birminghammail--2020-02-24--Foreign Office issues urgent new advice for Brits travelling to Italy amid coronavirus fears

The UK Foreign Office has changed its advice for British travellers heading to Italy amid growing concerns about the spread of coronavirus in the country .
The government of Italy has introduced extraordinary measures that allow regions to implement civil protection measures in response to the deadly condition .
Italian authorities have called off the Venice Carnival in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus amid rapidly rising numbers of infections in the country and a third death .
The decision to call off the carnival was announced by Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia as the numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest number outside Asia .
`` The ordinance is immediately operative and will go into effect at midnight , '' said Mr Zaia , whose area includes Venice , where thousands packed St Mark 's Square .
The carnival would have run through to Tuesday .
Road blocks were set up in at least some of 10 towns in Lombardy at the epicentre of the outbreak , including in Casalpusterlengo , to keep people from leaving or arriving .
Buses , trains and other forms of public transport - including boats in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zaia told reporters .
Museums were also ordered to shut down after Sunday in Venice , a top tourist draw anytime of the year , as well as in neighbouring Lombardy .
Authorities said three people in Venice have tested positive for the viral disease known as Covid-19 , all of them in their late 80s and who were taken to hospital in critical condition .
Other northern regions with smaller numbers of cases are Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont .
In Austria , security official Franz Lang said the country was considering activating border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the European Union 's visa- and passport-free zone , but under certain circumstances , individual countries can reactivate controls .

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The UK Foreign Office has changed its advice for British travellers heading to Italy amid growing concerns about the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The government of Italy has introduced extraordinary measures that allow regions to implement civil protection measures in response to the deadly condition.
Italian authorities have called off the Venice Carnival in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus amid rapidly rising numbers of infections in the country and a third death.
The decision to call off the carnival was announced by Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia as the numbers of confirmed virus cases soared to 152, the largest number outside Asia.
"The ordinance is immediately operative and will go into effect at midnight," said Mr Zaia, whose area includes Venice, where thousands packed St Mark's Square.
The carnival would have run through to Tuesday. Road blocks were set up in at least some of 10 towns in Lombardy at the epicentre of the outbreak, including in Casalpusterlengo, to keep people from leaving or arriving.
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Buses, trains and other forms of public transport - including boats in Venice - were being disinfected, Mr Zaia told reporters.
Museums were also ordered to shut down after Sunday in Venice, a top tourist draw anytime of the year, as well as in neighbouring Lombardy.
Authorities said three people in Venice have tested positive for the viral disease known as Covid-19, all of them in their late 80s and who were taken to hospital in critical condition.
Other northern regions with smaller numbers of cases are Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.
In Austria, security official Franz Lang said the country was considering activating border controls to Italy.
Both nations are part of the European Union's visa- and passport-free zone, but under certain circumstances, individual countries can reactivate controls.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Auschwitz condemns Hunters TV series over human chess scene - branding it 'dangerous'

The Auschwitz Memorial has objected to a scene in a new TV series that shows a murderous game of human @ @ @ @ @ that no such thing took place at the camp .
The museum that guards the @ @ @ @ @ facts and the memory of the victims tweeted about the scene in Amazon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ inventing fake scenes is “ dangerous foolishness and caricature ” .
Museum spokesman Pawel Sawicki @ @ @ @ @ and artists have a special obligation to tell the truth about Auschwitz , and that @ @ @ @ @ contact the museum for facts .
Hunters is about a post-war hunt in New York @ @ @ @ @ It includes a scene where inmates are figures in a chess game and are killed @ @ @ @ @ the chessboard .
“ This is false .
There was no such thing , ” @ @ @ @ @ movie talks about a place where human suffering , pain and tragedy are very well-documented @ @ @ @ @ adhered to , Mr Sawicki said .

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The Auschwitz Memorial has objected to a scene in a new TV series that shows a murderous game of human chess being played, insisting that no such thing took place at the camp.
The museum that guards the Auschwitz site, its historic facts and the memory of the victims tweeted about the scene in Amazon’s series Hunters.
It said inventing fake scenes is “dangerous foolishness and caricature”.
Museum spokesman Pawel Sawicki said on Monday that authors and artists have a special obligation to tell the truth about Auschwitz, and that the Hunters authors did not contact the museum for facts.
Hunters is about a post-war hunt in New York for Nazi war criminals. It includes a scene where inmates are figures in a chess game and are killed when they are taken off the chessboard.
“This is false. There was no such thing,” Mr Sawicki said.
The movie talks about a place where human suffering, pain and tragedy are very well-documented and the facts should be adhered to, Mr Sawicki said.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Lidl pay man £100 compensation after red wine splatters over his white walls

A man was awarded £100 compensation from Lidl after he opened a bottle of wine - and it spilled over his kitchen .
Retired police officer Chris Burke , 53 , accused the budget supermarket chain of selling him a faulty bottle after his white walls were left splattered with red wine stains .
He claimed the bottle was not installed correctly and the damage was caused when the cork fell straight into the bottle .
It spurted out leaving a freshly installed blind in ruins .
He said he then faced a battle with Lidl to pay for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compensate him for .
Chris , from Barnstaple , Devon , said : `` I bought a bottle of red wine from Lidl and it would appear the cork was n't fitted correctly .
`` I placed a corkscrew on the top and the cork slipped straight into the bottle and red wine squirted , or ejaculated if you like , out the bottle all over my white walls .
`` The three walls had to be repainted and the kitchen blind was covered in red wine so that will need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Lidl the next day .
I explained what had happened and they took the bottle and refunded it straight back . ''
Chris said he had to buy a new tin of paint for £30 and spent nine hours repainting the kitchen .
He also had to replace a £93 blind , and wanted Lidl to compensate him for both items - a total of £123 .
Chris received a letter which read : `` Thank you for providing us with the invoices for the cost of damage . ''
A letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then a cheque raised for the sum of £98.91 .
`` I would like to thank you for your patience while we look into your complaint and I hope this correspondence assures you that your complaint is being taken seriously . ''
A spokesperson later said : `` We were very sorry to hear of this matter and can confirm that a full refund was provided as soon as our store team were made aware .
`` Further to this , our Quality Assurance team are in contact with the customer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage incurred will also be covered . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (John Bett, James Rodger)

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A man was awarded £100 compensation from Lidl after he opened a bottle of wine - and it spilled over his kitchen.
Retired police officer Chris Burke, 53, accused the budget supermarket chain of selling him a faulty bottle after his white walls were left splattered with red wine stains.
He claimed the bottle was not installed correctly and the damage was caused when the cork fell straight into the bottle.
It spurted out leaving a freshly installed blind in ruins.
He said he then faced a battle with Lidl to pay for the damage which they have eventually offered to compensate him for.
Chris, from Barnstaple, Devon, said: "I bought a bottle of red wine from Lidl and it would appear the cork wasn't fitted correctly.
"I placed a corkscrew on the top and the cork slipped straight into the bottle and red wine squirted out the bottle all over my white walls.
"The three walls had to be repainted and the kitchen blind was covered in red wine so that will need to be replaced.
"I went straight back to Lidl the next day. I explained what had happened and they took the bottle and refunded it straight back.''
(Image: SWNS)
Chris said he had to buy a new tin of paint for £30 and spent nine hours repainting the kitchen.
He also had to replace a £93 blind, and wanted Lidl to compensate him for both items - a total of £123.
He was eventually offered £98.91.
Chris received a letter which read: "Thank you for providing us with the invoices for the cost of damage.
''A letter will be sent to you to sign and then a cheque raised for the sum of £98.91.
"I would like to thank you for your patience while we look into your complaint and I hope this correspondence assures you that your complaint is being taken seriously."
(Image: SWNS)
A spokesperson later said: "We were very sorry to hear of this matter and can confirm that a full refund was provided as soon as our store team were made aware.
"Further to this, our Quality Assurance team are in contact with the customer and have confirmed that the cost of the damage incurred will also be covered."


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Asda and Tesco is giving free baby wipes, nappies and bottle sterilisers to parents

Asda and Tesco is giving away free nappies , baby grows and wipes to new mums and dads .
The two supermarket giants , both of which operate multiple stores in Birmingham , are giving mums and dads the chance to make huge savings .
Parents can take advantage of huge discounts , deals and savings at both stores this week .
The supermarkets are offering a bundle of products , including nappies , wipes , a baby grow , sterilising tablets and Sudocrem .
The deal is available through the pregnancy app , Bounty , and includes different freebies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she got ten items free in her pack from Asda , reports the Mirror .
The shopper told the Extreme Couponing and Bargains Facebook group she got three packs of wipes , one detergent sample , one fabric softener sample , one pack of nappies , one babygrow , one pregnancy guide , one pot of Sudocrem , and bottle sterilisation tablets .
Tesco would n't say how much the total packs are worth but Little Angels Nappies usually cost 89p at Asda , while the wipes cost 40p .
The expectant mum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the supermarket 's pharmacy this week .
Asda says the packs can also be picked up from customer services , and that they 'll have a refreshed range of products in March .
There is no expiry date on the offer and you can download the Bounty app for free in the app store or via Google Play .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emma Munbodh, James Rodger)

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Asda and Tesco is giving away free nappies, baby grows and wipes to new mums and dads.
The two supermarket giants, both of which operate multiple stores in Birmingham, are giving mums and dads the chance to make huge savings.
Parents can take advantage of huge discounts, deals and savings at both stores this week.
The supermarkets are offering a bundle of products, including nappies, wipes, a baby grow, sterilising tablets and Sudocrem.
The deal is available through the pregnancy app, Bounty, and includes different freebies every month.
(Image: Anthony Devlin / PA Wire)
One savvy shopper revealed she got ten items free in her pack from Asda, reports the Mirror.
The shopper told the Extreme Couponing and Bargains Facebook group she got three packs of wipes, one detergent sample, one fabric softener sample, one pack of nappies, one babygrow, one pregnancy guide, one pot of Sudocrem, and bottle sterilisation tablets.
Tesco wouldn't say how much the total packs are worth but Little Angels Nappies usually cost 89p at Asda, while the wipes cost 40p.
The expectant mum added that she picked up the pack from the supermarket's pharmacy this week.
Asda says the packs can also be picked up from customer services, and that they'll have a refreshed range of products in March.
There is no expiry date on the offer and you can download the Bounty app for free in the app store or via Google Play.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--'He'll go for millions' - Manager responds to Aston Villa transfer interest

Aston Villa-linked defender Jack Tucker will “ go for millions ” according to his manager Steve Evans .
The 20-year-old has shone for Gillingham this season , playing a vital role in their recent impressive run in League One .
That form has reportedly attracted interest from the Premier League , with Villa claimed to be among the sides tracking his progress .
Tucker only put pen to paper on a new long-term contract in December but the Gills are thought open selling if a big enough offer comes in - and Evans is sure the youngster will command a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We knew we had less resources so what did we do ?
We found an Alfie Jones , we found a Tom O ’ Connor , we found Jack Tucker who we were told was being released from the football club and we gave him a new chance – and he ’ ll go for millions .
“ We found all these boys just by looking at their backgrounds , yes they can play .
Have they got good stats ?
Yes .
“ Let ’ s check their characters out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apples in our basket and that gives us a chance .
“ Every manager would say that but they don ’ t believe it when they go home – I believe it.
” According to reports in the national press , West Ham United are also keen on Tucker , who has made 26 league appearances this season .
Villa have been keen to snap up young players with the potential to improve since Dean Smith was appointed and Tucker fits the bill in that sense .

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Aston Villa-linked defender Jack Tucker will “go for millions” according to his manager Steve Evans.
The 20-year-old has shone for Gillingham this season, playing a vital role in their recent impressive run in League One.
That form has reportedly attracted interest from the Premier League, with Villa claimed to be among the sides tracking his progress.
Tucker only put pen to paper on a new long-term contract in December but the Gills are thought open selling if a big enough offer comes in - and Evans is sure the youngster will command a hefty fee.
He told Kent Online:“We knew we had less resources so what did we do? We found an Alfie Jones, we found a Tom O’Connor, we found Jack Tucker who we were told was being released from the football club and we gave him a new chance – and he’ll go for millions.
“We found all these boys just by looking at their backgrounds, yes they can play. Have they got good stats? Yes.
“Let’s check their characters out – we’ve got all good apples in our basket and that gives us a chance.
“Every manager would say that but they don’t believe it when they go home – I believe it.”
According to reports in the national press, West Ham United are also keen on Tucker, who has made 26 league appearances this season.
Villa have been keen to snap up young players with the potential to improve since Dean Smith was appointed and Tucker fits the bill in that sense.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Fears vandal-hit playground is 'unsafe' for children in Solihull

A grandfather has called for a vandal-hit playground in North Solihull to be `` brought up to scratch '' amid fears damaged equipment could pose a risk to children .
Roy Hylands , from Fordbridge , said he was concerned the jagged edge on a swing and bolts apparently removed from a climbing wall may endanger youngsters at the Chapelhouse Road site .
A damaged area of tarmac - where a hole had been torn - has already been repaired , but he is keen to see the council deal with the other issues .
Showing the Local Democracy Reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week , Mr Hylands also pointed out a badly-rusted rubbish bin , loose fencing and a basketball court missing one of its hoops .
The 66-year-old , who regularly visits the facilities with two grandchildren , aged ten and 12 , said he was worried about the safety of younger children .
`` It 's for the kids really , '' he said .
`` This is the worst condition I 've seen it in .
It needs bringing up to scratch . ''
Cllr David Cole ( Lab , Kingshurst & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tear at many local sites and said he had reported the concerns about the Chapelhouse Road equipment to council officers .
`` There 's nothing worse than robbing young children of their enjoyment , '' he said .
The concerns about the condition of the kit , near to the Grace Academy , come just a few weeks after the facilities at Babbs Mill , in neighbouring Kingshurst , were also targeted by vandals .
At the Fordbridge Road site both newly-installed and existing items of equipment were attacked .
Love Solihull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week repairs there had been completed .
But back in 2018 , there were also calls for more investment in `` tired '' facilities in the south of the borough , amid fears they were letting down Solihull 's award-winning parks .
While wanton vandalism has proven a problem at several sites , some councillors have also highlighted difficulties arising in play areas which are initially funded by housing developers but leave the local authority with significant maintenance costs once the equipment is installed .
Solihull Council has been contacted for comment @ @ @ @

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A grandfather has called for a vandal-hit playground in North Solihull to be "brought up to scratch" amid fears damaged equipment could pose a risk to children.
Roy Hylands, from Fordbridge, said he was concerned the jagged edge on a swing and bolts apparently removed from a climbing wall may endanger youngsters at the Chapelhouse Road site.
A damaged area of tarmac - where a hole had been torn - has already been repaired, but he is keen to see the council deal with the other issues.
Showing the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) around the site last week, Mr Hylands also pointed out a badly-rusted rubbish bin, loose fencing and a basketball court missing one of its hoops.
The 66-year-old, who regularly visits the facilities with two grandchildren, aged ten and 12, said he was worried about the safety of younger children.
"It's for the kids really," he said. "This is the worst condition I've seen it in. It needs bringing up to scratch."
(Image: David Irwin)
Cllr David Cole (Lab, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) blamed vandals for the wear and tear at many local sites and said he had reported the concerns about the Chapelhouse Road equipment to council officers.
"There's nothing worse than robbing young children of their enjoyment," he said.
The concerns about the condition of the kit, near to the Grace Academy, come just a few weeks after the facilities at Babbs Mill, in neighbouring Kingshurst, were also targeted by vandals.
(Image: David Irwin)
At the Fordbridge Road site both newly-installed and existing items of equipment were attacked.
Love Solihull, a council environmental group, confirmed last week repairs there had been completed.
But back in 2018, there were also calls for more investment in "tired" facilities in the south of the borough, amid fears they were letting down Solihull's award-winning parks.
While wanton vandalism has proven a problem at several sites, some councillors have also highlighted difficulties arising in play areas which are initially funded by housing developers but leave the local authority with significant maintenance costs once the equipment is installed.
Solihull Council has been contacted for comment about Chapelhouse Park.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Thousands of Birmingham supermarket workers could be set for £10,000 in back pay

More than 1,200 workers in Birmingham ’ s big five supermarkets could be awardedup to £10,000 in back pay .
Thousands have so far joined a legal fight for equal pay .
The staff work across 125 stores at Asda , Sainsbury ’ s , Tesco , Morrisons and the Co-op throughout the Birmingham area .
Lawyers at Leigh Day solicitors are acting on behalf of the workers .
The firm says that , if all the eligible staff at Birmingham ’ s Sainsbury ’ s stores alone were to join the claim for equal pay , the supermarket could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back-payments .
The claim is on behalf of hourly paid store-based staff , mainly women , who claim their work is of equal value to that of workers , mainly men , who work in the supermarkets ’ distribution centres .
The difference in hourly pay for a shop floor worker and a distribution centre worker at the big five supermarkets can range from £1.50 to £3 .
Lawyers believe the average worker could be entitled to £10,000 in back pay up to six years .
Some may be entitled to as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims for more than 45,000 supermarket workers nationally , but say the biggest concentration of claims is in Birmingham .
The campaign for equal pay for equal work among supermarket workers carries particular weight in Birmingham because of Leigh Day ’ s hugely successful campaign for equal pay for employees of Birmingham City Council in 2012 .
Equal pay claims were heard and won in the High Court , Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court after Leigh Day fought on behalf of the women involved .
Chris Benson , who leads the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Supermarket workers in Birmingham have been buoyed by the success of the claims by workers at Birmingham City Council .
`` It has given them the confidence to make similar claims .
“ These claims relate to work done in stores compared to work done in the supermarket distribution centres .
“ Despite equal pay laws being in place for almost 50 years , our clients believe they are still unlawfully underpaid .
`` Our clients believe that store and distribution jobs are equally important to the big five supermarkets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This case is not about whether the jobs are identical or even the same ; it is saying they are of equal value.
” Supermarket workers who think they may be entitled to join the claim , can visit the Equal Pay Now website and watch this video for more information .

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More than 1,200 workers in Birmingham’s big five supermarkets could be awarded up to £10,000 in back pay.
Thousands have so far joined a legal fight for equal pay.
The staff work across 125 stores at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons and the Co-op throughout the Birmingham area.
Lawyers at Leigh Day solicitors are acting on behalf of the workers.
The firm says that, if all the eligible staff at Birmingham’s Sainsbury’s stores alone were to join the claim for equal pay, the supermarket could have to pay up to £65m in back-payments.
The claim is on behalf of hourly paid store-based staff, mainly women, who claim their work is of equal value to that of workers, mainly men, who work in the supermarkets’ distribution centres.
The difference in hourly pay for a shop floor worker and a distribution centre worker at the big five supermarkets can range from £1.50 to £3. Lawyers believe the average worker could be entitled to £10,000 in back pay up to six years.
Some may be entitled to as much as £20,000.
Leigh Day is handling claims for more than 45,000 supermarket workers nationally, but say the biggest concentration of claims is in Birmingham.
The campaign for equal pay for equal work among supermarket workers carries particular weight in Birmingham because of Leigh Day’s hugely successful campaign for equal pay for employees of Birmingham City Council in 2012.
Equal pay claims were heard and won in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court after Leigh Day fought on behalf of the women involved.
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Chris Benson, who leads the equal pay team at Leigh Day, said: “Supermarket workers in Birmingham have been buoyed by the success of the claims by workers at Birmingham City Council.
"It has given them the confidence to make similar claims.
“These claims relate to work done in stores compared to work done in the supermarket distribution centres.
“Despite equal pay laws being in place for almost 50 years, our clients believe they are still unlawfully underpaid.
"Our clients believe that store and distribution jobs are equally important to the big five supermarkets and should be paid equally.
"This case is not about whether the jobs are identical or even the same; it is saying they are of equal value.”
Supermarket workers who think they may be entitled to join the claim, can visit the Equal Pay Now website and watch this video for more information.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--The Preston North End injury list as West Brom prepare for another promotion clash

Preston North End will be without Daniel Johnson when they visit The Hawthorns on Tuesday evening .
The Lilywhites head to West Brom still in with a squeak of making the automatic promotion places , but they ’ re once again expected to be deprived of Johnson ’ s presence .
The midfielder missed the win over Hull City at Deepdale on Saturday , but boss Alex Neil reasoned that he ’ s unlikely to take a risk with him against league leaders Albion .
“ I ’ m not sure DJ is going to make this one , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a training session , ” Neil told LancsLive .
“ We ’ ve had it scanned and it ’ s inflamed a little bit but we don ’ t think it will be a long term thing.
” 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • Watch the near 3,000 Albion fans celebrate at full time - WATCH • Jake Livermore stars as we rate the Albion players - READ • Bilic on the red card and his side 's character - 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 Elsewhere , Preston will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bodin , Louis Moult and Tom Bayliss for the trip to the Baggies .
Albion , meanwhile , will have a spot in their match-day squad to fill after the sending off of Romaine Sawyers at Bristol City at the weekend .
Rekeem Harper is the leading contender to take up the place vacated by Sawyers in Slaven Bilic ’ s starting line-up , while Chris Brunt could also come into contention .
Gareth Barry and Kieran Gibbs have both made good progress in their respective injury comebacks , but were denied a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week after the match with Norwich City was called off due to a waterlogged pitch .

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Preston North End will be without Daniel Johnson when they visit The Hawthorns on Tuesday evening.
The Lilywhites head to West Brom still in with a squeak of making the automatic promotion places, but they’re once again expected to be deprived of Johnson’s presence.
The midfielder missed the win over Hull City at Deepdale on Saturday, but boss Alex Neil reasoned that he’s unlikely to take a risk with him against league leaders Albion.
“I’m not sure DJ is going to make this one, his knee flared up at the end of a training session,” Neil told LancsLive. “We’ve had it scanned and it’s inflamed a little bit but we don’t think it will be a long term thing.”
Elsewhere, Preston will also be without the trio of Billy Bodin, Louis Moult and Tom Bayliss for the trip to the Baggies.
Albion, meanwhile, will have a spot in their match-day squad to fill after the sending off of Romaine Sawyers at Bristol City at the weekend.
Rekeem Harper is the leading contender to take up the place vacated by Sawyers in Slaven Bilic’s starting line-up, while Chris Brunt could also come into contention.
Gareth Barry and Kieran Gibbs have both made good progress in their respective injury comebacks, but were denied a run-out in Albion’s under 23s last week after the match with Norwich City was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--'Die happy' - This Sheffield Wednesday star has not forgotten his Aston Villa roots

If there was any doubt Barry Bannan enjoyed scoring against Birmingham City on Saturday , the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has cleared it up .
Bannan fired a pinpoint strike past Lee Camp at St Andrew ’ s , the first of two Owls equalisers in a thrilling 3-3 draw between the two teams .
The 30-year-old was ultimately left disappointed by an injury time equaliser from Blues ’ Scott Hogan – but as a former Aston Villa player he did at least admit to a degree of personal satisfaction .
“ I can die happy now , ” Bannan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that I ’ ve wanted to do and I ’ m unhappy that it ’ s not contributed to three points but it was a good one to get , to put one over the Birmingham City fans.
” However , the game would end on a note of frustration as Hogan ’ s strike meant the visitors were denied a first league win in seven games .
“ It was horrible today , ” Bannan continued .
“ We dug in and could have maybe made it 4-2 when [ Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reckon that was a bit changing point in the game – I reckon if he scores that , the game ’ s finished .
“ But ‘ Murph ’ was brilliant – he was very unlucky .
Those are harder than the one he scored because he had so much time to think about it .
“ If he ’ d have scored that , we would have won the game but it was a killer blow at the end .
“ It ’ s happened numerous times now , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just got to take it on the chin and bounce back on Wednesday .
“ It ’ s a horrible one to take but at the same time , you can take a lot from it .
“ We should have [ won ] , but this is a tough place to come , so it ’ s a little confidence booster for the rest of the games coming up .
“ You know in this league , anything can happen .
Even this weekend , teams above us have dropped points .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet and if we can just go a run , we ’ re capable of putting four or five wins together .
“ It ’ s alright saying it , but it ’ s about going out and doing it , but if we can do that , then let ’ s see what happens.
” Wednesday face Charlton at Hillsborough on the same night Blues go to Millwall .

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If there was any doubt Barry Bannan enjoyed scoring against Birmingham City on Saturday, the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has cleared it up.
Bannan fired a pinpoint strike past Lee Camp at St Andrew’s, the first of two Owls equalisers in a thrilling 3-3 draw between the two teams.
The 30-year-old was ultimately left disappointed by an injury time equaliser from Blues’ Scott Hogan – but as a former Aston Villa player he did at least admit to a degree of personal satisfaction.
“I can die happy now,” Bannan said. “It’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do and I’m unhappy that it’s not contributed to three points but it was a good one to get, to put one over the Birmingham City fans.”
However, the game would end on a note of frustration as Hogan’s strike meant the visitors were denied a first league win in seven games.
“It was horrible today,” Bannan continued. “We dug in and could have maybe made it 4-2 when [Jacob] Murphy went through.
“I reckon that was a bit changing point in the game – I reckon if he scores that, the game’s finished.
“But ‘Murph’ was brilliant – he was very unlucky. Those are harder than the one he scored because he had so much time to think about it.
“If he’d have scored that, we would have won the game but it was a killer blow at the end.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
“It’s happened numerous times now, it’s getting annoying, but we’ve just got to take it on the chin and bounce back on Wednesday.
“It’s a horrible one to take but at the same time, you can take a lot from it.
“We should have [won], but this is a tough place to come, so it’s a little confidence booster for the rest of the games coming up.
“You know in this league, anything can happen. Even this weekend, teams above us have dropped points.
“So it’s not over yet and if we can just go a run, we’re capable of putting four or five wins together.
“It’s alright saying it, but it’s about going out and doing it, but if we can do that, then let’s see what happens.”
Wednesday face Charlton at Hillsborough on the same night Blues go to Millwall.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Man jailed over killing pub customer with single punch after game of pool

An attacker who killed a man with a single punch after a game of pool in a bar has been jailed for more than five years .
Thomas Allan , 52 , assaulted Jason Haig at a pub in Rutherglen , South Lanarkshire , on September 2 last year .
He punched Mr Haig , 45 , who fell backwards and hit his head on the hard floor .
Mr Haig suffered injuries including a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain .
He died of severe brain damage on September 10 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to a charge of culpable homicide at the High Court in Glasgow on December 17 last year .
He was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday to five years and four months behind bars , the Crown Office said .
The two men had been playing pool together for about 20 minutes when there appeared to be a disagreement , the prosecution service said .
Allan approached Mr Haig , while holding his pool cue in his right hand , spoke to him for a few seconds , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his left hand and Mr Haig fell backwards .
David Green , procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime , said : `` A single punch has had catastrophic consequences .
`` This type of attack is just as lethal as an assault with a weapon and any instance of a punch to the head can have the kind of ramifications that we have tragically seen with this case .
`` The unintended consequences of Thomas Allan 's actions should serve as a stark warning that one punch can kill . ''

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An attacker who killed a man with a single punch after a game of pool in a bar has been jailed for more than five years.
Thomas Allan, 52, assaulted Jason Haig at a pub in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, on September 2 last year.
He punched Mr Haig, 45, who fell backwards and hit his head on the hard floor.
Mr Haig suffered injuries including a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.
He died of severe brain damage on September 10 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
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Allan, from Glasgow, pleaded guilty to a charge of culpable homicide at the High Court in Glasgow on December 17 last year.
He was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday to five years and four months behind bars, the Crown Office said.
The two men had been playing pool together for about 20 minutes when there appeared to be a disagreement, the prosecution service said.
Allan approached Mr Haig, while holding his pool cue in his right hand, spoke to him for a few seconds, then struck him on the face once with his left hand and Mr Haig fell backwards.
David Green, procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime, said: "A single punch has had catastrophic consequences.
"This type of attack is just as lethal as an assault with a weapon and any instance of a punch to the head can have the kind of ramifications that we have tragically seen with this case.
"The unintended consequences of Thomas Allan's actions should serve as a stark warning that one punch can kill."


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Bill Turnbull reunites on GMB with Susanna Reid as bookies slash odds on him replacing Piers Morgan

Good Morning Britain viewers tuned in this morning to see Piers Morgan replaced by Bill Turnbull , who returns to TV for the first time since 2016 .
He was met with a positive reception from fans , who have since called for the presenter to replace Piers permanently – and bookmakers Paddy Power make it 8/1 for him to do so .
The bookies also make it just 2/1 that he is given a role on GMB , even if he doesn ’ t replace Piers as a main host .
In fact , the odds of Bill and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-priced at evens .
And , as viewers rejoiced at seeing Bill and Susanna Reid presenting together again , it ’ s rated 16/1 for the pair to leave GMB and re-join BBC Breakfast together .
Spokesman Paddy Power said : “ Judging off social media , many viewers were overjoyed to switch their telly on this morning and notice a missing Piers Morgan .
“ Plenty of people are calling for Bill to be Piers ’ permanent replacement , and we make it short-priced that he returns to the show soon.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on screen and spoke of their joy on Twitter .
One said : “ Do n't normally watch Good Morning Britain because I 'm not a Piers Morgan fan , but I had to switch it on as @ billtu is back on breakfast TV !
# goodmorningbritain # gmb Bill Turnbull and @ susannareid100 are the dream team !
” A second said : “ Great to see Bill Turnbull back on our screens , looking fit and healthy .
Welcome back to morning tv .
”

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Good Morning Britain viewers tuned in this morning to see Piers Morgan replaced by Bill Turnbull, who returns to TV for the first time since 2016.
He was met with a positive reception from fans, who have since called for the presenter to replace Piers permanently – and bookmakers Paddy Power make it 8/1 for him to do so.
The bookies also make it just 2/1 that he is given a role on GMB, even if he doesn’t replace Piers as a main host.
In fact, the odds of Bill and Piers presenting a GMB episode together are short-priced at evens.
And, as viewers rejoiced at seeing Bill and Susanna Reid presenting together again, it’s rated 16/1 for the pair to leave GMB and re-join BBC Breakfast together.
(Image: ITV)
Spokesman Paddy Power said: “Judging off social media, many viewers were overjoyed to switch their telly on this morning and notice a missing Piers Morgan.
“Plenty of people are calling for Bill to be Piers’ permanent replacement, and we make it short-priced that he returns to the show soon.”
Fans were delighted to see Bill back on screen and spoke of their joy on Twitter.
One said: “Don't normally watch Good Morning Britain because I'm not a Piers Morgan fan, but I had to switch it on as @billtu is back on breakfast TV! #goodmorningbritain #gmb Bill Turnbull and @susannareid100 are the dream team!”
A second said: “Great to see Bill Turnbull back on our screens, looking fit and healthy. Welcome back to morning tv.”


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Two more arrests after double murder in 'cannabis farm robbery' in Dudley

Two more people have been arrested in connection with a murder probe after two men died in a cannabis factory robbery .
A 46-year-old was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder at an address in Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday , February 23 .
He was due to be questioned on Monday .
A 42-year-old was also arrested at the same location on suspicion of assisting an offender and released on police bail .
The two men died at an incident in Pensnett Road , Brierley Hill , on Thursday , February 20 .
Khuzaimah Douglas was pronounced dead at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
A 19-year-old man who was arrested on February 20 has been charged with conspiracy to rob , conspiracy to burgle and perverting the course of justice .
Micah Evans was due to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates ' Court today , February 24 .
Two other men , aged 23 and 21 who were arrested in Holyhead Port in Wales , on Saturday , February 22 , on suspicion of conspiracy to rob were released on police bail while enquiries continued .
Det Chief Insp Jim Munro , from West Midlands Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although this is a significant development in our investigation I am still appealing for witnesses or anyone who was in the Pensnett Road area in the early hours of Thursday morning to get in touch .
“ People may have witnessed the disorder , individuals or vehicles leaving the scene , or seen something suspicious .
We need them to get in touch as every piece of information , no matter how small , could be crucial .
“ I ’ d also like to hear from any motorists who were in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage as they also may have recorded something important . ''
Dudley Police Commander , Chief Supt Sally Bourner , added : “ These are significant developments in this fast moving investigation .
Local officers continue to provide reassurance in the area .
`` Longer term we are working with partners including the council , health , education and charities to tackle violent crime and the root causes of violence . ''
Anyone with information is urged to message us via Live Chat at our website or call us on 101 .
Alternatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymously on 0800 555111 ; callers won ’ t be asked for their names and calls can not be traced .

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Two more people have been arrested in connection with a murder probe after two men died in a cannabis factory robbery.
A 46-year-old was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder at an address in Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday, February 23. He was due to be questioned on Monday.
A 42-year-old was also arrested at the same location on suspicion of assisting an offender and released on police bail.
The two men died at an incident in Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill, on Thursday, February 20.
Khuzaimah Douglas was pronounced dead at the scene and Waseem Ramzan died later in hospital.
A 19-year-old man who was arrested on February 20 has been charged with conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to burgle and perverting the course of justice. Micah Evans was due to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court today, February 24.
Two other men, aged 23 and 21 who were arrested in Holyhead Port in Wales, on Saturday, February 22, on suspicion of conspiracy to rob were released on police bail while enquiries continued.
Det Chief Insp Jim Munro, from West Midlands Police's homicide unit, said: “Although this is a significant development in our investigation I am still appealing for witnesses or anyone who was in the Pensnett Road area in the early hours of Thursday morning to get in touch.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
“People may have witnessed the disorder, individuals or vehicles leaving the scene, or seen something suspicious. We need them to get in touch as every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial.
“I’d also like to hear from any motorists who were in the area at the time and have dashcam footage as they also may have recorded something important."
Dudley Police Commander, Chief Supt Sally Bourner, added: “These are significant developments in this fast moving investigation. Local officers continue to provide reassurance in the area.
"Longer term we are working with partners including the council, health, education and charities to tackle violent crime and the root causes of violence."
Anyone with information is urged to message us via Live Chat at our website or call us on 101. Alternatively they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111; callers won’t be asked for their names and calls cannot be traced.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--How Slaven Bilic brilliantly summed up Jake Livermore's West Brom display

Slaven Bilic hailed ‘ proper captain ’ Jake Livermore after his seismic display in the emphatic win over Bristol City on Saturday .
The West Brom skipper led by example from the off , putting in crunching challenges and dishing out orders to his Albion teammates .
He played a part in both goals , and kept his cool in the second period when midfield colleague Romaine Sawyers didn ’ t .
He was also on hand to help with the apprehending of a streaker from the away end who ’ d tried his luck .
Bilic , who notoriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out for praise , was happy to recognise the significant contribution his leader on the pitch has made , and indeed his consistent performances in recent weeks .
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 ... • Watch the near 3,000 Albion fans celebrate at full time - WATCH • Jake Livermore stars as we rate the Albion players - READ • Bilic on the red card and his side 's character - 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 “ For the whole season he has been brilliant for us , ” Bilic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t that over the moon with the way we started .
“ We didn ’ t win as many second games as we should .
We were here , the ball was there .
We were here , the ball was there , and Jake was the one , from the start , in the first minute he took the ball from Benkovic and that gives you something .
“ And then he , as a proper captain , he forced everybody else to step up .
I don ’ t like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was his win to be fair , brilliant .
brilliant.
” Livermore , on the other hand , was typically modest .
He pointed towards his teammates , who have now collected 13 points from the last 15 available .
Now in a midfield three , Livermore feels he ’ s thriving .
“ We are all as one team .
My role has changed and I am enjoying it , ” he said .
“ But I ’ d be nothing without the other 10 players on the pitch and those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a pleasure to play in this team at the minute .
But you are only as good as you last game.
” At Ashton Gate , Livermore was equally pleased that Albion had found no problems in maintaining their excellent recent form .
Against a side who have promotion ambitions of their own , the Baggies made their afternoon ’ s work appear pretty straightforward .
Now , with two league matches in front of their own fans to come , former England international Livermore has urged his colleagues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this victory would have counted for little .
“ I thought the boys were fantastic , ” he added .
“ It was difficult because we have had four excellent performances now and it ’ s hard to keep that up because every team we play now – as much as it ’ s our cup final – it ’ s their ’ s too .
“ Everyone has got something to fight for at this point of the season and Bristol City are a good side , a really good side .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he set us up .
I thought we came through the test well .
“ We ’ ve got two big home games to follow it up now otherwise Bristol City means very little .
We need to capitalise on the two home games now .
”

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Slaven Bilic hailed ‘proper captain’ Jake Livermore after his seismic display in the emphatic win over Bristol City on Saturday.
The West Brom skipper led by example from the off, putting in crunching challenges and dishing out orders to his Albion teammates.
He played a part in both goals, and kept his cool in the second period when midfield colleague Romaine Sawyers didn’t. He was also on hand to help with the apprehending of a streaker from the away end who’d tried his luck.
Bilic, who notoriously doesn’t tend to single players out for praise, was happy to recognise the significant contribution his leader on the pitch has made, and indeed his consistent performances in recent weeks.
“For the whole season he has been brilliant for us,” Bilic said. “Saturday, I wasn’t that over the moon with the way we started.
“We didn’t win as many second games as we should. We were here, the ball was there. We were here, the ball was there, and Jake was the one, from the start, in the first minute he took the ball from Benkovic and that gives you something.
“And then he, as a proper captain, he forced everybody else to step up. I don’t like to single out the player but this was his win to be fair, brilliant. brilliant.”
Livermore, on the other hand, was typically modest. He pointed towards his teammates, who have now collected 13 points from the last 15 available.
Now in a midfield three, Livermore feels he’s thriving.
“We are all as one team. My role has changed and I am enjoying it,” he said. “But I’d be nothing without the other 10 players on the pitch and those in the dressing room as well.
“It’s a pleasure to play in this team at the minute. But you are only as good as you last game.”
At Ashton Gate, Livermore was equally pleased that Albion had found no problems in maintaining their excellent recent form. Against a side who have promotion ambitions of their own, the Baggies made their afternoon’s work appear pretty straightforward.
Now, with two league matches in front of their own fans to come, former England international Livermore has urged his colleagues to continue in the same vein - otherwise this victory would have counted for little.
“I thought the boys were fantastic,” he added. “It was difficult because we have had four excellent performances now and it’s hard to keep that up because every team we play now – as much as it’s our cup final – it’s their’s too.
“Everyone has got something to fight for at this point of the season and Bristol City are a good side, a really good side.
“Credit to the manager for how he set us up. I thought we came through the test well.
“We’ve got two big home games to follow it up now otherwise Bristol City means very little. We need to capitalise on the two home games now.”


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Pundit tears into 'appalling' Aston Villa star and gives prediction Dean Smith will hate

Garth Crooks lambasted Aston Villa ’ s ‘ appalling ’ defending against Southampton – and tipped Dean Smith ’ s side for the drop .
Villa were deservedly beaten in a tepid performance on the south coast in which they mustered just one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes .
They were the masters of their own downfall , paying the price for defensive mistakes against the Saints , who before Saturday ’ s had the worst home record in the Premier League .
And BBC pundit Crooks took aim at Frederic Guilbert for his attempts to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shane Long ’ s opening goal .
Crooks snapped : `` The Southampton player laid on the goal for striker Shane Long amid appalling defending by Aston Villa .
He then spins Frederic Guilbert on the halfway line , so the Frenchman is left embarrassingly trying to grab the Malian 's shirt .
`` The only thing Djenepo did n't do was score the goal his performance richly deserved during the 2-0 win . ''
Villa were caught out again in stoppage time when Stuart Armstrong slotted into at empty net after Pepe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dean Smith 's side are one solitary point above the drop zone as things stand and take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday .
“ Villa have been living off the Carabao Cup final and I think it will cost them a place in the Premier League in the end , '' added Crooks .

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Garth Crooks lambasted Aston Villa’s ‘appalling’ defending against Southampton – and tipped Dean Smith’s side for the drop.
Villa were deservedly beaten in a tepid performance on the south coast in which they mustered just one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes.
They were the masters of their own downfall, paying the price for defensive mistakes against the Saints, who before Saturday’s had the worst home record in the Premier League.
And BBC pundit Crooks took aim at Frederic Guilbert for his attempts to stop Moussa Djenepo in the build up to Shane Long’s opening goal.
Crooks snapped: "The Southampton player laid on the goal for striker Shane Long amid appalling defending by Aston Villa. He then spins Frederic Guilbert on the halfway line, so the Frenchman is left embarrassingly trying to grab the Malian's shirt.
"The only thing Djenepo didn't do was score the goal his performance richly deserved during the 2-0 win."
Villa were caught out again in stoppage time when Stuart Armstrong slotted into at empty net after Pepe Reina had gone up for a corner.
Dean Smith's side are one solitary point above the drop zone as things stand and take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
“Villa have been living off the Carabao Cup final and I think it will cost them a place in the Premier League in the end," added Crooks.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--'B Tech' - Manchester United fans react to link with £50m Wolves star

Manchester United are interested in a summer move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Diogo Jota , according to reports .
Jota took his tally to 14 for the season – four better than last term – with a brace in the comfortable 3-0 victory against Norwich on Sunday .
That followed a brilliant hat-trick in the win over Espanyol in the Europa League on Thursday – a match at which United had scouts watching Jota ’ s display closely , according to the Express .
It is claimed that United have been hugely impressed by the 23-year-old and preparing a £50m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United fans are split on the rumour @ Matt909_ : No thanks .
He ’ s a very weird player .
Can look brilliant sometimes but mostly looks like a b tech Daniel James @ TurkishPride86 : Should be in for Neves if anyone from Wolves !
@ unitedclub7 : If united does sign Jota , then no Jadon Sancho because they play same position so I want Jadon Sancho first , not Jota , although Jota is not cost 50million pounds because he cost 75million pounds that he is very quality player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want a player from Wolves , just go for Neves or Jimenez but I know Woodward is too dumb to think @ Gregzetta : Wrong player , go for Ruben Neves instead @ I8DeCherki : Someone scored 3 goals , Utd now want him @ MUday__3 : 50 million plus James , to sweeten the deal and offload future deadwood @ Schlong18 : I ’ d take Diogo Jota in a heartbeat at United .
@ UtdLangy : I have rated Jota for so so so long , from when he was loaned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
United need to get him before he gets all the hype n his price rockets .

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Manchester United are interested in a summer move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Diogo Jota, according to reports.
Jota took his tally to 14 for the season – four better than last term – with a brace in the comfortable 3-0 victory against Norwich on Sunday.
That followed a brilliant hat-trick in the win over Espanyol in the Europa League on Thursday – a match at which United had scouts watching Jota’s display closely, according to the Express.
It is claimed that United have been hugely impressed by the 23-year-old and preparing a £50m offer for when the window re-opens.
United fans are split on the rumour
@Matt909_: No thanks. He’s a very weird player. Can look brilliant sometimes but mostly looks like a b tech Daniel James
@TurkishPride86: Should be in for Neves if anyone from Wolves!
@ibrahimajawo: Ruben Naves dat guy is Madd.
@laija24: Raul too please!
@unitedclub7: If united does sign Jota, then no Jadon Sancho because they play same position so I want Jadon Sancho first, not Jota, although Jota is not cost 50million pounds because he cost 75million pounds that he is very quality player and young age
GCarsonkenya1: If you want a player from Wolves, just go for Neves or Jimenez but I know Woodward is too dumb to think
@BadmanDarii: Jota is on fire man
@AbdulAz55326946: Buy RAUL JIMENEZ
@Gregzetta: Wrong player, go for Ruben Neves instead
@I8DeCherki: Someone scored 3 goals, Utd now want him
@MUday__3: 50 million plus James, to sweeten the deal and offload future deadwood
@Schlong18: I’d take Diogo Jota in a heartbeat at United.
@UtdLangy: I have rated Jota for so so so long, from when he was loaned to Porto, he is so underrated. United need to get him before he gets all the hype n his price rockets.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--400-people outdoor music event in Wolverhampton sparks police concerns

Plans for a large outdoor music event for up to 400 people in Wolverhampton city centre in April have sparked concerns from West Midlands Police .
The council 's statutory licensing sub-committee has received an application for a temporary event notice to stage the public function , featuring live music , a DJ and the sale of alcohol , in Blossoms Fold and part of North Street .
Applicant Johnny Jones is hoping to hold the event from Sunday to Monday , April 12-13 , between the hours of 2pm and 2am .
Objections have been submitted by West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that allowing the area to be used in accordance with the Temporary Event Notice would undermine the Prevention of Crime and Disorder Licensing Objective .
The area does not hold a premises licence .
In his application , Mr Jones said he intended to use all of Blossoms Fold and a small amount of North Street for portable toilets .
In an email to the council 's licensing department , Aimee Taylor from Wolverhampton Neighbourhood Policing Unit ( NPU ) said : `` I am aware there is a SAG ( Safety Advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which may make things clearer however , based on the information currently provided West Midlands Police would like to make representations under the licensing objective of Prevention of Crime and Disorder . ''
An earlier sub-committee hearing on Monday , February 10 , was adjourned following a request from the police who were unable to send representation to the meeting .
Solicitor Robert Marshall , legal advisor to the sub-committee , said that under Regulation 11 of the Licensing Act ( Hearings ) Regulations 2005 , an authority could extend a time period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to be necessary in the public interest .
Wolverhampton Council 's Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee will discuss the application next Wednesday , February 26 .

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Plans for a large outdoor music event for up to 400 people in Wolverhampton city centre in April have sparked concerns from West Midlands Police.
The council's statutory licensing sub-committee has received an application for a temporary event notice to stage the public function, featuring live music, a DJ and the sale of alcohol, in Blossoms Fold and part of North Street.
Applicant Johnny Jones is hoping to hold the event from Sunday to Monday, April 12-13, between the hours of 2pm and 2am.
Objections have been submitted by West Midlands Police, who say they are satisfied that allowing the area to be used in accordance with the Temporary Event Notice would undermine the Prevention of Crime and Disorder Licensing Objective. The area does not hold a premises licence.
In his application, Mr Jones said he intended to use all of Blossoms Fold and a small amount of North Street for portable toilets.
In an email to the council's licensing department, Aimee Taylor from Wolverhampton Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU) said: "I am aware there is a SAG (Safety Advisory Group) in place for this event which may make things clearer however, based on the information currently provided West Midlands Police would like to make representations under the licensing objective of Prevention of Crime and Disorder."
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An earlier sub-committee hearing on Monday, February 10, was adjourned following a request from the police who were unable to send representation to the meeting.
Solicitor Robert Marshall, legal advisor to the sub-committee, said that under Regulation 11 of the Licensing Act (Hearings) Regulations 2005, an authority could extend a time period for a specified length where it considered it to be necessary in the public interest.
Wolverhampton Council's Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee will discuss the application next Wednesday, February 26.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Bird builds cosy nest for chicks - inside city centre traffic lights

These amazing photographs show how an ingenious bird has built a cosy nest for its chicks - inside a set of city centre traffic lights .
An industrious mistle thrush piled up a cluster of leaves and twigs on a visor below the middle amber light at the top of a metal post .
It was built in Leeds , West Yorks , and is home to five young chicks .
It 's thought the unusual spot was chosen by the bird because of the warmth given off from the light , as chicks need supplementary warmth until they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motorists have been spotted inspecting the nest , which sits at the centre of a busy junction close to Leeds Beckett university .
The mistle thrush is a large songbird with pale grey-brown upper parts , a greyish-white chin and throat , and black spots on its pale yellow and off-white under parts .
Generally found if wood and parkland , the creature feeds on a variety of invertebrates , seeds and berries .
Their favoured food is mistletoe fruit , which is reflected in its name .
Mistle thrush 's incubate their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is when chicks are usually mature enough to fledge .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Barnaby Kellaway, James Rodger)

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These amazing photographs show how an ingenious bird has built a cosy nest for its chicks - inside a set of city centre traffic lights.
An industrious mistle thrush piled up a cluster of leaves and twigs on a visor below the middle amber light at the top of a metal post.
It was built in Leeds, West Yorks, and is home to five young chicks.
It's thought the unusual spot was chosen by the bird because of the warmth given off from the light, as chicks need supplementary warmth until they are fully feathered.
(Image: Dan Rowlands / SWNS)
Dozens of passersby and motorists have been spotted inspecting the nest, which sits at the centre of a busy junction close to Leeds Beckett university.
The mistle thrush is a large songbird with pale grey-brown upper parts, a greyish-white chin and throat, and black spots on its pale yellow and off-white under parts.
Generally found if wood and parkland, the creature feeds on a variety of invertebrates, seeds and berries.
(Image: Dan Rowlands / SWNS)
Their favoured food is mistletoe fruit, which is reflected in its name.
Mistle thrush's incubate their eggs for around two weeks, which is when chicks are usually mature enough to fledge.


birminghammail--2020-02-25--BBC announces four new dramas including Martin Freeman thriller The Responder

The BBC has announced a new slate of dramas coming to the broadcaster and one of them will star Hollywood actor Martin Freeman .
Fresh off the back of ITV hit drama , The Confession , which aired on the rival channel last year , Freeman will be donning his police uniform once again .
The new drama for BBC Two is a six-part series called 'The Responder ' .
Freeman will play the role of Chris , an urgent response officer , and the series will follow him over six night shifts in Liverpool .
Freeman said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resonated with me immediately .
It felt like nothing that I 'd read or seen .
`` Great to work with Laurence and Chris at Dancing Ledge again and finding a home at the BBC has been a wonderful start to the journey . ''
The new series is based on the experiences of officer-turned-writer Tony Schumacher , he said : `` If you had told me six years ago that I would be working with the BBC , a company of the calibre of Dancing Ledge , and an actor with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have thrown you out of my taxi for being drunk .
`` And yet here I am , surrounded and supported by all these great people , and able to launch this story on one of the greatest TV channels in the world .
It turns out that dreams can come true after all . ''
Also among the new slate of dramas is 'My Name Is Leon ' on BBC One , based on author Kit de Waal 's novel of the same name and adapted by Shola Amoo .
The one-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Douglas Road Productions , is set in 80s Britain and tells the story of a mixed-race boy as his single-parent mother suffers a breakdown .
The Birmingham comedian and actor said : `` I was halfway through recording the audiobook for My Name Is Leon when I realised I was in love .
`` Kit de Waal 's peerless narrative had me entranced from the beginning and did n't let me go until the final sentence .
Shola 's adaptation does the story great justice and our intention is for the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to BBC One is six-part series , 'Chloe ' which explores the obsessive relationship between two women .
Meanwhile for BBC Three is a six-part series by Nicole Lecky , titled 'Superhoe ' .
Based on her one woman Royal Court show , it follows 24-year-old Sasha Clayton , played by Lecky , who dreams of being a singer and rapper .
The broadcaster 's head of drama , Piers Wenger , announced the new dramas during a launch event in London on Monday .

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The BBC has announced a new slate of dramas coming to the broadcaster and one of them will star Hollywood actor Martin Freeman.
Fresh off the back of ITV hit drama, The Confession, which aired on the rival channel last year, Freeman will be donning his police uniform once again.
The new drama for BBC Two is a six-part series called 'The Responder'.
Freeman will play the role of Chris, an urgent response officer, and the series will follow him over six night shifts in Liverpool.
(Image: Getty Images)
Freeman said: "Tony Schumacher's script for The Responder resonated with me immediately. It felt like nothing that I'd read or seen.
"Great to work with Laurence and Chris at Dancing Ledge again and finding a home at the BBC has been a wonderful start to the journey."
The new series is based on the experiences of officer-turned-writer Tony Schumacher, he said: "If you had told me six years ago that I would be working with the BBC, a company of the calibre of Dancing Ledge, and an actor with the talent of Martin Freeman, I would have thrown you out of my taxi for being drunk.
"And yet here I am, surrounded and supported by all these great people, and able to launch this story on one of the greatest TV channels in the world. It turns out that dreams can come true after all."
Also among the new slate of dramas is 'My Name Is Leon' on BBC One, based on author Kit de Waal's novel of the same name and adapted by Shola Amoo.
The one-off film, produced by Sir Lenny Henry's Douglas Road Productions, is set in 80s Britain and tells the story of a mixed-race boy as his single-parent mother suffers a breakdown.
The Birmingham comedian and actor said: "I was halfway through recording the audiobook for My Name Is Leon when I realised I was in love.
"Kit de Waal's peerless narrative had me entranced from the beginning and didn't let me go until the final sentence. Shola's adaptation does the story great justice and our intention is for the film to similarly captivate."
Also coming to BBC One is six-part series, 'Chloe' which explores the obsessive relationship between two women.
Meanwhile for BBC Three is a six-part series by Nicole Lecky, titled 'Superhoe'.
Based on her one woman Royal Court show, it follows 24-year-old Sasha Clayton, played by Lecky, who dreams of being a singer and rapper.
The broadcaster's head of drama, Piers Wenger, announced the new dramas during a launch event in London on Monday.


birminghammail--2020-02-25--Love Island winners Paige Turley and Finn Tapp reveal how they plan to spend £50K winnings

Love Island winner Paige Turley and Finley Tapp have revealed how they plan to spend their winnings .
Laura Whitmore entered the villa in Cape Town , in South Africa on Sunday night , where she revealed Siannise Fudge and Luke Trotman , as well as Finn and Paige , were the final two couples .
After interviews with both sets of lovebirds , the Love Island presenter confirmed the singer and her footballer boyfriend had landed the £50,000 prize .
Their romance was put to the test when Laura Whitmore told them they had to choose envelopes , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the person with the money had to decide whether to share it .
Paige picked the with the £50,000 and chose to share it with Finn , much to his relief .
`` When Paige opened her envelope and I saw the £50k I thought , ‘ Oh no !
’ but I knew I ’ d get some of it , '' he admitted in his first interview .
Paige replied : `` Did you ?
!
I should have said ‘ I ’ ll take the £50,000 ’ and share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a joke [ about keeping it ] , but I thought , ‘ What if he seriously thinks that ’ s my answer ?
’ I just thought , I ’ m not going to even put my foot in it ! ''
In their post-exit interview they 've opened up on how they plan to spend their shared winnings .
Finn said : `` We want to go on holiday in April - and move out to Manchester in a few months .
We 've got the deposit now ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting , Finn said he wanted a Blue Staffy but Paige was having none of it , insisting she wanted an English bulldog : `` You ’ ve already got a blue Staffy .
Let ’ s compromise… and get an English bulldog . ''
The young couple beat three other couples in the grand final on Sunday night .
Jess Gale and Ched Uzor come in fourth place , with Luke Mabbott and Demi Jones in third , and Siannise Fudge and Luke Trotman in second .

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Love Island winner Paige Turley and Finley Tapp have revealed how they plan to spend their winnings.
Laura Whitmore entered the villa in Cape Town, in South Africa on Sunday night, where she revealed Siannise Fudge and Luke Trotman, as well as Finn and Paige, were the final two couples.
After interviews with both sets of lovebirds, the Love Island presenter confirmed the singer and her footballer boyfriend had landed the £50,000 prize.
Their romance was put to the test when Laura Whitmore told them they had to choose envelopes, one containing the money and one empty, and the person with the money had to decide whether to share it.
(Image: ITV)
Paige picked the with the £50,000 and chose to share it with Finn, much to his relief. "When Paige opened her envelope and I saw the £50k I thought, ‘Oh no!’ but I knew I’d get some of it," he admitted in his first interview.
Paige replied: "Did you?! I should have said ‘I’ll take the £50,000’ and share £5,000 with you! I would have made a joke [about keeping it], but I thought, ‘What if he seriously thinks that’s my answer?’ I just thought, I’m not going to even put my foot in it!"
In their post-exit interview they've opened up on how they plan to spend their shared winnings.
Finn said: "We want to go on holiday in April - and move out to Manchester in a few months. We've got the deposit now!"
Paige added: "And for a dog!"
Asked about what dog they plan on getting, Finn said he wanted a Blue Staffy but Paige was having none of it, insisting she wanted an English bulldog: "You’ve already got a blue Staffy. Let’s compromise… and get an English bulldog."
The young couple beat three other couples in the grand final on Sunday night.
Jess Gale and Ched Uzor come in fourth place, with Luke Mabbott and Demi Jones in third, and Siannise Fudge and Luke Trotman in second.


birminghammail--2020-02-25--Heathrow third runway 'could cost 14,000 jobs in the West Midlands'

The West Midlands could lose almost 14,000 jobs if a third runway at Heathrow goes ahead , according to new research .
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to be considering shelving plans to expand Heathrow .
A study by the New Economics Foundation found the West Midlands could lose £18bn out of its economy .
The report also shows the expansion would introduce an additional 3 to 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent into the UK economy , equivalent to 100,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector .
It examines the impact of expanding London ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s other regions and nations using a combination of official Department for Transport modelling and new data accessed via Freedom of Information requests .
The report finds a significant ‘ Heathrow effect ’ , which has the potential to inflict serious damage on economies outside of London and the south-east , and argues that the third runway extension should be cancelled .
On the economic impact on UK nations and regions the report finds : • By 2050 17 million fewer passengers will be departing from non-London airports compared to the forecasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in up to 27,000 jobs relocating from the UK ’ s wider regions to London and the south-east .
The report estimates that around half of these are jobs not directly associated with the aviation sector .
• None The West Midlands is the second worst-hit region , potentially losing almost 2 million passengers and as many as 14,000 jobs .
• None The worst-hit region is likely to be north-west England which , according to the analysis , could lose 5 million passengers and as many as 15,000 jobs by 2050 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heathrow will damage the environment and would introduce an additional 3 to 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent ( MtCO2e ) into the economy .
This is equivalent to up to 100,000 jobs in manufacturing , or 50,000 jobs in transport and storage .
Dr Alex Chapman , Researcher at the New Economics Foundation , said : `` When the decision to approve Heathrow expansion went in front of parliament , MPs were given virtually no information on the distribution of costs and benefits across the UK ’ s wider regions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Department for Transport could , and should , have given a far more detailed picture .
“ We already know that expanding Heathrow throws fuel on the fires of the climate emergency .
This new data shows it is also likely to drive regional inequality in the UK economy – the opposite of levelling up .
Heathrow expansion moves jobs and productivity to London and the south-east and , in a carbon capped world , it also threatens our ability to deliver a just transition for workers .
With the majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based outside London and the south-east , this represents a double blow to the regions . ''
While the previous Conservative government backed a third runway at Heathrow , Boris Johnson , the Prime Minister , promised in 2015 to lie down in front of the bulldozers to stop it being built .
It 's led to speculation that he could block a third runway , and asked about this in the House of Commons earlier this month he said : `` I see no bulldozers at present , nor any prospect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press ahead with the HS2 high speed rail line could allow further expansion at Birmingham Airport instead .
The airport has already announced plans to invest £500 million to increase annual passenger numbers to 18 million by 2033 , up from its current 13 million .

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The West Midlands could lose almost 14,000 jobs if a third runway at Heathrow goes ahead, according to new research.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is said to be considering shelving plans to expand Heathrow.
A study by the New Economics Foundation found the West Midlands could lose £18bn out of its economy. The report also shows the expansion would introduce an additional 3 to 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent into the UK economy, equivalent to 100,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
It examines the impact of expanding London’s largest airport t on the UK’s other regions and nations using a combination of official Department for Transport modelling and new data accessed via Freedom of Information requests. The report finds a significant ‘Heathrow effect’, which has the potential to inflict serious damage on economies outside of London and the south-east, and argues that the third runway extension should be cancelled.
On the economic impact on UK nations and regions the report finds:
By 2050 17 million fewer passengers will be departing from non-London airports compared to the forecasts without Heathrow expansion.
This could result in up to 27,000 jobs relocating from the UK’s wider regions to London and the south-east . The report estimates that around half of these are jobs not directly associated with the aviation sector.
The West Midlands is the second worst-hit region, potentially losing almost 2 million passengers and as many as 14,000 jobs.
The worst-hit region is likely to be north-west England which, according to the analysis, could lose 5 million passengers and as many as 15,000 jobs by 2050.
The report also warns that expanding Heathrow will damage the environment and would introduce an additional 3 to 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) into the economy. This is equivalent to up to 100,000 jobs in manufacturing, or 50,000 jobs in transport and storage.
Dr Alex Chapman, Researcher at the New Economics Foundation, said: "When the decision to approve Heathrow expansion went in front of parliament, MPs were given virtually no information on the distribution of costs and benefits across the UK’s wider regions. Our three Freedom of Information requests show that the Department for Transport could, and should, have given a far more detailed picture.
“We already know that expanding Heathrow throws fuel on the fires of the climate emergency. This new data shows it is also likely to drive regional inequality in the UK economy – the opposite of levelling up. Heathrow expansion moves jobs and productivity to London and the south-east and, in a carbon capped world, it also threatens our ability to deliver a just transition for workers. With the majority of workers in other carbon intensive sectors based outside London and the south-east, this represents a double blow to the regions."
While the previous Conservative government backed a third runway at Heathrow, Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, promised in 2015 to lie down in front of the bulldozers to stop it being built. It's led to speculation that he could block a third runway, and asked about this in the House of Commons earlier this month he said: "I see no bulldozers at present, nor any prospect of them arriving."
The decision to press ahead with the HS2 high speed rail line could allow further expansion at Birmingham Airport instead. The airport has already announced plans to invest £500 million to increase annual passenger numbers to 18 million by 2033, up from its current 13 million.


birminghammail--2020-02-24--Liverpool continue their winning run - and Aston Villa fans are buzzing

Aston Villa remain outside of the Premier League relegation zone after Liverpool came from behind to beat West Ham .
The Hammers went into the game at Anfield , just one point and one place behind Villa , after their dismal defeat to Southampton on Saturday .
With the Carabao Cup next weekend , Villa wo n't resume their league campaign for two weeks , meaning there is a chance they will drop into the bottom three before that .
For much of the evening it looked as if Dean Smith 's men would face a fortnight in the relegation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conceding an early goal to lead 2-1 at the start of the second half .
With just over 20 minutes to go , the Hammers were looking at a win that would have seen them leapfrog both Villa and Bournemouth into 16th place .
However , goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane earned Liverpool yet another win and kept Villa 's heads above water - for now !
@ DazHinton : Wow that was a close call with 11 games to go we need to start picking up points quickly cause we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams beating for the bottom 3 sides for us @ KevonMiller85 : The footballing Gods playing with Villa fans hearts when West Ham took the lead .
Get in Liverpool @ RyanAstley : Phew , for a minute there , you had me worried Liverpool @ BazlaP : That would have been the most Villa thing if West Ham won & We weren ’ t even playing @ deakinkoz : Jeez that was too close !
!
Thankfully Liverpool done enough to win !
!
Another game that we stay out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to pick up points at some point !
@ davidsummers64 : Thank the lord for that .
Tough game but , ya know , that incredible Anfield atmosphere dragged them over the line @ AVFCChats : Massive let off for Villa .
We are still somehow not in the relegation zone

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Aston Villa remain outside of the Premier League relegation zone after Liverpool came from behind to beat West Ham.
The Hammers went into the game at Anfield, just one point and one place behind Villa, after their dismal defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
With the Carabao Cup next weekend, Villa won't resume their league campaign for two weeks, meaning there is a chance they will drop into the bottom three before that.
(Image: Getty Images)
For much of the evening it looked as if Dean Smith's men would face a fortnight in the relegation zone as West Ham bounced back from conceding an early goal to lead 2-1 at the start of the second half.
With just over 20 minutes to go, the Hammers were looking at a win that would have seen them leapfrog both Villa and Bournemouth into 16th place.
However, goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane earned Liverpool yet another win and kept Villa's heads above water - for now!
Villa fans react to Liverpool's win vs West Ham
@DazHinton: Wow that was a close call with 11 games to go we need to start picking up points quickly cause we can’t keep relying on other teams beating for the bottom 3 sides for us
@Total_Villa: Liverpool. Thank you
@KevonMiller85: The footballing Gods playing with Villa fans hearts when West Ham took the lead. Get in Liverpool
@RyanAstley: Phew, for a minute there, you had me worried Liverpool
@DempseyNeal: well that’s a bit of a relief
@RonsTwo: and.....relax
@BazlaP: That would have been the most Villa thing if West Ham won & We weren’t even playing
@deakinkoz: Jeez that was too close!! Thankfully Liverpool done enough to win!! Another game that we stay out of the bottom 3...... but we've got to pick up points at some point!
@davidsummers64: Thank the lord for that. Tough game but, ya know, that incredible Anfield atmosphere dragged them over the line
@AVFCChats: Massive let off for Villa. We are still somehow not in the relegation zone


birminghammail--2020-02-24--M&S shoppers left uncomfortable over controversial Pancake Day post

Shrove Tuesday has finally arrived - and we reckon plenty of Brummies will be tucking into pancakes today .
Whether you like sweet or savoury toppings , there 's nothing better than a tasty stack of pancakes when Shrove Tuesday rolls around .
And today sees Brits across the country - including Brum kids , mums and dads - taking part , whipping up some batter in the kitchen .
Popular toppings range from everything from melted Cadbury chocolate and Nutella to strawberries , blueberries , lemon , sugar and cream .
But Marks and Spencer , a British institution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham , has sparked controversy with its recipe .
M & S shared a recipe for everybody looking forward to celebrate Pancake Day - and left many people furious , reports the M.E.N .
The fierce debate was sparked after M & S , which runs M & S Food outlets across the city , as well as a flagship store next to the world 's biggest Primark in the High Street , told customers to use its Percy Pigs as a topping .
The move has proven very controversial - with M @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` On your marks ... FLIP !
Our first ever Percy Pig Dessert sauce is here !
Serve it on Percy-style pancakes with our ready-made pancakes filled with fresh strawberries , Percy sweets and jazzie sprinkles .
How will you decorate yours ?
# Thisisnotjust a pancake idea , this is a Percy Pig pancake idea ! ''
Naturally , the controversial post racked up dozens of responses , with one writing : `` What happened to simple , but delicious pancakes with a sprinkling of sugar and some lemon juice ?
Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fancy-looking today ? ''
`` What ’ s wrong with pancakes with sugar a lemon juice .
Looks so sickly , '' a second chipped in .
Other comments branded the idea `` yuck '' , `` so unhealthy '' and `` wrong on all levels '' .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rachel Pugh, James Rodger)

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Shrove Tuesday has finally arrived - and we reckon plenty of Brummies will be tucking into pancakes today.
Whether you like sweet or savoury toppings, there's nothing better than a tasty stack of pancakes when Shrove Tuesday rolls around.
And today sees Brits across the country - including Brum kids, mums and dads - taking part, whipping up some batter in the kitchen.
Popular toppings range from everything from melted Cadbury chocolate and Nutella to strawberries, blueberries, lemon, sugar and cream.
But Marks and Spencer, a British institution with stores across the country, including Birmingham, has sparked controversy with its recipe.
M&S shared a recipe for everybody looking forward to celebrate Pancake Day - and left many people furious, reports the M.E.N.
The fierce debate was sparked after M&S, which runs M&S Food outlets across the city, as well as a flagship store next to the world's biggest Primark in the High Street, told customers to use its Percy Pigs as a topping.
Yes. Percy Pigs.
The move has proven very controversial - with M&S writing on social media; "On your marks... FLIP! Our first ever Percy Pig Dessert sauce is here! Serve it on Percy-style pancakes with our ready-made pancakes filled with fresh strawberries, Percy sweets and jazzie sprinkles. How will you decorate yours? #Thisisnotjust a pancake idea, this is a Percy Pig pancake idea!"
Naturally, the controversial post racked up dozens of responses, with one writing: "What happened to simple, but delicious pancakes with a sprinkling of sugar and some lemon juice? Why does everything have to be so faffy and fancy-looking today?"
"What’s wrong with pancakes with sugar a lemon juice. Looks so sickly," a second chipped in.
Other comments branded the idea "yuck", "so unhealthy" and "wrong on all levels".