birminghammail--2020-02-12--Desperate plea to find girl, 17, missing from her Rugeley home

A teenage girl has gone missing from her Midlands home – and has n't been seen in nearly two weeks .
Korinna Whetnall was last seen at her address in Hands Acre , Rugeley , on Friday , January 31 .
The 17-year-old was wearing a pink Nike top , black leggings and a black coat when she disappeared .
Concerned officers issued a missing persons appeal , along with a picture of the girl , in a desperate bid to find her .
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said : “ We 're appealing for help in finding missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was last seen on 31 January at her home address in Hands Acre and was wearing a pink Nike top , black leggings and a black trespass coat with a pink trim with a black rucksack.
” Anyone who may her seen her or has information should call 101 , quoting incident number 870 of January 31 .
Police define a person as missing if their whereabouts can not be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person may also be classed as absent if they are not at a place where they are expected or required to be and there is no apparent risk .
If you are concerned about someone and want to report them as missing please contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west - midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
Always dial 999 in an emergency .

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A teenage girl has gone missing from her Midlands home – and hasn't been seen in nearly two weeks.
Korinna Whetnall was last seen at her address in Hands Acre, Rugeley, on Friday, January 31.
The 17-year-old was wearing a pink Nike top, black leggings and a black coat when she disappeared.
Concerned officers issued a missing persons appeal, along with a picture of the girl, in a desperate bid to find her.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: “We're appealing for help in finding missing 17-year-old Korinna Whetnall from Rugeley.
“She was last seen on 31 January at her home address in Hands Acre and was wearing a pink Nike top, black leggings and a black trespass coat with a pink trim with a black rucksack.”
Anyone who may her seen her or has information should call 101, quoting incident number 870 of January 31.
Reporting someone missing
Police define a person as missing if their whereabouts cannot be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or someone else.
A person may also be classed as absent if they are not at a place where they are expected or required to be and there is no apparent risk.
If you are concerned about someone and want to report them as missing please contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west - midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime. Always dial 999 in an emergency.


birminghammail--2020-02-12--Revealed: Aston Villa owners make another cash injection after January transfer window

Aston Villa ’ s owners have continued to show their commitment to the club , with the injection of a further £17m via a share issue .
A filing made on February 12 , on Companies House shows the allotment of 17,000,000 shares , all with the value of £1 .
The full of the value of the shares has been paid at the time of issue , with a value of exactly £17m .
Villa ’ s owners– Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens , have now pumped in almost £300m via share issues since they took control of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are no details as to what the money may be in aid of , but allotting shares is a fairly standard practice to finance a business so that it may meet cash-flow requirements or pay off debts .
Villa spent over £125m in the summer window , with 12 players arriving to rebuild Dean Smith ’ s squad following promotion .
The summer window saw Villa bring in Mbwana Samatta for a fee believed to be in the region of around £8.5m , as well as loan deals for Danny Drinkwater and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Borja Baston .
Football fiance expert Kieran Maguire said of the filing : “ It is one of two things , either the owners have put another £17m into the club , which is great .
They can put up to £30m a year according to Financial Fair Play rules .
“ Or , they could have said , ‘ we are going to write off the loans in some shares ’ .
“ However , looking at it , it appears to be much more likely the first option .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the club.
” This is the eighth time since November 2018 , that Villa have raised capital through a share issue .
The previous injection of capital came in October of last year , when Edens and Sawiris provided the club with exactly £57million .

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Aston Villa’s owners have continued to show their commitment to the club, with the injection of a further £17m via a share issue.
A filing made on February 12, on Companies House shows the allotment of 17,000,000 shares, all with the value of £1.
The full of the value of the shares has been paid at the time of issue, with a value of exactly £17m.
Villa’s owners– Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, have now pumped in almost £300m via share issues since they took control of the club from Tony Xia in 2018.
There are no details as to what the money may be in aid of, but allotting shares is a fairly standard practice to finance a business so that it may meet cash-flow requirements or pay off debts.
Villa spent over £125m in the summer window, with 12 players arriving to rebuild Dean Smith’s squad following promotion.
The summer window saw Villa bring in Mbwana Samatta for a fee believed to be in the region of around £8.5m, as well as loan deals for Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina and the short-term free transfer for Borja Baston.
Football fiance expert Kieran Maguire said of the filing: “It is one of two things, either the owners have put another £17m into the club, which is great. They can put up to £30m a year according to Financial Fair Play rules.
“Or, they could have said, ‘we are going to write off the loans in some shares’.
“However, looking at it, it appears to be much more likely the first option. This is a way of keeping money coming into the club.”
This is the eighth time since November 2018, that Villa have raised capital through a share issue.
The previous injection of capital came in October of last year, when Edens and Sawiris provided the club with exactly £57million.


birminghammail--2020-02-12--'Whirlwind of a storm' - Why John McGinn's return could not come at a better time for Aston Villa

John McGinn is set to return from injury in the next month for Aston Villa , and it could n't come at a better time .
The Scotsman fractured his ankle during Villa 's loss to Southampton late last year and is now due to return sometime in March , after the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City .
“ He ’ s out of the boot , he ’ s been out of it for the last week or two , ” said head coach Dean Smith when discussing McGinn 's recovery earlier this week .
“ He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to hasten his recovery .
He ’ s a really , really energetic person as well as a player .
“ He ’ s well liked around the place and he ’ ll be pushing me to try and get back for that cup final .
I think it ’ ll be a week or two later than that , but it won ’ t be for the want of trying with John .
“ And the added bonus for us is it ’ s like having a brand new signing coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time.
” Smith could n't have said it better .
McGinn will parachute into a Villa team during a pivotal run of games .
Why is he so good and what have the Villa missed though ?
Simply put , for the Villa fan , he ’ s a joy to watch .
He seems to play in a naive and childlike manner - he chases the ball and possession non-stop , before dragging his team up the pitch .
That shouldn ’ t come across as patronising .
McGinn plays like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the kid on concrete and he ’ s the trainee on the astro .
He ’ s the schoolkid at Goals 5-a-side and he ’ s the dreamer in the garden .
He seems to transcend tactical instruction .
For the opposition , he ’ s a bit more terrifying than that .
McGinn threatens to steal possession wherever the ball lies .
In a manner akin to a poltergeist-possessed vacuum cleaner , he ’ ll chase you down .
He ’ s also willing to play with the entire pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Phases and thirds and transitions and natural openings don ’ t really seem to exist for him - to the naked eye he does what he pleases .
McGinn is a chaotic footballer , and a whirlwind of a storm on the pitch .
If we can ’ t really hack the storm called Ciara and the bitter bite of it ’ s wind , what about the storm called John soon to return ?
Injury has pushed him to the sidelines and out of the public eye , but storms like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does McGinn play ?
Anywhere that Aston Villa can fit him .
He ’ s either the first , second or third name on the teamsheet but that matters not .
If McGinn is fit , he ’ s going into the team no matter what .
As part of Villa ’ s ‘ dual eights ’ in the midfield with Jack Grealish , McGinn and his twin-flame brought terror to the Championship .
That didn ’ t work to the same effect in the hardened Premier League , but McGinn still impressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with injury .
In an odd way , it never seemed like it would happen to McGinn .
Where Grealish was always target of the opposition - McGinn was rough-and-tumble and ready to target the opposition .
That it was his ankle that contorted and snapped was an unexpected issue - despite his constant presence on matchday .
Villa haven ’ t faltered a great deal without McGinn , which doesn ’ t do him much justice at all .
They still struggled against sides with him in the team , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 3-4-3 formation , and tested in a stronger Villa side that has grown more accustomed to life in the Premier League .
When McGinn returns , rested and raring to go , Villa will stand to benefit .
He ’ ll return at the best of times .

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John McGinn is set to return from injury in March for Aston Villa, and it couldn't come at a better time.
The Scotsman fractured his ankle during Villa's loss to Southampton late last year and is now due to return sometime in March, after the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
“He’s out of the boot, he’s been out of it for the last week or two,” said head coach Dean Smith when discussing McGinn's recovery earlier this week. “He’s pushing the medical staff all the time to hasten his recovery. He’s a really, really energetic person as well as a player.
“He’s well liked around the place and he’ll be pushing me to try and getback for that cup final. I think it’ll be a week or two later than that, but it won’t be for the want of trying with John.
“And the added bonus for us is it’s like having a brand new signing coming into the team at a really important time.”
Smith couldn't have said it better. McGinn will parachute into a Villa team during a pivotal run of games.
Now, he'll miss a few crucial games - but he'll return when he's truly needed.
Why is he so good and what have the Villa missed though?
Simply put, for the Villa fan, he’s a joy to watch.
He seems to play in a naive and childlike manner - he chases the ball and possession non-stop, before dragging his team up the pitch. That shouldn’t come across as patronising. McGinn plays like the pure spirit of the game. He’s the kid on concrete and he’s the trainee on the astro. He’s the schoolkid at Goals 5-a-side and he’s the dreamer in the garden. He seems to transcend tactical instruction.
For the opposition, he’s a bit more terrifying than that. McGinn threatens to steal possession wherever the ball lies. In a manner akin to a poltergeist-possessed vacuum cleaner, he’ll chase you down.
He’s also willing to play with the entire pitch before him, sprinting into open space. Phases and thirds and transitions and natural openings don’t really seem to exist for him - to the naked eye he does what he pleases.
McGinn is a chaotic footballer, and a whirlwind of a storm on the pitch. If we can’t really hack the storm called Ciara and the bitter bite of it’s wind, what about the storm called John soon to return? Injury has pushed him to the sidelines and out of the public eye, but storms like him aren’t ever-present.
Where does McGinn play? Anywhere that Aston Villa can fit him. He’s either the first, second or third name on the teamsheet but that matters not. If McGinn is fit, he’s going into the team no matter what.
As part of Villa’s ‘dual eights’ in the midfield with Jack Grealish, McGinn and his twin-flame brought terror to the Championship. That didn’t work to the same effect in the hardened Premier League, but McGinn still impressed.
All until he was struck down with injury.
In an odd way, it never seemed like it would happen to McGinn. Where Grealish was always target of the opposition - McGinn was rough-and-tumble and ready to target the opposition. That it was his ankle that contorted and snapped was an unexpected issue - despite his constant presence on matchday.
Villa haven’t faltered a great deal without McGinn, which doesn’t do him much justice at all. They still struggled against sides with him in the team, but he has yet to be deployed in Villa’s 3-4-3 formation, and tested in a stronger Villa side that has grown more accustomed to life in the Premier League.
When McGinn returns, rested and raring to go, Villa will stand to benefit. He’ll return at the best of times.


birminghammail--2020-02-12--These two Birmingham restaurants have been named among the most romantic in the UK

Birmingham 's diverse food scene is once again in the spotlight .
Anderson 's Bar and Grill in the Jewellery Quarter and newly Michelin starred Opheem on Summer Row have both been named as the UK 's most romantic restaurants .
The eateries were each awarded a top 50 spot in two different guides .
Anderson 's accolade came from diners ' booking service Open Table 's top 50 'most romantic dinner date destinations . '
Meanwhile the Daily Mail 's Tom Parker Bowles named Indian fine dining haven Opheem in his UK top 50 romantic places for 'an intimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Open Table top 50 is generated from more than 1,080,000 verified OpenTable diner reviews collected at more than 8,500 restaurants in the previous year .
Tucked away in the romantic setting off St Paul ’ s Square - Birmingham 's only Georgian square - Anderson 's serves quality rare breed steak paired with a super selection of red wine .
The atmosphere interior of this steak restaurant , is just as appealing as it location with exposed brickwork , wooden beams and pillars .
It is rated 4.6 on the booking site .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Lovely first time date night friday .
Best steak , nice romantic place .
`` Enjoyed my steak .
Polite lovely girls who served us .
Will definitely come back . ''
Another reviewer raved : `` Staff were lovely as usual and the food was excellent , the finest steak in Birmingham .
`` The restaurant was aware that the occasion was our wedding anniversary and they piped a nice message on our desserts ! ''
While the Open Table list is in no particular order , Opheem comes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide which is separated into regions .
Food critic Tom Barker Bowles writes : `` Opheem is where old India meets the new , in a room that at night is softly and seductively lit .
Perfect for a romantic feast .
`` The Michelin-starred food is every bit as entrancing , chef proprietor Aktar Islam using traditional techniques for very modern dishes .
`` Try soft shell crab with caraway seed tempura , or beetroot sorbet with candied beets .
The spicing is subtle and superb , the ingredients impeccable . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aktar Islam opened to huge acclaim in 2018 - and won a prestigious star a year on - becoming the first Michelin starred Indian restaurant outside London !
Our reviewer praised the eatery helmed by former Lasan Chef Director Aktar Islam , in her review : `` saying that every Brummie deserves to experience Opheem . ''
The venue won a prestigious star in October 2019 - a year after opening - becoming the first Michelin starred Indian restaurant outside London .

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Birmingham's diverse food scene is once again in the spotlight.
Anderson's Bar and Grill in the Jewellery Quarter and newly Michelin starred Opheem on Summer Row have both been named as the UK's most romantic restaurants.
The eateries were each awarded a top 50 spot in two different guides.
Anderson's accolade came from diners' booking service Open Table's top 50 'most romantic dinner date destinations.'
Meanwhile the Daily Mail's Tom Parker Bowles named Indian fine dining haven Opheem in his UK top 50 romantic places for 'an intimate dinner and delicious food.'
The Open Table top 50 is generated from more than 1,080,000 verified OpenTable diner reviews collected at more than 8,500 restaurants in the previous year.
Tucked away in the romantic setting off St Paul’s Square - Birmingham's only Georgian square - Anderson's serves quality rare breed steak paired with a super selection of red wine.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The atmosphere interior of this steak restaurant, is just as appealing as it location with exposed brickwork, wooden beams and pillars.
It is rated 4.6 on the booking site.
Reviews left on the booking site included: " Lovely first time date night friday. Best steak, nice romantic place.
"Enjoyed my steak. Polite lovely girls who served us. Will definitely come back."
Another reviewer raved: "Staff were lovely as usual and the food was excellent, the finest steak in Birmingham.
"The restaurant was aware that the occasion was our wedding anniversary and they piped a nice message on our desserts!"
While the Open Table list is in no particular order, Opheem comes in at 42 in The Daily Mail's guide which is separated into regions.
Food critic Tom Barker Bowles writes: "Opheem is where old India meets the new, in a room that at night is softly and seductively lit. Perfect for a romantic feast.
"The Michelin-starred food is every bit as entrancing, chef proprietor Aktar Islam using traditional techniques for very modern dishes.
"Try soft shell crab with caraway seed tempura, or beetroot sorbet with candied beets. The spicing is subtle and superb, the ingredients impeccable."
The restaurant from former Lasan Chef Director Aktar Islam opened to huge acclaim in 2018 - and won a prestigious star a year on - becoming the first Michelin starred Indian restaurant outside London!
Our reviewer praised the eatery helmed by former Lasan Chef Director Aktar Islam, in her review: "saying that every Brummie deserves to experience Opheem."
The venue won a prestigious star in October 2019 - a year after opening - becoming the first Michelin starred Indian restaurant outside London.


birminghammail--2020-02-12--Live updates - Sheldon Heath Road stabbing probe as schoolboy found with knife wound to head

Emergency services have been called to a Sheldon road amid reports of a stabbing .
Eyewitnesses said around five police cars and an ambulance could be seen on Sheldon Heath Road .
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed medics were called to the scene at 4.30pm .
`` We were called to Sheldon Heath Road at 4.30pm to reports of a stabbing , '' the spokeswoman said .
`` An ambulance and paramedic officer is at the scene . ''
This is a breaking news story .
We will be updating it .
Follow us on Twitter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Paxton, Stephanie Balloo)

Emergency services have been called to a Sheldon road amid reports of a stabbing.
Eyewitnesses said around five police cars and an ambulance could be seen on Sheldon Heath Road.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed medics were called to the scene at 4.30pm.
"We were called to Sheldon Heath Road at 4.30pm to reports of a stabbing," the spokeswoman said.
"An ambulance and paramedic officer is at the scene."
This is a breaking news story. We will be updating it.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
Download it on iPhone and Android .


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Lo Celso, Lamela: The Tottenham Hotspur injury worries ahead of Aston Villa v Spurs

Jose Mourinho 's team will be looking to build on an impressive 2-0 win voer Manchester City - as well as a FA Cup victory over Southampton .
It 's not as bright for Villa- who will be aiming to dust themselves off with a victory , following a pre-winter break loss to Bournemouth .
The winter break will have offered players more time to recover - especially injured ones .
Despite that , injury worries will still exist for both sides .
Tottenham 's main striker will not see action at Villa Park .
Kane has missed every game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December 2019 .
Spurs hope that he 'll be back sooner rather than later - but their definition of soon is early May , which is far too late for Sunday 's match .
The Spurs new boy is ready to go .
He pulled up after scoring in his debut against Manchester City , but that seems to be a minor issue rather than anything serious .
He did miss the FA Cup replay against Southampton , but that was due to registration rules .
The wing-back is fit and ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working on his fitness .
He 's been out since late last year after picking up an injury to his ankle .
Now , he 's training and should be good to go against Villa .
The playmaker missed Spurs ' training sessions yesteday - after sitting out the victory over Southampton .
The player did state on his personal Instagram feed that he hopes to be back soon , so the training absence may be a precaution to ensure that he is ready to go on Sunday .
The midfielder will miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ligament injury .
He 's been out of action since New Year 's Day , and will still be undergoing rehabilitation on the injury this Sunday .
He 'll be back just before the season closes , so there 's no chance of him facing Villa this season .
Lo Celso is in the same boat as his Argentine counterpart , Lamela .
He sat out the training session this week , and also missed the same Southampton game .
`` We knew Lamela and Lo Celso had no chance to be here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance with the rules of the competition . ''
said Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho after the FA Cup win .
Again , it is likely that that is a precaution , but a training absence will still ensure that speculation persists about his availability .

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Aston Villa face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho's team will be looking to build on an impressive 2-0 win voer Manchester City - as well as a FA Cup victory over Southampton.
It's not as bright for Villa- who will be aiming to dust themselves off with a victory, following a pre-winter break loss to Bournemouth.
The winter break will have offered players more time to recover - especially injured ones. Despite that, injury worries will still exist for both sides.
Here's the Tottenham injury latest:
Harry Kane
Tottenham's main striker will not see action at Villa Park.
Kane has missed every game this year after a hamstring tear sustained in December 2019.
Spurs hope that he'll be back sooner rather than later - but their definition of soon is early May, which is far too late for Sunday's match.
Steven Bergwijn
The Spurs new boy is ready to go.
He pulled up after scoring in his debut against Manchester City, but that seems to be a minor issue rather than anything serious.
He did miss the FA Cup replay against Southampton, but that was due to registration rules.
Ben Davies
The wing-back is fit and ready to go after a winter break spent working on his fitness.
He's been out since late last year after picking up an injury to his ankle.
Now, he's training and should be good to go against Villa.
Erik Lamela
The playmaker missed Spurs' training sessions yesteday - after sitting out the victory over Southampton.
The player did state on his personal Instagram feed that he hopes to be back soon, so the training absence may be a precaution to ensure that he is ready to go on Sunday.
Moussa Sissoko
The midfielder will miss the Villa match due to a knee ligament injury.
He's been out of action since New Year's Day, and will still be undergoing rehabilitation on the injury this Sunday.
He'll be back just before the season closes, so there's no chance of him facing Villa this season.
Giovani Lo Celso
Lo Celso is in the same boat as his Argentine counterpart, Lamela.
He sat out the training session this week, and also missed the same Southampton game.
"We knew Lamela and Lo Celso had no chance to be here with muscular injuries and Bergwijn had no chance with the rules of the competition." said Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho after the FA Cup win.
Again, it is likely that that is a precaution, but a training absence will still ensure that speculation persists about his availability.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Commuters fury at three-hour traffic delays near Lidl in Hamstead during sewer pipe repairs

Commuters were hit by three hour roadwork delays because of sewer pipe repairs in Hamstead - with tailbacks expected into the evening rush hour .
Severn Trent workers are carrying out works in Old Walsall Road opposite the Lidl supermarket and installed temporary traffic lights to manage the traffic flow .
But during this morning 's rush hour the works saw traffic backing up on Walsall Road , Rocky Lane , Handsworth Wood Road and other surrounding roads .
Severn Trent said it aims to complete the work by Friday .
There were also roadworks on Oxhill Road on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the misery on Wednesday .
Buses have also heavily delayed , particularly in the rush hour .
It took Lukasz Kowalik , 31 , more than three hours to get to his home in Hamstead Village on Wednesday .
He said : `` I got on the number 16 bus at 4.30pm in the city centre and it was really slow .
We were stopping for 10 or 15 minutes and then moving one or two metres .
`` I had to pick up my baby from the babysitter so I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to walk the rest of the journey .
No buses passed me during this time .
`` It took three and a half hours because I walked . ''
A Severn Trent spokesman said : “ We ’ re really sorry to customers who are being affected by essential work we ’ re carrying out to repair a sewer pipe on Old Walsall Road .
“ To keep everyone safe while we ’ re in the area , we ’ ve put temporary traffic lights in place .
“ We ’ re hoping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road back to normal by tomorrow.
” Frustrated members of the public took to Facebook to share stories of their long journeys home .
One commuter tweeted on Wednesday : “ @ nxwestmidlands what ’ s going on with the number 16 ?
Took 2 hours to do a 20 minute journey last night NX West Midlands replied : “ I apologise for the delay .
A few issues in regards to the delay .
`` Congestion along Handsworth Wood Rd , not helped by Oxhill Rd closure , also additional congestion through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday ( Feb 13 ) : “ Avoid Hamstead Village delays of one hour .
Temp Traffic lights !
!
!
Roadworks opposite Lidl Hamstead .
Traffic queued from Church Lane to Hamstead Village.
” Another said : “ Traffic backing up on Rocky Lane has been for about an hour.
” A commuter posted : “ Nightmare traffic on Walsall Rd have turned onto Aldridge Rd which is flowing.
” And another said : “ Honestly , it is an absolute nightmare !
Defo avoiding for rest of the week .
@

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Commuters were hit by three hour roadwork delays because of sewer pipe repairs in Hamstead - with tailbacks expected into the evening rush hour.
Severn Trent workers are carrying out works in Old Walsall Road opposite the Lidl supermarket and installed temporary traffic lights to manage the traffic flow.
But during this morning's rush hour the works saw traffic backing up on Walsall Road, Rocky Lane, Handsworth Wood Road and other surrounding roads.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Severn Trent said it aims to complete the work by Friday.
There were also roadworks on Oxhill Road on Wednesday (Feb 12), which added to the misery on Wednesday.
Buses have also heavily delayed, particularly in the rush hour.
It took Lukasz Kowalik, 31, more than three hours to get to his home in Hamstead Village on Wednesday.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
He said: "I got on the number 16 bus at 4.30pm in the city centre and it was really slow. We were stopping for 10 or 15 minutes and then moving one or two metres.
"I had to pick up my baby from the babysitter so I got off on Handsworth Wood Road and decided to walk the rest of the journey. No buses passed me during this time.
"It took three and a half hours because I walked."
A Severn Trent spokesman said: “We’re really sorry to customers who are being affected by essential work we’re carrying out to repair a sewer pipe on Old Walsall Road.
“To keep everyone safe while we’re in the area, we’ve put temporary traffic lights in place.
“We’re hoping to finish the job and return the road back to normal by tomorrow.”
Frustrated members of the public took to Facebook to share stories of their long journeys home.
One commuter tweeted on Wednesday: “@nxwestmidlands what’s going on with the number 16? Took 2 hours to do a 20 minute journey last night
NX West Midlands replied: “I apologise for the delay. A few issues in regards to the delay. "Congestion along Handsworth Wood Rd, not helped by Oxhill Rd closure, also additional congestion through Hockley.
"Temporary lights at Hamstead Village also affecting service.
One person wrote on Facebook on Thursday (Feb 13): “Avoid Hamstead Village delays of one hour. Temp Traffic lights !!! Roadworks opposite Lidl Hamstead. Traffic queued from Church Lane to Hamstead Village.”
Another said: “Traffic backing up on Rocky Lane has been for about an hour.”
A commuter posted: “Nightmare traffic on Walsall Rd have turned onto Aldridge Rd which is flowing.”
And another said: “Honestly, it is an absolute nightmare! Defo avoiding for rest of the week.”


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Katherine Ryan reacts to Slowthai's apology after NME Awards behaviour sparks backlash from fans

Rapper Slowthai has apologised to Katherine Ryan for his behaviour on stage for which he was criticised at the NME Awards .
The grime artist , who was awarded the hero of the year prize at the ceremony , had asked the comic to smell his cologne , referred to her as `` baby girl '' and also put his arm around her waist in front of the audience .
Slowthai tweeted : `` @ nme please forward my award to @ kathbum for she is the hero of the year .
what started as a joke between us escalated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my part .
`` i want to unreservedly apologise , there is no excuse and I am sorry .
i am not a hero . ''
He added : `` katherine , you are a master at your craft and next time i 'll take my seat and leave the comedy to you .
to any woman or man who saw a reflection of situations they 've been in in those videos , i am sorry .
`` i promise to do better .
let 's talk here . ''
Canadian stand-up comedian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter : `` I knew you were joking and congratulations on your very award-worthy album !
I hope you know that a bad day on social media passes so quickly .
`` Everything will be better tomorrow .
Xx . ''

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Rapper Slowthai has apologised to Katherine Ryan for his behaviour on stage for which he was criticised at the NME Awards.
The grime artist, who was awarded the hero of the year prize at the ceremony, had asked the comic to smell his cologne, referred to her as "baby girl" and also put his arm around her waist in front of the audience.
Slowthai tweeted: "@nme please forward my award to @kathbum for she is the hero of the year. what started as a joke between us escalated to a point of shameful actions on my part.
"i want to unreservedly apologise, there is no excuse and I am sorry. i am not a hero."
He added: "katherine, you are a master at your craft and next time i'll take my seat and leave the comedy to you. to any woman or man who saw a reflection of situations they've been in in those videos, i am sorry.
"i promise to do better. let's talk here."
Canadian stand-up comedian and TV star Ryan replied to him on Twitter: "I knew you were joking and congratulations on your very award-worthy album! I hope you know that a bad day on social media passes so quickly.
"Everything will be better tomorrow. Xx."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Bowling for Soup and Simple Plan at Birmingham O2 Academy review - 'a night of pure nostalgia'

Thousands descended on a sold out O2 Academy night to see pop-punk legends Bowling For Soup and Simple Plan , supported by upcoming band , Not Ur Girlfrienz .
When doors flung open at 7pm , the queue was already stretching from the venue all the way up and around part of Pagoda Island , the biggest queue I have ever seen for a show here .
You can see the length of the queue for yourselves in the highlight video from the event at the top of this article .
Surprisingly , despite joining the back of the line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Head , the queue was busted by the fast security searches conducted by staff , followed by lightning quick ticket checks .
Before we talk anymore about the venue .
Let 's start positive and crack on with the bands .
The 'Teen sensation ' , as dubbed later on in the show by Bowling For Soup 's Jaret Reddick , are a pop-punk band , recently starting out from Dallas , Texas .
It was only fitting they would be supporting fellow Texans , Bowling For Soup , and from what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they seemed to be quite mature sounding and catchy , considering I was a little put off from the start by the questionable spelling and name of their band .
Moral of that story , do n't judge a band by the cover .
In all honesty , they reminded me , in some parts , of what L7 and Avril Lavigne would sound like if they teamed up and did a song together - back in the 00s .
In addition to my surprise , I have to point out their Powerpuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many 90s kids ( of which there were many ) , would have really appreciated that .
I can only imagine this will be the nostalgic , iconic generational band Bowling For Soup and Simple Plan are to us , to many young pop-punk fans starting out on their venture into real music ... rock music .
Back to my generation however , next up were Simple Plan .
Well , what can I say about Simple Plan , well , not a bad word for starters .
From the moment they got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do Anything , they dragged everyone back to the mid 00s , kicking off a night of pure nostalgia for everyone crammed into the O2 .
Pretty early on , lead singer Pierre Bouvier admitted that he knew everyone was here for the `` old s**t '' so that 's what they would play for a while , and they pretty much reeled off their greatest hits , including 'Welcome To My Life ' , 'Shut Up ' and ' I 'm Just A Kid ' .
Considering the band have been going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to putting on a show for the fans is second to none - drummer Chuck Comeau even started crowd surfing half way through one song .
In the middle of their emphatic set , they even took time out to play their track , 'What 's New Scooby Doo ' , most notably from the animated series many 90s kids would have grown up .
Following that , the Canadians , who share our loathing of the cold , decided to whisk us away to 'Summer Paradise ' complete with huge inflatable Simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the venue .
After throwing in a few more nostalgic hits , they also played tracks 'Boom ' and their most recent track 'Where I Belong ' , the set was concluded with 'Perfect ' and was really a perfect way to end their set .
If you are a pop-punk fan from any era , I highly suggest if you have n't seen Simple Plan before , go out of your way to see them , you will not regret the effort , they are truly fantastic , pitch perfect and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was my first time seeing Bowling For Soup live and I quickly found out I was n't just there for the music , I was there for a show , an act , with a comedy sketch thrown in for good measure .
There was a lot of talking in between songs , mainly so lead singer Jaret could take time to head back to the on stage bar , complete with bartender , to swig a few JD 's and vodkas .
Sometimes those talky bits were lewd , complete with stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spicy cheese from Sainsbury 's ( which the pronunciation is completely lost on Texans , by the way ) and a few C-bombs ... yeah , glad most of the crowd was old enough and mature enough to appreciate that Jaret , Chris and co. To the songs !
Like Simple Plan , they knew their fans were there for the 'old s**t ' , so they kicked off their gig with 'Suckerpunch ' which was followed by their huge hit 'High School Never Ends ' .
After 'BFFF ' and 'Ohio ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured for the final chorus , Not Ur Girlfrienz , it was only the third time BFS played their newest song about WWE superstar , Alexa Bliss , appropriately named 'Alexa Bliss ' .
At that time , Jaret said it may be a good time to head to the bar or check out the merch stands , reiterating his earlier point that the crowds only wanted to hear their old songs .
Which is what they went straight back to with 'The B***h Song ' , before Jaret revealed that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 'Smoothie King ' .
Despite saying `` Okay , I 've got it '' after a short break while he tried to recall the song , he still went on to sing the wrong lyrics but pulled it back at the end of the song when he did actually remember them .
After a few more hits , including 'Girls All The Bad Guys Want ' , came the comedy sketch in which Chris , Jaret , Rob and Gary pitched their best jokes to the crowd - while knocking back some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The winner , apparently as always , was Chris , although Rob told the same , rather bad , joke I always tell .
Oh well , I knew it was bad .
It was fast approaching the end of the set when a half way through 'Punk Rock 101 ' , the band posed for photo ops with the crowds , something I have n't seen done before , but was really quite a nice touch .
The set was then tied up with '1985 ' and ' A Really Cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertainment as well as absolutely amazing punk rock music , go to a Bowling For Soup gig , they have it all and I think I will find it hard not to go see them during their set at Download in the summer .
Okay , so the biggest problem we had at the venue , was at the bar , and mainly with O2 .
Considering I am on O2 , as were many other people who were at the O2 Academy that night , we were all hoping to take advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and considering the drinks were around £5 a pop for a pint , it was definitely something we were hoping to take advantage of .
However , the 4G signal in the O2 seemed to be overloaded , so did the bar with a line of us failing to get onto the O2 Priority app which we needed to redeem the codes .
Next thought I had , 'If the 4G is n't playing ball , let 's connect to the O2 WiFi ' .
Yeah , no , that did n't work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it , they needed to see everyone 's codes despite us all protesting about the same problem .
After speaking to the manager , he said there was nothing they could do about the WiFi or our problem .
Luckily , I had a brain wave , I had my work phone on me , which is on Vodafone .
I hot spotted my O2 phone to that and hey presto , it worked .
Not everyone had that luxury however so missed out on the chance to take advantage of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luckily the evening was saved by the amazing music from Not Ur Girlfrienz , Simple Plan and Bowling for Soup .
Plus sides to the venue were the toilets , very clean and well looked after and a clean and safety controlled smoking area .
Remember , you can view highlights of the evening in the video at the top of this page , in case you were unlucky enough to miss the event .

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Thousands descended on a sold out O2 Academy night to see pop-punk legends Bowling For Soup and Simple Plan, supported by upcoming band, Not Ur Girlfrienz.
When doors flung open at 7pm, the queue was already stretching from the venue all the way up and around part of Pagoda Island, the biggest queue I have ever seen for a show here.
You can see the length of the queue for yourselves in the highlight video from the event at the top of this article.
Surprisingly, despite joining the back of the line at the Esso petrol station on Holloway Head, the queue was busted by the fast security searches conducted by staff, followed by lightning quick ticket checks.
Before we talk anymore about the venue. Let's start positive and crack on with the bands.
Not Ur Girlfrienz
The 'Teen sensation', as dubbed later on in the show by Bowling For Soup's Jaret Reddick, are a pop-punk band, recently starting out from Dallas, Texas.
It was only fitting they would be supporting fellow Texans, Bowling For Soup, and from what I managed to catch of their set, they seemed to be quite mature sounding and catchy, considering I was a little put off from the start by the questionable spelling and name of their band.
Moral of that story, don't judge a band by the cover.
In all honesty, they reminded me, in some parts, of what L7 and Avril Lavigne would sound like if they teamed up and did a song together - back in the 00s.
In addition to my surprise, I have to point out their Powerpuff Girls inspired band art on stage - many 90s kids (of which there were many), would have really appreciated that.
I can only imagine this will be the nostalgic, iconic generational band Bowling For Soup and Simple Plan are to us, to many young pop-punk fans starting out on their venture into real music... rock music.
Back to my generation however, next up were Simple Plan.
Simple Plan
Well, what can I say about Simple Plan, well, not a bad word for starters.
From the moment they got on stage, performing 'I'd Do Anything, they dragged everyone back to the mid 00s, kicking off a night of pure nostalgia for everyone crammed into the O2.
Pretty early on, lead singer Pierre Bouvier admitted that he knew everyone was here for the "old s**t" so that's what they would play for a while, and they pretty much reeled off their greatest hits, including 'Welcome To My Life', 'Shut Up' and 'I'm Just A Kid'.
Considering the band have been going since 1999, their energy and commitment to putting on a show for the fans is second to none - drummer Chuck Comeau even started crowd surfing half way through one song.
(Image: Georgie Croft)
In the middle of their emphatic set, they even took time out to play their track, 'What's New Scooby Doo', most notably from the animated series many 90s kids would have grown up.
Following that, the Canadians, who share our loathing of the cold, decided to whisk us away to 'Summer Paradise' complete with huge inflatable Simple Plan branded beach balls which flew across the venue.
After throwing in a few more nostalgic hits, they also played tracks 'Boom' and their most recent track 'Where I Belong', the set was concluded with 'Perfect' and was really a perfect way to end their set.
If you are a pop-punk fan from any era, I highly suggest if you haven't seen Simple Plan before, go out of your way to see them, you will not regret the effort, they are truly fantastic, pitch perfect and a cracking band to see live.
Bowling For Soup
This was my first time seeing Bowling For Soup live and I quickly found out I wasn't just there for the music, I was there for a show, an act, with a comedy sketch thrown in for good measure.
There was a lot of talking in between songs, mainly so lead singer Jaret could take time to head back to the on stage bar, complete with bartender, to swig a few JD's and vodkas.
Sometimes those talky bits were lewd, complete with stories about bowel movements as a result of spicy cheese from Sainsbury's (which the pronunciation is completely lost on Texans, by the way) and a few C-bombs... yeah, glad most of the crowd was old enough and mature enough to appreciate that Jaret, Chris and co.
To the songs! Like Simple Plan, they knew their fans were there for the 'old s**t', so they kicked off their gig with 'Suckerpunch' which was followed by their huge hit 'High School Never Ends'.
(Image: Georgie Croft)
After 'BFFF' and 'Ohio (Come Back To Texas)' which featured for the final chorus, Not Ur Girlfrienz, it was only the third time BFS played their newest song about WWE superstar, Alexa Bliss, appropriately named 'Alexa Bliss'.
At that time, Jaret said it may be a good time to head to the bar or check out the merch stands, reiterating his earlier point that the crowds only wanted to hear their old songs.
Which is what they went straight back to with 'The B***h Song', before Jaret revealed that he was indeed human, by forgetting the lyrics to 'Smoothie King'.
Despite saying "Okay, I've got it" after a short break while he tried to recall the song, he still went on to sing the wrong lyrics but pulled it back at the end of the song when he did actually remember them.
After a few more hits, including 'Girls All The Bad Guys Want', came the comedy sketch in which Chris, Jaret, Rob and Gary pitched their best jokes to the crowd - while knocking back some more drinks from the on stage bar.
The winner, apparently as always, was Chris, although Rob told the same, rather bad, joke I always tell. Oh well, I knew it was bad.
It was fast approaching the end of the set when a half way through 'Punk Rock 101', the band posed for photo ops with the crowds, something I haven't seen done before, but was really quite a nice touch.
The set was then tied up with '1985' and 'A Really Cool Dance Song'.
If you want entertainment as well as absolutely amazing punk rock music, go to a Bowling For Soup gig, they have it all and I think I will find it hard not to go see them during their set at Download in the summer.
The Venue
Okay, so the biggest problem we had at the venue, was at the bar, and mainly with O2.
Considering I am on O2, as were many other people who were at the O2 Academy that night, we were all hoping to take advantage of the 2-4-1 offers on drinks, and considering the drinks were around £5 a pop for a pint, it was definitely something we were hoping to take advantage of.
However, the 4G signal in the O2 seemed to be overloaded, so did the bar with a line of us failing to get onto the O2 Priority app which we needed to redeem the codes.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Next thought I had, 'If the 4G isn't playing ball, let's connect to the O2 WiFi'. Yeah, no, that didn't work either.
The staff were having none of it, they needed to see everyone's codes despite us all protesting about the same problem. After speaking to the manager, he said there was nothing they could do about the WiFi or our problem.
Luckily, I had a brain wave, I had my work phone on me, which is on Vodafone. I hot spotted my O2 phone to that and hey presto, it worked.
Not everyone had that luxury however so missed out on the chance to take advantage of the pretty good drinks offers.
Poor. Luckily the evening was saved by the amazing music from Not Ur Girlfrienz, Simple Plan and Bowling for Soup.
Plus sides to the venue were the toilets, very clean and well looked after and a clean and safety controlled smoking area.
Remember, you can view highlights of the evening in the video at the top of this page, in case you were unlucky enough to miss the event.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Dudley chief gets whopping 2,000 per cent more than lowest paid staff

Dudley Council ’ s highest paid boss gets more than 20 times the pay of the authority ’ s lowest paid staff- a report into its wage bill has revealed .
The massive difference is shown in the salary of Kevin O ’ Keefe , the borough ’ s chief executive , who receives £175,383 a year while apprentices can earn as little £8,190 .
The report also showed the council ’ s 11 most senior officers share a total wage packet of £1,362 , 175 a year .
The massive gap has come to light as unions are fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rises being pegged to one per cent a year .
Earlier this month , they rejected a national two per cent offer by the Local Government Association on behalf of councils across the country .
Analysis by the GMB claimed the proposed increase did not take into account projected inflation and would effectively result in pay cuts by April 2021 .
Ian Woodland , a national officer of Unite , rejecting the deal said : “ The local government pay offer is deeply disappointing , it does not begin to address the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade of austerity , during which their pay in real terms has been slashed , local government members will not accept an offer which makes them poorer in real terms.
” Government guidelines recommended councils limit the amount chief executives are paid to no more than ten times the lowest paid employee .
In Dudley , the starting pay for a full time council worker is £17,500 compared to Mr O ’ Keefe ’ s £175,000 .
Subscribe to the politics newsletter from Birmingham Live Sign up to our weekly newsletter here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
But the guidelines exclude apprentices who are paid the national minimum wage based on their age , including those under 18 who earn as little as £4.10 an hour .
The Labour group in Dudley have said they will now raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is put forward to the next full council meeting on February 24 .

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Dudley Council’s highest paid boss gets more than 20 times the pay of the authority’s lowest paid staff- a report into its wage bill has revealed.
The massive difference is shown in the salary of Kevin O’Keefe, the borough’s chief executive, who receives £175,383 a year while apprentices can earn as little £8,190.
The report also showed the council’s 11 most senior officers share a total wage packet of £1,362, 175 a year.
The massive gap has come to light as unions are fighting for a substantial pay increase after years of rises being pegged to one per cent a year.
Earlier this month, they rejected a national two per cent offer by the Local Government Association on behalf of councils across the country.
Analysis by the GMB claimed the proposed increase did not take into account projected inflation and would effectively result in pay cuts by April 2021.
Ian Woodland, a national officer of Unite, rejecting the deal said: “The local government pay offer is deeply disappointing, it does not begin to address the aspirations of our members.
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“Following a decade of austerity, during which their pay in real terms has been slashed, local government members will not accept an offer which makes them poorer in real terms.”
Government guidelines recommended councils limit the amount chief executives are paid to no more than ten times the lowest paid employee.
In Dudley, the starting pay for a full time council worker is £17,500 compared to Mr O’Keefe’s £175,000.
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.
But the guidelines exclude apprentices who are paid the national minimum wage based on their age, including those under 18 who earn as little as £4.10 an hour.
The Labour group in Dudley have said they will now raise their concerns over pay when the report is put forward to the next full council meeting on February 24.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Dad-to-be who received award for stopping Birmingham criminal jailed after attack on homeless pair

A dad-to-be who once received an award in Birmingham after detaining an offender following a crime has been jailed in Wales .
Kain Jason , an expectant dad , was caged in South Wales after a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court .
Our sister title WalesOnline reports Jason carried a huge carving knife hit a man with a hammer and targeted a homeless woman with a `` flying kick '' in the centre of Cardiff .
He punched , kicked , and stamped on his victim when an early hours argument turned violent after he asked for a cigarette .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Judge Jeremy Jenkins - happened outside NatWest at the junction between Churchill Way and Queen Street just before midnight on December 29 last year .
Eugene Egan , prosecuting , said Jason and his friends approached a group of men by some benches and asked for a cigarette .
He said there was an argument , which turned violent , and the whole incident was caught on CCTV .
A street sweeping truck went past as the defendant took off his black jacket and pulled a hammer out of his pocket .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hand before lunging towards the victim and striking his shoulder .
The court heard Jason grabbed the man , punched him again , and stamped on him while he was defenceless on the floor .
As the footage was played in court the defendant - who appeared via videolink from HM Cardiff Prison - muttered : `` He 's kicking me in the face .
He hit me in the head with a hammer . ''
Prosecutors said a homeless woman went towards Jason 's jacket on the ground .
Mr Egan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and does what looks like a flying kick , knocking her to the ground . ''
The court heard he put his jacket back on then went to `` rummage '' through the belongings of people in a nearby doorway .
Police arrived and seized a carving knife from the defendant .
Officers recovered the hammer from a bin nearby .
Prosecutors said he had 90 previous offences on his record including armed robbery , assault occasioning actual bodily harm , and possessing controlled drugs with intent to supply .
Jason protested as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 35-year-old from Ludlow Street in Grangetown admitted affray , possessing a knife , and possessing an offensive weapon .
Harry Baker , defending , said Jason received an award when he helped to detain an offender in Birmingham after witnessing a crime .
He told the court : `` His partner is pregnant and due to give birth fairly shortly . ''
Mr Baker said Jason pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and the person who was injured was originally arrested too .
Mr Baker said : `` At that stage he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the defendant . ''
He added he did not know why that person had not been prosecuted .
The court heard no action was taken against other people involved .
Mr Baker said his client had been drinking because it was the anniversary of his mother 's death .
He added : `` His father was stabbed to death in front of him when he was young .
His mother died when he was younger as well .
`` He thinks his drink was spiked to make him behave like that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long-standing problem with alcohol abuse but did try to seek help before he went into custody .
He is now having alcohol treatment in prison .
Judge Jenkins noted the other men were `` minding their own business '' when the defendant approached them and carried out the `` sustained violence '' .
Jason was jailed for 14 months and an order was made for the knife and hammer to be destroyed .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Liz Day, James Rodger)

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A dad-to-be who once received an award in Birmingham after detaining an offender following a crime has been jailed in Wales.
Kain Jason, an expectant dad, was caged in South Wales after a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.
Our sister title WalesOnline reports Jason carried a huge carving knife hit a man with a hammer and targeted a homeless woman with a "flying kick" in the centre of Cardiff.
He punched, kicked, and stamped on his victim when an early hours argument turned violent after he asked for a cigarette.
The act - branded "disgraceful" by Judge Jeremy Jenkins - happened outside NatWest at the junction between Churchill Way and Queen Street just before midnight on December 29 last year.
Eugene Egan, prosecuting, said Jason and his friends approached a group of men by some benches and asked for a cigarette.
He said there was an argument, which turned violent, and the whole incident was caught on CCTV.
A street sweeping truck went past as the defendant took off his black jacket and pulled a hammer out of his pocket. He was seen tapping the hammer in his hand before lunging towards the victim and striking his shoulder.
The court heard Jason grabbed the man, punched him again, and stamped on him while he was defenceless on the floor.
To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts, join our Facebook group here
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As the footage was played in court the defendant - who appeared via videolink from HM Cardiff Prison - muttered: "He's kicking me in the face. He hit me in the head with a hammer."
Prosecutors said a homeless woman went towards Jason's jacket on the ground. Mr Egan added: "He runs towards her and does what looks like a flying kick, knocking her to the ground."
The court heard he put his jacket back on then went to "rummage" through the belongings of people in a nearby doorway.
Police arrived and seized a carving knife from the defendant. Officers recovered the hammer from a bin nearby.
Prosecutors said he had 90 previous offences on his record including armed robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possessing controlled drugs with intent to supply. Jason protested as his previous convictions were read out.
The 35-year-old from Ludlow Street in Grangetown admitted affray, possessing a knife, and possessing an offensive weapon.
Harry Baker, defending, said Jason received an award when he helped to detain an offender in Birmingham after witnessing a crime. He told the court: "His partner is pregnant and due to give birth fairly shortly."
Mr Baker said Jason pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and the person who was injured was originally arrested too.
Mr Baker said: "At that stage he was considered as much of a criminal as the defendant." He added he did not know why that person had not been prosecuted.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The court heard no action was taken against other people involved.
Mr Baker said his client had been drinking because it was the anniversary of his mother's death. He added: "His father was stabbed to death in front of him when he was young. His mother died when he was younger as well.
"He thinks his drink was spiked to make him behave like that."
The court heard the defendant had a long-standing problem with alcohol abuse but did try to seek help before he went into custody. He is now having alcohol treatment in prison.
Judge Jenkins noted the other men were "minding their own business" when the defendant approached them and carried out the "sustained violence".
Jason was jailed for 14 months and an order was made for the knife and hammer to be destroyed.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Blow for hundreds of Solihull villagers who want action on crumbling shortcut

Hopes of a permanent solution for a crumbling cut-through in Solihull have been dashed , after the council warned that stumping up for improvement works could open the door to claims from scores of other streets .
More than 460 people had previously signed a petition , highlighting concerns about flooding and the rapidly deteriorating road surface in Malthouse Row , Marston Green .
The council has said that since the route is an unadopted road , carrying out works could set `` a precedent '' and demands for similar interventions at some of the 150 roads elsewhere it argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigners maintain that Malthouse Row is a hugely popular shortcut , connecting the older part of the village with more recent housing estates , which make it a unique case locally .
Linda Byrne , who started the petition last year , has now warned that the number of people using the road , which connects Station Road and Chelmsley Lane , was only going to increase .
`` It 's going to be getting worse , '' said the 67-year-old .
`` We have got a 50 house development starting , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` 468 people signed this petition .
Is the council going to write to all of them [ to say nothing will be done ] ? ''
Paul Tovey , from the council 's highways team , said : `` At this moment in time we do n't recommend we take any action with regard to the private road , because it would set a certain precedent . ''
The council has said that its drainage experts had nonetheless met with the parish council and residents to provide some advice on flooding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also suggested that it is willing to install two new road signs , at a cost of £300 , which would advertise Malthouse Row as `` a private street '' .
Streets where the council is not responsible for upkeep and maintenance can often be the source of rows and wrangles , with tens of thousands of examples around the country .
Sometimes unadopted roads form part of new developments , with the local authority yet to step in to take responsibility .
In other cases , such as Malthouse Row , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a history to the site which stretches back decades .
At a parish council meeting last year , it was revealed that the Land Registry had no record of ownership , perhaps because no-one registered it back in 1939 .
In addition , none of the residents have a covenant on their homes suggesting they should take charge of its maintenance .

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Hopes of a permanent solution for a crumbling cut-through in Solihull have been dashed, after the council warned that stumping up for improvement works could open the door to claims from scores of other streets.
More than 460 people had previously signed a petition, highlighting concerns about flooding and the rapidly deteriorating road surface in Malthouse Row, Marston Green.
The council has said that since the route is an unadopted road, carrying out works could set "a precedent" and demands for similar interventions at some of the 150 roads elsewhere it argues are in the same boat.
Although campaigners maintain that Malthouse Row is a hugely popular shortcut, connecting the older part of the village with more recent housing estates, which make it a unique case locally.
(Image: Leanne Donnelly)
Linda Byrne, who started the petition last year, has now warned that the number of people using the road, which connects Station Road and Chelmsley Lane, was only going to increase.
"It's going to be getting worse," said the 67-year-old. "We have got a 50 house development starting, we have got the doctor's surgery.
"468 people signed this petition. Is the council going to write to all of them [to say nothing will be done]?"
Paul Tovey, from the council's highways team, said: "At this moment in time we don't recommend we take any action with regard to the private road, because it would set a certain precedent."
The council has said that its drainage experts had nonetheless met with the parish council and residents to provide some advice on flooding of the 95 metre stretch.
And it has also suggested that it is willing to install two new road signs, at a cost of £300, which would advertise Malthouse Row as "a private street".
(Image: David Irwin)
Streets where the council is not responsible for upkeep and maintenance can often be the source of rows and wrangles, with tens of thousands of examples around the country.
Sometimes unadopted roads form part of new developments, with the local authority yet to step in to take responsibility.
In other cases, such as Malthouse Row, the position is often hazy, with a history to the site which stretches back decades.
At a parish council meeting last year, it was revealed that the Land Registry had no record of ownership, perhaps because no-one registered it back in 1939. In addition, none of the residents have a covenant on their homes suggesting they should take charge of its maintenance.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Former Aston Villa striker suggests new contract deal would be shrewd

A former Aston Villa striker has urged Dean Smith to offer a new contract to Andre Green .
The Villa youngster is currently on loan to Charlton Athletic , and has impressed after changing position .
He 's been utilised in a striker partnership since moving to London for the remainder of the season .
However , the remainder of the season is all the time that Green has left on his Villa contract .
While the club hold an extension option , it remains to be seen if the Villa are keen on Green .
It is said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Charlton , and should that continue - it 's likely he 'll be offered a new deal with Villa .
Kevin Phillips - formerly of VIlla himself - suggested that from what he 's seen of the player , a new contract is deserved .
“ He ’ s a young player , I ’ ve seen that he ’ s got potential , why would you not give him a new deal ?
” said Phillips to Football Insider .
“ It ’ s great that Villa and the player have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go out on loan and just play regularly .
“ Perform week in and week out , score the goals , help that team in their league , and progress your game knowing that if you do that you ’ ll probably get rewarded by your parent club , and you ’ ve got a chance of coming back and playing in the Premier League .
“ Credit to Villa and Green , he ’ s going out and starting to make a name for himself , playing every week , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club . ''
Green 's current boss , Lee Bowyer , revealed that the loanee missed out the Addick 's last match due to an injury issue .
“ He had a bit of a sore knee but he had it before Stoke .
It was one of them that was too much of a risk .
`` I ’ m hopeful he ’ ll be OK for the weekend.
” Should he get on top of that issue , Green stands a chance of being signed to Villa for the next few @ @

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A former Aston Villa striker has urged Dean Smith to offer a new contract to Andre Green.
The Villa youngster is currently on loan to Charlton Athletic, and has impressed after changing position. He's been utilised in a striker partnership since moving to London for the remainder of the season.
However, the remainder of the season is all the time that Green has left on his Villa contract.
While the club hold an extension option, it remains to be seen if the Villa are keen on Green. It is said that they have been impressed by his start at Charlton, and should that continue - it's likely he'll be offered a new deal with Villa.
Kevin Phillips - formerly of VIlla himself - suggested that from what he's seen of the player, a new contract is deserved.
“He’s a young player, I’ve seen that he’s got potential, why would you not give him a new deal?” said Phillips to Football Insider.
“It’s great that Villa and the player have agreed, collectively, that he should go out on loan and just play regularly.
“Perform week in and week out, score the goals, help that team in their league, and progress your game knowing that if you do that you’ll probably get rewarded by your parent club, and you’ve got a chance of coming back and playing in the Premier League.
“Credit to Villa and Green, he’s going out and starting to make a name for himself, playing every week, and that can only help you and your parent club."
Green's current boss, Lee Bowyer, revealed that the loanee missed out the Addick's last match due to an injury issue.
“He had a bit of a sore knee but he had it before Stoke. It was one of them that was too much of a risk.
"I’m hopeful he’ll be OK for the weekend.”
Should he get on top of that issue, Green stands a chance of being signed to Villa for the next few seasons.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Face mask shortage could force dentists to shut amid coronavirus outbreak

Dental surgeries in the UK are running out of face masks because of supply problems in China amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The British Dental Association ( BDA ) claimed larger clinics in the UK could be out of masks next week and will not be able to treat patients safely under current rules .
A spokesman said more than 50 per cent of face masks used by health professionals in the UK are made in China and the export has `` essentially ceased '' .
The BDA warned that UK suppliers have issued restrictions , which limit dental practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks per day - 100 masks in total .
The masks are used by dentists and dental nurses , and are also used when sterilising equipment .
The BDA estimates that a single surgery in a typical NHS practice , seeing around 28 patients per day , will be getting through five boxes of masks a week .
They account for about a fifth of all practices in the UK .
Under current guidance , all dental professionals operating in England are told to wear personal protective equipment ( PPE ) including disposable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aprons and eye protection .
BDA chairman Mick Armstrong said : `` Unless we see a rapid increase in supply , dentists without face masks will have little choice but to down drills . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jane Kirby, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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Dental surgeries in the UK are running out of face masks because of supply problems in China amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The British Dental Association (BDA) claimed larger clinics in the UK could be out of masks next week and will not be able to treat patients safely under current rules.
A spokesman said more than 50 per cent of face masks used by health professionals in the UK are made in China and the export has "essentially ceased".
The BDA warned that UK suppliers have issued restrictions, which limit dental practices to no more than two boxes of masks per day - 100 masks in total.
The masks are used by dentists and dental nurses, and are also used when sterilising equipment.
The BDA estimates that a single surgery in a typical NHS practice, seeing around 28 patients per day, will be getting through five boxes of masks a week. They account for about a fifth of all practices in the UK.
Under current guidance, all dental professionals operating in England are told to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including disposable face masks, clinical gloves, disposable aprons and eye protection.
BDA chairman Mick Armstrong said: "Unless we see a rapid increase in supply, dentists without face masks will have little choice but to down drills."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Slowthai issues grovelling apology to Katherine Ryan over NME Awards controversy

Rapper Slowthai has apologised to Katherine Ryan for his behaviour on stage .
The rapper , from Northamptonshire , was criticised at the NME Awards after Twitter users accused him of harassing the comedian .
Ryan was hosting the NME Awards at Brixton Academy , in London , on Wednesday evening .
Slowthai , who had won the hero of the year award at the ceremony , issued an apology on social media today .
On Thursday , he tweeted : `` @ nme please forward my award to @ kathbum for she is the hero of the year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a joke between us escalated to a point of shameful actions on my part .
`` i want to unreservedly apologise , there is no excuse and I am sorry .
i am not a hero .
`` katherine , you are a master at your craft and next time i 'll take my seat and leave the comedy to you .
to any woman or man who saw a reflection of situations they 've been in in those videos , i am sorry . ''
He concluded : `` i promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here . ''
The rapper previously had to apologise after holding a severed Boris Johnson head onstage .
As he left the stage , Ryan joked : “ Thank you Mike from Love Island.
” Ryan also said to the performer : “ You are younger than my babysitter.
” Later she tweeted : `` He did n't make me uncomfortable .
This is why we need women in positions of power .
`` I knew he had lost from the moment he opened his mouth like any heckler coming up against a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COMIC .
I was operating 2/10 .
What a sweet boy .
I defused it .
Tonight was fun ! ''
But fans were less than sympathetic on Twitter , with furious fans declaring Slowthai `` cancelled '' with his name the top Twitter trend in the country .
It was a successful night for Slowthai who won best collaboration for his work with Mura Masa , as well as his hero of the year award , which is voted for by the public .

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Rapper Slowthai has apologised to Katherine Ryan for his behaviour on stage.
The rapper, from Northamptonshire, was criticised at the NME Awards after Twitter users accused him of harassing the comedian.
Ryan was hosting the NME Awards at Brixton Academy, in London, on Wednesday evening.
Slowthai, who had won the hero of the year award at the ceremony, issued an apology on social media today.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
On Thursday, he tweeted: "@nme please forward my award to @kathbum for she is the hero of the year."
He then continued: what started as a joke between us escalated to a point of shameful actions on my part.
"i want to unreservedly apologise, there is no excuse and I am sorry. i am not a hero.
"katherine, you are a master at your craft and next time i'll take my seat and leave the comedy to you. to any woman or man who saw a reflection of situations they've been in in those videos, i am sorry."
He concluded: "i promise to do better. let's talk here."
The rapper previously had to apologise after holding a severed Boris Johnson head onstage.
As he left the stage, Ryan joked: “Thank you Mike from Love Island.”
Ryan also said to the performer: “You are younger than my babysitter.”
Later she tweeted: "He didn't make me uncomfortable. This is why we need women in positions of power.
"I knew he had lost from the moment he opened his mouth like any heckler coming up against a COMIC - not a woman - a COMIC. I was operating 2/10. What a sweet boy. I defused it. Tonight was fun!"
But fans were less than sympathetic on Twitter, with furious fans declaring Slowthai "cancelled" with his name the top Twitter trend in the country.
It was a successful night for Slowthai who won best collaboration for his work with Mura Masa, as well as his hero of the year award, which is voted for by the public.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Live updates: Firefighters and medics at hospital after chemical leak

Dozens of emergency crews are currently working at a Dudley hospital after a chemical leak inside a storeroom .
Medics @ @ @ @ @ have swooped on Corbett Hospital in Vicarage Road , Stourbridge , following the chemical alert @ @ @ @ @ , February 13 .
A number of people – which has not been disclosed – @ @ @ @ @ affected and are currently being treated by ambulance staff , a spokesman for West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ .
Eyewitnesses say patients are being turned away from the site as they continue to @ @ @ @ @ The leak , believed to be inside a storeroom , has since been isolated by @ @ @ @ @ the fire service added : `` We were called at 10.50am to reports of a @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Two fire engines , both from Brierley Hill , were sent to the @ @ @ @ @ the leak has been isolated . ''
This is a breaking news story , we @ @ @ @ @

Dozens of emergency crews are currently working at a Dudley hospital after a chemical leak inside a storeroom.
Medics, police and fire crews have swooped on Corbett Hospital in Vicarage Road, Stourbridge, following the chemical alert at around 11am on Thursday, February 13.
A number of people – which has not been disclosed – are believed to have been affected and are currently being treated by ambulance staff, a spokesman for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said.
Eyewitnesses say patients are being turned away from the site as they continue to work at the scene.
The leak, believed to be inside a storeroom, has since been isolated by crews.
A spokesman for the fire service added: "We were called at 10.50am to reports of a chemical leak at Corbett Hospital.
"Two fire engines, both from Brierley Hill, were sent to the scene. At 11.50am, the leak has been isolated."
This is a breaking news story, we will be updating it.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Marks and Spencer reveal real reason for Solihull Mell Square store closure

A full statement issued by Marks and Spencer has revealed the reason for its Mell Square store closure .
The retailer , a firm favourite among British consumers , and renowned for its food , clothing and homeware , has spoken out today .
On Thursday , it was confirmed the flagship store , situated in Solihull , in the West Midlands , was due to close .
And Marks and Spencer has now confirmed the reasons for this - and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the nearby store in Shirley .
To keep up-to-date with all things happening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andy Barber , M & S Head of Region for West Midlands , blamed the closure on `` changing '' shopping habits .
The news comes on the same day Marks and Spencer confirmed its distribution centre , operated by DHL , would close in Long Eaton , in Derbyshire .
Mr Barber said : “ Shopping habits are changing , so we ’ re reshaping our store estate to ensure it meets the needs of customers today – and those of tomorrow . ''
He added that the chain was committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park .
Mr Barber continued : `` As part of this transformation , we will be expanding our M & S Sears Retail Park store to offer customers a bigger and better food offer , a new clothing department and a large M & S Café .
`` The new and improved store will be finished during summer 2021 and , in line with the expansion , our existing store on Mell Square in Solihull will close once the development is complete . ''
Reflecting on feedback from shoppers , the Head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We appreciate this will be disappointing news for some , but we believe this is the right decision to ensure a sustainable future in Solihull and the best possible offer for customers . ''
And on job losses , he added : `` All our Mell Square colleagues will move across to our expanded Sears Retail Park store when it opens and we will keep the community updated as the works progress .
”

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A full statement issued by Marks and Spencer has revealed the reason for its Mell Square store closure.
The retailer, a firm favourite among British consumers, and renowned for its food, clothing and homeware, has spoken out today.
On Thursday, it was confirmed the flagship store, situated in Solihull, in the West Midlands, was due to close.
And Marks and Spencer has now confirmed the reasons for this - and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the nearby store in Shirley.
To keep up-to-date with all things happening in Solihull, like our Facebook page here
Andy Barber, M&S Head of Region for West Midlands, blamed the closure on "changing" shopping habits.
The news comes on the same day Marks and Spencer confirmed its distribution centre, operated by DHL, would close in Long Eaton, in Derbyshire.
Mr Barber said: “Shopping habits are changing, so we’re reshaping our store estate to ensure it meets the needs of customers today – and those of tomorrow."
He added that the chain was committed to expanding the nearby store at Sears Retail Park.
Mr Barber continued: "As part of this transformation, we will be expanding our M&S Sears Retail Park store to offer customers a bigger and better food offer, a new clothing department and a large M&S Café.
"The new and improved store will be finished during summer 2021 and, in line with the expansion, our existing store on Mell Square in Solihull will close once the development is complete."
Reflecting on feedback from shoppers, the Head of Region for West Midlands concluded: “We appreciate this will be disappointing news for some, but we believe this is the right decision to ensure a sustainable future in Solihull and the best possible offer for customers."
And on job losses, he added: "All our Mell Square colleagues will move across to our expanded Sears Retail Park store when it opens and we will keep the community updated as the works progress.”


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Stormzy tour rescheduled over coronavirus outbreak fears

Stormzy has rescheduled the Asia leg of his Heavy Is The Head tour because of the coronavirus outbreak .
In a post on Instagram , Stormzy wrote : `` I was seriously looking forward to bringing the # HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold-out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the Coronavirus , I 'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the Tour .
`` Information regarding the rescheduled dates will follow in due course .
Please contact your local ticket vendor for any further queries .
I promise I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headliner was announced at the top of the bill for the forthcoming Reading and Leeds Festivals on Wednesday .
Stormzy headlined Glastonbury , in Pilton , in Somerset , last year , with stints at Reading and Leeds to come in August 2020 .
He is joined by Liam Gallagher and Rage Against The Machine at the top of the bill for the three-day music festival .
Other acts confirmed to play the festivals , in Berkshire and Yorkshire , include Sam Fender , Slowthai , Courteeners , Lady Leshurr and Mabel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ diversity on the bill , The 1975 pledged yesterday to fans that they would only play gender balanced festivals going forward .

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Stormzy has rescheduled the Asia leg of his Heavy Is The Head tour because of the coronavirus outbreak.
In a post on Instagram, Stormzy wrote: "I was seriously looking forward to bringing the #HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold-out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the Coronavirus, I'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the Tour.
"Information regarding the rescheduled dates will follow in due course. Please contact your local ticket vendor for any further queries. I promise I'll be back".
The Glastonbury headliner was announced at the top of the bill for the forthcoming Reading and Leeds Festivals on Wednesday.
Stormzy headlined Glastonbury, in Pilton, in Somerset, last year, with stints at Reading and Leeds to come in August 2020.
He is joined by Liam Gallagher and Rage Against The Machine at the top of the bill for the three-day music festival.
Other acts confirmed to play the festivals, in Berkshire and Yorkshire, include Sam Fender, Slowthai, Courteeners, Lady Leshurr and Mabel.
After a backlash to the lack of diversity on the bill, The 1975 pledged yesterday to fans that they would only play gender balanced festivals going forward.


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Astonishing pictures show stunning revamp of Moseley Road Baths after it was saved by community

This is the first look inside Birmingham 's historic Moseley Road Baths after its £800,000 revamp .
The Balsall Heath building is the oldest of the five Grade II* listed public swimming baths in the country - dating back to 1907 .
But the Edwardian is crumbling and falling apart and has been saved by the local community .
It has two pools and the larger one , the Gala Pool , closed to the public in 2003 .
The smaller Number 2 Pool is still open for swimming and is run by volunteers from the Moseley Roads Baths Charitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest phase of the revamp , essential repairs were carried out to the roof of the Gala Pool - thanks to a grant of over £800,000 from Historic England and other partners .
These include Birmingham City Council , the National Trust and the World Monuments Fund .
To keep up-to-date with all things happening in Moseley , like our Facebook page here Now the repairs have been completed , members of the public will be able to see the inside of the Gala Pool without scaffolding or debris for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue in the smaller pool , but the Gala Pool will be turned into a community arts venue , whilst its long term future is considered .
The next stage in the restoration project will now continue , with work being carried out on the Gala Pool 's deteriorated infrastructure , including the balcony area .
This will take place alongside ongoing repairs and maintenance of the building .
Moseley Road Baths are the only baths built before 1914 to have continuously hosted swimming since they opened .
Even today , a thriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the smaller pool .
Saving the baths has been driven by a group of local volunteers and community enthusiasts .
They set up the Friends of Moseley Baths and turned it into a formal charitable organisation .
It has been on Historic England 's Heritage at Risk register since 2005 .
It is significant because of the architectural quality and remarkably complete interior , with many of the rare fittings and fixtures still instact .
These include an almost complete set of 46 private washing rooms , known as the `` slipper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country .
The oak ticket offices and attendants ' kiosks also remain in place , along with possibly the only surviving steam-heated drying racks in a British swimming pool .
Now the Moseley Road Baths CIO will use the Gala Pool space for events with the first booking being an arts installation Specular Reflecular , co-produced by Trust New Art , the CIO and local residents .
The artists , Juneau Projects , worked with local residents to produce hand-drawn animation celebrating the baths .
This will take place from March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional director Midlands Louise Brennan said : “ Moseley Road Baths has been a key Heritage at Risk project for us for some time now and we ’ re so keen to see this special building ’ s future secured .
We have provided many years of technical advice and expertise , project support and several grants .
The completion of the roof repairs is a major step towards returning this extraordinary site to its former glory.
” Moseley Roads Baths CIO trustee , Kat Pearson , said : “ Moseley Road Baths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heath for 112 years , not just as a swimming pool but as a meeting place and a focal point for community activism .
These repairs are hugely important to MRB CIO and the community of swimmers we represent as they have made this stunning space accessible again . ''

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This is the first look inside Birmingham's historic Moseley Road Baths after its £800,000 revamp.
The Balsall Heath building is the oldest of the five Grade II* listed public swimming baths in the country - dating back to 1907. But the Edwardian is crumbling and falling apart and has been saved by the local community.
It has two pools and the larger one, the Gala Pool, closed to the public in 2003. The smaller Number 2 Pool is still open for swimming and is run by volunteers from the Moseley Roads Baths Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
In the latest phase of the revamp, essential repairs were carried out to the roof of the Gala Pool - thanks to a grant of over £800,000 from Historic England and other partners. These include Birmingham City Council, the National Trust and the World Monuments Fund.
To keep up-to-date with all things happening in Moseley, like our Facebook page here
(Image: Moseley Road Baths CIO)
Now the repairs have been completed, members of the public will be able to see the inside of the Gala Pool without scaffolding or debris for the first time in 17 years. Swimming will continue in the smaller pool, but the Gala Pool will be turned into a community arts venue, whilst its long term future is considered.
The next stage in the restoration project will now continue, with work being carried out on the Gala Pool's deteriorated infrastructure, including the balcony area. This will take place alongside ongoing repairs and maintenance of the building.
Moseley Road Baths are the only baths built before 1914 to have continuously hosted swimming since they opened. Even today, a thriving programme of swimming sessions are still held at the smaller pool.
Saving the baths has been driven by a group of local volunteers and community enthusiasts. They set up the Friends of Moseley Baths and turned it into a formal charitable organisation.
It has been on Historic England's Heritage at Risk register since 2005. It is significant because of the architectural quality and remarkably complete interior, with many of the rare fittings and fixtures still instact.
These include an almost complete set of 46 private washing rooms, known as the "slipper baths", the only complete set in the country. The oak ticket offices and attendants' kiosks also remain in place, along with possibly the only surviving steam-heated drying racks in a British swimming pool.
Now the Moseley Road Baths CIO will use the Gala Pool space for events with the first booking being an arts installation Specular Reflecular, co-produced by Trust New Art, the CIO and local residents.
The artists, Juneau Projects, worked with local residents to produce hand-drawn animation celebrating the baths. This will take place from March 5 to 28.
Historic England's regional director Midlands Louise Brennan said: “Moseley Road Baths has been a key Heritage at Risk project for us for some time now and we’re so keen to see this special building’s future secured. We have provided many years of technical advice and expertise, project support and several grants. The completion of the roof repairs is a major step towards returning this extraordinary site to its former glory.”
Moseley Roads Baths CIO trustee, Kat Pearson, said: “Moseley Road Baths has been an important building for Balsall Heath for 112 years, not just as a swimming pool but as a meeting place and a focal point for community activism. These repairs are hugely important to MRB CIO and the community of swimmers we represent as they have made this stunning space accessible again."


birminghammail--2020-02-13--Watch: West Brom star Matheus Pereira leads the celebrations at Reading

Matheus Pereira was back to his brilliant best as West Brom toppled Reading on Wednesday night .
The Brazilian playmaker , who has endeared himself to the Albion faithful during his first six months at The Hawthorns , has flair , strength and an eye for goal - all traits that make him a Baggies fan favourite .
Pereira ’ s sixth goal of the season at the Madejski Stadium set Albion on their way to all three points and helped them to extend their lead at the top of the Championship table .
Good friends with Filip Krovinovic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into his surroundings with ease and is enjoying playing just off the centre forward - he ’ s featured there with great results in the last week .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
Make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handy daily catch up ... • Super Slav has his say after Reading win - READ • Why Albion are called 'the Baggies ' ( it 's not what you think ) - READ • The player ratings against the Royals - READ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com More than that , though , Pereira is a character .
He led the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the near 1,500 travelling supporters who had made the journey south to Berkshire , rewarded for their efforts with a victory .
Pereira , the conductor of the Albion orchestra on the pitch , dictated the merrymaking in the stands .
Check out the video at the top of the screen as Pereira and Albion revel in their latest success .

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Matheus Pereira was back to his brilliant best as West Brom toppled Reading on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian playmaker, who has endeared himself to the Albion faithful during his first six months at The Hawthorns, has flair, strength and an eye for goal - all traits that make him a Baggies fan favourite.
Pereira’s sixth goal of the season at the Madejski Stadium set Albion on their way to all three points and helped them to extend their lead at the top of the Championship table.
Good friends with Filip Krovinovic and Grady Diangana, he’s settled into his surroundings with ease and is enjoying playing just off the centre forward - he’s featured there with great results in the last week.
More than that, though, Pereira is a character.
He led the celebrations as the Albion players skipped over to the near 1,500 travelling supporters who had made the journey south to Berkshire, rewarded for their efforts with a victory.
Pereira, the conductor of the Albion orchestra on the pitch, dictated the merrymaking in the stands.
Check out the video at the top of the screen as Pereira and Albion revel in their latest success.