explain all other care options in full.
A High Court judge would examine the person’s request and make sure that it was being made voluntarily – free from any pressure or coercion.
Once the request was approved, a doctor would be able to prescribe life-ending medication for the person who would then take it themselves under the supervision of a doctor or another healthcare professional.
Healthcare professionals who wanted to exercise conscientious objection would, of course, be able to do so.
There would be clear reporting procedures for doctors as well as monitoring through an annual report published by the Government.
Mr Mitchell said: "Assisted dying is legal in 10 states in the United States of America, two states in Australia, nationwide in Canada and likely to be nationwide in New Zealand later this year.
"It is interesting to note that in no country with legalised assisted dying has the law been repealed. And in Britain we now have the opportunity to look at the differing legislative approaches in all of these countries, evaluate them, and deliver the best possible results for our constituents."


birminghammail--2020-08-25--£82k Porsche driver caught doing 100mph on M6 Toll

A supercar driver was caught speeding along a major motorway at 100mph .
The motorist was shamed after they were clocked flying along the M6 Toll in a black Porsche 911 Carrera on the M6 Toll on Monday , August 24 .
They were reported for the offence in the £82,000 'head-turning ' motor at around 4.30am near to junction 12 , a spokesman for the Central Motorway Policing Group said .
Shaming the motorist , an officer said : `` Porsche 911 Carrera .
A car that turns heads .
100mph .
A speed that turned ours .
Reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on Twitter – has angered some .
Nicola Willittes said : All because its an empty section of the motorway .
Whereas I 'm still rebuilding my motorway confidence after my car was driven into , over a year ago . ''
And Emma James penned : `` When I 'm on the M6 I 'm always shocked at how many are speeding on there . ''
Ian Finlow replied : `` As much as I ( genuinely ) applaud your efforts .
If you can afford the 911 , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the s*** .
`` It 's a sad fact that in terms of the law , your income defines the outcome . ''

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A supercar driver was caught speeding along a major motorway at 100mph.
The motorist was shamed after they were clocked flying along the M6 Toll in a black Porsche 911 Carrera on the M6 Toll on Monday, August 24.
They were reported for the offence in the £82,000 'head-turning' motor at around 4.30am near to junction 12, a spokesman for the Central Motorway Policing Group said.
Shaming the motorist, an officer said: "Porsche 911 Carrera. A car that turns heads. 100mph. A speed that turned ours. Reported."
The picture – which was posted on Twitter – has angered some.
Nicola Willittes said: All because its an empty section of the motorway. Whereas I'm still rebuilding my motorway confidence after my car was driven into, over a year ago."
And Emma James penned: "When I'm on the M6 I'm always shocked at how many are speeding on there."
Ian Finlow replied: "As much as I (genuinely) applaud your efforts. If you can afford the 911, you can afford the legal muscle to get you out of the s***.
"It's a sad fact that in terms of the law, your income defines the outcome."


birminghammail--2020-08-25--Full list of everywhere coronavirus is rising and falling in West Midlands

The latest look at coronavirus case rates in the West Midlands shows a worrying rise in Redditch .
The town has 29.3 cases per 100,000 according to the latest figures available from the PA news agency , which compiles the data from the Public Health England dashboard .
This is a rise from just four cases last week , according to the latest seven-day average .
Stoke-on-Trent has also seen a rise - up from 18.3 per 100,000 people to 28.9 cases , with Staffordshire the next third biggest week-on-week rise , from 4.1 to 9.1 .
Wychavon and Wyre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risen from 2.0 and 3.1 to 6.9 and 7 , with Shropshire rising to just under 7 cases too .
Dudley has 5.9 cases per 100k .
In Birmingham , days after the city was added to a government watchlist , the rate has decreased - after the public health chief Dr Justin Varney warned the city was facing a crucial few days .
Similarly , the rate is down in nearby Sandwell , too , which has seen cases go from around 26 per 100,000 to 19.5 , with Birmingham now on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100k last week .
Wolverhampton has also recorded a decrease , plunging from 17 cases to 13.3 , with Coventry also down , from 21.8 cases per 100,000 to 11.8 .

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The latest look at coronavirus case rates in the West Midlands shows a worrying rise in Redditch.
The town has 29.3 cases per 100,000 according to the latest figures available from the PA news agency, which compiles the data from the Public Health England dashboard.
This is a rise from just four cases last week, according to the latest seven-day average.
Stoke-on-Trent has also seen a rise - up from 18.3 per 100,000 people to 28.9 cases, with Staffordshire the next third biggest week-on-week rise, from 4.1 to 9.1.
Wychavon and Wyre Forest, both in Worcester, have risen from 2.0 and 3.1 to 6.9 and 7, with Shropshire rising to just under 7 cases too. Dudley has 5.9 cases per 100k.
In Birmingham, days after the city was added to a government watchlist, the rate has decreased - after the public health chief Dr Justin Varney warned the city was facing a crucial few days.
Similarly, the rate is down in nearby Sandwell, too, which has seen cases go from around 26 per 100,000 to 19.5, with Birmingham now on 22.1 having been at 32 cases per 100k last week.
Wolverhampton has also recorded a decrease, plunging from 17 cases to 13.3, with Coventry also down, from 21.8 cases per 100,000 to 11.8.
Rising:
Redditch 29.3 (25), 4.7 (4)
Stoke-on-Trent 28.9 (74), 18.3 (47)
Staffordshire Moorlands 9.1 (9), 4.1 (4)
Wychavon 7.0 (9), 3.1 (4)
Wyre Forest 6.9 (7), 2.0 (2)
Shropshire 6.5 (21), 5.9 (19)
Dudley 5.9 (19), 5.3 (17)
Stratford-on-Avon 5.4 (7), 3.1 (4)
Lichfield 1.9 (2), 1.0 (1)
Falling:
Birmingham 22.1 (252), 32.8 (375)
Sandwell 19.5 (64), 25.6 (84)
Wolverhampton 13.3 (35), 17.5 (46)
Coventry 11.8 (44), 21.8 (81)
Walsall 11.6 (33), 15.8 (45)
Telford and Wrekin 9.5 (17), 14.5 (26)
Solihull 7.4 (16), 7.9 (17)
Rugby 7.3 (8), 9.2 (10)
Bromsgrove 5.0 (5), 13.0 (13)
North Warwickshire 4.6 (3), 6.1 (4)
Nuneaton and Bedworth 3.8 (5), 13.9 (18)
Stafford 3.6 (5), 5.8 (8)
Worcester 3.0 (3), 5.9 (6)
Malvern Hills 2.5 (2), 5.1 (4)
Tamworth 1.3 (1), 3.9 (3)
Staying the same:
Warwick 4.9 (7), 4.9 (7)
South Staffordshire 1.8 (2), 1.8 (2)