birminghammail--2020-10-16--West Mids could face 'jobless timebomb' when furlough scheme winds up

People who lose their jobs to Covid-19 will face lengthy delays on vital training due to red tape , a meeting has heard .
Thousands of people in the West Midlands are currently on furlough .
But the scheme is due to wind down next month , raising the prospect that many will have to sign on and look for new work .
Funding has been put aside to help people retrain for new jobs - and the UK government has also launched a controversial ad campaign , which features a picture of ballet dancer and the caption that her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But West Midlands mayor Andy Street faced an impassioned warning about the “ bureaucratic ” process that local councils face in order to get the cash .
Mr Street took questions from councillors on the West Midlands Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee today ( Oct 16 ) .
He answered queries about what would happen to the workforce when the furlough scheme stops at the beginning of November .
Workers will be able to receive at least 67 per cent of their pay from the Government if their workplace remains closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Job Support Scheme .
But there are concerns for many whose workplaces will not have to close but which will not have enough business to continue to fund staff pay , such as the hospitality sector in Tier 2 and 3 areas .
Cllr Stephen Simkins , ( Lab ) representing Bilston East in Wolverhampton , said : “ To retrain you need at least a six to eight week training course .
There is going to be a shortfall of income .
“ It takes roughly around the same time to wade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
So for six to eight weeks , people and families will have no income - how will they survive ?
” He added money available for skills had to be bidded for from the combined authority , and called upon the mayor to allow it to get to the most needy to streamline the process .
Cllr Simkins continued : “ Why don ’ t we passport this money to the authorities to get these people trained as quickly as possible and back into the economy .
“ We have got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and activity , so we know it has been announced - how do we get that money and why do we have to bid ?
“ Surely in a crisis like this , bidding is going to protract that process even longer .
“ It is important that we get the money and stop having to go through these rounds of bidding .
“ It ’ s officer time at DWP and our local authorities .
Surely we should recognise good practice and deliver that straight away .
“ We are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming off furlough .
That ’ s a potential 40,000 extra to the jobless figures .
“ This is where you could lend a hand and stop the bureaucracy with the bidding rounds .
Answering the points , Mr Street said : “ There is European funding supporting a lot of activity across the West Midlands and it will dry up this April .
“ We have known about this for a long time - since Brexit frankly .
“ We have not yet got clarity from the Government as to what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s called the UK Shared Prosperity Fund .
How it is going to be allocated in terms of how much for each region , what the priorities are - it ’ s a very live debate .
“ It ’ s about £0.5bn over three years .
“ We do work directly with local authorities but we do have to have a process by which there is our own challenge for different parts of the authority to want different cash .
We can ’ t do without that .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in UC rate put up at the beginning of Covid and we have asked it is sustained .
“ I think the DWP have committed to act on everything as swiftly as they can and you can of course have an emergency payment if your full payment does not come through quickly .
”

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
People who lose their jobs to Covid-19 will face lengthy delays on vital training due to red tape, a meeting has heard.
Thousands of people in the West Midlands are currently on furlough. But the scheme is due to wind down next month, raising the prospect that many will have to sign on and look for new work.
Funding has been put aside to help people retrain for new jobs - and the UK government has also launched a controversial ad campaign, which features a picture of ballet dancer and the caption that her 'next job could be in Cyber'.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
But West Midlands mayor Andy Street faced an impassioned warning about the “bureaucratic” process that local councils face in order to get the cash.
Mr Street took questions from councillors on the West Midlands Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee today (Oct 16).
He answered queries about what would happen to the workforce when the furlough scheme stops at the beginning of November.
Workers will be able to receive at least 67 per cent of their pay from the Government if their workplace remains closed due to Covid as part of the Job Support Scheme.
But there are concerns for many whose workplaces will not have to close but which will not have enough business to continue to fund staff pay, such as the hospitality sector in Tier 2 and 3 areas.
Cllr Stephen Simkins, (Lab) representing Bilston East in Wolverhampton, said: “To retrain you need at least a six to eight week training course. There is going to be a shortfall of income.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
“It takes roughly around the same time to wade through the Universal Credit (UC) process. So for six to eight weeks, people and families will have no income - how will they survive?”
He added money available for skills had to be bidded for from the combined authority, and called upon the mayor to allow it to get to the most needy to streamline the process.
Cllr Simkins continued: “Why don’t we passport this money to the authorities to get these people trained as quickly as possible and back into the economy.
“We have got European funding ceasing for local business sport and activity, so we know it has been announced - how do we get that money and why do we have to bid?
“Surely in a crisis like this, bidding is going to protract that process even longer.
“It is important that we get the money and stop having to go through these rounds of bidding.
“It’s officer time at DWP and our local authorities. Surely we should recognise good practice and deliver that straight away.
“We are going to be faced with 40,000 people in Wolverhampton coming off furlough. That’s a potential 40,000 extra to the jobless figures.
“This is where you could lend a hand and stop the bureaucracy with the bidding rounds.
“This is terrible for people’s lives.”
Answering the points, Mr Street said: “There is European funding supporting a lot of activity across the West Midlands and it will dry up this April.
“We have known about this for a long time - since Brexit frankly.
“We have not yet got clarity from the Government as to what is going to replace it.
“It’s called the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. How it is going to be allocated in terms of how much for each region, what the priorities are - it’s a very live debate.
“It’s about £0.5bn over three years.
“We do work directly with local authorities but we do have to have a process by which there is our own challenge for different parts of the authority to want different cash. We can’t do without that.
“We have asked for an increase to sustain the increase in UC rate put up at the beginning of Covid and we have asked it is sustained.
“I think the DWP have committed to act on everything as swiftly as they can and you can of course have an emergency payment if your full payment does not come through quickly.”


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Bilic provides updates on West Brom quartet ahead of Burnley

Slaven Bilic remains in the dark over whether Callum Robinson will be available or not for the visit of Burnley this coming Monday .
West Brom forward Robinson , who has three goals to his name this season , was on international duty with Ireland during the domestic break and , in that time , an individual in the Ireland camp returned a positive Covid-19 test .
Having been deemed to have come into close contact with that figure , Robinson was required to enter into a period of self-isolation for 14 days .
That period includes the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Clarets to The Hawthorns , yet Albion remain uncertain as to whether he ’ ll be permitted to feature because of the different ruling between Ireland and England .
“ It ’ s not in our hands , there is no clear or obvious explanation , ” Bilic explained .
“ He was with Ireland .
One of the players who was positive , Callum was one of three or four players playing cards with him or sitting next to him on a plane .
“ The rules are different in Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had to self-isolate - 10 days , two weeks ?
It ’ s a bit complicated to be fair .
“ We have to hope that he will be available for Sunday .
That wouldn ’ t put him in the greatest condition but he has played a lot .
He played four games for us , he played one game for Ireland .
“ We will be happy if he comes back , we will take that option , but is it going to happen ?
We don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands , we are going to see what the government says.
” Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Baggies bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm at Southampton before the international break , which deprived him of running out for his native Wales .
Robson-Kanu was trodden on by a Saints player and was clearly in agony on the field as he battled to complete the game .
He has since undergone successful surgery and is expected to be missing until the end of November .
“ I spoke to him last week , ” Bilic revealed .
“ He had surgery and it all went really well .
It ’ s going to be four or five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stitches to heal - after that it will go very quick.
” New signings Branislav Ivanovic and Conor Gallagher , meanwhile , are in contention to make their league debuts on Monday .
Veteran defender Ivanovic and Chelsea loanee Gallagher both played against Brentford in the EFL Cup , but have had to be patient in terms of Premier League participation .
Both are now fully fit , up to speed with things and available like everyone else to Bilic .
“ I can now treat them as a part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marks , ” he added .
“ With Barney and Conor it ’ s about match fitness - both of them played against Brentford , but you can only get match fitness from matches .
“ No more question marks over their fitness now .
They ’ re both treated like anybody else .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Slaven Bilic remains in the dark over whether Callum Robinson will be available or not for the visit of Burnley this coming Monday.
West Brom forward Robinson, who has three goals to his name this season, was on international duty with Ireland during the domestic break and, in that time, an individual in the Ireland camp returned a positive Covid-19 test.
Having been deemed to have come into close contact with that figure, Robinson was required to enter into a period of self-isolation for 14 days.
That period includes the beginning of next week, and the welcoming of the Clarets to The Hawthorns, yet Albion remain uncertain as to whether he’ll be permitted to feature because of the different ruling between Ireland and England.
“It’s not in our hands, there is no clear or obvious explanation,” Bilic explained. “He was with Ireland. One of the players who was positive, Callum was one of three or four players playing cards with him or sitting next to him on a plane.
“The rules are different in Ireland than they are in England. He has had to self-isolate - 10 days, two weeks? It’s a bit complicated to be fair.
“We have to hope that he will be available for Sunday. That wouldn’t put him in the greatest condition but he has played a lot. He played four games for us, he played one game for Ireland.
“We will be happy if he comes back, we will take that option, but is it going to happen? We don’t know. It’s not in our hands, we are going to see what the government says.”
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Fellow forward Hal Robson-Kanu broke his arm at Southampton before the international break, which deprived him of running out for his native Wales.
Robson-Kanu was trodden on by a Saints player and was clearly in agony on the field as he battled to complete the game. He has since undergone successful surgery and is expected to be missing until the end of November.
“I spoke to him last week,” Bilic revealed. “He had surgery and it all went really well. It’s going to be four or five weeks.
“The main thing is the stitches to heal - after that it will go very quick.”
poll loading Where will Albion finish in the Premier League this season? 11000+ VOTES SO FAR 1st - 6th 7th - 12th 13th - 17th Relegation zone
New signings Branislav Ivanovic and Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, are in contention to make their league debuts on Monday.
Veteran defender Ivanovic and Chelsea loanee Gallagher both played against Brentford in the EFL Cup, but have had to be patient in terms of Premier League participation.
Both are now fully fit, up to speed with things and available like everyone else to Bilic.
“I can now treat them as a part of the squad, without any of the question marks,” he added. “With Barney and Conor it’s about match fitness - both of them played against Brentford, but you can only get match fitness from matches.
“No more question marks over their fitness now. They’re both treated like anybody else.”


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Birmingham City fans react with one word as Clarke-Salter returns

The 23-year-old has joined on loan for the remainder of the season , a move that represents a return to the club with whom he spent last term .
In doing so Clarke-Salter becomes the 11th player to join Blues in what has been an effective transfer window that has seen Aitor Karanka ’ s squad completely transformed .
Blues fans have been reacting - and one word kept being used .
Adam Radigan : Apparently hes our last signing so looks like karanka is hoping for draws and scrapping 1 nil all season then Olly William Johnson : Couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , come we had frees and just a couple of mil .
We had 25 mil for bellingham .
Surely his not that much David Taylor : Give us the title now lol @ cdbcfc_ : Bit of an odd one , but I won ’ t complain .
Did a great job for us last season and will be a good option .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here @ joe_stu1 : JCS is a great signing , Let ’ s just hope Leko can bang the goals in for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main strikers being prolific @ sberesford95 : Oh my lord , we are going up @ itsjaymusa : Some defence we got now @ mxnnisxngh : JCS possibly was our best players last season .
Bring him back @ ThomasSpurgeon9 : 7 at the back for us this season

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
Birmingham City have secured a deadline day swoop for Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter.
The 23-year-old has joined on loan for the remainder of the season, a move that represents a return to the club with whom he spent last term.
In doing so Clarke-Salter becomes the 11th player to join Blues in what has been an effective transfer window that has seen Aitor Karanka’s squad completely transformed.
Blues fans have been reacting - and one word kept being used.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Jon Brown: Quality
Adam Radigan: Apparently hes our last signing so looks like karanka is hoping for draws and scrapping 1 nil all season then
Reece Wood: Need a striker though!!!!!
Olly William Johnson: Couldn’t we afford to buy him, come we had frees and just a couple of mil. We had 25 mil for bellingham. Surely his not that much
Rob Davey: Quality
Jamie Sigley: Brilliant KRO
David Taylor: Give us the title now lol
Simmonds Shaun: Buzzin
Mitchell Crump: Quality
@cdbcfc_: Bit of an odd one, but I won’t complain. Did a great job for us last season and will be a good option.
@joe_stu1: JCS is a great signing, Let’s just hope Leko can bang the goals in for us as can’t see our main strikers being prolific
@sberesford95: Oh my lord, we are going up
@itsjaymusa: Some defence we got now
@mxnnisxngh: JCS possibly was our best players last season. Bring him back
@ThomasSpurgeon9: 7 at the back for us this season


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Baby-faced killer who stabbed gang rival to death with zombie knife jailed

A teenager who rapped about murdering a 16-year-old boy with a zombie knife can be named after he was handed a life sentence .
Kion McKenna , 17 , stabbed gang rival Louis Johnson once in the chest at East Croydon station on the afternoon of January 27 .
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene while McKenna fled to Chichester , where he was captured on CCTV smiling and dancing in a takeaway after shaving off his long hair in a bid to disguise himself .
He was arrested and charged with murder after handing himself in at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , on January 29 .
The Old Bailey heard that just a week after he had been remanded in custody , McKenna composed a rap about the killing using Louis 's street name , L-Sav .
Lyrics included a reference to the victim being `` 6ft in life but now 6ft deep '' and `` pushing in the chest now he 's coughing up blood '' .
Judge Mark Dennis QC handed McKenna a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years on Friday after he was found guilty of murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He earlier pleaded guilty to having a knife .
Lifting restrictions barring the reporting of McKenna 's name because of his age , the judge said : `` The evidence that related to the defendant 's conduct following his arrest and remand in custody - composing and sharing rap lyrics appearing to be him bragging about the killing , supporting and encouraging gang violence - demonstrated he had little concern hitherto about publicising his actions . ''
The judge said the teenager , who was linked to a gang in Tooting , stabbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clapham gang , after a chance meeting following previous run-ins between the pair .
He told McKenna : `` This was a shocking and dreadful display of violence for which there was no justification or excuse .
`` This once again demonstrates how lives can be turned around by such youth gang violence .
`` Though you were of a young age , you were old enough to know what you were doing and to make your own choices . ''
Reading from a victim impact statement in court , Louis 's mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life `` has not been the same '' since her son was killed .
She said : `` Louis left a massive hole in our lives and we miss him massively .
Louis was a good son , good brother and a good friend to many .
`` He was kind , polite and overall was willing to help others .
His overriding quality was his wonderful sense of humour . ''
She added : `` We will never get over losing Louis , never .
Nobody deserves to be stabbed by such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a cold , wet train station floor .
`` As a mother , that thought of your child dying terrified is too much to bear . ''

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
A teenager who rapped about murdering a 16-year-old boy with a zombie knife can be named after he was handed a life sentence.
Kion McKenna, 17, stabbed gang rival Louis Johnson once in the chest at East Croydon station on the afternoon of January 27.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene while McKenna fled to Chichester, where he was captured on CCTV smiling and dancing in a takeaway after shaving off his long hair in a bid to disguise himself.
He was arrested and charged with murder after handing himself in at a police station in Islington, north London, on January 29.
The Old Bailey heard that just a week after he had been remanded in custody, McKenna composed a rap about the killing using Louis's street name, L-Sav.
Lyrics included a reference to the victim being "6ft in life but now 6ft deep" and "pushing in the chest now he's coughing up blood".
Judge Mark Dennis QC handed McKenna a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years on Friday after he was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey last month. He earlier pleaded guilty to having a knife.
Lifting restrictions barring the reporting of McKenna's name because of his age, the judge said: "The evidence that related to the defendant's conduct following his arrest and remand in custody - composing and sharing rap lyrics appearing to be him bragging about the killing, supporting and encouraging gang violence - demonstrated he had little concern hitherto about publicising his actions."
The judge said the teenager, who was linked to a gang in Tooting, stabbed Louis, who had connections to a Clapham gang, after a chance meeting following previous run-ins between the pair.
He told McKenna: "This was a shocking and dreadful display of violence for which there was no justification or excuse.
"This once again demonstrates how lives can be turned around by such youth gang violence.
"Though you were of a young age, you were old enough to know what you were doing and to make your own choices."
Reading from a victim impact statement in court, Louis's mother Natalie Secka told how her family's life "has not been the same" since her son was killed.
She said: "Louis left a massive hole in our lives and we miss him massively. Louis was a good son, good brother and a good friend to many.
"He was kind, polite and overall was willing to help others. His overriding quality was his wonderful sense of humour."
She added: "We will never get over losing Louis, never. Nobody deserves to be stabbed by such a terrifying weapon and left to die on a cold, wet train station floor.
"As a mother, that thought of your child dying terrified is too much to bear."


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Birmingham City transfers Q&A: Deadline day's breaking news

It 's not been the most exciting of transfer deadline days but Birmingham City have overhauled Aitor Karanka 's squad .
They have brought new recruits into every area of the team and look well set to build on their unbeaten start to the campaign .
Neil Etheridge and Andres Prieto have revamped the goalkeeping department , George Friend has come in at the back and the centre of midfield has been reinforced by the arrivals of Adam Clayton and Mikel San Jose .
It 's in attack where the most work has been done though , with Riley McGree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan Leko brought in to support the returning Scott Hogan .
Blues writer Brian Dick will be here from 16:45 as the deadline closes to answer your questions .
Here 's how you get involved .
All you have to do to take part in sign up in one of two ways .
1 ) You can click on the silhouette in the top right corner of this piece and you will be prompted to log in .
Or ... 2 ) If you try to type in the chat window at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted to log in that way .

It's not been the most exciting of transfer deadline days but Birmingham City have overhauled Aitor Karanka's squad.
They have brought new recruits into every area of the team and look well set to build on their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Neil Etheridge and Andres Prieto have revamped the goalkeeping department, George Friend has come in at the back and the centre of midfield has been reinforced by the arrivals of Adam Clayton and Mikel San Jose.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
It's in attack where the most work has been done though, with Riley McGree, Jon Toral, Ivan Sanchez and Jonathan Leko brought in to support the returning Scott Hogan.
Blues writer Brian Dick will be here from 16:45 as the deadline closes to answer your questions.
Here's how you get involved. All you have to do to take part in sign up in one of two ways.
1) You can click on the silhouette in the top right corner of this piece and you will be prompted to log in. Or...
2) If you try to type in the chat window at the top of the piece you will be prompted to log in that way.


birminghammail--2020-10-16--Van driver asleep at wheel after drug binge jailed after 'amazing parents' died

A van driver has been jailed for eight years and eight months for causing the deaths of two `` amazing parents '' after he fell asleep at the wheel following a night of drug-taking .
Robert Bateman , 36 , and his 35-year-old wife Paula died when their Ford Focus crashed head-on into an Iveco Daily van on the A142 between Chatteris and Mepal in Cambridgeshire just after 8pm on September 3 .
Their daughters 10-year-old Alexandra , known as Lexi , and 18-month-old Elizabeth were also in the car , and survived .
Luke Norton , 31 , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , admitted at Peterborough Crown Court on October 3 to causing the deaths of Mr and Mrs Bateman by dangerous driving .
Norton also pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with an excess amount of the drug benzoylecgonine - the main metabolite of cocaine - in his blood .
John Farmer , prosecuting , said Lexi had not sustained any fractures in the collision , adding : `` The child suffered substantial bruising so we offer no evidence on that count . ''
He appeared in court by video link from HMP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farmer said Norton had been driving `` completely disorientated '' after he consumed `` a large amount of cocaine and some heroin '' the night before the incident .
The court heard Norton `` would barely have slept at all '' as phone records showed he made 15 calls through the night between 10.17pm on September 2 and 7.45am the following day , including a 20-minute call at 5.15am .
Mr Farmer said he drove directly across the road and head-on into the Ford Focus being driven by Mr Bateman .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of absence of sleep , drugs , disorientation , and he disintegrates into falling asleep , '' he said .
`` There 's no steerage , there 's no braking .
`` He just goes across the road , into the darkness , Mr Bateman had no time , hope or prospect of doing anything . ''
Cambridgeshire Police said that in his interview Norton claimed he must have fallen asleep at the wheel , and offered this as the only explanation as to why he swerved into the other carriageway .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aftermath of the crash , Norton got out and helped Lexi out of the car , when she asked a member of the public `` is my dad still alive , please let my mum be alive '' .
In a victim impact statement by Mrs Bateman 's mother Angela Harper , which was read out in court , she said her daughter was `` loved by all '' and a `` wonderful , caring and supportive person '' .
When the pandemic hit , she said she saw the family-of-four five times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last time being six days before the couple died .
She described how Lexi `` sat next to her dead father and watched her mother die '' while still having compassion to look after her younger sister .
`` Elizabeth will have no memories of her amazing parents , no knowledge of how fantastic they were and how lucky she was , '' Ms Harper said .
The couple had celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary nearly two weeks before the collision , on August 20 , the court heard .
As he handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail term , Judge Sean Enright said : `` You deprived two children of their parents . ''
He said Norton caused `` serious harm '' to Lexi as she witnessed the crash and `` shouted for her parents '' .
Norton was also disqualified from driving for 14 years and four months .
In a statement released after the fatal collision , Mr and Mrs Bateman 's family paid tribute to them , saying : `` We are utterly devastated by this news .
`` Bob and Paula were much-loved friends to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who knew them .
`` They were also utterly devoted parents .
`` Bob was a much-loved son and father , while Paula was a much-loved daughter , sister and mother . ''
Sergeant Mark Dollard , of the serious collision investigation unit at Cambridgeshire Police , said : `` Many people , myself included , would struggle to think of a more truly heart-breaking case than one where two little girls lost their parents in a collision they too were involved in .
`` This is yet another case which highlights the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause by getting behind the wheel after taking drugs .
`` Had Norton not done so , Lexi and Elizabeth could have grown up with their loving parents by their side .
`` It is beyond belief that in 2020 we still have to talk about the dangers of drink or drug driving ; doing so truly shatters lives .
`` Whilst Norton felt he was safe to drive ; the true reality was that he was anything but .
`` The risk he took will no doubt stay with him for life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stark warning to others . ''

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
A van driver has been jailed for eight years and eight months for causing the deaths of two "amazing parents" after he fell asleep at the wheel following a night of drug-taking.
Robert Bateman, 36, and his 35-year-old wife Paula died when their Ford Focus crashed head-on into an Iveco Daily van on the A142 between Chatteris and Mepal in Cambridgeshire just after 8pm on September 3.
Their daughters 10-year-old Alexandra, known as Lexi, and 18-month-old Elizabeth were also in the car, and survived.
Luke Norton, 31, of Nocton Park Road, Nocton, Lincoln, admitted at Peterborough Crown Court on October 3 to causing the deaths of Mr and Mrs Bateman by dangerous driving.
Norton also pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with an excess amount of the drug benzoylecgonine - the main metabolite of cocaine - in his blood.
Norton denied causing Lexi Bateman serious injuries by dangerous driving.
John Farmer, prosecuting, said Lexi had not sustained any fractures in the collision, adding: "The child suffered substantial bruising so we offer no evidence on that count."
He appeared in court by video link from HMP Peterborough for sentencing on Friday.
Mr Farmer said Norton had been driving "completely disorientated" after he consumed "a large amount of cocaine and some heroin" the night before the incident.
The court heard Norton "would barely have slept at all" as phone records showed he made 15 calls through the night between 10.17pm on September 2 and 7.45am the following day, including a 20-minute call at 5.15am.
Mr Farmer said he drove directly across the road and head-on into the Ford Focus being driven by Mr Bateman.
"There's only one explanation, a combination of absence of sleep, drugs, disorientation, and he disintegrates into falling asleep," he said.
"There's no steerage, there's no braking.
"He just goes across the road, into the darkness, Mr Bateman had no time, hope or prospect of doing anything."
Cambridgeshire Police said that in his interview Norton claimed he must have fallen asleep at the wheel, and offered this as the only explanation as to why he swerved into the other carriageway.
Mr Farmer told the court in the immediate aftermath of the crash, Norton got out and helped Lexi out of the car, when she asked a member of the public "is my dad still alive, please let my mum be alive".
In a victim impact statement by Mrs Bateman's mother Angela Harper, which was read out in court, she said her daughter was "loved by all" and a "wonderful, caring and supportive person".
When the pandemic hit, she said she saw the family-of-four five times since lockdown had eased, with the last time being six days before the couple died.
She described how Lexi "sat next to her dead father and watched her mother die" while still having compassion to look after her younger sister.
"Elizabeth will have no memories of her amazing parents, no knowledge of how fantastic they were and how lucky she was," Ms Harper said.
The couple had celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary nearly two weeks before the collision, on August 20, the court heard.
As he handed Norton an eight year and eight month jail term, Judge Sean Enright said: "You deprived two children of their parents."
(Image: Cambs police)
He said Norton caused "serious harm" to Lexi as she witnessed the crash and "shouted for her parents".
Norton was also disqualified from driving for 14 years and four months.
In a statement released after the fatal collision, Mr and Mrs Bateman's family paid tribute to them, saying: "We are utterly devastated by this news.
"Bob and Paula were much-loved friends to many and will be missed by everyone who knew them.
"They were also utterly devoted parents.
"Bob was a much-loved son and father, while Paula was a much-loved daughter, sister and mother."
Sergeant Mark Dollard, of the serious collision investigation unit at Cambridgeshire Police, said: "Many people, myself included, would struggle to think of a more truly heart-breaking case than one where two little girls lost their parents in a collision they too were involved in.
"This is yet another case which highlights the utter devastation and life-changing impact someone can cause by getting behind the wheel after taking drugs.
"Had Norton not done so, Lexi and Elizabeth could have grown up with their loving parents by their side.
"It is beyond belief that in 2020 we still have to talk about the dangers of drink or drug driving; doing so truly shatters lives.
"Whilst Norton felt he was safe to drive; the true reality was that he was anything but.
"The risk he took will no doubt stay with him for life and this case should serve as a stark warning to others."


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Circuit breaker half term lockdown moves step closer after teachers back it

The leading UK teachers union has backed calls for a ‘ circuit breaker ’ coronavirus lockdown .
The teachers union is backing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and a raft of leading Sage experts in calling for an extended two-week half term .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing mounting pressure from unions and experts to implement a nationwide shutdown over October half term .
Now , the PM is facing stern calls from the National Education Union ( NEU ) , as well as Sir Keir and other regional mayors .
Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers and school staff understand the educational impact of this , but we also understand that in exponential epidemics early action is essential .
`` Taking action now can avoid more disruption later . ''
Mr Courtney said : `` This should be no surprise to either the Prime Minister or the Department for Education .
`` Scientists have consistently told them that secondary students transmit the virus as much as adults , and we have warned them that because we have amongst the biggest class sizes in Europe we have overcrowded classrooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Our classrooms often have poor ventilation , leading to airborne transmissions , and in many areas we have also have overcrowded school transport where children are mixing across year-group bubbles .
`` These children live in families and are part of communities , so even if they have few or no symptoms themselves they are still part of spreading the virus to others , including to teachers and other school staff . ''
He added : `` Such a circuit-breaker could allow the Government to get in control of the test , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases lower to allow the system to work better . ''
On Friday , figures from the ONS showed that the highest rates of infection in England continue to be among young adults and secondary school pupils .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
The leading UK teachers union has backed calls for a ‘circuit breaker’ coronavirus lockdown.
The teachers union is backing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and a raft of leading Sage experts in calling for an extended two-week half term.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing mounting pressure from unions and experts to implement a nationwide shutdown over October half term.
Now, the PM is facing stern calls from the National Education Union (NEU), as well as Sir Keir and other regional mayors.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU, said: "Heads, teachers and school staff understand the educational impact of this, but we also understand that in exponential epidemics early action is essential.
"Taking action now can avoid more disruption later."
(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Courtney said: "This should be no surprise to either the Prime Minister or the Department for Education.
"Scientists have consistently told them that secondary students transmit the virus as much as adults, and we have warned them that because we have amongst the biggest class sizes in Europe we have overcrowded classrooms and corridors without effective social distancing.
"Our classrooms often have poor ventilation, leading to airborne transmissions, and in many areas we have also have overcrowded school transport where children are mixing across year-group bubbles.
"These children live in families and are part of communities, so even if they have few or no symptoms themselves they are still part of spreading the virus to others, including to teachers and other school staff."
He added: "Such a circuit-breaker could allow the Government to get in control of the test, track and trace system, and get cases lower to allow the system to work better."
On Friday, figures from the ONS showed that the highest rates of infection in England continue to be among young adults and secondary school pupils.


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Joe Anderson's brother dies of coronavirus as Liverpool Mayor pays tribute

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson announced his brother has died in hospital after a battle with coronavirus .
Mayor Anderson said : `` Despite the efforts of all the staff @ LivHospitals ICU my brother sadly died at 10.45 last night .
`` We want to thank the dedicated staff risking their lives for us .
`` Thank you all for your messages of love and support .
`` Let ’ s stick together and support each other and win this battle . ''
Mayor Anderson announced his brother was in intensive care at the Royal Liverpool Hospital after contracting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday : `` Ten minutes ago my sister-in-law , a Nursing Sister has told me my eldest brother , her husband , has got Covid-19 .
`` He is in the Royal @ LivHospitals in the ICU in a very serious condition .
`` Please watch the video , follow the rules and understand why we all need to fight the enemy # Covid . ''
Yesterday , Dr Tristan Cope , medical director of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` We 're still really stretched , at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if admissions continue at their current rate then we 'll have to take further action and that might include stopping cancer and urgent surgery as well . ''
Michael Jowitt , a patient recovering from Covid-19 after a touch-and-go three day stay in intensive care , also told the BBC : `` It 's not fun , it 's not fun at all .
This is serious stuff .
I thought on Sunday I was going to see my maker .
`` We just need to have a step back , and see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but by God , if you get it and you 're one of the unlucky ones , then you 're talking death , you are talking death . ''

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
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson announced his brother has died in hospital after a battle with coronavirus.
Mayor Anderson said: "Despite the efforts of all the staff @LivHospitals ICU my brother sadly died at 10.45 last night.
"We want to thank the dedicated staff risking their lives for us.
"Thank you all for your messages of love and support.
"Let’s stick together and support each other and win this battle."
Mayor Anderson announced his brother was in intensive care at the Royal Liverpool Hospital after contracting the virus on Frdiay.
He said on Friday: "Ten minutes ago my sister-in-law, a Nursing Sister has told me my eldest brother, her husband, has got Covid-19.
"He is in the Royal @LivHospitals in the ICU in a very serious condition.
"Please watch the video, follow the rules and understand why we all need to fight the enemy #Covid."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Yesterday, Dr Tristan Cope, medical director of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We're still really stretched, at the moment we're just about coping but if admissions continue at their current rate then we'll have to take further action and that might include stopping cancer and urgent surgery as well."
Michael Jowitt, a patient recovering from Covid-19 after a touch-and-go three day stay in intensive care, also told the BBC: "It's not fun, it's not fun at all. This is serious stuff. I thought on Sunday I was going to see my maker.
"We just need to have a step back, and see, yep some of you are OK, but by God, if you get it and you're one of the unlucky ones, then you're talking death, you are talking death."


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Huge £1million cannabis factory found in former nightclub

Three people are due in court after cops uncovered a massive three-floor cannabis factory in a former nightclub .
Officers smashed their way through several reinforced doors to access the building on Trinity Street , Coventry , where they discovered around 1,000 cannabis plants .
As well as the crop - said to be worth more than £1million , National Crime Agency officers recovered sophisticated planting , growing and irrigation equipment , valued at around £150,000 Two men tried to flee the site but were tracked by the West Midlands Police drone unit and detained along with a third man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ This is a significant drug seizure which will have a huge impact on the organised crime groups involved , depriving them of commodity and profit .
“ The size of the cannabis factory was significant and sophisticated , spread across three floors of a large building .
It is certainly one of the largest grows ever uncovered by the NCA .
“ Operations like this underline the value and power of working with law enforcement partners like West Midlands Police to take down high-harm criminals .
All three men were subsequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug .
Albanian national Andi Qani,24 , and Vietnamese national Cao Van Vu , 31 , appeared before Coventry Magistrates where they were remanded in custody until their next court appearance at Warwick Crown Court on November 12 .
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets .
So it 's important to know what 's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system .
Large , highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings .
You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts .
We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albanian national Adrian Lieshaj,28 , was found to be wanted by German authorities for robbery offences and is the subject of a European Arrest Warrant .
He was taken to Westminster Magistrates court yesterday in order for the extradition matter to be heard .
The operation was supported by officers from the West Midlands Police Cannabis Disruption Team .
Chief Supt Lee Wharmby , head of West Midlands Police ’ s Operations department , said : “ Our pilots helped detain two people using our state-of-the art drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we can help out a partner agency .
Our job is to protect the public and drones are invaluable to us .
”

We have more newsletters
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
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
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
Three people are due in court after cops uncovered a massive three-floor cannabis factory in a former nightclub.
Officers smashed their way through several reinforced doors to access the building on Trinity Street, Coventry, where they discovered around 1,000 cannabis plants.
As well as the crop - said to be worth more than £1million, National Crime Agency officers recovered sophisticated planting, growing and irrigation equipment, valued at around £150,000
Two men tried to flee the site but were tracked by the West Midlands Police drone unit and detained along with a third man.
NCA branch Commander Adam Warnock said: “This is a significant drug seizure which will have a huge impact on the organised crime groups involved, depriving them of commodity and profit.
“The size of the cannabis factory was significant and sophisticated, spread across three floors of a large building. It is certainly one of the largest grows ever uncovered by the NCA.
“Operations like this underline the value and power of working with law enforcement partners like West Midlands Police to take down high-harm criminals.
“Our investigation into this seizure continues.”
All three men were subsequently charged with production of a class B drug.
Albanian national Andi Qani,24, and Vietnamese national Cao Van Vu, 31, appeared before Coventry Magistrates where they were remanded in custody until their next court appearance at Warwick Crown Court on November 12.
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets. So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system. Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings. You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter. Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article. It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts. We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store
The third man, Albanian national Adrian Lieshaj,28, was found to be wanted by German authorities for robbery offences and is the subject of a European Arrest Warrant.
He was taken to Westminster Magistrates court yesterday in order for the extradition matter to be heard.
The operation was supported by officers from the West Midlands Police Cannabis Disruption Team.
Chief Supt Lee Wharmby, head of West Midlands Police’s Operations department, said: “Our pilots helped detain two people using our state-of-the art drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras.
“It’s always great when we can help out a partner agency. Our job is to protect the public and drones are invaluable to us.”


birminghammail--2020-10-17--The law on using mobile phones while driving is changing

The law around having mobile phones in cars is changing - with motorists across the country urged to brush up on their knowledge .
For years now , a loophole has allowed motorists to avoid punishment for having handheld devices at the wheel .
But now , changes made by the government will mean thousands - potentially millions - risk fines .
The government is shutting the loophole , with the Department for Transport issuing a warning to drivers getting behind the wheel .
Currently , only phone calls and texting are banned while at the wheel - but changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new law will mean drivers in the UK would not be allowed to pick up the mobile phone or similar device in hand to perform a number of functions .
It would be an offence to reject a call or compose text messages or emails to save in drafts , ramping up the existing restrictions .
However , the law goes further , in preventing the driver from illuminating the screen , unlocking the device and checking the time or any notifications .
Offending actions also include taking photos or videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mirror , searching for music , dictating voice messages and playing a game .
The change would also make it unlawful to perform the functions with a hand-held tablet .
It would apply across the whole of the UK and is expected to come into effect early next year 2021 .
But the law is dependent on the outcome of the consultation , the DfT has confirmed .

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
The law around having mobile phones in cars is changing - with motorists across the country urged to brush up on their knowledge.
For years now, a loophole has allowed motorists to avoid punishment for having handheld devices at the wheel.
But now, changes made by the government will mean thousands - potentially millions - risk fines.
The government is shutting the loophole, with the Department for Transport issuing a warning to drivers getting behind the wheel.
Currently, only phone calls and texting are banned while at the wheel - but changes are set to be made by 2021.
The new law will mean drivers in the UK would not be allowed to pick up the mobile phone or similar device in hand to perform a number of functions.
It would be an offence to reject a call or compose text messages or emails to save in drafts, ramping up the existing restrictions.
However, the law goes further, in preventing the driver from illuminating the screen, unlocking the device and checking the time or any notifications.
Offending actions also include taking photos or videos, using the phone's camera as a mirror, searching for music, dictating voice messages and playing a game.
The change would also make it unlawful to perform the functions with a hand-held tablet.
It would apply across the whole of the UK and is expected to come into effect early next year 2021.
But the law is dependent on the outcome of the consultation, the DfT has confirmed.


birminghammail--2020-10-17--'Gone by Xmas' - Boss's warning after town hit with coronavirus restrictions

A popular restaurant owner has warned he could 'be gone by Christmas ' after the new coronavirus restrictions have wiped out 70 per cent of his custom .
Matthew Lemm told BlackCountryLive that the new tier two Covid-19 rules that came into force on Wednesday , October 14 , are hitting his Lockside Steakhouse restaurant in Walsall hard .
The 40-year-old said he is beginning to eat into his savings made from the Eat Out to Help Out scheme in August .
`` The Eat out To Help Out scheme was amazing , '' He said .
`` We could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was what we needed to put us back on our feet after the 17-week lockdown .
`` We were literally turning away 200 tables a week – at one point we had to turn away 75 on just one Monday .
`` Our restaurant is small , around seven tables , but it is exclusive and we just did n't have enough room for the people for the demand .
It was ridiculous .
`` We still managed to get our weekend crowd , so it was essentially a week-long weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It did n't make us rich .
If we were open the 17 weeks and then the scheme was introduced we would have been swimming in pound coins .
`` We managed to get ourselves on an even keel . ''
But the Cannock-based boss said the new restrictions that bans friends meeting up at the pub has turned the town centre into a 'ghost town ' .
The entrepreneur said trade from people on first dates , including Tinder , has also dried up at the Wolverhampton Street restaurant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time ever after booking just three tables in one day .
He added : `` These new restrictions have come in and they have automatically taken away around 70 per cent of our custom .
`` There are no friends coming out for birthdays , no groups of friends coming out for a reunion or anything like that .
`` We do n't even get workmen who come in from lunch – because they ca n't sit together .
`` We have a nice restaurant by the canal and , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But now you have not got your Tinder dates , your first dates or your second dates because they do n't live together .
`` These new restrictions have just wiped out trade , we have gone from turning away 20 to 70 tables a day to just three tables in all day .
`` It is absolutely shocking what it has done – we had to close at 8pm because no one was in . ''
But the dad-of-three has since hit out at the government for not helping the hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond more than any other sector to ensure they are Covid compliant .
`` It 's either going to be I 'm shut now and will be able to reopen or I will shut in a month and never reopen again .
`` Because if I have no customers and I still have to pay my staff , bills and lease then where is that money coming from ?
`` They say that these restrictions could last six months but I 'm pretty sure , and not just me , there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go flop . ''
Mr Lemm said he did n't want to have to shut because he had staff , who he describes as a family , that depend on the income but warned something needs to be done .
He told BlackCountryLive : `` I have three kids and a missus and how often on a normal wage would you want to take your family out with a bill of around £150 .
`` But instead of five people coming out and sharing that bill - it is just one person .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that once a month . ''
The four-star rated establishment on TripAdvisor has now called on locals to help independent businesses during the pandemic .
Speaking when the restrictions were announced , councillor Stephen Craddock , Walsall 's portfolio holder for health and wellbeing , said the borough had `` done well to come this far without intervention '' , adding : `` These restrictions require us to limit social contact outside of our households or support bubbles in order to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 .
`` For now , perhaps the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not mix in homes and people must take self-isolation seriously .
Self-isolation means you must stay at home . ''
He continued : `` We must also continue to remember hands , face and space , and think twice about where we go and whether we really need to , in order to reduce our potential exposure to the virus . ''
Stephen Gunther , the borough 's director of public health , added : `` The pandemic has n't gone away , it is still very much with us .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply , it kills people and leaves others struggling to recover months on .
`` Data suggests that up to 50 per cent of people with symptoms are not staying at home - this could have a deadly impact on older and more vulnerable loved ones , so please keep them safe by following the guidelines . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
A popular restaurant owner has warned he could 'be gone by Christmas' after the new coronavirus restrictions have wiped out 70 per cent of his custom.
Matthew Lemm told BlackCountryLive that the new tier two Covid-19 rules that came into force on Wednesday, October 14, are hitting his Lockside Steakhouse restaurant in Walsall hard.
The 40-year-old said he is beginning to eat into his savings made from the Eat Out to Help Out scheme in August.
"The Eat out To Help Out scheme was amazing," He said. "We couldn't have asked for anything better.
"It was what we needed to put us back on our feet after the 17-week lockdown.
"We were literally turning away 200 tables a week – at one point we had to turn away 75 on just one Monday.
"Our restaurant is small, around seven tables, but it is exclusive and we just didn't have enough room for the people for the demand. It was ridiculous.
"We still managed to get our weekend crowd, so it was essentially a week-long weekend and it was brilliant.
He added: "It didn't make us rich. If we were open the 17 weeks and then the scheme was introduced we would have been swimming in pound coins.
"We managed to get ourselves on an even keel."
But the Cannock-based boss said the new restrictions that bans friends meeting up at the pub has turned the town centre into a 'ghost town'.
The entrepreneur said trade from people on first dates, including Tinder, has also dried up at the Wolverhampton Street restaurant and revealed he had to close early for the first time ever after booking just three tables in one day.
He added: "These new restrictions have come in and they have automatically taken away around 70 per cent of our custom.
"There are no friends coming out for birthdays, no groups of friends coming out for a reunion or anything like that.
"We don't even get workmen who come in from lunch – because they can't sit together.
"We have a nice restaurant by the canal and, I dare say it, it is romantic. But now you have not got your Tinder dates, your first dates or your second dates because they don't live together.
"These new restrictions have just wiped out trade, we have gone from turning away 20 to 70 tables a day to just three tables in all day.
"It is absolutely shocking what it has done – we had to close at 8pm because no one was in."
But the dad-of-three has since hit out at the government for not helping the hospitality industry which he claims has gone above and beyond more than any other sector to ensure they are Covid compliant.
"It's either going to be I'm shut now and will be able to reopen or I will shut in a month and never reopen again.
"Because if I have no customers and I still have to pay my staff, bills and lease then where is that money coming from?
"They say that these restrictions could last six months but I'm pretty sure, and not just me, there will be loads of independent businesses will just go flop."
Mr Lemm said he didn't want to have to shut because he had staff, who he describes as a family, that depend on the income but warned something needs to be done.
He told BlackCountryLive : "I have three kids and a missus and how often on a normal wage would you want to take your family out with a bill of around £150.
"But instead of five people coming out and sharing that bill - it is just one person.
"And they can only really do that once a month."
The four-star rated establishment on TripAdvisor has now called on locals to help independent businesses during the pandemic.
Speaking when the restrictions were announced, councillor Stephen Craddock, Walsall's portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said the borough had "done well to come this far without intervention", adding: "These restrictions require us to limit social contact outside of our households or support bubbles in order to reduce the transmission of Covid-19.
"For now, perhaps the most important messages are that households must not mix in homes and people must take self-isolation seriously. Self-isolation means you must stay at home."
He continued: "We must also continue to remember hands, face and space, and think twice about where we go and whether we really need to, in order to reduce our potential exposure to the virus."
Stephen Gunther, the borough's director of public health, added: "The pandemic hasn't gone away, it is still very much with us.
"It is very easily transmitted and, put simply, it kills people and leaves others struggling to recover months on.
"Data suggests that up to 50 per cent of people with symptoms are not staying at home - this could have a deadly impact on older and more vulnerable loved ones, so please keep them safe by following the guidelines."


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Slaven Bilic discusses Karlan Grant's chances of West Brom debut

Slaven Bilic is relieved and delighted in equal measure to be able to welcome Karlan Grant to West Brom - and indicated that the forward ’ s inclusion for the visit of Burnley on Monday is in the balance .
Striker Grant , 23 , agreed a six-year contract when he joined from Huddersfield Town on Thursday , but he is yet to kick a competitive ball so far this season .
But with Albion ’ s forward department currently hit by injury and expected unavailability through Covid , plus the departure of Kenneth Zohore on deadline day , Bilic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquisition - even if it ’ s just for a place on the bench .
Grant trained with his new teammates on Friday and Bilic was able to get a good look at him close up for the first time , but he is wary of his situation .
The fact that the Baggies have a full weekend could swing matters in Grant ’ s favour .
“ He has not played a lot of football , ” Bilic said .
“ He trained [ at Huddersfield ] but he didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s one of those where we have to find a balance as soon as possible .
“ At the moment we have trouble in the striker position - but we can ’ t risk his long-term performance .
“ You have a feeling from the numbers that , from the sports science guys , but them most important thing is how does he feel .
“ Friday morning he trained with us , he looked good , he looked sharp , but we are going to see .
The good thing is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple more days to see him - but we will see.
” Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Baggies bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ajayi and Grady Diangana , and to a lesser extent Cedric Kipre this summer , Grant fits the mould of Albion ’ s long-term recruitment plan .
They ’ ve targeted players who are affordable , of an age where they ’ re deemed to have the majority of their career - and so their best years - ahead of them and who are tipped to have significant re-sale value in the future .
Bilic pointed out that , on Grant ’ s part too , this isn ’ t a ‘ stepping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a deal because he sees his own long-term future at The Hawthorns .
It also represents the faith the club have shown in the player .
“ He is a young player , at 23 he is a good age , Bilic explained .
“ But he has some experience , even in the Premier League .
“ The six years shows how much we believe in him and it shows from him that he doesn ’ t see us a step to something else but as the club for his long-term @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Slaven Bilic is relieved and delighted in equal measure to be able to welcome Karlan Grant to West Brom - and indicated that the forward’s inclusion for the visit of Burnley on Monday is in the balance.
Striker Grant, 23, agreed a six-year contract when he joined from Huddersfield Town on Thursday, but he is yet to kick a competitive ball so far this season.
But with Albion’s forward department currently hit by injury and expected unavailability through Covid, plus the departure of Kenneth Zohore on deadline day, Bilic might need to consider selecting his new acquisition - even if it’s just for a place on the bench.
Grant trained with his new teammates on Friday and Bilic was able to get a good look at him close up for the first time, but he is wary of his situation.
The fact that the Baggies have a full weekend could swing matters in Grant’s favour.
“He has not played a lot of football,” Bilic said. “He trained [at Huddersfield] but he didn’t train with a group so it’s one of those where we have to find a balance as soon as possible.
“At the moment we have trouble in the striker position - but we can’t risk his long-term performance.
“You have a feeling from the numbers that, from the sports science guys, but them most important thing is how does he feel.
“Friday morning he trained with us, he looked good, he looked sharp, but we are going to see. The good thing is that we play on Monday which gives us a couple more days to see him - but we will see.”
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Like Matheus Pereira, Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana, and to a lesser extent Cedric Kipre this summer, Grant fits the mould of Albion’s long-term recruitment plan.
They’ve targeted players who are affordable, of an age where they’re deemed to have the majority of their career - and so their best years - ahead of them and who are tipped to have significant re-sale value in the future.
Bilic pointed out that, on Grant’s part too, this isn’t a ‘stepping stone’ move - Grant has agreed such a deal because he sees his own long-term future at The Hawthorns. It also represents the faith the club have shown in the player.
“He is a young player, at 23 he is a good age, Bilic explained. “But he has some experience, even in the Premier League.
“The six years shows how much we believe in him and it shows from him that he doesn’t see us a step to something else but as the club for his long-term future.”


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Sandwell's Covid-19 cases continue to rocket as 2,000 pupils sent home

Sandwell faces a 'very tough few months ahead ' as coronavirus cases continue to soar .
The number of positive cases in borough - which is currently in tier two of the new lockdown restrictions - were 'rising fast ' , according to public health chief , Dr Lisa McNally .
The stark warning came as it was revealed 36 Sandwell schools were affected by a positive coronavirus case between October 12 and 15 .
This resulted in 2,099 pupils and 108 staff self-isolating - a huge increase on the previous week 's figures , which revealed there were eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Overall , Smethwick is the worst hit town in the borough - with 160 cases per 100,000 people between October 7 and 13 .
West Bromwich has the second highest rate with 154 cases , closely followed by Wednesbury with 142 and Oldbury with 134 .
Tipton had 116 cases per 100,000 people during this time while Rowley Regis had 88 .
As she shared the latest data on Twitter , Dr McNally , the Director of Public Health for Sandwell , told one follower : `` I 'm afraid everywhere is getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest rates in England but still rising fast and a very tough few months ahead . ''
She said the variation between towns was partly accounted for by `` a range of factors , including deprivation , housing , family structures , occupation etc '' , adding : `` Most transmission is within households and extended families . ''

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 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
Sandwell faces a 'very tough few months ahead' as coronavirus cases continue to soar.
The number of positive cases in borough - which is currently in tier two of the new lockdown restrictions - were 'rising fast', according to public health chief, Dr Lisa McNally.
The stark warning came as it was revealed 36 Sandwell schools were affected by a positive coronavirus case between October 12 and 15.
This resulted in 2,099 pupils and 108 staff self-isolating - a huge increase on the previous week's figures, which revealed there were eight schools affected and 229 sent home.
Overall, Smethwick is the worst hit town in the borough - with 160 cases per 100,000 people between October 7 and 13.
West Bromwich has the second highest rate with 154 cases, closely followed by Wednesbury with 142 and Oldbury with 134.
Tipton had 116 cases per 100,000 people during this time while Rowley Regis had 88.
As she shared the latest data on Twitter, Dr McNally, the Director of Public Health for Sandwell, told one follower: "I'm afraid everywhere is getting worse.
"Sandwell not amongst the highest rates in England but still rising fast and a very tough few months ahead."
She said the variation between towns was partly accounted for by "a range of factors, including deprivation, housing, family structures, occupation etc", adding: "Most transmission is within households and extended families."


birminghammail--2020-10-17--'More jobs than lives are being lost ' Broad St on brink of collapse

A city nightlife boss has slammed new Covid rules fearing they will sound the death knell for Broad Street .
Mike Olley , general manager of Westside BID , said PM Boris Johnson 's latest `` ill informed legislation does not reflect the current Covid reality '' .
In a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus , it is forbidden for members of mixed households to congregate in any indoor setting - as part of Birmingham 's new 'tier 2 ' status .
The new ruling hits clubs and pubs particularly hard , given they are the most popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of Broad Street 's seven clubs - Players Bar and Reflex - have reopened for business - with extra seating replacing the dancefloors .
Mr Olley slammed the lack of scientific evidence to justify the latest hit on Brum 's devastated night-time economy , and fears some of the newly opened venues will be forced to shut again .
He told us : `` Simply the situation right now does not justify these horrendous measures from Boris .
`` More livelihoods are being lost than lives right now so what is happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the science experts are saying that these new restrictions might not work either .
`` Back during the first lockdown , people were dying in substantial numbers .
Our pubs , clubs and bars understood and accepted the magnitude of it all .
`` It was all hands to the pump because it was a life or death situation .
`` Now we 're seeing proof that less than 4 % of Covid cases result from hospitality and people are nowhere near dying on the same scale as they were in March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the number of jobs lost and businesses going under .
The job loss toll is becoming far greater .
It just does n't stack up . ''
This week Marston 's pubs chain announced it was axing up to 2,150 furloughed jobs .
Meanwhile JD Wetherspoon which operates two Broad Street pubs - The Soloman Cutler and The Figure of Eight - has posted a massive £105m pre tax loss .
It is estimated 300,000 jobs will be lost in hospitality due to Covid across the UK .
When Prime Minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday - Liverpool was placed in top 'Tier 3 ' - which meant all its licenced venues not selling substantial meals with drinks were ordered to close .
The night before restrictions were imposed , crowds partied together in the streets of the northwest city .
`` It was the same on Broad Street that night , '' Mr Olley revealed .
`` Telling people they ca n't go out and meet their mates for a drink is effectively the same as closing us down - as they have done in Liverpool .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people want to go out and enjoy themselves .
And businesses have worked hard to do this as safely as possible .
It is terrible for businesses but also people 's well being . ''
Mr Olley added : `` Big name operators have deep pockets and we have some canny independent owners that will soldier on but there is only so long you can pour money in one direction and not see anything flowing back .
`` Hospitality is the fourth biggest sector in the UK - we are one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it is so heavily legislated , it seems the government feels they can tinker with our guidelines as they please . ''
The current measures in Birmingham will be reviewed in the next few weeks .
`` The party season - those few weeks before Christmas Day will be a very critical time for us , '' Mr Olley admitted .
`` If these restrictions carry on past then , it will be too late to save Broad Street . ''
How many people are now dying from Covid ?
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of 823 further deaths were recorded in one day .
There are now an average of 300 death a week - a significant drop from the 8,000 deaths a week the UK experienced at the height of the pandemic .
However Covid cases are back on the rise .
Latest figures shows Birmingham has 192 cases per 100,000 people .
The reproduction rate is around 1.4 .
When R is greater than one the pandemic is growing , and when it is less than one it is shrinking .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
A city nightlife boss has slammed new Covid rules fearing they will sound the death knell for Broad Street.
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said PM Boris Johnson's latest "ill informed legislation does not reflect the current Covid reality".
In a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus, it is forbidden for members of mixed households to congregate in any indoor setting - as part of Birmingham's new 'tier 2' status.
The new ruling hits clubs and pubs particularly hard, given they are the most popular places for friends to meet.
Only two of Broad Street's seven clubs - Players Bar and Reflex - have reopened for business - with extra seating replacing the dancefloors.
Closed Broad Street establishments include Popworld, Rosies PRYZM and Zara's Bar.
Mr Olley slammed the lack of scientific evidence to justify the latest hit on Brum's devastated night-time economy, and fears some of the newly opened venues will be forced to shut again.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
He told us: "Simply the situation right now does not justify these horrendous measures from Boris.
"More livelihoods are being lost than lives right now so what is happening makes no sense. What's more the science experts are saying that these new restrictions might not work either.
"Back during the first lockdown, people were dying in substantial numbers. Our pubs, clubs and bars understood and accepted the magnitude of it all.
"It was all hands to the pump because it was a life or death situation.
"Now we're seeing proof that less than 4% of Covid cases result from hospitality and people are nowhere near dying on the same scale as they were in March.
"Compare the number of deaths now to the number of jobs lost and businesses going under. The job loss toll is becoming far greater. It just doesn't stack up."
This week Marston's pubs chain announced it was axing up to 2,150 furloughed jobs.
Meanwhile JD Wetherspoon which operates two Broad Street pubs - The Soloman Cutler and The Figure of Eight - has posted a massive £105m pre tax loss.
It is estimated 300,000 jobs will be lost in hospitality due to Covid across the UK.
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new tiered approach on Monday - Liverpool was placed in top 'Tier 3' - which meant all its licenced venues not selling substantial meals with drinks were ordered to close.
The night before restrictions were imposed, crowds partied together in the streets of the northwest city.
"It was the same on Broad Street that night," Mr Olley revealed. "Telling people they can't go out and meet their mates for a drink is effectively the same as closing us down - as they have done in Liverpool."
"The demand is there, people want to go out and enjoy themselves. And businesses have worked hard to do this as safely as possible. It is terrible for businesses but also people's well being."
Mr Olley added: "Big name operators have deep pockets and we have some canny independent owners that will soldier on but there is only so long you can pour money in one direction and not see anything flowing back.
"Hospitality is the fourth biggest sector in the UK - we are one of the most regulated industries.
"But also as it is so heavily legislated, it seems the government feels they can tinker with our guidelines as they please."
The current measures in Birmingham will be reviewed in the next few weeks.
"The party season - those few weeks before Christmas Day will be a very critical time for us," Mr Olley admitted. "If these restrictions carry on past then, it will be too late to save Broad Street."
How many people are now dying from Covid?
According to NHS figures, on Saturday April 11 a total of 823 further deaths were recorded in one day.
There are now an average of 300 death a week - a significant drop from the 8,000 deaths a week the UK experienced at the height of the pandemic.
However Covid cases are back on the rise. Latest figures shows Birmingham has 192 cases per 100,000 people.
The reproduction rate is around 1.4.
When R is greater than one the pandemic is growing, and when it is less than one it is shrinking.


birminghammail--2020-10-17--Banksy confirms Nottingham art - after Birmingham artist tries to take credit

Banksy has appeared to confirm a mural in Nottingham IS his artwork - after a Sutton Coldfield artist attempted to take credit .
A fellow street artist , known only as Itchers , had earlier today attempted to claim credit for the work , which is a hula hooping girl outside a beauty salon in the East Midlands .
It first appeared earlier this week and speculation mounted as to whether it was a genuine Banksy .
Itchers claimed responsibility and told NottinghamshireLive , our sister title : `` It 's something for people to enjoy . ''
Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reindeer mural in the city 's Jewellery Quarter , on Vyse Street .
The work first came to attention on on a wall off Ilkeston Road in Nottingham on Thursday , October 15 .
Banksy has now appeared to confirm the works are his only by posting on his Instagram page .
It depicts a child hula-hooping with the missing tyre of a nearby bike .
Speculation mounted earlier this week that is was made by the artist .
And Nottingham City Council installed a perspex screen next to it , though experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Banksy .
Some claimed it was unlikely to be Banksy due to it not being `` as topical '' as some of the mysterious artist 's previous work .
Witness Alex Mitchell , 31 , said : `` I only saw the driver .
I did n't know what was going on or whether I should call the police .
`` He pretended like he had broken down but he was there for at least two hours . ''
Josinya Powell , 39 , said : `` Nottingham needs something like this right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than coronavirus .
`` If it is Banksy that 'd be amazing - I 'd say to him 'thanks babes ' . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Matthew Bunn, James Rodger)

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.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top MySuttonColdfield stories sent straight to your e-mail
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top MySuttonColdfield stories sent straight to your e-mail
Banksy has appeared to confirm a mural in Nottingham IS his artwork - after a Sutton Coldfield artist attempted to take credit.
A fellow street artist, known only as Itchers, had earlier today attempted to claim credit for the work, which is a hula hooping girl outside a beauty salon in the East Midlands.
It first appeared earlier this week and speculation mounted as to whether it was a genuine Banksy.
Itchers claimed responsibility and told NottinghamshireLive, our sister title: "It's something for people to enjoy."
Last year, Banksy made headlines by creating a reindeer mural in the city's Jewellery Quarter, on Vyse Street.
The work first came to attention on on a wall off Ilkeston Road in Nottingham on Thursday, October 15.
Banksy has now appeared to confirm the works are his only by posting on his Instagram page.
(Image: Nottingham Post/Marie Wilson)
It depicts a child hula-hooping with the missing tyre of a nearby bike.
Speculation mounted earlier this week that is was made by the artist .
And Nottingham City Council installed a perspex screen next to it, though experts were not convinced it was a genuine Banksy.
Some claimed it was unlikely to be Banksy due to it not being "as topical" as some of the mysterious artist's previous work.
Witness Alex Mitchell, 31, said: "I only saw the driver. I didn't know what was going on or whether I should call the police.
"He pretended like he had broken down but he was there for at least two hours."
Josinya Powell, 39, said: "Nottingham needs something like this right now - something to talk about rather than coronavirus.
"If it is Banksy that'd be amazing - I'd say to him 'thanks babes'."


birminghammail--2020-10-17--The free agents that are available to West Brom and Slaven Bilic

The summer transfer window caused some football clubs to be a lot more cautious than they usually would .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , teams have struggled with their finances - due to a loss of matchday revenue , amongst other things .
Championship clubs would ’ ve felt the economic crisis much more than teams in the Premier League , for example .
The 24 sides have been forced to look for bargains , in a transfer market where some clubs are desperate to sell their star players .
West Brom added nine new - or , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their squad over the course of the summer window .
It began with the securing of Matheus Pereira on a permanent deal and then was concluded with the arrival of Karlan Grant right before the deadline .
There are still one or two positions that Slaven Bilic and Albion would ’ ve perhaps quite liked to have covered in an ideal world , though the budget didn ’ t stretch far enough .
It remains to be seen whether Albion are in a position to add in the free agent market , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there are a few ‘ names ’ on the list , too .
It makes great financial sense to sign a free agent - who could prove valuable to the club - and whose wages don ’ t exceed the side ’ s budget .
As well as this , those players without a club can be signed during any point of the season .
Here , we have gathered some of the best free agents that could come to the Championship this season , or beyond that .
Are there any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bargain for Bilic ?
Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Baggies bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Bobby Vincent)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
The summer transfer window caused some football clubs to be a lot more cautious than they usually would.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, teams have struggled with their finances - due to a loss of matchday revenue, amongst other things.
Championship clubs would’ve felt the economic crisis much more than teams in the Premier League, for example.
The 24 sides have been forced to look for bargains, in a transfer market where some clubs are desperate to sell their star players.
West Brom added nine new - or, in four cases, existing - faces to their squad over the course of the summer window. It began with the securing of Matheus Pereira on a permanent deal and then was concluded with the arrival of Karlan Grant right before the deadline.
There are still one or two positions that Slaven Bilic and Albion would’ve perhaps quite liked to have covered in an ideal world, though the budget didn’t stretch far enough.
It remains to be seen whether Albion are in a position to add in the free agent market, but it’s now open nonetheless - and there are a few ‘names’ on the list, too.
It makes great financial sense to sign a free agent - who could prove valuable to the club - and whose wages don’t exceed the side’s budget.
As well as this, those players without a club can be signed during any point of the season.
Here, we have gathered some of the best free agents that could come to the Championship this season, or beyond that.
Are there any here that could prove to be a bargain for Bilic?
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Players currently without a club (age)
Daniel Sturridge (31)
Danny Welbeck (29)
Jack Wilshere (28)
Fabio Borini (29)
Daryl Janmaat (31)
Kevin Stewart (27)
Oumar Niasse (30)
Jackson Irvine (27)
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (28)
Rajiv van La Parra (29)
Steven Defour (32)
Duncan Watmore (26)
Yaya Sanogo (27)
Andrew Surman (34)
Charlie Daniels (34)
Adrian Mariappa (34)
Andre Green (22)
Ashley Williams (36)
Andy King (31)
Pape Souare (30)
Orjan Nyland (30)
Kieron Freeman (28)
Ezequiel Schelotto (31)
Diafra Sakho (30)
Cuco Martina (31)
Jon Flanagan (27)
Beram Kayal (32)


birminghammail--2020-10-17--All the Dudley schools with confirmed coronavirus cases

There are now 27 schools in Dudley currently affected by coronavirus .
Ellowes Hall Sports College , Alder Coppice Primary , Sutton Special School , Bishop Milner Catholic College , Pedmore High School and Woodsetton Special School have all had one or more confirmed cases of Covid-19 .
Additional cases were identified at Leasowes High School , where pupils have been sent home for a two week 'circuit breaker ' , Crestwood Park Primary School , Jessons Primary School , Brook Primary School , St Joseph 's Catholic Primary , Old Park Special School , St Mary 's RC Primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milking Bank Primary School , Sledmere Primary School , Dormston School and The Link Academy .
The Wordsley School BEM College , St James 's C of E Primary School , Glynne Primary School , Cotwall End Primary , Lutley Primary School , Newfield Park Primary School , Foxyards Primary School , Summerhill School and St Chads Primary are also affected .
Dudley Council was unable to provide Black Country Live with details of the number of students and staff currently self-isolating .
However , since this time last week , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dudley was branded 'medium risk ' when a new three-tier alert system came into effect across the UK on Wednesday , October 14 .
It meant that although the rule of six applies indoors and outdoors and pubs , bars and restaurants must close at 10pm , no further measures were introduced .
However the council is urging households to voluntarily not to mix with each other as it fears the area could be placed in the higher tier two category .
The leader of Dudley Council said the borough could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he urged people not to be complacent .
Councillor Patrick Harley , said : `` I ’ d like to thank everyone in the borough for their efforts so far in helping to limit the spread of the virus .
However , despite this , cases in Dudley , as across the country , continue to rise .
`` We must not be complacent .
The stark reality is we could be just a week away from joining those areas with further restrictions . ''
He continued : `` We all need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread to avoid moving into the high-risk threshold and the additional restrictions this will bring to our lives .
`` It ’ s vital we act now to protect each other .
Wash your hands regularly , keep a safe distance from others , limit your contact with other people and wear a face covering .
If you have symptoms you must self isolate and get tested . ''

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
There are now 27 schools in Dudley currently affected by coronavirus.
Ellowes Hall Sports College, Alder Coppice Primary, Sutton Special School, Bishop Milner Catholic College, Pedmore High School and Woodsetton Special School have all had one or more confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Additional cases were identified at Leasowes High School, where pupils have been sent home for a two week 'circuit breaker', Crestwood Park Primary School, Jessons Primary School, Brook Primary School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Old Park Special School, St Mary's RC Primary School, Dudley Wood Primary School, Milking Bank Primary School, Sledmere Primary School, Dormston School and The Link Academy.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The Wordsley School BEM College, St James's C of E Primary School, Glynne Primary School, Cotwall End Primary, Lutley Primary School, Newfield Park Primary School, Foxyards Primary School, Summerhill School and St Chads Primary are also affected.
Dudley Council was unable to provide Black Country Live with details of the number of students and staff currently self-isolating.
However, since this time last week, there are now eight more schools with confirmed cases.
Dudley was branded 'medium risk' when a new three-tier alert system came into effect across the UK on Wednesday, October 14.
It meant that although the rule of six applies indoors and outdoors and pubs, bars and restaurants must close at 10pm, no further measures were introduced.
However the council is urging households to voluntarily not to mix with each other as it fears the area could be placed in the higher tier two category.
The leader of Dudley Council said the borough could be just a week away from further restrictions as he urged people not to be complacent.
Councillor Patrick Harley, said: "I’d like to thank everyone in the borough for their efforts so far in helping to limit the spread of the virus. However, despite this, cases in Dudley, as across the country, continue to rise.
"We must not be complacent. The stark reality is we could be just a week away from joining those areas with further restrictions."
He continued: "We all need to redouble our efforts to prevent further spread to avoid moving into the high-risk threshold and the additional restrictions this will bring to our lives.
"It’s vital we act now to protect each other. Wash your hands regularly, keep a safe distance from others, limit your contact with other people and wear a face covering. If you have symptoms you must self isolate and get tested."