birminghammail--2020-07-24--Birds rescued after pollution seeps into river

Birds were resuced from a river after a mystery substance put their lives at risk .
Sandwell Council , the Environment Agency , Severn Trent and the RSPCA joined forces today , Friday , July 24 ) , to rescue the cygnets and swans from the River Tame near Tipton .
An investigation was launched into how the river became polluted .
And the Environment Agency urged residents and businesses not to pour substances down drains as they could badly cause damage wildlife , fish and ecology .
A spokesperson said : “ Following reports of pollution in the River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environment Agency officers attended to investigate the substance and trace the source .
`` They were working in conjunction with Severn Trent and Sandwell Borough Council .
The RSPCA were also attending .
“ We ’ re reminding individuals and businesses to avoid pouring any substance down drains .
Many drains flow directly to the river and pollutants can cause significant damage to wildlife , fish and ecology .
A spokesman for Sandwell Council said : `` We are aware of the situation and officers from the council and other agencies have attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action .
`` Staff from Sandwell Valley helped volunteers to rescue birds and deployed booms across the inlets to help prevent further environmental damage . ''
Anyone wanting to report river pollution should call the Environment Agency 's incident hotline at any time on 0800 807 060 .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Birds were resuced from a river after a mystery substance put their lives at risk.
Sandwell Council, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent and the RSPCA joined forces today, Friday, July 24), to rescue the cygnets and swans from the River Tame near Tipton.
An investigation was launched into how the river became polluted.
And the Environment Agency urged residents and businesses not to pour substances down drains as they could badly cause damage wildlife, fish and ecology.
A spokesperson said: “Following reports of pollution in the River Tame at Sheepwash, near Tipton, Environment Agency officers attended to investigate the substance and trace the source.
"They were working in conjunction with Severn Trent and Sandwell Borough Council. The RSPCA were also attending.
(Image: Si Barsby)
“We’re reminding individuals and businesses to avoid pouring any substance down drains. Many drains flow directly to the river and pollutants can cause significant damage to wildlife, fish and ecology.
A spokesman for Sandwell Council said: "We are aware of the situation and officers from the council and other agencies have attended today to investigate and take any necessary action.
"Staff from Sandwell Valley helped volunteers to rescue birds and deployed booms across the inlets to help prevent further environmental damage."
Anyone wanting to report river pollution should call the Environment Agency's incident hotline at any time on 0800 807 060.


birminghammail--2020-07-24--Chelmsley Wood house used as cannabis factory is shut down

A council house has been shut down for three months after police twice found cannabis farms inside .
Drugs were discovered at 24 Leahill Croft in Chelmsley Wood in December 2019 and again last month .
The electricity supply had also been bypassed on the most recent occasion .
Now Solihull Community Housing , which runs homes owned by Solihull Council , has won a court order to have the premises shut down .
The power , granted at Birmingham Magistrates ' Court on Wednesday , July 22 , means it is off-limits for three months and anyone going there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jailed .
SCH chief executive Fiona Hughes said : `` Drug use , dealing and cultivation is strictly against the terms of a tenancy agreement and is also of course against the law .
`` We want our tenants to live safely and happily in their homes and within their wider communities .
Seeking a Closure Order is not something we undertake lightly .
`` However , we will act in conjunction with Solihull Council and the police , when we hear of crimes such as this taking place in our properties .
@

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A council house has been shut down for three months after police twice found cannabis farms inside.
Drugs were discovered at 24 Leahill Croft in Chelmsley Wood in December 2019 and again last month.
The electricity supply had also been bypassed on the most recent occasion.
Now Solihull Community Housing, which runs homes owned by Solihull Council, has won a court order to have the premises shut down.
The power, granted at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, July 22, means it is off-limits for three months and anyone going there could be arrested and fined or even jailed.
SCH chief executive Fiona Hughes said: "Drug use, dealing and cultivation is strictly against the terms of a tenancy agreement and is also of course against the law.
"We want our tenants to live safely and happily in their homes and within their wider communities. Seeking a Closure Order is not something we undertake lightly.
"However, we will act in conjunction with Solihull Council and the police, when we hear of crimes such as this taking place in our properties.”


birminghammail--2020-07-24--100 bikers form incredible cavalcade at fusilier funeral

More than 100 bikers formed a huge cavalcade as they paid their respects to a soldier who died in Estonia .
Fusilier Sam Brownridge , from Cannock , a keen biker and member of the army ’ s Enduro Motorcycle Racing Team , lost his life on Sunday , July 5 from `` non-combat injuries '' .
Motorcyclists joined the funeral procession as it moved from Littleworth Road , Hednesford , to Stafford Crematorium .
It was a fitting tribute to the popular soldier and dad of one who was known among colleagues as a `` petrolhead . ''
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favourite pub , The Talbot in Heath Hayes .
Sam died while serving with the Mortar Platoon of the First Battalion , The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers .
They were in Estonia as part of NATO ’ s Operation Cabrit – a deterrent to Russia .
An investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy is ongoing .
Sam ’ s family set up a JustGiving page for ABF The Soldiers ’ Charity , formerly the Army Benevolent Fund .
To date , more than £900 has been raised .
Sam ’ s death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and army top brass .
Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Head , of First Fusiliers Battlegroup , said : “ Fun-loving and fiercely loyal to his mates , hard-working , determined and professional in everything he did , and always up for a new challenge , he was a Fusilier through and through .
`` Throughout the Infantry , mortarmen are well known as unfailingly tough soldiers , who work hard and play hard , relishing the tight-knit community the Mortar Platoon offers .
`` Fusilier Brownridge was the epitome of a mortarman and wore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am proud to have served with Fusilier Brownridge .
`` He will be missed terribly , and this tragedy has shaken the First Fusiliers family to its core .
At this most difficult time , my heartfelt condolences , thoughts and prayers are with Fusilier Brownridge , his family , friends and fellow soldiers .
Once a Fusilier , always a Fusilier .
”

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
More than 100 bikers formed a huge cavalcade as they paid their respects to a soldier who died in Estonia.
Fusilier Sam Brownridge, from Cannock, a keen biker and member of the army’s Enduro Motorcycle Racing Team, lost his life on Sunday, July 5 from "non-combat injuries".
The 23-year-old's funeral was held today, Friday, July 24.
Motorcyclists joined the funeral procession as it moved from Littleworth Road, Hednesford, to Stafford Crematorium.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
It was a fitting tribute to the popular soldier and dad of one who was known among colleagues as a "petrolhead."
A wake took place at Sam’s favourite pub, The Talbot in Heath Hayes.
Sam died while serving with the Mortar Platoon of the First Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. They were in Estonia as part of NATO’s Operation Cabrit – a deterrent to Russia.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
An investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy is ongoing.
Sam’s family set up a JustGiving page for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, formerly the Army Benevolent Fund.
To date, more than £900 has been raised.
Sam’s death sparked a flood of tributes from colleagues and army top brass.
Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Head, of First Fusiliers Battlegroup, said: “Fun-loving and fiercely loyal to his mates, hard-working, determined and professional in everything he did, and always up for a new challenge, he was a Fusilier through and through.
(Image: MOD)
"Throughout the Infantry, mortarmen are well known as unfailingly tough soldiers, who work hard and play hard, relishing the tight-knit community the Mortar Platoon offers.
"Fusilier Brownridge was the epitome of a mortarman and wore his qualification badge with great pride. I am proud to have served with Fusilier Brownridge.
"He will be missed terribly, and this tragedy has shaken the First Fusiliers family to its core. At this most difficult time, my heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Fusilier Brownridge, his family, friends and fellow soldiers. Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.”


birminghammail--2020-07-24--Police hunt seven witnesses in street attack murder appeal

Police are looking for seven potential witnesses who may hold the key to a murder probe involving the death of a dad .
Jagdev Lally was rushed to hospital after a passer-by found him collapsed in an alleyway , off Smethwick High Street at around 9am on Tuesday , April 14 .
Police said investigations showed the 39-year-old was attacked at around 3am and suffered significant head and facial injuries .
He died almost three weeks later on Friday , May 1 .
Ashley Pace was initially charged with wounding and the 34-year-old , of no fixed address , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has since been reviewed and changed to murder .
The potential witnesses were all recorded by CCTV cameras at the Tollgate shopping centre before Mr Lally was found .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We previously launched an appeal to trace a witness , but unfortunately that person is yet to come forward .
Today ( July 24 ) we have launched a new appeal to trace him as well as a further six potential witnesses .
`` The images have been taken from CCTV cameras covering the Tollgate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found .
`` We understand the images are grainy , but if you recognise any of these people , or were around the area at the time , we are urging you to contact us .
`` It ’ s really important that we speak to these seven individuals to find out what they know .
It might be nothing , but it ’ s still a vital part of our investigation . ''
Mr Lally 's family last month paid tribute to him , saying : `` Jagdev was a loving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was the sole provider for his parents in India , who are now totally lost without him .
`` They , his son or sisters will never see him again .
`` To be taken at such a young age is difficult enough , but for it to be under such tragic circumstances is heart-breaking.
” If you have any information get in touch via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am – midnight , or by calling 101 anytime .
Alternatively , contact Crimestoppers anonymously .
Tell them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are , quoting log number 4039 of 20/4/20 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Police are looking for seven potential witnesses who may hold the key to a murder probe involving the death of a dad.
Jagdev Lally was rushed to hospital after a passer-by found him collapsed in an alleyway, off Smethwick High Street at around 9am on Tuesday, April 14.
Police said investigations showed the 39-year-old was attacked at around 3am and suffered significant head and facial injuries. He died almost three weeks later on Friday, May 1.
(Image: WMP)
Ashley Pace was initially charged with wounding and the 34-year-old, of no fixed address, was remanded by the courts. The charge has since been reviewed and changed to murder.
The potential witnesses were all recorded by CCTV cameras at the Tollgate shopping centre before Mr Lally was found.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We previously launched an appeal to trace a witness, but unfortunately that person is yet to come forward. Today (July 24) we have launched a new appeal to trace him as well as a further six potential witnesses.
(Image: WMP)
"The images have been taken from CCTV cameras covering the Tollgate shopping precinct in the hours before Jagdev was found.
"We understand the images are grainy, but if you recognise any of these people, or were around the area at the time, we are urging you to contact us.
(Image: WMP)
"It’s really important that we speak to these seven individuals to find out what they know. It might be nothing, but it’s still a vital part of our investigation."
Mr Lally's family last month paid tribute to him, saying: "Jagdev was a loving father, son and brother.
"He was the sole provider for his parents in India, who are now totally lost without him.
"They, his son or sisters will never see him again.
"To be taken at such a young age is difficult enough, but for it to be under such tragic circumstances is heart-breaking.”
If you have any information get in touch via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am – midnight, or by calling 101 anytime.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously. Tell them what you know, not who you are, quoting log number 4039 of 20/4/20.


birminghammail--2020-07-24--'We'll be stronger than last year but so will the league'

Tamworth FC have been given their firmest indication yet as to when they can get started this season - and Head of Senior Football Thomas Baillie believes the squad will be stronger than last year .
The FA and leagues are aiming for a September start for competitive matches in the National League System .
Competitive training can now take place with groups of up to 30 people including coaches while pre-season matches can commence in August .
Steps three and four are , subject to change in accordance with Government guidance , set to start on September 19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more shape to it now , with the thought process , purely because we have a potential start date , ” Baillie said .
“ So that has , at least , given a bit of focus to it .
“ We have something to work towards now and if it gets pushed back , it gets pushed back .
“ We haven ’ t had the full information yet .
We are apparently allowed friendlies but they will be behind closed doors .
“ You hear lots of rumours , no League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players having to come to the ground ready and then leave and get showered at home .
“ But we are still not clear and I have to say , this is my view and not Tamworth , the lack of information and communication coming forward from the FA and their leagues to their clubs has been poor.
” It was confirmed this week the Lambs will again play their football in the Southern Premier Central .
And Baillie says he expects a tougher league than last year but believes the Lambs will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work has gone into the squad , ” he added .
“ We have done well with the players we have kept and we have done well with the players we have recruited .
“ I do believe the league will be stronger .
There are players dropping down levels to play in this division .
“ But I think we will be a stronger and better Tamworth than we were last season .
“ We have one or two more additions to still be announced in the coming days and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still trying to get as well .
“ But already this squad is stronger .
It has more experience in it and we are happy with the business we have done and what we have got.
” “ We just want the league to start and do it all again now but there are other things going on in the world which means we will have to bide our time.
” Whether fans will be involved in the opening weeks remains to be seen .
“ I think they will ask for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind closed doors , ” Baillie added .
“ But , again , we don ’ t really know .
They are talking about no mass crowds until October but what do they class as a mass crowd ?
“ You hear rumours you can ’ t have crowds over 500 .
For nine out of ten clubs in the Southern League that might not be a problem .
`` You also have the smaller clubs in the league who love the bigger clubs to visit as it ’ s a good pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go somewhere and we can ’ t take our fans , that ’ s going to hurt that club financially .
“ It ’ s just a bit unclear still with regards mass gatherings - whether they are talking 500 or 5,000 , we just don ’ t really know .
`` Certainly though I expect pre-season to be without fans and potentially the first two or three weeks of the campaign .
It ’ s just a case of waiting for clarity .
“ Everyone has the same questions but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Tamworth FC have been given their firmest indication yet as to when they can get started this season - and Head of Senior Football Thomas Baillie believes the squad will be stronger than last year.
The FA and leagues are aiming for a September start for competitive matches in the National League System.
Competitive training can now take place with groups of up to 30 people including coaches while pre-season matches can commence in August.
(Image: Paul Barber Tamworth Herald)
Steps three and four are, subject to change in accordance with Government guidance, set to start on September 19.
“It’s got a bit more shape to it now, with the thought process, purely because we have a potential start date,” Baillie said. “So that has, at least, given a bit of focus to it.
“We have something to work towards now and if it gets pushed back, it gets pushed back.
“We haven’t had the full information yet. We are apparently allowed friendlies but they will be behind closed doors.
“You hear lots of rumours, no League Cups or County Cups, rumours about players having to come to the ground ready and then leave and get showered at home.
“But we are still not clear and I have to say, this is my view and not Tamworth, the lack of information and communication coming forward from the FA and their leagues to their clubs has been poor.”
It was confirmed this week the Lambs will again play their football in the Southern Premier Central.
And Baillie says he expects a tougher league than last year but believes the Lambs will also be stronger.
“A lot of work has gone into the squad,” he added.
“We have done well with the players we have kept and we have done well with the players we have recruited.
“I do believe the league will be stronger. There are players dropping down levels to play in this division.
“But I think we will be a stronger and better Tamworth than we were last season.
“We have one or two more additions to still be announced in the coming days and a couple of potentially audacious ones we are still trying to get as well.
“But already this squad is stronger. It has more experience in it and we are happy with the business we have done and what we have got.”
“We just want the league to start and do it all again now but there are other things going on in the world which means we will have to bide our time.”
Whether fans will be involved in the opening weeks remains to be seen.
“I think they will ask for the first week or two to be played behind closed doors,” Baillie added.
“But, again, we don’t really know. They are talking about no mass crowds until October but what do they class as a mass crowd?
“You hear rumours you can’t have crowds over 500. For nine out of ten clubs in the Southern League that might not be a problem.
“But for Tamworth, Stourbridge, Bromsgrove, Nuneaton, that’s a problem.
"You also have the smaller clubs in the league who love the bigger clubs to visit as it’s a good pay day.
"So if we have to go somewhere and we can’t take our fans, that’s going to hurt that club financially.
“It’s just a bit unclear still with regards mass gatherings - whether they are talking 500 or 5,000, we just don’t really know.
"Certainly though I expect pre-season to be without fans and potentially the first two or three weeks of the campaign. It’s just a case of waiting for clarity.
“Everyone has the same questions but we are waiting for the answers.”


birminghammail--2020-07-24--Police and ambulance crews on city estate - updates

Police and ambulance crews were out in force on a Birmingham estate tonight .
Video from the scene showed 999 @ @ @ @ @ Curbar Road and Haddon Road in Great Barr .
The cause of the incident was @ @ @ @ @ ambulances , a medical officer in full hazmat equipment and police were at the scene @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Police what has happened and will update as soon as we can .
Stay @ @ @ @ @

Police and ambulance crews were out in force on a Birmingham estate tonight.
Video from the scene showed 999 teams at the junction of Curbar Road and Haddon Road in Great Barr.
The cause of the incident was not immediately known but two ambulances, a medical officer in full hazmat equipment and police were at the scene.
We are asking West Midlands Police what has happened and will update as soon as we can.
Stay with us for more.


birminghammail--2020-07-24--Birmingham City supporters react to St Andrew's announcement

Birmingham City will once again share St Andrew 's with Coventry City for another season - and Blues supporters have had their say .
The Sky Blues announced its decision at 6pm with the EFL giving it its backing with Blues set to profit again for next season .
Coventry City will remain at Birmingham City 's St. Andrew 's for the entirety of the 2020-21 season after failing to strike a deal with Ricoh Arena owners Wasps Group .
Speaking in a statement on the club 's website , Coventry City say that `` what the landlord ( Wasps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners and the club was simply not deliverable . ''
The club said : `` We would like to thank Birmingham City and their staff for their continued support in this situation .
They were excellent to us last season , and we have no doubt that they will continue to be .
We , of course , do not want to be there but have been forced again to take this action to ensure fixtures next season can be fulfilled . ''
Following the announcement , Blues supporters have had their say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivals .
Here 's the best of the reaction : @ zdpj_ Ain ’ t got a problem with it at all .
Bit of extra dough , pitch was fine all last season .
It ’ s only embarrassing for Coventry .
@ bluejo85 I think it gives the rest of the teams in the league a potential advantage if when they play us at home they have already played at St Andrews against cov .
And let 's face it we ca n't afford to give teams any more advantages !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good news ?
@ Coop8517 Was obvious the moment Cov announced their plans for a new stadium with the uni.. hopefully it sorts a centre half .
@ BlueTone65 Mad decision .
A shorter season meaning more midweek games pitch will be worse than last season .
@ Philly_Bluenose Hopefully , we play them `` away '' before crowds are allowed at the games .
@ Ste_Whitfield At least there will be one decent team playing at St Andrews next season then .
@ LeeW1875 They 've had plenty of chance to sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pitch ?
It wo n't standup to this as was proven last season .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Birmingham City will once again share St Andrew's with Coventry City for another season - and Blues supporters have had their say.
The Sky Blues announced its decision at 6pm with the EFL giving it its backing with Blues set to profit again for next season.
Coventry City will remain at Birmingham City's St. Andrew's for the entirety of the 2020-21 season after failing to strike a deal with Ricoh Arena owners Wasps Group.
Speaking in a statement on the club's website, Coventry City say that "what the landlord (Wasps Group) requested of CCFC’s owners and the club was simply not deliverable."
The club said: "We would like to thank Birmingham City and their staff for their continued support in this situation. They were excellent to us last season, and we have no doubt that they will continue to be. We, of course, do not want to be there but have been forced again to take this action to ensure fixtures next season can be fulfilled."
Following the announcement, Blues supporters have had their say on sharing their pitch with their Championship rivals.
Here's the best of the reaction:
@zdpj_ Ain’t got a problem with it at all. Bit of extra dough, pitch was fine all last season. It’s only embarrassing for Coventry.
@bluejo85 I think it gives the rest of the teams in the league a potential advantage if when they play us at home they have already played at St Andrews against cov. And let's face it we can't afford to give teams any more advantages!
@CeireSha Can you give us some good news?
@Coop8517 Was obvious the moment Cov announced their plans for a new stadium with the uni.. hopefully it sorts a centre half.
@BlueTone65 Mad decision. A shorter season meaning more midweek games pitch will be worse than last season.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
@Philly_Bluenose Hopefully, we play them "away" before crowds are allowed at the games.
@Ste_Whitfield At least there will be one decent team playing at St Andrews next season then.
@LeeW1875 They've had plenty of chance to sort something out.
@CallumTxylor Retire the pitch.
@BalticBlues What about the pitch? It won't standup to this as was proven last season.


birminghammail--2020-07-24--Chelsea vs Wolves: How to watch, TV channel and live stream info

Wolverhampton Wanderers have one final assignment in the Premier League - and it promises to be a titanic one !
Wolves know a win in their last league game of the season will see them shrug off the attentions of Spurs to stay sixth , eclipsing last season 's seventh-placed finish .
Standing in their way , though , is a Chelsea team which has its own headline agenda .
Frank Lampard 's FA Cup finalists need to win to guarantee a top-four finish and a place in next season 's Champions League .
A draw or even a defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depending on the outcome of Leicester City 's make-or-break meeting with Manchester United - a clash of fifth versus third .
Wolves , meanwhile , will have a keen interest in the goings-on at Selhurst Park where Spurs , who sit one point below Nuno Espirito Santo 's side , will aim to finish the season with four wins on the spin .
Here is all the key information you need ahead of Wolves ' trip to the capital .
When is the game ?
The match kicks off at Stamford Bridge at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is Chelsea vs Wolves on TV ?
Yes .
Live coverage of the match will be shown on Sky Sports Football ( channel 403 for Sky customers ) .
Pre-match coverage begins at 3pm .
Existing Sky customers will be able to watch the game on Sky Go , via the app , or on their website .
Wolves dispatched Crystal Palace in their last Premier League home game of the campaign on Monday night .
Goals either side of the break from Daniel Podence and Jonny were enough to down the Eagles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounds following an enthralling 5-3 defeat to champions Liverpool midweek .
Wolves were doing all the wound licking after these sides last squared off .
A Tammy Abraham-inspired Chelsea ran riot at Molineux , winning 5-2 back in September as Wolves ' stuttering start to the Premier League season continued .
Wolves ca n't afford a repeat if they are to go into their Europa League last-16 clash with Olympiakos with any kind of momentum .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Wolverhampton Wanderers have one final assignment in the Premier League - and it promises to be a titanic one!
Wolves know a win in their last league game of the season will see them shrug off the attentions of Spurs to stay sixth, eclipsing last season's seventh-placed finish.
Standing in their way, though, is a Chelsea team which has its own headline agenda. Frank Lampard's FA Cup finalists need to win to guarantee a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League.
A draw or even a defeat could still be enough for the Blues depending on the outcome of Leicester City's make-or-break meeting with Manchester United - a clash of fifth versus third.
Wolves, meanwhile, will have a keen interest in the goings-on at Selhurst Park where Spurs, who sit one point below Nuno Espirito Santo's side, will aim to finish the season with four wins on the spin.
Here is all the key information you need ahead of Wolves' trip to the capital.
When is the game?
The match kicks off at Stamford Bridge at 4pm on Sunday, July 26.
Is Chelsea vs Wolves on TV?
Yes. Live coverage of the match will be shown on Sky Sports Football (channel 403 for Sky customers). Pre-match coverage begins at 3pm.
Existing Sky customers will be able to watch the game on Sky Go, via the app, or on their website.
Last time out
Wolves dispatched Crystal Palace in their last Premier League home game of the campaign on Monday night.
Goals either side of the break from Daniel Podence and Jonny were enough to down the Eagles.
Chelsea might still be licking their wounds following an enthralling 5-3 defeat to champions Liverpool midweek.
Wolves were doing all the wound licking after these sides last squared off.
A Tammy Abraham-inspired Chelsea ran riot at Molineux, winning 5-2 back in September as Wolves' stuttering start to the Premier League season continued.
Wolves can't afford a repeat if they are to go into their Europa League last-16 clash with Olympiakos with any kind of momentum.


birminghammail--2020-07-24--Dr Alex George's younger brother dies suddenly

Dr Alex George 's younger brother has died suddenly , the heartbroken Love Island star has announcement .
Llŷr died following a battle with poor mental health , Dr Alex said , posting on social media : `` I can ’ t believe I am actually writing this post .
I have lost my beautiful little brother to mental health .
I love you so much Llŷr .
`` The kindest and most caring soul .
I was so proud of you starting medical school next month , you would have been the most incredible doctor .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain .
As a family we are devastated .
We love you and miss you so much .
Please rest in peace x Our boy '' Love Island co-star Rosie Williams posted : `` Oh no Alex !
This is so awful .
I ’ m so so sorry from the bottom of my heart .
Sending you all the love in the world .
Thinking of you and your family through this terrible time . ''
Dr Alex has been fighting the coronavirus pandemic on the frontline in his job as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Llŷr 's death are not yet known .
But fans rushed to offer their condolences on Friday night ( July 24 ) after news of the death was posted by the ITV2 reality show contestant .
A fan told him : `` My heart breaks for you and your family - I ’ m so sorry this has happened sending so much love your way ! ''
Another posted : `` Alex I am so sorry , my heart breaks reading this .
Sending so much love to you and your family @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love Love Island? Our Factor 50 email brings all the goss direct to your inbox
Dr Alex George's younger brother has died suddenly, the heartbroken Love Island star has announcement.
Llŷr died following a battle with poor mental health, Dr Alex said, posting on social media: "I can’t believe I am actually writing this post. I have lost my beautiful little brother to mental health. I love you so much Llŷr.
"The kindest and most caring soul. I was so proud of you starting medical school next month, you would have been the most incredible doctor.
"We are hurting so bad. No words can explain. As a family we are devastated. We love you and miss you so much. Please rest in peace x Our boy"
Love Island co-star Rosie Williams posted: "Oh no Alex! This is so awful. I’m so so sorry from the bottom of my heart. Sending you all the love in the world. Thinking of you and your family through this terrible time."
Dr Alex has been fighting the coronavirus pandemic on the frontline in his job as an A&E doctor.
The circumstances of Llŷr's death are not yet known.
But fans rushed to offer their condolences on Friday night (July 24) after news of the death was posted by the ITV2 reality show contestant.
A fan told him: "My heart breaks for you and your family - I’m so sorry this has happened sending so much love your way!"
Another posted: "Alex I am so sorry, my heart breaks reading this. Sending so much love to you and your family"


birminghammail--2020-07-24--Officer's widow 'immensly disappointed' as teens cleared of murder

The widow of a police officer dragged by car for more than a mile to his death said she was `` immensely disappointed '' after three teenagers were cleared of his `` brutal and senseless '' murder .
Lissie and Andrew Harper had been married for just four weeks when he was fatally injured attending the scene of a burglary on August 15 , 2019 .
Pc Harper was dragged by a car for more than a mile along country lanes .
He died at the scene near the A4 in Berkshire .
Driver Henry Long , 19 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cole , both 18 , were evading arrest at the time for attempting to steal a quad bike .
All three stood trial for murder , but Long admitted the lesser charge of manslaughter and Bowers and Cole were both convicted of that offfence at London 's Old Bailey today , Friday , July 24 .
Speaking outside the court after the verdicts , Mrs Harper said : `` This crime , whatever the outcome deliberated over in court , was brutal and senseless .
The way in which Andrew was robbed of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barbaric and inexplicable .
I am immensely disappointed with the verdict given today .
`` Myself and Andrew 's family will never come to terms with our new lives , we will never understand how such a beautiful , loving , decent human being could be dealt this fate . ''
The court heard how the men were determined to escape `` at all costs '' after Pc Harper and fellow police officers responded to a report of a stolen quad bike from a property in Stanford Dingley , Berkshire .
They came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bike .
Pc Harper , 28 , became entangled in the tow rope attached to their car as he tried to apprehend them .
Driver Long made off at speeds of 42.5mph , carrying Pc Harper behind for 91 seconds .
The teenagers admitted plotting the theft and Long pleaded guilty to manslaughter but each denied knowing Pc Harper was there , claiming the incident was a `` freak event '' .
But the prosecution said , at more than 6ft and weighing 14 stone , the defendants must have been aware Pc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A jury deliberated for more than 12 hours to clear all three of murder but convict Cole and Bowers of manslaughter .
Thames Valley Police Det Supt Stuart Blaik said : `` Long , Bowers and Cole have shown no remorse for what happened that evening at any stage . ''
He added : `` The fact he was a police officer and one of our own of course , it 's paid a huge toll on all of us . ''
On the impact on the family , he said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever imagine what Lissie has been through , all the family and all his close friends and colleagues .
It 's just absolutely devastating for them .
`` This whole process of the court trial , having to relive what 's happened and listen in to the grisly detail of how Andrew came to his death . ''
On the defendants ' behaviour on the night of Pc Harper 's death Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor Rebecca Waller said : `` If they had stopped , potentially his life could have been saved but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all costs .
`` That cost was the life of Pc Andrew Harper .
You have to remember there were members of the public , not only Pc Harper , who could have been in the road who could have encountered them , and travelling at those speeds over those narrow roads without lights , it is not impossible to imagine that other people could have been killed . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emily Pennink, Sanjeeta Bains)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
The widow of a police officer dragged by car for more than a mile to his death said she was "immensely disappointed" after three teenagers were cleared of his "brutal and senseless" murder.
Lissie and Andrew Harper had been married for just four weeks when he was fatally injured attending the scene of a burglary on August 15, 2019.
Pc Harper was dragged by a car for more than a mile along country lanes. He died at the scene near the A4 in Berkshire.
Driver Henry Long, 19, and his two passengers Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 18, were evading arrest at the time for attempting to steal a quad bike.
All three stood trial for murder, but Long admitted the lesser charge of manslaughter and Bowers and Cole were both convicted of that offfence at London's Old Bailey today, Friday, July 24.
Speaking outside the court after the verdicts, Mrs Harper said: "This crime, whatever the outcome deliberated over in court, was brutal and senseless. The way in which Andrew was robbed of his life we all know to be barbaric and inexplicable. I am immensely disappointed with the verdict given today.
"Myself and Andrew's family will never come to terms with our new lives, we will never understand how such a beautiful, loving, decent human being could be dealt this fate."
The court heard how the men were determined to escape "at all costs" after Pc Harper and fellow police officers responded to a report of a stolen quad bike from a property in Stanford Dingley, Berkshire.
They came across the trio towing a £10,000 Honda bike.
Pc Harper, 28, became entangled in the tow rope attached to their car as he tried to apprehend them.
Driver Long made off at speeds of 42.5mph, carrying Pc Harper behind for 91 seconds.
(Image: Mark Lord/PA Wire)
The teenagers admitted plotting the theft and Long pleaded guilty to manslaughter but each denied knowing Pc Harper was there, claiming the incident was a "freak event".
But the prosecution said, at more than 6ft and weighing 14 stone, the defendants must have been aware Pc Harper was being dragged to his death.
A jury deliberated for more than 12 hours to clear all three of murder but convict Cole and Bowers of manslaughter.
Thames Valley Police Det Supt Stuart Blaik said: "Long, Bowers and Cole have shown no remorse for what happened that evening at any stage."
He added: "The fact he was a police officer and one of our own of course, it's paid a huge toll on all of us."
On the impact on the family, he said: "I don't think you can ever imagine what Lissie has been through, all the family and all his close friends and colleagues. It's just absolutely devastating for them.
"This whole process of the court trial, having to relive what's happened and listen in to the grisly detail of how Andrew came to his death."
On the defendants' behaviour on the night of Pc Harper's death Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor Rebecca Waller said: "If they had stopped, potentially his life could have been saved but they were determined to get away at all costs.
"That cost was the life of Pc Andrew Harper. You have to remember there were members of the public, not only Pc Harper, who could have been in the road who could have encountered them, and travelling at those speeds over those narrow roads without lights, it is not impossible to imagine that other people could have been killed."
Judge Mr Justice Edis adjourned sentence until next Friday, July 31.


birminghammail--2020-07-24--Confirmed: Birmingham City will share St Andrew's with Coventry

Birmingham City will again share St Andrew 's with Coventry City for the 2020/21 campaign , it has been confirmed .
The Sky Blues left their original home - the Ricoh Arena - in 2019 because of a legal battle between owners SISU and stadium owners Wasps .
Last season , of course , Cov played their home matches 20 miles away in B9 and played at St Andrew 's on alternate weeks to Blues .
The two clubs faced off in the FA Cup last term with Coventry 'at home ' to Birmingham City at St Andrew 's .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ following Coventry 's promotion back to the Championship following an eight-year exodus .
Today , meanwhile , the club has confirmed they 've failed to reach an agreement with stadium owners Wasps , and thanked Birmingham City for its continued support .
The statement read : `` We would like to thank Birmingham City and their staff for their continued support in this situation .
They were excellent to us last season , and we have no doubt that they will continue to be .
We , of course , do not want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again to take this action to ensure fixtures next season can be fulfilled .
`` We completely understand the feeling of fans regarding groundshare and playing in Birmingham – we have made every effort behind the scenes to avoid this scenario , but now this is the case we will again be making the best of this situation for our fans , players , staff and everyone connected with the club , and urge fans to again back Mark Robins and the team next season back in the Championship . ''
Explaining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Coventry City Football Club can confirm that it will groundshare at Birmingham City ’ s St Andrew 's Trillion Trophy Stadium for the 2020/21 season .
`` The Club , and also our Owner , have been clear in our desire to return to Coventry as soon as possible and we entered into negotiations with Wasps Rugby Club , landlords at the Ricoh Arena since they moved to Coventry in 2014 , in the Winter in good faith and hopeful of a viable and realistic deal which ultimately would benefit both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wasps said publicly following our promotion to the Championship that they “ would like to see the Club playing in its home city at the Ricoh Arena ” and that they “ believe that should be the ambition of all concerned , in the bounds of reasonable commercial terms and conditions.
” '' However , following months of negotiations and despite being very close to agreeing commercial conditions , the same issues that prevented a deal last season have again prevented a deal for the upcoming season .
`` Unfortunately , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the requirement to sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to negotiations taking place .
`` Last year , the critical issue was Wasps ’ insistence of indemnity clauses into the license agreement , with this indemnity for themselves and for a third-party .
`` Coventry City and its owners last year , during failed talks for the 2019-20 season , made a written undertaking to irrevocably cease all proceedings against Wasps relating to the sale and lease of the Ricoh Arena .
No legal action against Wasps or its Owners exists , and Coventry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this same undertaking this year .
`` Despite this undertaking , the clauses introduced by Wasps , for themselves and for a third-party , then added conditions that would unreasonably restrict the Club and SISU ’ s basic legal rights and would commit the Club and SISU to underwrite Wasps ’ and that third-party ’ s costs and all future damages .
This would put the Football Club at substantial risk and jeopardise its very future .
`` As last year , what the landlord requested of CCFC ’ s owners and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can again be argued that the landlord was fully aware of this .
`` We would like to thank those individuals involved in the process of helping to bring the parties together .
We regret that their efforts and ours did not come to fruition .
`` We would again like to thank the EFL for their understanding , help and patience with this matter , and extending Monday ’ s deadline until today to try to help us resolve the issues . ''

Birmingham City will again share St Andrew's with Coventry City for the 2020/21 campaign, it has been confirmed.
The Sky Blues left their original home - the Ricoh Arena - in 2019 because of a legal battle between owners SISU and stadium owners Wasps.
Last season, of course, Cov played their home matches 20 miles away in B9 and played at St Andrew's on alternate weeks to Blues.
The two clubs faced off in the FA Cup last term with Coventry 'at home' to Birmingham City at St Andrew's. They will meet again twice next season following Coventry's promotion back to the Championship following an eight-year exodus.
Today, meanwhile, the club has confirmed they've failed to reach an agreement with stadium owners Wasps, and thanked Birmingham City for its continued support.
The statement read: "We would like to thank Birmingham City and their staff for their continued support in this situation. They were excellent to us last season, and we have no doubt that they will continue to be. We, of course, do not want to be there but have been forced again to take this action to ensure fixtures next season can be fulfilled.
READ - 'Retire the pitch' - Birmingham City supporters react to St Andrew's announcement
"We completely understand the feeling of fans regarding groundshare and playing in Birmingham – we have made every effort behind the scenes to avoid this scenario, but now this is the case we will again be making the best of this situation for our fans, players, staff and everyone connected with the club, and urge fans to again back Mark Robins and the team next season back in the Championship."
Explaining the legal battle, a Coventry spokesman added: "Coventry City Football Club can confirm that it will groundshare at Birmingham City’s St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium for the 2020/21 season.
(Image: Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)
"The Club, and also our Owner, have been clear in our desire to return to Coventry as soon as possible and we entered into negotiations with Wasps Rugby Club, landlords at the Ricoh Arena since they moved to Coventry in 2014, in the Winter in good faith and hopeful of a viable and realistic deal which ultimately would benefit both Clubs and the wider community.
"Wasps said publicly following our promotion to the Championship that they “would like to see the Club playing in its home city at the Ricoh Arena” and that they “believe that should be the ambition of all concerned, in the bounds of reasonable commercial terms and conditions.”
"However, following months of negotiations and despite being very close to agreeing commercial conditions, the same issues that prevented a deal last season have again prevented a deal for the upcoming season.
"Unfortunately, we are unable to disclose full details due to the requirement to sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to negotiations taking place.
"Last year, the critical issue was Wasps’ insistence of indemnity clauses into the license agreement, with this indemnity for themselves and for a third-party.
"Coventry City and its owners last year, during failed talks for the 2019-20 season, made a written undertaking to irrevocably cease all proceedings against Wasps relating to the sale and lease of the Ricoh Arena. No legal action against Wasps or its Owners exists, and Coventry City and its Owners have again made this same undertaking this year.
"Despite this undertaking, the clauses introduced by Wasps, for themselves and for a third-party, then added conditions that would unreasonably restrict the Club and SISU’s basic legal rights and would commit the Club and SISU to underwrite Wasps’ and that third-party’s costs and all future damages. This would put the Football Club at substantial risk and jeopardise its very future.
"As last year, what the landlord requested of CCFC’s owners and the Club was simply not deliverable. It can again be argued that the landlord was fully aware of this.
"We would like to thank those individuals involved in the process of helping to bring the parties together. We regret that their efforts and ours did not come to fruition.
"We would again like to thank the EFL for their understanding, help and patience with this matter, and extending Monday’s deadline until today to try to help us resolve the issues."


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Don't Trash Our Future - back our petition to clear up Birmingham's litter problem

Rubbish strewn across beaches , carpets of detritus left behind in city centres , discarded packaging dumped in parks for someone else to deal with .
These are all scenes that have become too familiar during the easing of coronavirus restrictions in the UK but which have their root in a much more long-term problem - the UK ’ s litter epidemic .
Today we are standing up to it , and urging you to do the same , with our new campaign Don ’ t Trash Our Future .
BirminghamLive , together with local community and information platform InYourArea.co.uk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and websites , have teamed up with Clean Up Britain to push for changes we believe will leave no choice but for both irresponsible litter louts and the authorities who have the power to enforce the law but so often don ’ t to take long-lasting action .
Our campaign has two aims : • To increase the maximum punishment for littering to a £1,000 fine or 100 hours of supervised community litter picking • To make it compulsory for local authorities to enforce the law on littering We are urging you to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see it - with the aim of reaching 100,000 signatures so we can lobby the Government to change the legislation and shed the country of its long-held reputation as a litter-plagued nation .
We ’ re also calling on councils to flex their muscles in the fight against rubbish and make far better use of the powers they already have available .
A Freedom of Information request sent by Clean Up Britain to 169 councils in England and Wales found the majority ( 56 % ) were issuing less than one fine per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozen ( 16 % ) don ’ t issue fines at all .
In a recent survey conducted by InYourArea.co.uk , more than 7,500 respondents overwhelmingly said littering has a negative effect on them and their neighbourhoods and classed it as a big problem .
JB Gill , a former member of superstar pop group JLS who is now a passionate advocate for education and the countryside , has signed up as an ambassador for Don ’ t Trash Our Future .
John Read , founder of Clean Up Britain , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be running the Do n't Trash Our Future campaign with InYourArea.co.uk “ We know from the countless people who contact us that there is a huge desire - from people all over the country - to try and solve the litter epidemic .
“ We are all so fortunate to live in a beautiful country , but equally , it 's so depressing to see so many people littering it .
“ This has to stop , as it shames Britain .
“ There has to be zero tolerance towards littering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pride in our local communities , and a lack of respect for other people and the environment generally .
“ This campaign is about challenging and reversing these negative sentiments , and saying enough is enough .
“ Let 's be grateful for what we have , take care of our country and , above all , 'Do n't Trash Our Future'.
” Mr Read added : “ The Government needs to start getting serious about confronting people who litter .
“ It 's a criminal offence to litter and it needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fines need to be increased to a level which shows the Government - and society generally - will no longer tolerate this antisocial and selfish behaviour .
“ In addition , we also need to ensure fines are a credible deterrent , by making it compulsory for councils to enforce the law , which currently it 's not . ''
Journalist and television presenter Jeremy Paxman is Clean Up Britain ’ s patron .
He said : “ There is only one sustainable and effective solution to littering : changing the behaviour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will work .
“ It pollutes the environment .
It 's dangerous to humans and animals .
“ It depresses people because mucky surroundings make them feel worthless .
It 's expensive - councils across the UK spend over a billion pounds a year trying to clean it up.
” The campaign has also received the backing of broadcaster and animal rights campaigner Clare Balding and her partner Alice Arnold .
Together , they said : `` It 's very sad to see so much litter in this country , both in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has a demoralising effect on all of us and , also , has a very negative impact on animals .
“ A shocking reflection of this is that RSPCA vets , last year , treated over 5,000 cases of animals who 've been injured by , ingested or become trapped by litter .
“ We hope the Clean Up Britain and InYourArea national campaign , Do n't Trash Our Future , will change the attitudes and behaviour of people who do litter , and make us all take more care of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share together . ''
Ed Walker , Editor-in-Chief of InYourArea.co.uk , said it ’ s time for littering to stop .
“ InYourArea are proud to be working with Clean Up Britain to tackle the country ’ s litter and waste epidemic .
“ Our users are sick of seeing their neighbourhoods being treated like rubbish dumps .
Don ’ t Trash Our Future will hopefully make councils and members of the public think harder about the littering issue.
” The campaign has also received the backing of behavioural science expert Merle Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Warwick Business School .
He said , “ It is not about the absolute value of the fine , it 's about the message it sends .
“ This level of fine tells you that this behaviour is deemed costly , and quite frankly unacceptable .
“ Sometimes it does take drastic measures to get this message across .
From a behavioural science perspective , presenting people with such a message triggers a response of shock , because of the sheer size of the fine .
“ People then reason that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue at hand must be of great importance or urgency .
This is how you get people to pay attention and take action .
No one wants to be fined £1000 for throwing away a £1 can of drink.
” More than 7,500 people responded to a nationwide survey on InYourArea.co.uk about littering and its effects .
The results showed people are really angry and sad about litter in their area , which they say is a big problem and getting worse during the pandemic .
They want more to be done .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ perceived litter to be a big problem in their area , with a further 35 % saying it was a major problem .
Just 14 % said litter was a small problem , and only 1 % said it was no problem .
Litter has increased since lockdown has eased according to almost two-thirds of people ( 64 % ) A quarter ( 27 % ) said it had stayed the same , while just 5 % said it had decreased Respondents are n't the people causing the problem - 79 % said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they may have dropped small wrappers , cigarette butts of gum on occasions , while 3 % said they did litter People are very split on whether or not they 'd confront litterers 42 % said they were very or somewhat likely to confront them , while 40 % said they were very or somewhat unlikely to do so Four in five people ( 80 % ) said they would n't confront someone dropping litter because they 'd worry about their reaction Just 2 % said they would n't do it because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1 % said they would notice the litterer Respondents were likely to report people for dropping litter 25 % said they were very likely to , while 39 % said they were somewhat likely , with 36 % saying they wouldn't Most ( 71 % ) would report the person dropping litter to the council , while 11 % said police , and 11 % said they 'd post on social media 98 % of respondents said they had never been fined for dropping litter ( probably not surprising as most said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 1 % saying they had been fined 90 % also said they did n't know anyone else who had been fined , with 9 % saying they did know someone .
Most people ( 86 % ) said they knew littering was a criminal offence Most people thought the fine for littering should be higher than the current maximum of £150 A third ( 33 % ) said it should be between £250 to £500 , 16 % said it should be £501 to £1,000 , while 18 % said it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 % ) said there should n't be a change and 7 % think the maximum should be less than £150 The vast majority of people ( 97 % ) think their council should enforce the law against littering Most people do n't think the council is doing an a great job of dealing with litter - on a scale of one to 10 , the average was four 21 % gave a score of 1 , 10 % a score of 2 , 13 % a score of 3 , 11 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a score of 5 , 10 % a score of 6 , 9 % a score of 7 , 5 % a score of 8 , 1 % a score of 9 and 2 % a score of 10 Four in five people ( 81 % ) think there are too few public bins in their area 16 % said the number was about right , while 1 % said there were too many Despite all this , half ( 52 % ) of respondents said the cleanliness of their neighbourhood was excellent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People largely agree that litter is a problem ( and it 's got worse ) 95 % agreed that litter is a threat to animals and wildlife 58 % agreed that littering is worse since Covid-19 ( 17 % disagreed ) When asked to rank these in order ( I 'm not sure this question worked , it looks like people put more than one option as 1 ) : 45 % put litter is a threat to animals and wildlife top More than half ( 55 % ) of people said seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 % ) said it makes them feel sad or depressed , while a further fifth just said they hate it !
1 % said it keeps someone in a job , 1 % that there are more important problems in the world , and 1 % that there 's nothing they can do about it As well as fighting for long-lasting change , we ’ re encouraging people to take up the fight in their streets too by organising community litter picks .
Register your interest through this form here and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JB Gill , 32 , rose to fame as a member of one of the UK ’ s biggest boybands – JLS .
They dominated the charts for five years , boasting 5 number 1 singles , over 10 million record sales worldwide and a multitude of awards .
Four years ago , JB set up a farm in the Kent countryside , where he lives with his wife , Chloe , four-year-old son , Ace and 7-month-old daughter , Chiara .
Now an established member of the farming community , JB has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to highlight his passion to educate children about the origins of their food and he is the lead presenter on CBeebies ’ BAFTA-nominated television series , ‘ Down On The Farm ’ ( created for children aged 0-6 years , teaching them about life on the farm and in the outdoors ) .
JB ’ s enthusiasm for farming life and knowledge of countryside issues has seen him regularly contribute to BBC ’ s ‘ Countryfile ’ and ‘ Springwatch ’ .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Rubbish strewn across beaches, carpets of detritus left behind in city centres, discarded packaging dumped in parks for someone else to deal with.
These are all scenes that have become too familiar during the easing of coronavirus restrictions in the UK but which have their root in a much more long-term problem - the UK’s litter epidemic.
Today we are standing up to it, and urging you to do the same, with our new campaign Don’t Trash Our Future.
BirminghamLive, together with local community and information platform InYourArea.co.uk and our nationwide network of sister newspapers and websites, have teamed up with Clean Up Britain to push for changes we believe will leave no choice but for both irresponsible litter louts and the authorities who have the power to enforce the law but so often don’t to take long-lasting action.
Our campaign has two aims:
To increase the maximum punishment for littering to a £1,000 fine or 100 hours of supervised community litter picking
To make it compulsory for local authorities to enforce the law on littering
We are urging you to sign our petition (inyourarea.co.uk/DTOF) to see it - with the aim of reaching 100,000 signatures so we can lobby the Government to change the legislation and shed the country of its long-held reputation as a litter-plagued nation.
We’re also calling on councils to flex their muscles in the fight against rubbish and make far better use of the powers they already have available.
A Freedom of Information request sent by Clean Up Britain to 169 councils in England and Wales found the majority (56%) were issuing less than one fine per week for littering and more than two dozen (16%) don’t issue fines at all.
In a recent survey conducted by InYourArea.co.uk, more than 7,500 respondents overwhelmingly said littering has a negative effect on them and their neighbourhoods and classed it as a big problem.
JB Gill, a former member of superstar pop group JLS who is now a passionate advocate for education and the countryside, has signed up as an ambassador for Don’t Trash Our Future.
Join the Don't Trash Our Future campaign We're calling for lasting changes to be made that will ensure littering and those responsible for it are dealt with far more seriously. Together with our community platform InYourArea and campaign group Clean Up Britain, we're calling for the fixed penalty notice for anyone caught littering to be increased to £1,000 and for it to be compulsory for local authorities to enforce the law on what is already a criminal offence. Sign our petition here, and find out more about the campaign here.
John Read, founder of Clean Up Britain, said: "Clean Up Britain is very excited to be running the Don't Trash Our Future campaign with InYourArea.co.uk
“We know from the countless people who contact us that there is a huge desire - from people all over the country - to try and solve the litter epidemic.
“We are all so fortunate to live in a beautiful country, but equally, it's so depressing
to see so many people littering it.
(Image: Reach Plc)
“This has to stop, as it shames Britain.
“There has to be zero tolerance towards littering.
“Littering is symptomatic of a lack of pride in our local communities, and a lack of respect for other people and the environment generally.
“This campaign is about challenging and reversing these negative sentiments, and saying enough is enough.
“Let's be grateful for what we have, take care of our country and, above all, 'Don't Trash Our Future'.”
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Mr Read added: “The Government needs to start getting serious about confronting people who litter.
“It's a criminal offence to litter and it needs to be treated that way.
“Fines need to be increased to a level which shows the Government - and society generally - will no longer tolerate this antisocial and selfish behaviour.
“In addition, we also need to ensure fines are a credible deterrent, by making it compulsory
for councils to enforce the law, which currently it's not."
'It's dangerous'
Journalist and television presenter Jeremy Paxman is Clean Up Britain’s patron. He said: “There is only one sustainable and effective solution to littering: changing the behaviour of people who do it. Nothing else will work.
“It pollutes the environment. It's dangerous to humans and animals.
“It depresses people because mucky surroundings make them feel worthless. It's expensive - councils across the UK spend over a billion pounds a year trying to clean it up.”
The campaign has also received the backing of broadcaster and animal rights campaigner Clare Balding and her partner Alice Arnold.
Together, they said: "It's very sad to see so much litter in this country, both in the countryside and in urban areas.
“It has a demoralising effect on all of us and, also, has a very negative impact on animals.
“A shocking reflection of this is that RSPCA vets, last year, treated over 5,000 cases of animals who've been injured by, ingested or become trapped by litter.
“We hope the Clean Up Britain and InYourArea national campaign, Don't Trash Our Future, will change the attitudes and behaviour of people who do litter, and make us all take more care of the naturally beautiful country we are fortunate to share together."
(Image: StaffsPolice)
Ed Walker, Editor-in-Chief of InYourArea.co.uk, said it’s time for littering to stop.
“InYourArea are proud to be working with Clean Up Britain to tackle the country’s litter and waste epidemic.
“Our users are sick of seeing their neighbourhoods being treated like rubbish dumps. Don’t Trash Our Future will hopefully make councils and members of the public think harder about the littering issue.”
The campaign has also received the backing of behavioural science expert Merle Van Der Akker, President of Behavioural Insights at Warwick Business School.
He said, “It is not about the absolute value of the fine, it's about the message it sends.
“This level of fine tells you that this behaviour is deemed costly, and quite frankly unacceptable.
“Sometimes it does take drastic measures to get this message across. From a behavioural science perspective, presenting people with such a message triggers a response of shock, because of the sheer size of the fine.
“People then reason that if the fine is so big, the issue at hand must be of great importance or urgency. This is how you get people to pay attention and take action. No one wants to be fined £1000 for throwing away a £1 can of drink.”
Our survey says
More than 7,500 people responded to a nationwide survey on InYourArea.co.uk about littering and its effects.
The results showed people are really angry and sad about litter in their area, which they say is a big problem and getting worse during the pandemic. They want more to be done.
Half of respondents (50%) perceived litter to be a big problem in their area, with a further 35% saying it was a major problem.
Just 14% said litter was a small problem, and only 1% said it was no problem.
Litter has increased since lockdown has eased according to almost two-thirds of people (64%)
A quarter (27%) said it had stayed the same, while just 5% said it had decreased
Respondents aren't the people causing the problem - 79% said they had never dropped litter
15% said they may have dropped small wrappers, cigarette butts of gum on occasions, while 3% said they did litter
People are very split on whether or not they'd confront litterers
42% said they were very or somewhat likely to confront them, while 40% said they were very or somewhat unlikely to do so
Four in five people (80%) said they wouldn't confront someone dropping litter because they'd worry about their reaction
Just 2% said they wouldn't do it because of it was none of their business and 1% said they would notice the litterer
Respondents were likely to report people for dropping litter
25% said they were very likely to, while 39% said they were somewhat likely, with 36% saying they wouldn't
Most (71%) would report the person dropping litter to the council, while 11% said police, and 11% said they'd post on social media
98% of respondents said they had never been fined for dropping litter (probably not surprising as most said they didn't drop it), with 1% saying they had been fined
90% also said they didn't know anyone else who had been fined, with 9% saying they did know someone.
Most people (86%) said they knew littering was a criminal offence
Most people thought the fine for littering should be higher than the current maximum of £150
A third (33%) said it should be between £250 to £500, 16% said it should be £501 to £1,000, while 18% said it should be more than £1,000
A quarter (26%) said there shouldn't be a change and 7% think the maximum should be less than £150
The vast majority of people (97%) think their council should enforce the law against littering
Most people don't think the council is doing an a great job of dealing with litter - on a scale of one to 10, the average was four
21% gave a score of 1, 10% a score of 2, 13% a score of 3, 11% a score of 4, 17% a score of 5, 10% a score of 6, 9% a score of 7, 5% a score of 8, 1% a score of 9 and 2% a score of 10
Four in five people (81%) think there are too few public bins in their area
16% said the number was about right, while 1% said there were too many
Despite all this, half (52%) of respondents said the cleanliness of their neighbourhood was excellent
But 42% said it was dreadful
People largely agree that litter is a problem (and it's got worse)
96% agreed that litter is a public health concern
95% agreed that litter is a threat to animals and wildlife
97% agreed that litter is unattractive
58% agreed that littering is worse since Covid-19 (17% disagreed)
When asked to rank these in order (I'm not sure this question worked, it looks like people put more than one option as 1):
44% put litter is a public health concern top
45% put litter is a threat to animals and wildlife top
42% put litter is unattractive top
27% put littering is worse since Covid-19
More than half (55%) of people said seeing litter makes them angry
A fifth (20%) said it makes them feel sad or depressed, while a further fifth just said they hate it!
1% said it keeps someone in a job, 1% that there are more important problems in the world, and 1% that there's nothing they can do about it
Organise your own clean-up
As well as fighting for long-lasting change, we’re encouraging people to take up the fight in their streets too by organising community litter picks.
Register your interest through this form here and we will support and publicise your efforts.
Meet our celebrity ambassador
JB Gill, 32, rose to fame as a member of one of the UK’s biggest boybands – JLS. They dominated the charts for five years, boasting 5 number 1 singles, over 10 million record sales worldwide and a multitude of awards.
Four years ago, JB set up a farm in the Kent countryside, where he lives with his wife, Chloe, four-year-old son, Ace and 7-month-old daughter, Chiara.
Their smallholding successfully produces award winning KellyBronze turkeys and free-range Tamworth pork.
Now an established member of the farming community, JB has used his success within the entertainment industry to highlight his passion to educate children about the origins of their food and he is the lead presenter on CBeebies’ BAFTA-nominated television series, ‘Down On The Farm’ (created for children aged 0-6 years, teaching them about life on the farm and in the outdoors).
JB’s enthusiasm for farming life and knowledge of countryside issues has seen him regularly contribute to BBC’s ‘Countryfile’ and ‘Springwatch’.


birminghammail--2020-07-27--TUI cancels ALL holidays to Balearic and Canary Islands

Travel firm TUI UK cancelled all holidays to the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands after the FCO 's updated travel advice change against all but essential travel to all areas of Spain .
TUI 's decision runs from Tuesday July 28 up to and including Friday July 31 .
Holidays to Spain 's mainland were were already cancelled from Sunday July 26 up to and including Sunday August 9 .
The Foreign Office is advising Brits against all non-essential travel to Spain 's Balearic Islands and Canary Islands .
The FCO had previously said it was ok to visit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All customers due to travel to Spanish destinations between Sunday July 26 and Sunday August 9 will be able to cancel or amend their holiday and will be able to receive a full refund or the option to rebook their holiday with a booking incentive , '' TUI UK said .
`` Customers with holidays to Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from August 1 and mainland Spain from August 10 will be updated on Friday July 31 .
All customers currently on holiday can continue to enjoy their holiday and will return on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority and welcome travel advice that protects those that holiday with us .
`` However , the UK Government must work closely with the travel industry as this level of uncertainty and confusion is damaging for business and disappointing for those looking forward to a well-deserved break . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Travel firm TUI UK cancelled all holidays to the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands after the FCO's updated travel advice change against all but essential travel to all areas of Spain.
TUI's decision runs from Tuesday July 28 up to and including Friday July 31. Holidays to Spain's mainland were were already cancelled from Sunday July 26 up to and including Sunday August 9.
The Foreign Office is advising Brits against all non-essential travel to Spain's Balearic Islands and Canary Islands.
The FCO had previously said it was ok to visit the islands but not mainland Spain.
"All customers due to travel to Spanish destinations between Sunday July 26 and Sunday August 9 will be able to cancel or amend their holiday and will be able to receive a full refund or the option to rebook their holiday with a booking incentive," TUI UK said.
"Customers with holidays to Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from August 1 and mainland Spain from August 10 will be updated on Friday July 31. All customers currently on holiday can continue to enjoy their holiday and will return on their intended flight home.
"The health and safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority and welcome travel advice that protects those that holiday with us.
"However, the UK Government must work closely with the travel industry as this level of uncertainty and confusion is damaging for business and disappointing for those looking forward to a well-deserved break."


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Aston Villa owners sticking with £80 million Jack Grealish valuation

Aston Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will stand firm over their £80 million valuation of in-demand asset Jack Grealish .
The captain was instrumental all season and , on survival Sunday , came to the fore at the perfect time to strike home Villa 's season-defining goal in the draw against West Ham .
It was Grealish 's eighth Premier League goal of a crazy campaign - but none must have felt sweeter as it proved to be the key to helping Villa stave off the threat of relegation .
Last week , of course , the 24-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure at the moment '' when asked if this season would be his last as Villa 's No.10 .
Transfer rumours surrounding Villa 's main man have been rife since the turn of the year and , had Villa dropped down to the Championship , his exit would have been swiftly forthcoming - and for a knockdown fee .
A report in The Times today suggests Villa 's hierarchy are n't willing to lower their £80 million price tag they 've slapped on their academy graduate and England hopeful .
The sky-high fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club who tracked Grealish for months , Manchester United .
Our colleagues at the Manchester Evening News believe United would be willing to pay around £65 million for Villa 's play-maker but , again , that 's some way off Villa 's estimation .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer guided United to the Champions League with a win over Leicester City on Sunday and , with it , looks set to be given £100 million to bolster his squad .
United remain keen on £80 million-rated Jadon Sancho , the Borussia Dortmund and England winger @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Aston Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will stand firm over their £80 million valuation of in-demand asset Jack Grealish.
The captain was instrumental all season and, on survival Sunday, came to the fore at the perfect time to strike home Villa's season-defining goal in the draw against West Ham.
It was Grealish's eighth Premier League goal of a crazy campaign - but none must have felt sweeter as it proved to be the key to helping Villa stave off the threat of relegation.
Last week, of course, the 24-year-old claimed how he was "not too sure at the moment" when asked if this season would be his last as Villa's No.10.
Transfer rumours surrounding Villa's main man have been rife since the turn of the year and, had Villa dropped down to the Championship, his exit would have been swiftly forthcoming - and for a knockdown fee.
A report in The Times today suggests Villa's hierarchy aren't willing to lower their £80 million price tag they've slapped on their academy graduate and England hopeful.
The sky-high fee means it could well put off the club who tracked Grealish for months, Manchester United. Our colleagues at the Manchester Evening News believe United would be willing to pay around £65 million for Villa's play-maker but, again, that's some way off Villa's estimation.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer guided United to the Champions League with a win over Leicester City on Sunday and, with it, looks set to be given £100 million to bolster his squad. United remain keen on £80 million-rated Jadon Sancho, the Borussia Dortmund and England winger.


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Suso departs after Aston Villa avoid relegation

Jesus Garcia Pitarch will leave his role as sporting director at Aston Villa .
The Spanish talent-spotter was named sporting @ @ @ @ @ , shortly before Dean Smith was appointed head coach , following a behind-the-scenes shake-up at @ @ @ @ @ also known as 'Suso ' - was tasked with overseeing the club 's recruitment strategy @ @ @ @ @ £140million on 12 new players following promotion to the Premier League .
Despite some successes @ @ @ @ @ have failed to live up to expectations and Villa were almost relegated as a result @ @ @ @ @ the final day at West Ham , owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens , along @ @ @ @ @ and Smith , will now set about rebuilding ahead of next season .
BBC reporter @ @ @ @ @ Day after survival , sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch is to leave Aston Villa .
@ @ @ @ @ transfer spend and differences of opinion with Christian Purslow . ''
Suso 's position has @ @ @ @ @ recent months and Villa 's rebuild begins without him .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Jesus Garcia Pitarch will leave his role as sporting director at Aston Villa.
The Spanish talent-spotter was named sporting director back in October 2018, shortly before Dean Smith was appointed head coach, following a behind-the-scenes shake-up at Villa Park.
Pitarch - also known as 'Suso' - was tasked with overseeing the club's recruitment strategy last summer as Villa spent £140million on 12 new players following promotion to the Premier League.
Despite some successes, many of those players have failed to live up to expectations and Villa were almost relegated as a result.
With survival secured on the final day at West Ham, owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, along with chief executive Christian Purslow and Smith, will now set about rebuilding ahead of next season.
BBC reporter Simon Stone tweeted: "Day after survival, sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch is to leave Aston Villa. Position was under scrutiny after transfer spend and differences of opinion with Christian Purslow."
Suso's position has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months and Villa's rebuild begins without him.


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Birmingham rape victims share their stories as Phillip Blackwell is jailed

Two of the brave Birmingham rape victims who were preyed upon by a brutal sex predator were left 'suicidal ' after their terrifying ordeal .
The traumatised pair broke their silence in heartbreaking victim impact statements read to Warwick Crown Court as serial rapist Phillip Blackwell was jailed for life today ( Monday , July 28 ) .
Blackwell , now 56 , will spend a minimum of nine years in prison before he 's considered for parole after he `` carefully targeted '' nine lone women across three counties in a reign of terror spanning 22 years .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself with a 'rape kit ' ; donning a balaclava , taping some of his victims ' eyes shut and using a camcorder to film his sickening attacks on young females .
His first victim , who was raped in south Birmingham in February 1997 , told how she spent years praying for the day he would finally be brought to justice as she suffered a 'horrendous nightmare ' .
In her emotive statement , she said : “ From the day this horrendous nightmare started my whole future changed and not for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my life .
`` I prayed for the day that the man who raped me was caught and thought it would never happen .
The days , months , years of waiting , hoping it would make me feel better .
“ Instead it has made me feel awful as I have had to relive all those emotions , it brought everything back .
To find out he carried on hurting others but lived his life as he did is shocking !
`` At times recently I have felt that I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt so low that I wished I wasn ’ t here . ''
In November 1997 , Blackwell - who grew up in Birmingham - targeted his next victim in the south area of the city .
She was left suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ) and admits she too was suicidal after being raped and sexually assaulted by Blackwell .
“ It is difficult to express in a short statement the impact of Phillip Blackwell ’ s actions ; I was the victim not just of the physical act of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it caused , '' her statement read .
`` What do you say about someone who has taken so much ?
While he has finally faced justice after more than 20 years , whatever sentence he has been given today will not be proportionate to the pain and suffering he has caused me .
“ Due to being raped and sexually assaulted by Phillip Blackwell I have suffered from post- traumatic stress disorder and , at my lowest point , I was suicidal .
“ Nothing can undo what he did to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the police and CPS in finally bringing this man to justice and protecting other women from experiencing what I have lived through for more than 20 years.
” Blackwell targeted a total of five women in the West Midlands - including the rape of a woman in Nuneaton in May 1998 .
In each horrifying case , the young females were walking alone in the early hours of the morning when they were attacked from behind before being raped or subjected to other sexual offences .
He managed to evade capture for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cornwall in 2003 - five years before his performance on X Factor aired .
The predator then carried out a string of sexual offences on another four women in the Launceston area of Cornwall between 2005 and 2019 .
He was eventually linked to the Midlands attacks when his DNA was checked by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police as part of an investigation into a rape in Cornwall in 2019 .
Blackwell , of Western Road , Launceston , pleaded guilty to 31 sex offences , including rape , attempted rape , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voyeurism and false imprisonment .
• Two counts of assault by penetration • None One count of taking an indecent photograph of a child He was sentenced for life with a minimum term of nine years and added to the sex offenders ' register for life after his crimes were exposed .
Sentencing Blackwell , Judge Peter Cooke told the defendant : `` You got away with leading a double life for as long as that because you are clever , because you are calculated , because you are forensically aware , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manipulative .
`` It is clear that you equipped yourself with a rape kit - a balaclava ... tape for binding hands and covering eyes , and a camcorder to record for your later enjoyment .
`` It is clear that you have an appreciation for female anatomy but that seems to be the only regard you have for women .
`` You have no regard whatsoever for them as human beings or the impact for what you do to them .
You must treat them with a level of contempt that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The judge continued : `` The harm that you have done with your selfishness is incalculable .
If you wanted to do it , to hell with everyone else , you would do it .
`` You are one of the most dangerous offenders .
Murderers aside , I can think of no more dangerous an individual that I have crossed in my 35 years in criminal law . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Two of the brave Birmingham rape victims who were preyed upon by a brutal sex predator were left 'suicidal' after their terrifying ordeal.
The traumatised pair broke their silence in heartbreaking victim impact statements read to Warwick Crown Court as serial rapist Phillip Blackwell was jailed for life today (Monday, July 27).
Blackwell, now 56, will spend a minimum of nine years in prison before he's considered for parole after he "carefully targeted" nine lone women across three counties in a reign of terror spanning 22 years.
The court heard "monstrous" Blackwell equipped himself with a 'rape kit'; donning a balaclava, taping some of his victims' eyes shut and using a camcorder to film his sickening attacks on young females.
His first victim, who was raped in south Birmingham in February 1997, told how she spent years praying for the day he would finally be brought to justice as she suffered a 'horrendous nightmare'.
In her emotive statement, she said: “From the day this horrendous nightmare started my whole future changed and not for the better, it affected every aspect of my life.
"I prayed for the day that the man who raped me was caught and thought it would never happen. The days, months, years of waiting, hoping it would make me feel better.
“Instead it has made me feel awful as I have had to relive all those emotions, it brought everything back. To find out he carried on hurting others but lived his life as he did is shocking!
(Image: SWNS)
"At times recently I have felt that I cannot deal with it, I have felt so low that I wished I wasn’t here."
In November 1997, Blackwell - who grew up in Birmingham - targeted his next victim in the south area of the city.
She was left suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and admits she too was suicidal after being raped and sexually assaulted by Blackwell.
“It is difficult to express in a short statement the impact of Phillip Blackwell’s actions; I was the victim not just of the physical act of his crimes but the ongoing mental illness it caused," her statement read.
"What do you say about someone who has taken so much? While he has finally faced justice after more than 20 years, whatever sentence he has been given today will not be proportionate to the pain and suffering he has caused me.
“Due to being raped and sexually assaulted by Phillip Blackwell I have suffered from post- traumatic stress disorder and, at my lowest point, I was suicidal.
“Nothing can undo what he did to me but I am thankful for the support of the police and CPS in finally bringing this man to justice and protecting other women from experiencing what I have lived through for more than 20 years.”
Contact Us Have you been affected by this story? Do you have an issue you want us to investigate or something you want to share from your area? Let me know by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com, tweeting me @JournoBalloo or calling 07747078285. All contact will be treated with confidentiality. Read more by Stephanie Balloo here.
Blackwell targeted a total of five women in the West Midlands - including the rape of a woman in Nuneaton in May 1998.
In each horrifying case, the young females were walking alone in the early hours of the morning when they were attacked from behind before being raped or subjected to other sexual offences.
He managed to evade capture for over 20 years as he moved to Cornwall in 2003 - five years before his performance on X Factor aired.
The predator then carried out a string of sexual offences on another four women in the Launceston area of Cornwall between 2005 and 2019.
He was eventually linked to the Midlands attacks when his DNA was checked by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police as part of an investigation into a rape in Cornwall in 2019.
Blackwell, of Western Road, Launceston, pleaded guilty to 31 sex offences, including rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, assault by penetration, voyeurism and false imprisonment.
(Image: Warwickshire Police)
He previously pleaded guilty to:
13 counts of rape
One count of attempted rape
Five counts of indecent assault
One count of false imprisonment
Four counts of sexual assault
Two counts of assault by penetration
Four counts of voyeurism
One count of taking an indecent photograph of a child
(Image: SWNS)
He was sentenced for life with a minimum term of nine years and added to the sex offenders' register for life after his crimes were exposed.
Sentencing Blackwell, Judge Peter Cooke told the defendant: "You got away with leading a double life for as long as that because you are clever, because you are calculated, because you are forensically aware, because you are devious and because you are manipulative.
"It is clear that you equipped yourself with a rape kit - a balaclava... tape for binding hands and covering eyes, and a camcorder to record for your later enjoyment.
"It is clear that you have an appreciation for female anatomy but that seems to be the only regard you have for women.
"You have no regard whatsoever for them as human beings or the impact for what you do to them. You must treat them with a level of contempt that is too shocking to even contemplate."
The judge continued: "The harm that you have done with your selfishness is incalculable. If you wanted to do it, to hell with everyone else, you would do it.
"You are one of the most dangerous offenders. Murderers aside, I can think of no more dangerous an individual that I have crossed in my 35 years in criminal law."


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Baby dies after suffering serious head injuries

A baby girl has died after she suffered serious head injuries .
The two-month-old was taken to Sandwell Hospital after emergency services were called to Caddick Crescent , West Bromwich , on Thursday , July 23 .
Sadly , she died the next day .
Police arrested two people - a 31-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman - in connection with the incident .
They have since been released on police bail .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called to reports of a medical emergency at a private address on Caddick Crescent at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene .
`` On arrival we discovered a baby who was in a serious condition .
`` Following emergency treatment at the scene , the baby was transported to Sandwell Hospital on blue lights and sirens . ''
A West Midlands Police spokesman added : `` We ’ ve arrested two people after a two-month-old baby was taken to hospital with serious head injuries on Thursday .
`` Sadly the baby girl died on Friday afternoon and a post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course to establish the exact cause of her death .
`` A 31-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of assault and have been released on police bail while our enquiries continue . ''

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A baby girl has died after she suffered serious head injuries.
The two-month-old was taken to Sandwell Hospital after emergency services were called to Caddick Crescent, West Bromwich, on Thursday, July 23.
Sadly, she died the next day.
Police arrested two people - a 31-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman - in connection with the incident.
They have since been released on police bail.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of a medical emergency at a private address on Caddick Crescent at 10.10am on Thursday.
"One ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended the scene.
"On arrival we discovered a baby who was in a serious condition.
"Following emergency treatment at the scene, the baby was transported to Sandwell Hospital on blue lights and sirens."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
A West Midlands Police spokesman added: "We’ve arrested two people after a two-month-old baby was taken to hospital with serious head injuries on Thursday.
"Sadly the baby girl died on Friday afternoon and a post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of her death.
"A 31-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of assault and have been released on police bail while our enquiries continue."