birminghammail--2020-05-21--Wolves promotion winner Nathan Blake blasts Project Restart plans

Former Wolves star Nathan Blake has slammed proposals to restart the football season , describing them as ‘ crazy ’ .
The majority of Premier League players returned to training this week , after an extensive testing programme .
But some like Watford captain Troy Deeney have declined to return citing the health of family members as their over-riding concern .
N ’ Golo Kante stayed away from Chelsea ’ s return and Newcastle ’ s Danny Rose has criticised the plan .
And in an interview with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast , Blake , who was at Molineux between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was still playing .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ Hell no , no way , no chance .
I wouldn ’ t be putting myself at risk .
And I wouldn ’ t expect any fans to put themselves at risk and come and watch a game .
“ This is entertainment at the end of the day and all this ‘ the show must go on ’ and all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , it ’ s a little different in reality though .
“ So for me , black people are clearly affected in a different way to white people or our white counterparts .
“ I wouldn ’ t be thinking about it [ returning ] at all .
“ I would be expecting someone to come to me and guarantee my safety and we ’ re not there yet .
“ You ’ ve got a situation where it is literally life or death for a lot of people ; a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gone on .
“ I think it ’ s crazy , really ( to consider returning to football ) .
“ People are scared out of their wits .
I heard about people being dished out fines and what have you for being out and about [ in Wales ] and at the same time you ’ re asking professional footballers just to return to action as if everything ’ s A-okay .
“ So for me , personally , I totally understand why people have their reservations about going back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re asking too much .
I think you have to get to a position where you ’ ve got the whole situation in every country in the United Kingdom under control and then you can start to move forward when people ’ s stresses are eased a bit .
“ This isn ’ t about whether you ’ ve got money or not or whether you ’ re a football fan or sports fan or not ; like I said , it ’ s a case of life and death first and foremost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone should be asked to play and go back to training until you know for sure that this virus isn ’ t being contracted by people and being passed on to other people .
”

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Former Wolves star Nathan Blake has slammed proposals to restart the football season, describing them as ‘crazy’.
The majority of Premier League players returned to training this week, after an extensive testing programme.
But some like Watford captain Troy Deeney have declined to return citing the health of family members as their over-riding concern.
N’Golo Kante stayed away from Chelsea’s return and Newcastle’s Danny Rose has criticised the plan.
And in an interview with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Blake, who was at Molineux between 2001-2004 said he would not return if he was still playing.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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
“Hell no, no way, no chance. I wouldn’t be putting myself at risk. And I wouldn’t expect any fans to put themselves at risk and come and watch a game.
“This is entertainment at the end of the day and all this ‘the show must go on’ and all that nonsense - it’s easy to say, it’s a little different in reality though.
“So for me, black people are clearly affected in a different way to white people or our white counterparts.
“I wouldn’t be thinking about it [returning] at all.
“I would be expecting someone to come to me and guarantee my safety and we’re not there yet.
“You’ve got a situation where it is literally life or death for a lot of people; a lot of people have been touched by what’s gone on.
“I think it’s crazy, really (to consider returning to football).
“People are scared out of their wits. I heard about people being dished out fines and what have you for being out and about [in Wales] and at the same time you’re asking professional footballers just to return to action as if everything’s A-okay.
“So for me, personally, I totally understand why people have their reservations about going back.
“I just think you’re asking too much. I think you have to get to a position where you’ve got the whole situation in every country in the United Kingdom under control and then you can start to move forward when people’s stresses are eased a bit.
“This isn’t about whether you’ve got money or not or whether you’re a football fan or sports fan or not; like I said, it’s a case of life and death first and foremost and I don’t see why anyone should be asked to play and go back to training until you know for sure that this virus isn’t being contracted by people and being passed on to other people.”


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Julie Walters issues update on cancer diagnosis in Lorraine interview

Dame Julie Walters has said she feels `` like a different person '' after recovering from bowel cancer .
The actress told Good Morning Britain With Lorraine Kelly that it is `` so far , so good '' after she revealed in February that she had been given the all-clear .
The Mamma Mia star underwent surgery and had chemotherapy to treat the condition .
The 70-year-old said : `` It 's two years in June that I had the operation .
`` I had a scan in February and that was clear , so , yeah , as far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' She added : `` Since the cancer , I 've felt like that was a different person , the person who was acting the whole time .
`` I feel like a different person now .
People ask me about jobs like Mamma Mia and Harry Potter , and things like that , and it feels like it should be someone else answering , not me . ''
In February , Dame Julie told the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme that she first went to the doctor because of indigestion and feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , heartburn and vomiting .
She was later diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer and had nearly 12in ( 30cm ) of her colon removed after doctors found two tumours .

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Dame Julie Walters has said she feels "like a different person" after recovering from bowel cancer.
The actress told Good Morning Britain With Lorraine Kelly that it is "so far, so good" after she revealed in February that she had been given the all-clear.
The Mamma Mia star underwent surgery and had chemotherapy to treat the condition.
The 70-year-old said: "It's two years in June that I had the operation.
"I had a scan in February and that was clear, so, yeah, as far as I know everything is fine."
She added: "Since the cancer, I've felt like that was a different person, the person who was acting the whole time.
"I feel like a different person now. People ask me about jobs like Mamma Mia and Harry Potter, and things like that, and it feels like it should be someone else answering, not me."
In February, Dame Julie told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme that she first went to the doctor because of indigestion and feeling "slight discomfort" with stomach pains, heartburn and vomiting.
She was later diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer and had nearly 12in (30cm) of her colon removed after doctors found two tumours.


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash

Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash

A motorcyclist was left seriously injured after a crash in Willenhall .
The bike was involved in a collision with a car at the junction of Anson Road and Bentley Road North on Wednesday afternoon ( May 20 ) .
Emergency services - including the Midlands Air Ambulance - were called to the scene shortly after 4pm and treated the rider for multiple serious injuries .
The casualty , who is in his 40s , was taken to the major trauma centre at Birmingham 's Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment .
Medics also assessed a woman in her 60s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the car , however she did not require hospital treatment .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said : “ On arrival , ambulance staff found the rider some distance from the collision .
Both the bike and car had been damaged .
“ The rider , a man in his 40s had suffered multiple serious injuries .
`` He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken on blue lights by land ambulance to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham ; the doctor and critical care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulance crew .
“ A woman in her 60s who was the front seat passenger in the car was assessed at the scene but was discharged after treatment .
The driver was unhurt .
”

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A motorcyclist was left seriously injured after a crash in Willenhall.
The bike was involved in a collision with a car at the junction of Anson Road and Bentley Road North on Wednesday afternoon (May 20).
Emergency services - including the Midlands Air Ambulance - were called to the scene shortly after 4pm and treated the rider for multiple serious injuries.
The casualty, who is in his 40s, was taken to the major trauma centre at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.
Medics also assessed a woman in her 60s, who was the front seat passenger in the car, however she did not require hospital treatment.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found the rider some distance from the collision. Both the bike and car had been damaged.
“The rider, a man in his 40s had suffered multiple serious injuries.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken on blue lights by land ambulance to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; the doctor and critical care paramedic from the aircraft travelled with the ambulance crew.
“A woman in her 60s who was the front seat passenger in the car was assessed at the scene but was discharged after treatment. The driver was unhurt.”


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Firearms unit help break up Handsworth street party during heatwave

Police , including firearms cops , had to break up a large street party in Handsworth as revellers ignored social distancing during the balmy sunshine .
West Midlands Police deployed its Firearms Unit , Response Team and Ops Support Unit together with local officers to disperse the crowd at an unnamed street on Wednesday ( May 20 ) .
Lots of people had taken to parks , streets and beaches across the UK yesterday in reaction to the weather , which was recorded as the hottest day in the UK so far .
As coronavirus lockdown continues , people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and only mix with their own households and one other person outdoors , not in groups .
West Midlands Police 's Ops Support Unit tweeted : `` U2B have attended a large street party assisting @ HandsworthWMP @ ResponseWMP @ firearmsWMP in dispersal of a crowd .
`` The threat of CORVID-19 has 'NOT GONE AWAY !
!
! '
Please Please think of your families !
If not yourself !
# SocialDistance # coronavirusuk '' The Ops Unit provides tactical support for West Midlands Police , especially when it comes to dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for Handsworth Police tweeted : `` We understand that people may be missing socialising in person but ( this ) is not the way .
Yes the sun is out and times are difficult but please remember others .
You could get Covid and pass on to another who frankly dies .
Stop and think please ! ''
Some Brummies have taken to social media to share their dismay at people holding street parties .
@ Soph tweeted : `` People in Birmingham really have no shame .
They really had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was out .
`` Don ’ t wana see no RIP to my nan , mom , grandad etc from anyone that was out ... when you supposed to be quarantining . ''

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Police, including firearms cops, had to break up a large street party in Handsworth as revellers ignored social distancing during the balmy sunshine.
West Midlands Police deployed its Firearms Unit, Response Team and Ops Support Unit together with local officers to disperse the crowd on Sandwell Road, Handsworth, at around 7.45pm yesterday (May 20).
Initially there was a report of a gunshot being heard. However, there was no sign of any firearms offence upon arrival.
West Midlands Police's Ops Support Unit tweeted: "U2B have attended a large street party assisting @HandsworthWMP @ResponseWMP @firearmsWMP in dispersal of a crowd.
"The threat of CORVID-19 has 'NOT GONE AWAY!!!' Please Please think of your families! If not yourself! #SocialDistance #coronavirusuk"
Lots of people had taken to parks, streets and beaches across the UK yesterday in reaction to the weather, which was recorded as the hottest day in the UK so far.
As coronavirus lockdown continues, people are being advised to stay safe at home and only mix with their own households and one other person outdoors, not in groups.
The Ops Unit provides tactical support for West Midlands Police, especially when it comes to dealing with advanced public order misdemenours.
A spokesman for Handsworth Police tweeted: "We understand that people may be missing socialising in person but (this) is not the way. Yes the sun is out and times are difficult but please remember others. You could get Covid and pass on to another who frankly dies. Stop and think please!"
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We came across a large gathering at a street party in Sandwell Road, Handsworth, at around 7.45pm yesterday (20 May).
" We spoke to people present around the social distancing restrictions which remain in place and the group dispersed.
"We were initially called to the street following a report of a gunshot being heard. However, there was no sign of any firearms offence."


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Butchers buy ice creams for nurses on hottest day of the year

Cool butchers saved the bacon of the incredible nurses working on the hottest day of the year .
Marc Smith , of Smith and Ellis , which has a shop in Leyfields and Fradley , was more than happy to help Good Hope 's maternity unit with boxes of chocolate magnums and tropical Soleros yesterday ( Wednesday ) .
He said : `` They just needed a bit of help and anybody that can help , should .
If you can help then why should n't you ?
That is our view with everything and is why we do some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know we are a butchers but it is not about business sometimes , it is about being a human and doing the right things at the right time .
`` I think the maternity ward were listening to Radio Tamworth in Good Hope and Rob Bowker had shared a post asking for ice lollies which I happened to see and pick up .
Their problem was because it was so hot , how they were going to get ice lollies transported all that way .
`` I told them they needed a fridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It did n't take me that long , 15/20 minutes to get them and about to go to Good Hope and back .
`` It gave me loads of satisfaction and is what it is all about .
We are all in this together , it is as simple as that .
If we all help each other a little bit then it will make everything better .
`` Some of the staff sent me pictures .
They had opened their boxes and got their hands in before I had even got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was hilarious .
`` They are just unbelievable .
Good Hope is where our grandkids were born .
They put everybody else first all the time .
They do n't think about whether they have done a long shift , they just get on with it and we should always remember that . ''

Cool butchers saved the bacon of the incredible nurses working on the hottest day of the year.
Marc Smith, of Smith and Ellis, which has a shop in Leyfields and Fradley, was more than happy to help Good Hope's maternity unit with boxes of chocolate magnums and tropical Soleros yesterday (Wednesday).
He said: "They just needed a bit of help and anybody that can help, should. If you can help then why shouldn't you? That is our view with everything and is why we do some of the stuff we do. I know we are a butchers but it is not about business sometimes, it is about being a human and doing the right things at the right time.
"I think the maternity ward were listening to Radio Tamworth in Good Hope and Rob Bowker had shared a post asking for ice lollies which I happened to see and pick up. Their problem was because it was so hot, how they were going to get ice lollies transported all that way.
"I told them they needed a fridge van and to leave it with me. It didn't take me that long, 15/20 minutes to get them and about to go to Good Hope and back.
"It gave me loads of satisfaction and is what it is all about. We are all in this together, it is as simple as that. If we all help each other a little bit then it will make everything better.
"Some of the staff sent me pictures. They had opened their boxes and got their hands in before I had even got off the grounds of the hospital! It was hilarious.
"They are just unbelievable. Good Hope is where our grandkids were born. They put everybody else first all the time. They don't think about whether they have done a long shift, they just get on with it and we should always remember that."


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Here's Worcestershire's bank holiday weather forecast

Worcestershire will be treated to some sunshine on bank holiday Monday according to Met Office forecasts .
With the spring public holiday this year falling on Monday , May 25 , many of us will be able to enjoy a day off from work .
And with lockdown restrictions being eased in England , there is more opportunity to do things we would not have been able to previously .
We can spend more time outdoors , sitting and enjoying the fresh air , picnicking , or sunbathing .
You might fancy meeting up with one member of another household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor sports courts , or fit in a game of golf .
Garden centres are also now open and there are now no longer restrictions concerning how far people can travel to undertake exercise or outdoor activity .
And for the upcoming weekend , it will get warmer and sunnier across Worcestershire heading into Monday .
There appears to be rainy spells with sunny intervals on Saturday followed by cloudy skies in the evening .
On Sunday , the situation will improve further in the county with sunny intervals forecast throughout the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it appears the best of the weather will come through , with a sunny day forecast and temperatures expected to reach a high of a pleasant 21C in come parts of the county , including Worcester and Kidderminster .
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We will bring you fast-moving and in-depth news seven days a week direct to your mobile phone , tablet or laptop , from the Malvern Hills to Redditch and Kidderminster to Evesham .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 'll cover what people are talking about every day and celebrate the very best that this incredible part of the world has to offer .
But , crucially , we want to hear from you .
What are the issues you want to see covered ?
Please let us know .
You can find our channel on the Birmingham Live website , which you can reach directly here .
Find us and message us on Facebook here and on Twitter here .
Across the West Midlands as a whole on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will 'quickly clear eastwards ' allowing sunny spells to develop during the morning , possibly followed by a few showers and it will feel 'chilly ' in the wind .
But a better picture is forecast between Saturday and Monday as the weekend progresses , with a statement from the organisation saying : `` Staying breezy through the weekend with scattered showers on Monday , but drier with bright spells Sunday .
Staying dry Monday with winds easing .
Feeling warm in the sun . ''
Here 's the description of the bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , May 21 , for several main areas across Worcestershire to help you plan : Saturday , May 23 : Temperatures to reach a high of 16C with light showers during the day .
Sunday , May 24 : Sunny intervals are forecast with a high of 19C anticpated .
Bank holiday Monday : Sunny weather forecast all day with temperatures to peak at 21C .
Saturday , May 23 : Heavy showers forecast in the morning and around lunchtime , changing to light showers and sunny intervals later on , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , May 24 : Sunny intervals are expected during the day with a high of 19C anticpated .
Bank holiday Monday : A sunny day which will change to partly cloudy by the night , with a high of 21C expected .
Saturday , May 23 : Heavy showers changing to light ones in the morning , with cloud expected afterwards and a high of 16C expected .
Sunday , May 24 : An improvement to sunny intervals throughout the day and a maximum temperature of 18C .
Bank holiday Monday : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mercury levels reaching 20C .
Saturday , May 23 : Light showers forecast in the morning and afternoon , before changing to cloudy in the evening and temperatures reaching 16C .
Sunday , May 24 : Sunny intervals and cloudy conditions forecast for much of the day .
Temperatures of 18C forecast .
Bank holiday Monday : A sunny day throughout forecast , with the mercury levels reaching 20C .
Saturday , May 23 : Light showers forecast throughout the day before changing to sunny intervals with a high of 16C anticipated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ before becoming cloudy in the afternoon , with temperatures reaching 19C .
Bank holiday Monday : A sunny day throughout with a maximum temperature of 21C predicted .

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Worcestershire will be treated to some sunshine on bank holiday Monday according to Met Office forecasts.
With the spring public holiday this year falling on Monday, May 25, many of us will be able to enjoy a day off from work.
And with lockdown restrictions being eased in England, there is more opportunity to do things we would not have been able to previously.
We can spend more time outdoors, sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking, or sunbathing.
You might fancy meeting up with one member of another household - following social distancing guidelines - use outdoor sports courts, or fit in a game of golf.
Garden centres are also now open and there are now no longer restrictions concerning how far people can travel to undertake exercise or outdoor activity. And for the upcoming weekend, it will get warmer and sunnier across Worcestershire heading into Monday.
There appears to be rainy spells with sunny intervals on Saturday followed by cloudy skies in the evening. On Sunday, the situation will improve further in the county with sunny intervals forecast throughout the day.
And on bank holiday Monday itself, it appears the best of the weather will come through, with a sunny day forecast and temperatures expected to reach a high of a pleasant 21C in come parts of the county, including Worcester and Kidderminster.
Worcestershire Live — your brand new, digital-only news service Welcome to Worcestershire Live, a brand new, digital-only news service for this amazing part of the world. We will bring you fast-moving and in-depth news seven days a week direct to your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, from the Malvern Hills to Redditch and Kidderminster to Evesham. But we're more than just news. We'll cover what people are talking about every day and celebrate the very best that this incredible part of the world has to offer. But, crucially, we want to hear from you. What are the issues you want to see covered? Please let us know. You can find our channel on the Birmingham Live website, which you can reach directly here. Find us and message us on Facebook here and on Twitter here.
Across the West Midlands as a whole on Friday, the Met Office says early rain will 'quickly clear eastwards' allowing sunny spells to develop during the morning, possibly followed by a few showers and it will feel 'chilly' in the wind.
But a better picture is forecast between Saturday and Monday as the weekend progresses, with a statement from the organisation saying: "Staying breezy through the weekend with scattered showers on Monday, but drier with bright spells Sunday. Staying dry Monday with winds easing. Feeling warm in the sun."
Here's the description of the bank holiday weekend at time of writing on Thursday, May 21, for several main areas across Worcestershire to help you plan:
Saturday, May 23: Temperatures to reach a high of 16C with light showers during the day.
Sunday, May 24: Sunny intervals are forecast with a high of 19C anticpated.
Bank holiday Monday: Sunny weather forecast all day with temperatures to peak at 21C.
Saturday, May 23: Heavy showers forecast in the morning and around lunchtime, changing to light showers and sunny intervals later on, with a maximum temperature of 16C.
Sunday, May 24: Sunny intervals are expected during the day with a high of 19C anticpated.
Bank holiday Monday: A sunny day which will change to partly cloudy by the night, with a high of 21C expected.
Saturday, May 23: Heavy showers changing to light ones in the morning, with cloud expected afterwards and a high of 16C expected.
Sunday, May 24: An improvement to sunny intervals throughout the day and a maximum temperature of 18C.
Bank holiday Monday: A sunny day throughout forecast, with the mercury levels reaching 20C.
Saturday, May 23: Light showers forecast in the morning and afternoon, before changing to cloudy in the evening and temperatures reaching 16C.
Sunday, May 24: Sunny intervals and cloudy conditions forecast for much of the day. Temperatures of 18C forecast.
Bank holiday Monday: A sunny day throughout forecast, with the mercury levels reaching 20C.
Evesham
Saturday, May 23: Light showers forecast throughout the day before changing to sunny intervals with a high of 16C anticipated.
Sunday, May 24: Sunny intervals before becoming cloudy in the afternoon, with temperatures reaching 19C.
Bank holiday Monday: A sunny day throughout with a maximum temperature of 21C predicted.


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Birmingham City legend makes Jude Bellingham demand

Birmingham City favourite Trevor Francis believes Blues should hold out for a Jude Bellingham loan back if he is to leave the club .
The highly-rated wonderkid has attracted the likes of Manchester United , Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea thanks to his performances in the Championship this season .
Because of his first-team contributions at St Andrew 's , Francis would like to see Blues stand their ground and agree a loan return for Bellingham - who might not get as many chances at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge .
`` Wherever Jude Bellingham goes I think he should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately goes back to Birmingham City to play as a loan player because he has got to improve and the only way he is going to improve is by playing regularly , '' said Francis who made nearly 300 appearances for Blues after breaking through at the age of sixteen .
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Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Blues news , views , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
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Google Play Store and App Store '' To go to Manchester United or Chelsea or wherever it may be , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to be a regular in the first team and he needs to be playing regular first team football to improve as a footballer , '' added Francis .
The former Blues star believes that Bellingham has only strengthened thanks to his spell in Pep Clotet 's first-team this season , and mirrored his former boss - Brian Clough - in speaking out on his admiration for the talented youngster .
`` I think he is a very talented young man , I sound like Brian Clough saying that don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has shown a lot of maturity when I have watched him .
I think he is blessed with great individual talent .
`` I am not exactly sure at this moment what his best position is but then again I think his manager would probably say exactly the same .
`` But he is just a natural footballer who I think is capable of playing in any kind of position . ''
Bellingham has clocked up over 2,000 minutes of senior football during his first season with the Blues ' first-team side , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assists to start of what looks to be a very impressive career in English football .
And if he can go someway to mirroring Francis ' time at the club with the help of a loan spell , the St Andrews ' faithful , Bellingham and Francis himself will all be very happy indeed .
You can see the full verdict from Francis in our video player above .
Trevor was speaking to Gary Newbon via partners Utilita Energy .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brian Dick, James Rushton)

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Birmingham City favourite Trevor Francis believes Blues should hold out for a Jude Bellingham loan back if he is to leave the club.
The highly-rated wonderkid has attracted the likes of Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea thanks to his performances in the Championship this season.
Because of his first-team contributions at St Andrew's, Francis would like to see Blues stand their ground and agree a loan return for Bellingham - who might not get as many chances at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge.
"Wherever Jude Bellingham goes I think he should have it written in the contract that he immediately goes back to Birmingham City to play as a loan player because he has got to improve and the only way he is going to improve is by playing regularly," said Francis who made nearly 300 appearances for Blues after breaking through at the age of sixteen.
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"To go to Manchester United or Chelsea or wherever it may be, with respect to the lad he is not going to be a regular in the first team and he needs to be playing regular first team football to improve as a footballer," added Francis.
The former Blues star believes that Bellingham has only strengthened thanks to his spell in Pep Clotet's first-team this season, and mirrored his former boss - Brian Clough - in speaking out on his admiration for the talented youngster.
"I think he is a very talented young man, I sound like Brian Clough saying that don’t I?
"For his age he has shown a lot of maturity when I have watched him. I think he is blessed with great individual talent.
"I am not exactly sure at this moment what his best position is but then again I think his manager would probably say exactly the same.
"But he is just a natural footballer who I think is capable of playing in any kind of position."
Bellingham has clocked up over 2,000 minutes of senior football during his first season with the Blues' first-team side, and has added four goals and two assists to start of what looks to be a very impressive career in English football.
And if he can go someway to mirroring Francis' time at the club with the help of a loan spell, the St Andrews' faithful, Bellingham and Francis himself will all be very happy indeed.
You can see the full verdict from Francis in our video player above. Trevor was speaking to Gary Newbon via partners Utilita Energy.


birminghammail--2020-05-21--How Worcestershire's restaurant owners are being hit hard by lockdown

The hospitality industry has never been one for the faint of heart .
For many businesses owners and their staff it ’ s a world of 12-hour days , tight margins and high pressure to create a service and atmosphere day after day .
And for many of those people , the coronavirus pandemic means they are not only out of work but facing important questions about what the future holds .
We ’ ve spoken to businesses across Worcester about their fears , thoughts and plans for what happens when lockdown ends .
For many , the pandemic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to deal with this year .
Back in February , Storm Dennis , and later Storm Chiara , caused parts of the county to go underwater in what has been described as one of the worst floods on record .
And for people like Matt Denwood , owner of restaurant The Old Rectifying House , it means one problem has snowballed into another after the building found itself under a metre of floodwater when the River Severn burst its banks .
Matt , 54 , said : “ In 15 years here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause concern at the time .
In 2007 we were told that was a once in a hundred years flood but this one was worse .
`` As it happens the building was so badly damaged we were looking to be closed for quite some time .
We would have received hundreds of thousands of pounds in insurance which would have been great to get things back together and get the business up again but then the coronavirus came along and shut everything down .
“ Because the insurance say we would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the flooding ceases to be a factor so they are not paying out .
“ We have a building that hasn ’ t had any work done on it since the flooding as we haven ’ t been able to get anyone in , and then subsequently since the insurance is n't paying out we can ’ t afford to.
” For Matt the furlough system and the government grant has allowed him to survive over the last few months .
But as well as the business side of things , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a place where people come to meet , and socialise in groups .
And that ’ s on top of thinking about whether the atmosphere can be recreated with staff wearing facemasks , and protective gloves .
“ The timescales keep fluctuating so wildly .
With the insurance and coronavirus it becomes quite frustrating not being able to work with a time scale to work to , ” Matt explains .
“ I ’ m finding it quite difficult to put in place a cash flow forecast for what the business might look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If social distancing is kept in force it ’ s incredibly difficult to see how people in a lot of restaurants will survive .
I don ’ t want to sound melodramatic and I don ’ t want to think about it but you can ’ t get away from knowing economically it won ’ t add up .
“ Most restaurants work on a very small margin in terms of profitability .
It ’ s a difficult situation , rent will always have to be paid .
“ Most rent is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it ’ s equitable but if turnover falls , which I have to think it undoubtedly will , the rent will not fall at the same rate and it ’ s not going to be viable . ''
Looking forward to the next few months , Matt added : “ Chancellor Rishi Sunak has put the furlough system back until October and because some things are opening at a reasonable rate you can only think that October might be [ the date ] for the hospitality industry .
“ Is there going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support package ?
All the private landlords that own their businesses are not getting paid at the moment and they will be suffering financially .
“ Everyone is trying to be very positive , the people I know , we are all trying to be upbeat and think around it but you can ’ t get away from the economy of it .
There is no terrific business plan to be made out of this .
“ I will have to make a decision about the economics of it and my moralistic view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal choice - I am not going to do this if it ’ s likely to lead to my staff or my customers becoming ill. ” 'The plan was to open so that 's what I 'm doing' Meanwhile , for Olive Branch Mediterranean bistro and wine bar owner Adam Giagnotti lockdown means he and his team are facing another situation entirely .
He may be the only one one in country , and probably one of few in the UK , but he is getting ready to open a new restaurant when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant sits empty and dark , he is spending his time away from it to work on his new venture - a pizzeria and wine bar .
“ If I didn ’ t have a project I would be opening the Olive Branch for takeaway but I ’ m spending time here and putting the restaurant on the back foot to use this time to get the pizzeria open , '' Adam said .
“ I might be the only one that ’ s actually opening during a pandemic .
It could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open it so that ’ s what I ’ m doing.
” A family-run business through and through , Adam claims every family member has at least done some shifts in his restaurant since opening eight years ago .
Which is part of the reason it ’ s so painful for him to see it all shut down now .
Adam , 38 , said : “ We have never been closed .
We close one day a week and then even for Christmas it ’ s three days .
“ The hardest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the restaurant and there ’ s no life there , it ’ s horrible to see .
I ’ ve been working for this since I was 14 and I ’ m doing building work here and there ’ s dust everywhere , the restaurant is just dead .
“ We had a lot of stock in because we thought that last weekend would be a busy one but it went the other way .
People started cancelling , Friday went from 140 people to a table of two .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cancel .
“ On the final day we had a big sit down meal together , I said that ’ s it for me and we drank the last beer and had a last supper type of thing .
We had been working together all week so I knew there was no risk of us spreading it so I said we might as well enjoy it .
“ That was the last time I saw my guys and that ’ s the emotional bit as they have become my family , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years.
” 'If we do open it will have to be all or nothing' With each week that passes it ’ s Adam ’ s job to return the deposits that customers had paid in advance for dates still coming up .
But with a government grant , and his staff receiving furlough pay , he just says he is thankful for the support the industry has received compared to other countries in Europe .
What happens when they are able to open again , he ’ s not quite sure .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can ’ t run at half capacity , I don ’ t think it ’ s worth it .
And I don ’ t agree with the two metre rules for restaurants because a waitress will have to go between tables .
“ I can ’ t see how they can police doing half capacity .
If we do open it will have to be all or nothing .
I don ’ t know how it would work choosing which staff work and which don ’ t .
We ’ d have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff sat at home on 80 % .
“ My aim to get the new one ready and when we can see if we can put half the team in there to get it started , even if it ’ s for takeaway.
” Until that time however , not all is lost .
Under his own initiative , Olive Branch sous chef Darius Zetea is busy working from home to deliver food across the city .
Adam said : “ Darius is our sous chef but he ’ s going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I said he needed to keep on his toes and keep going .
He ’ s the kind of person who wants to achieve so he came to me to ask would I mind if he keeps going from home .
“ He ’ s got the same principles , he ’ s got a vac pack and his labelling system and he ’ s storing some stuff here but he ’ s just cracking on.
” 'If you do n't try you 'll never know' Over on Angel Place , café @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little bit different when it comes to preventative measures .
He has bought fifty transparent showers curtains which he and his team have been hanging up to create different sections in the colourful Francini Cafe De Colombia .
Together with a specialist air purifier Francini has had shipped from Germany , he hopes he will be ready to open up once the hospitality industry starts again .
“ My country [ Colombia ] is very creative because you have to survive with nothing , ” Francini explains .
“ I ’ m always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen if we can ’ t open the business.
” “ I was thinking about Perspex but it ’ s expensive and difficult to install so then I thought about shower curtains .
I went and bought a couple and tried it and it didn ’ t look too bad .
“ If you don ’ t try you ’ ll never know , so I went and bought about fifty .
“ My cafe is very colourful and I didn ’ t want to lose the look of things and for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel of the place.
” With a team of six staff all receiving furlough pay , Francini says he is grateful for the government support he has received so far .
But there ’ s no avoiding that his business ’ s future will depend on the way lockdown measures are lifted in a few month ’ s time .
Francini , who has also been busy redecorating the café , said : “ I am trying to create an environment where people feel safe .
I don ’ t know if people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know what everyone will be like but at least I am trying .
“ We are very concerned about the rules that will come in force .
If the two mentre rule is put in I will have to close .
We can sit 70 people in the café but if we have to put people two metres apart I can only use six tables .
“ It ’ s the problem everyone will have anyway so I just hope the government will be a bit flexible and look at people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very painful to see the café shut but it ’ s not just me , I think about all of us .
Everyone is in the same situation , everyone is wondering what we are going to do .
“ I just hope the government is wise enough to make decisions for us because if the café business suffers the whole system will collapse .
”

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The hospitality industry has never been one for the faint of heart.
For many businesses owners and their staff it’s a world of 12-hour days, tight margins and high pressure to create a service and atmosphere day after day.
And for many of those people, the coronavirus pandemic means they are not only out of work but facing important questions about what the future holds.
We’ve spoken to businesses across Worcester about their fears, thoughts and plans for what happens when lockdown ends.
For many, the pandemic is not the only thing they’ve had to deal with this year.
Back in February, Storm Dennis, and later Storm Chiara, caused parts of the county to go underwater in what has been described as one of the worst floods on record.
And for people like Matt Denwood, owner of restaurant The Old Rectifying House, it means one problem has snowballed into another after the building found itself under a metre of floodwater when the River Severn burst its banks.
Matt, 54, said: “In 15 years here I've seen some floods which always cause concern at the time. In 2007 we were told that was a once in a hundred years flood but this one was worse.
(Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
"As it happens the building was so badly damaged we were looking to be closed for quite some time. We would have received hundreds of thousands of pounds in insurance which would have been great to get things back together and get the business up again but then the coronavirus came along and shut everything down.
“Because the insurance say we would have been closed anyway because of coronavirus regardless, the flooding ceases to be a factor so they are not paying out.
“We have a building that hasn’t had any work done on it since the flooding as we haven’t been able to get anyone in, and then subsequently since the insurance isn't paying out we can’t afford to.”
(Image: Matt Denwood) (Image: Matt Denwood)
'Economically it won't add up'
For Matt the furlough system and the government grant has allowed him to survive over the last few months.
But as well as the business side of things, he is also considering the implications of reopening a place where people come to meet, and socialise in groups.
And that’s on top of thinking about whether the atmosphere can be recreated with staff wearing facemasks, and protective gloves.
“The timescales keep fluctuating so wildly. With the insurance and coronavirus it becomes quite frustrating not being able to work with a time scale to work to,” Matt explains.
“I’m finding it quite difficult to put in place a cash flow forecast for what the business might look like once it’s open.
“If social distancing is kept in force it’s incredibly difficult to see how people in a lot of restaurants will survive. I don’t want to sound melodramatic and I don’t want to think about it but you can’t get away from knowing economically it won’t add up.
“Most restaurants work on a very small margin in terms of profitability. It’s a difficult situation, rent will always have to be paid.
“Most rent is worked out on turnover with the view that it’s equitable but if turnover falls, which I have to think it undoubtedly will, the rent will not fall at the same rate and it’s not going to be viable."
(Image: Matt Denwood)
Looking forward to the next few months, Matt added: “Chancellor Rishi Sunak has put the furlough system back until October and because some things are opening at a reasonable rate you can only think that October might be [the date] for the hospitality industry.
“Is there going to be a need for another financial support package? All the private landlords that own their businesses are not getting paid at the moment and they will be suffering financially.
“Everyone is trying to be very positive, the people I know, we are all trying to be upbeat and think around it but you can’t get away from the economy of it. There is no terrific business plan to be made out of this.
“ I will have to make a decision about the economics of it and my moralistic view. It’s a matter of personal choice - I am not going to do this if it’s likely to lead to my staff or my customers becoming ill.”
(Image: Adam Giagnotti)
'The plan was to open so that's what I'm doing'
Meanwhile, for Olive Branch Mediterranean bistro and wine bar owner Adam Giagnotti lockdown means he and his team are facing another situation entirely.
He may be the only one one in country, and probably one of few in the UK, but he is getting ready to open a new restaurant when lockdown ends.
So while his first restaurant sits empty and dark, he is spending his time away from it to work on his new venture - a pizzeria and wine bar.
“If I didn’t have a project I would be opening the Olive Branch for takeaway but I’m spending time here and putting the restaurant on the back foot to use this time to get the pizzeria open," Adam said.
“I might be the only one that’s actually opening during a pandemic. It could be a risk but the plan was to open it so that’s what I’m doing.”
(Image: Google)
A family-run business through and through, Adam claims every family member has at least done some shifts in his restaurant since opening eight years ago.
Which is part of the reason it’s so painful for him to see it all shut down now.
Adam, 38, said: “We have never been closed. We close one day a week and then even for Christmas it’s three days.
“The hardest part is missing people. I go into the restaurant and there’s no life there, it’s horrible to see. I’ve been working for this since I was 14 and I’m doing building work here and there’s dust everywhere, the restaurant is just dead.
“We had a lot of stock in because we thought that last weekend would be a busy one but it went the other way. People started cancelling, Friday went from 140 people to a table of two. They were the only ones I had to call to cancel.
“On the final day we had a big sit down meal together, I said that’s it for me and we drank the last beer and had a last supper type of thing. We had been working together all week so I knew there was no risk of us spreading it so I said we might as well enjoy it.
“That was the last time I saw my guys and that’s the emotional bit as they have become my family, most have been here for five or six years.”
Worcestershire Live — your brand new, digital-only news service Welcome to Worcestershire Live, a brand new, digital-only news service for this amazing part of the world. We will bring you fast-moving and in-depth news seven days a week direct to your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, from the Malvern Hills to Redditch and Kidderminster to Evesham. But we're more than just news. We'll cover what people are talking about every day and celebrate the very best that this incredible part of the world has to offer. But, crucially, we want to hear from you. What are the issues you want to see covered? Please let us know. You can find our channel on the Birmingham Live website, which you can reach directly here. Find us and message us on Facebook here and on Twitter here.
'If we do open it will have to be all or nothing'
With each week that passes it’s Adam’s job to return the deposits that customers had paid in advance for dates still coming up. But with a government grant, and his staff receiving furlough pay, he just says he is thankful for the support the industry has received compared to other countries in Europe.
What happens when they are able to open again, he’s not quite sure.
He said: “With the Olive Branch we can’t run at half capacity, I don’t think it’s worth it. And I don’t agree with the two metre rules for restaurants because a waitress will have to go between tables.
“I can’t see how they can police doing half capacity. If we do open it will have to be all or nothing. I don’t know how it would work choosing which staff work and which don’t. We’d have some working on full pay and then staff sat at home on 80%.
“My aim to get the new one ready and when we can see if we can put half the team in there to get it started, even if it’s for takeaway.”
(Image: Darius Zetea)
Until that time however, not all is lost. Under his own initiative, Olive Branch sous chef Darius Zetea is busy working from home to deliver food across the city.
Adam said: “Darius is our sous chef but he’s going to be the head chef in our new restaurant so I said he needed to keep on his toes and keep going. He’s the kind of person who wants to achieve so he came to me to ask would I mind if he keeps going from home.
“He’s got the same principles, he’s got a vac pack and his labelling system and he’s storing some stuff here but he’s just cracking on.”
'If you don't try you'll never know'
Over on Angel Place, café owner Francini Osorio is trying something a little bit different when it comes to preventative measures.
He has bought fifty transparent showers curtains which he and his team have been hanging up to create different sections in the colourful Francini Cafe De Colombia.
Together with a specialist air purifier Francini has had shipped from Germany, he hopes he will be ready to open up once the hospitality industry starts again.
(Image: Francini Cafe De Colombia)
“My country [Colombia] is very creative because you have to survive with nothing,” Francini explains.
“I’m always looking every single day about what can happen if we can’t open the business.”
“I was thinking about Perspex but it’s expensive and difficult to install so then I thought about shower curtains. I went and bought a couple and tried it and it didn’t look too bad.
“If you don’t try you’ll never know, so I went and bought about fifty.
“My cafe is very colourful and I didn’t want to lose the look of things and for people to still see the decorations and the feel of the place.”
With a team of six staff all receiving furlough pay, Francini says he is grateful for the government support he has received so far.
But there’s no avoiding that his business’s future will depend on the way lockdown measures are lifted in a few month’s time.
(Image: Francini Cafe De Colombia)
Francini, who has also been busy redecorating the café, said: “I am trying to create an environment where people feel safe. I don’t know if people will be afraid, you can’t know what everyone will be like but at least I am trying.
“We are very concerned about the rules that will come in force. If the two mentre rule is put in I will have to close. We can sit 70 people in the café but if we have to put people two metres apart I can only use six tables.
“It’s the problem everyone will have anyway so I just hope the government will be a bit flexible and look at people’s ideas.
“It’s very painful to see the café shut but it’s not just me, I think about all of us. Everyone is in the same situation, everyone is wondering what we are going to do.
“I just hope the government is wise enough to make decisions for us because if the café business suffers the whole system will collapse.”


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Martin Lewis issues urgent advice to anybody selling or buying a house

Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to anybody looking to buy or sell their house during the coronavirus crisis .
Speaking on Lorraine today , Mr Lewis took calls from viewers concerned over the housing market during the unprecedented health crisis .
As Covid-19 has changed life as we know it , many have been left unsure over whether they should be selling or buying their homes .
Mr Lewis warned : `` Well I think this will be a tricky time to be buying a house . ''
He then continued : `` The one thing we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates are very cheap - 0.1 per cent - the lowest in 325 years - wow ! ''
But Martin pressed on : `` Mortgages , to get them now , you need to have a bigger deposit or if you 're re-mortgaging , you need to have more equity in your property .
`` This is because quite simple we need to have to factor in , of course , nobody knows what is going to happen to house prices .
`` If house prices plummet then the lenders want more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're not exposed too much because you 've got a very small deposit . ''
In a final warning , he continued : `` So getting decent mortgages on a small deposit is tough right now ... ''

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Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to anybody looking to buy or sell their house during the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking on Lorraine today, Mr Lewis took calls from viewers concerned over the housing market during the unprecedented health crisis.
As Covid-19 has changed life as we know it, many have been left unsure over whether they should be selling or buying their homes.
Mr Lewis warned: "Well I think this will be a tricky time to be buying a house."
He then continued: "The one thing we've seen on mortgages is while the UK interest rates are very cheap - 0.1 per cent - the lowest in 325 years - wow!"
But Martin pressed on: "Mortgages, to get them now, you need to have a bigger deposit or if you're re-mortgaging, you need to have more equity in your property.
"This is because quite simple we need to have to factor in, of course, nobody knows what is going to happen to house prices.
"If house prices plummet then the lenders want more security if the house prices drop, they're not exposed too much because you've got a very small deposit."
In a final warning, he continued: "So getting decent mortgages on a small deposit is tough right now..."


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Teen injured in 'hit-and-run' - police hunting driver

A teenager was taken to hospital after a 'hit-and-run ' in Dudley .
The 17-year-old was hit by a car that mounted the pavement in Aintree Way on Wednesday evening ( May 20 ) .
He was treated at the scene and taken to hospital with leg injuries .
Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward to help identify the vehicle and driver - who left the scene .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We ’ re investigating after a car mounted the pavement and hit a teenager in Aintree Way , Dudley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle left the scene and the 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with leg injuries .
`` Enquiries to identify the car and driver are under way and anyone with information is asked to contact us . ''
A West Midlands Ambulance spokesman added : `` We were called to the junction of Aintree Way and Dibdale Road in Dudley at 9.15pm to reports of a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian .
`` An ambulance , a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off duty paramedic also came across the incident and stopped to assist .
`` The teenage boy had suffered potentially serious injuries .
He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to Russells Hall Hospital by ambulance . ''
Information can be passed on by using the Live Chat facility at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101 at anytime .
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on People are asked to quote crime reference number 20DY/116474A/20 when passing on information .

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A teenager was taken to hospital after a 'hit-and-run' in Dudley.
The 17-year-old was hit by a car that mounted the pavement in Aintree Way on Wednesday evening (May 20).
He was treated at the scene and taken to hospital with leg injuries.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward to help identify the vehicle and driver - who left the scene.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We’re investigating after a car mounted the pavement and hit a teenager in Aintree Way, Dudley, at around 9.10pm yesterday.
"The vehicle left the scene and the 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with leg injuries.
"Enquiries to identify the car and driver are under way and anyone with information is asked to contact us."
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A West Midlands Ambulance spokesman added: "We were called to the junction of Aintree Way and Dibdale Road in Dudley at 9.15pm to reports of a road traffic collision involving a car and a pedestrian.
"An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were sent to the scene.
"An off duty paramedic also came across the incident and stopped to assist.
"The teenage boy had suffered potentially serious injuries. He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to Russells Hall Hospital by ambulance."
Information can be passed on by using the Live Chat facility at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101 at anytime.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on
People are asked to quote crime reference number 20DY/116474A/20 when passing on information.


birminghammail--2020-05-21--MPs urged government to 'end rough sleeping once and for all'

MPs have urged the Government to `` end rough sleeping once and for all '' once the Covid-19 lockdown is over .
They said rough sleeping could be ended at a cost of around £100 million a year .
The Government provided £3.2 million for a scheme called `` Everyone In '' to get 4,500 rough sleepers off the streets during the pandemic , often by housing them in hotels .
In Birmingham , 70 people have been housed in a hotel specifically set up as extra capacity in response to Covid-19 .
But it 's unclear how long the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen once it 's over .
The Government plans to allow hotels to re-open for regular customers in early July .
The Commons Housing , Communities and Local Government Committee today published a report urging the Government to ensure nobody is forced back on to the streets once the pandemic is over .
The cross-party committee has a Conservative majority .
The report said : `` This is a golden opportunity to end rough sleeping in England once and for all '' The Government ’ s taskforce must estimate the cost of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the expertise of charitable organisations and local councils .
`` We received evidence that this is likely to be £100 million a year at a minimum .
The Government must provide this as a dedicated funding stream tocouncils to ensure these people are accommodated safely and securely.
`` The Government launched the emergency funding in March , in an effort to get every rough sleeper off the street so they could self-isolate to reduce the spread of Covid-19 .
And it temporarily changed the rules so that councils could house people classed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds '' .
This generally means their leave to enter or remain in the UK is conditional , or they do not have leave to enter or remain .
The Committee said : `` We appeal on humanitarian grounds for the Government to improve itssupport to councils for people with no recourse to public funds during thiscrisis , or hundreds will return to the streets with potentially disastrousconsequences . ''
The Government has denied reports that the emergency funding is due to come to an end .
However , it 's also declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made available .
The Ministry for Housing , Communities and Local Government points out that it had already committed £489 million in 2020 to 2021 to help rough sleepers , a £121 million increase in funding from the previous year .
A spokesperson for the Ministry said : `` This Government is committed to ending rough sleeping .
Councils should be proud of their efforts to get rough sleepers off the street – support from central Government has ensured 90 % of rough sleepers known to councils at the start of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been clear councils must continue to provide safe accommodation - backed by an unprecedented £3.2 billion package of government support .
`` Our new rough sleeping taskforce - spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey - has one overriding objective : to ensure that as many people as possible who have been brought in off the streets in this pandemic do not return to the streets .
It will work closely with councils and charities to give the long-term support they need to rebuild their lives and move into stable , long term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to protect tenants from eviction during this pandemic .
We will keep these measures under review as the public health situation changes . ''

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MPs have urged the Government to "end rough sleeping once and for all"once the Covid-19 lockdown is over.
They said rough sleeping could be ended at a cost of around £100 million a year.
The Government provided £3.2 million for a scheme called "Everyone In" to get 4,500 rough sleepers off the streets during the pandemic, often by housing them in hotels.
In Birmingham, 70 people have been housed in a hotel specifically set up as extra capacity in response to Covid-19.
But it's unclear how long the policy will last, or what will happen once it's over. The Government plans to allow hotels to re-open for regular customers in early July.
The Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee today published a report urging the Government to ensure nobody is forced back on to the streets once the pandemic is over.
Get email updates with the latest Politics news This newsletter will bring you a brief round-up of the best, most important or simply quirky stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past few days in the world of politics across Birmingham and the West Midlands. To subscribe click on the link, tick the politics box and enter your email address.
The cross-party committee has a Conservative majority. The report said: "This is a golden opportunity to end rough sleeping in England once and for all
"The Government’s taskforce must estimate the cost of a housing-led solution with appropriate wrap-around support, using the expertise of charitable organisations and local councils.
"We received evidence that this is likely to be £100 million a year at a minimum. The Government must provide this as a dedicated funding stream tocouncils to ensure these people are accommodated safely and securely. "
The Government launched the emergency funding in March, in an effort to get every rough sleeper off the street so they could self-isolate to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
And it temporarily changed the rules so that councils could house people classed as having "no recourse to public funds". This generally means their leave to enter or remain in the UK is conditional, or they do not have leave to enter or remain.
The Committee said: "We appeal on humanitarian grounds for the Government to improve itssupport to councils for people with no recourse to public funds during thiscrisis, or hundreds will return to the streets with potentially disastrousconsequences."
The Government has denied reports that the emergency funding is due to come to an end. However, it's also declined to say whether more money will be made available.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government points out that it had already committed £489 million in 2020 to 2021 to help rough sleepers, a £121 million increase in funding from the previous year.
A spokesperson for the Ministry said: "This Government is committed to ending rough sleeping. Councils should be proud of their efforts to get rough sleepers off the street – support from central Government has ensured 90% of rough sleepers known to councils at the start of the pandemic have been offered accommodation.
"We’ve been clear councils must continue to provide safe accommodation - backed by an unprecedented £3.2 billion package of government support.
"Our new rough sleeping taskforce - spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey - has one overriding objective: to ensure that as many people as possible who have been brought in off the streets in this pandemic do not return to the streets. It will work closely with councils and charities to give the long-term support they need to rebuild their lives and move into stable, long term accommodation.
"We also introduced significant measures to protect tenants from eviction during this pandemic. We will keep these measures under review as the public health situation changes."


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Kate Thornton reveals what saved her from life of dysfunctional eating

Kate Thornton has said that therapy saved her from a life of “ body dysmorphia and dysfunctional eating ” .
The former X Factor host , 47 , developed anorexia after being bullied over her weight while at school .
She later underwent psychodynamic therapy , which helped her overcome the eating disorder .
Thornton told Laura Whitmore ’ s Castaway podcast she had “ huge respect ” for talking therapies , because of the positive effect they had had on her life .
She said : “ When I was a teenager , I had quite a tough time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and weight issues , and those two things combined .
“ I made a documentary many years later to finally understand that those two things were really big contributing factors to me developing eating disorders .
“ And the way I got out of that as a teenager was through a brilliant GP who did talking therapy with me at a time when nobody had therapy – you ’ re talking about the 80s .
“ Therapy became a lifeline for me , it saved me from ultimately living a life under this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating .
“ And many , many years later I went back into therapy in my adult life , when I became a single parent and I just couldn ’ t come to terms with the grief of losing what I thought was my future as a family .
“ And I struggled terribly with it , and I bored my friends into submission , almost .
“ So in the end , I gave up the ghost and I thought , ‘ I need to go and talk to somebody professional ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therapy and again , it ’ s saved me .
“ I have huge respect for talking therapies and I wish that mental health is given the same level , attention and funding as our physical health .
”

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Kate Thornton has said that therapy saved her from a life of “body dysmorphia and dysfunctional eating”.
The former X Factor host, 47, developed anorexia after being bullied over her weight while at school.
She later underwent psychodynamic therapy, which helped her overcome the eating disorder.
Thornton told Laura Whitmore’s Castaway podcast she had “huge respect” for talking therapies, because of the positive effect they had had on her life.
She said: “When I was a teenager, I had quite a tough time in my teens with bullying at school and weight issues, and those two things combined.
“I made a documentary many years later to finally understand that those two things were really big contributing factors to me developing eating disorders.
“And the way I got out of that as a teenager was through a brilliant GP who did talking therapy with me at a time when nobody had therapy – you’re talking about the 80s.
“Therapy became a lifeline for me, it saved me from ultimately living a life under this horrible cloud of body dysmorphia and dysfunctional eating.
“And many, many years later I went back into therapy in my adult life, when I became a single parent and I just couldn’t come to terms with the grief of losing what I thought was my future as a family.
“And I struggled terribly with it, and I bored my friends into submission, almost.
“So in the end, I gave up the ghost and I thought, ‘I need to go and talk to somebody professional’.
“So I went back into therapy and again, it’s saved me.
“I have huge respect for talking therapies and I wish that mental health is given the same level, attention and funding as our physical health.”


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Kate Garraway's hopeful new update on husband's coma fight

Kate Garraway has said that her heart sinks `` every day '' as she learns `` new and devastating ways '' coronavirus is affecting her husband , who is in hospital being treated for the virus .
The former Labour advisor is in a coma and unable to have any of his family visit him in intensive care .
Derek has been battling coronavirus in intensive care since March 30 but the 52-year-old took a turn for the worse after being rushed to hospital with severe symptoms of COVID-19 .
Sharing a video of the weekly clap for carers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't even know Darcey had bought this t shirt on line ( with my card ! )
until she emerged tonight but I do know how grateful she is to the # nhs - I could n't be prouder of how she & Billy have coped with these past 2 horrific months for our family - always finding ways of lifting our spirits & staying strong even when they can see me wobbling .
`` It 's so wonderful to see little green shoots of hope that this dreadful disease is easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to see each other again and hug our nearest and dearest .
`` But the journey for me and my family seems to be far from over as every day my heart sinks as I learn new & devastating ways this virus has more battles for Derek to fight .
But he is still HERE & so there is still hope . ''
He said : `` She 's wanted to share the fact that she 's been able to speak with Derek in the evenings in a coma .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with him , talk to him and support him .
`` It 's tough , it 's really , really tough because he 's critically ill. '' ITV 's Dr Hilary Jones also praised on Kate for how she 's holding things together as she continues to post to Instagram every Thursday to thank the NHS following clap for carers .
`` Kate has been incredibly strong , she sends her love to everyone else whose loved ones are critical as well ... everybody sends love and support to her , '' he @ @

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Kate Garraway has said that her heart sinks "every day" as she learns "new and devastating ways" coronavirus is affecting her husband, who is in hospital being treated for the virus.
The former Labour advisor is in a coma and unable to have any of his family visit him in intensive care.
Derek has been battling coronavirus in intensive care since March 30 but the 52-year-old took a turn for the worse after being rushed to hospital with severe symptoms of COVID-19.
Sharing a video of the weekly clap for carers, she said on Instagram: "I didn't even know Darcey had bought this t shirt on line ( with my card !) until she emerged tonight but I do know how grateful she is to the #nhs - I couldn't be prouder of how she & Billy have coped with these past 2 horrific months for our family - always finding ways of lifting our spirits & staying strong even when they can see me wobbling.
"It's so wonderful to see little green shoots of hope that this dreadful disease is easing and that hopefully soon we might all be able to see each other again and hug our nearest and dearest.
"But the journey for me and my family seems to be far from over as every day my heart sinks as I learn new & devastating ways this virus has more battles for Derek to fight. But he is still HERE & so there is still hope."
Kate's GMB co-host Ben Shephard updated viewers about Derek's critical condition on Friday.
He said: "She's wanted to share the fact that she's been able to speak with Derek in the evenings in a coma.
"She's been able to share music with him, talk to him and support him.
"It's tough, it's really, really tough because he's critically ill."
ITV's Dr Hilary Jones also praised on Kate for how she's holding things together as she continues to post to Instagram every Thursday to thank the NHS following clap for carers.
"Kate has been incredibly strong, she sends her love to everyone else whose loved ones are critical as well... everybody sends love and support to her," he said.


birminghammail--2020-05-21--What has been said about Adama amid growing transfer interest

Virtually every elite club in Europe is reportedly interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ Adama Traore .
The 24-year-old has come into his own under Nuno Espirito Santo at Molineux this season and is now one of the most feared players in the Premier League .
His performances have attracted plenty of attention with his former club Barcelona , Real Madrid , Manchester City , Manchester United , Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all linked with moves in the transfer market .
Traore , who only cost £18million from Middlesbrough in 2018 , is bound to command a colossal transfer fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slapped a £150million price tag on his head .
Here we take a look at everything which has been said and reported about Traore ’ s future so far : What has Traore said ?
The player is the most important piece of the jigsaw in any transfer and his wish will inevitably be granted .
Traore has never given any inclination that he isn ’ t content at Wolves and he is devoted to Nuno .
Whenever Traore has been asked about Nuno , both publicly and privately , he has offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has unlocked his potential .
While some players refuse to address speculation surrounding their own future , Traore has never avoided questions which have been put to him over the past few months .
During an interview with Madrid-based radio station Cadena SER , Traore admitted he would consider a return to Spain with either Barcelona or arch-rivals Real Madrid .
`` I do n't have resentment towards Barca , only good memories , but if Real Madrid called me I would think about that offer in the same way I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he told Cadena SER .
`` I was there [ at Barcelona ] for 10 years and I have great memories .
There were some problems with the club , some misunderstandings , so I decided to leave to grow as a player .
“ I took that decision but I prefer not to talk about the story I had with the club , it was a decision I took in that moment and I do n't regret it.
” What ‘ interested ’ managers think of him Four Premier League clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last few months , from champions elect Liverpool to Manchester City , United and Tottenham Hotspur .
City boss Pep Guardiola is well aware of Traore from his time at Barcelona and has joined Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho in talking up the Wolves star .
Meanwhile , Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted Traore is the Wolves player that he fears the most .
Pep Guardiola : `` He is a motorcycle !
It ’ s almost impossible ( to stop him ) .
Nobody can handle this pace.
” Jurgen Klopp : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's unbelievable .
What a player – it 's not only him but he 's so good . ''
Jose Mourinho : “ Adama and Diogo ( Jota ) ?
I don ’ t want to speak about them because I get tired seeing them run.
” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer : “ Traore and Jimenez are always difficult to play against .
They are very good players.
” What Nuno has said Nuno was pretty blunt and to the point about the possibility of Traore leaving in the January transfer window .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked about it at the start of the month .
And that was the end of that .
Speaking more generally about the possibility of losing his star players , Nuno has said : “ When the transfer window is open anything can happen .
As managers we have to be ready because anything can happen.
” If Traore continues to torment defences , in both the Premier League and throughout Europe , during the final games of the season Nuno will undoubtedly face further questions about the Spaniard in pre-season .
Football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Wolves persuasion - will be aroused by the possibility of Traore rejoining the club he played for as a boy .
Traore spent 11 years at Barcelona and was born in the shadows of the Camp Nou .
He learned his trade at their La Masia academy under revered coach Albert Benaiges before quitting Barca for Aston Villa in 2015 .
Speaking exclusively to BirminghamLive after Traore joined Wolves from Middlesbrough , Benaiges admitted it wouldn ’ t surprise him if his former prodigy followed the route of Gerard Pique and Cesc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's true lately I have n't seen him play , ” said Benaiges .
“ But it can happen.
” He added : “ I ’ m not surprised by his performance .
Adama was a magnificent boy.
” Barcelona even inserted a buy-back clause in Traore ’ s contract when he joined Villa , but they ’ ll have to pay a heck of a lot more to re-sign him now .

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Virtually every elite club in Europe is reportedly interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Adama Traore.
The 24-year-old has come into his own under Nuno Espirito Santo at Molineux this season and is now one of the most feared players in the Premier League.
His performances have attracted plenty of attention with his former club Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all linked with moves in the transfer market.
Traore, who only cost £18million from Middlesbrough in 2018, is bound to command a colossal transfer fee with some reports even suggesting Wolves have slapped a £150million price tag on his head.
Here we take a look at everything which has been said and reported about Traore’s future so far:
What has Traore said?
The player is the most important piece of the jigsaw in any transfer and his wish will inevitably be granted.
Traore has never given any inclination that he isn’t content at Wolves and he is devoted to Nuno. Whenever Traore has been asked about Nuno, both publicly and privately, he has offered nothing but positive words about the coach who has unlocked his potential.
While some players refuse to address speculation surrounding their own future, Traore has never avoided questions which have been put to him over the past few months.
During an interview with Madrid-based radio station Cadena SER, Traore admitted he would consider a return to Spain with either Barcelona or arch-rivals Real Madrid.
(Image: Getty Images)
"I don't have resentment towards Barca, only good memories, but if Real Madrid called me I would think about that offer in the same way I would if it was a Barca one,” he told Cadena SER.
"I was there [at Barcelona] for 10 years and I have great memories. There were some problems with the club, some misunderstandings, so I decided to leave to grow as a player.
“I took that decision but I prefer not to talk about the story I had with the club, it was a decision I took in that moment and I don't regret it.”
What ‘interested’ managers think of him
Four Premier League clubs have been linked with Traore in the last few months, from champions elect Liverpool to Manchester City, United and Tottenham Hotspur.
City boss Pep Guardiola is well aware of Traore from his time at Barcelona and has joined Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho in talking up the Wolves star.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted Traore is the Wolves player that he fears the most.
Pep Guardiola: "He is a motorcycle! It’s almost impossible (to stop him). Nobody can handle this pace.”
Jurgen Klopp: "He is unplayable in moments, it's unbelievable. What a player – it's not only him but he's so good."
Jose Mourinho: “Adama and Diogo (Jota)? I don’t want to speak about them because I get tired seeing them run.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “Traore and Jimenez are always difficult to play against. They are very good players.”
What Wolves have said
Nuno was pretty blunt and to the point about the possibility of Traore leaving in the January transfer window. “No,” he said when asked about it at the start of the month. And that was the end of that.
Speaking more generally about the possibility of losing his star players, Nuno has said: “When the transfer window is open anything can happen. As managers we have to be ready because anything can happen.”
Traore's stunning form, in the Premier League and in Europe, makes it inevitable that top teams will come calling.
(Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Wolves' loans manager Seyi Olofinjana was asked about Traore's future recently during an interview with Goal.
“He is a good player and we've all seen what he is capable of doing," Olofinjana told Goal. "His sheer pace, power, goalscoring stint, skills on the ball and also running the length of the pitch.
“He's been doing it for the past few seasons, so we are very much aware of what he brings to the table. In terms of what will happen to him going forward, the league has not ended, so we need to wait for that.
"We can't ignore the fact that he has done very well for the club.
“Anybody can leave Wolves, he came from somewhere and he can leave any day.
"Regarding genuine transfer interest in our players, there are procedures and policies that we consider as a club, they tell us whether it is the right step for us or not.”
What Traore’s mentor said
Football romantics - who aren’t of a Wolves persuasion - will be excited by the possibility of Traore rejoining the club he played for as a boy.
Traore spent 11 years at Barcelona and was born in the shadows of the Camp Nou.
He learned his trade at their La Masia academy under revered coach Albert Benaiges before quitting Barca for Aston Villa in 2015.
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Speaking exclusively to BirminghamLive after Traore joined Wolves from Middlesbrough, Benaiges admitted it wouldn’t surprise him if his former prodigy followed the route of Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas in returning to Catalonia.
“It's true lately I haven't seen him play,” said Benaiges. “But it can happen.”
He added: “I’m not surprised by his performance. Adama was a magnificent boy.”
Barcelona even inserted a buy-back clause in Traore’s contract when he joined Villa, but they’ll have to pay a heck of a lot more to re-sign him now.


birminghammail--2020-05-21--Knuckle dusters, machete, stun gun and drugs found hidden in shed

Police uncovered a haul of drugs and an arsenal of dangerous weapons when they raided two addresses in Dudley .
Hidden in a shed behind homes on Spring Meadow Road , were potentially deadly weapons including a stun gun , knuckle dusters , machete and pepper spray .
A large amount of cannabis and cash was seized as officers believe the funds have been generated by dealing drugs .
Dudley Neighbourhood Policing Manager , Inspector Pete Sandhu said : “ Warrants and arrests like this are made possible because of the excellent information we receive from the community as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams .
“ Piecing together existing intelligence we had about drug dealing in the Netherton area we were able to take action that has resulted in us securing a haul of vital evidence , weapons , drugs and a significant amount of cash .
“ Without the support of the public it is difficult to get the intelligence we need to carry out targeted disruption of suspected criminals operating in our communities .
But when people do speak up the results can be fantastic.
” Chief Inspector Philip Cape oversees officers who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the West Midlands .
He added : “ We have intelligence teams who are gathering information around the clock and who are then feeding it into neighbourhood teams to execute warrants .
A 31-year-old man from Dudley was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and firearms offences .
He remains in custody where he will be questioned .
“ Our disruption of suspected organised criminals will not stop and if you have information about drug dealing in your community then please get in touch.
” Information from the public is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and associated crime .
We would urge anyone who has suspicions about drug dealing to contact us via Live Chat at our website www.west-midlands.police.uk or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Tell them what you know , not who you are .

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Police uncovered a haul of drugs and an arsenal of dangerous weapons when they raided two addresses in Dudley.
Hidden in a shed behind homes on Spring Meadow Road, were potentially deadly weapons including a stun gun, knuckle dusters, machete and pepper spray.
A large amount of cannabis and cash was seized as officers believe the funds have been generated by dealing drugs.
Dudley Neighbourhood Policing Manager, Inspector Pete Sandhu said: “Warrants and arrests like this are made possible because of the excellent information we receive from the community as well as the incredible work of our intelligence teams.
“Piecing together existing intelligence we had about drug dealing in the Netherton area we were able to take action that has resulted in us securing a haul of vital evidence, weapons, drugs and a significant amount of cash.
“Without the support of the public it is difficult to get the intelligence we need to carry out targeted disruption of suspected criminals operating in our communities. But when people do speak up the results can be fantastic.”
Chief Inspector Philip Cape oversees officers who are working hard to tackle organised crime in the West Midlands.
He added: “We have intelligence teams who are gathering information around the clock and who are then feeding it into neighbourhood teams to execute warrants.
A 31-year-old man from Dudley was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and firearms offences.
He remains in custody where he will be questioned.
“Our disruption of suspected organised criminals will not stop and if you have information about drug dealing in your community then please get in touch.”
Information from the public is crucial in our fight against drug dealing and associated crime.
We would urge anyone who has suspicions about drug dealing to contact us via Live Chat at our website www.west-midlands.police.uk or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tell them what you know, not who you are.