birminghammail--2020-06-15--Birmingham could get hundreds of electric scooters to rent

An electric scooter company says it is poised to put hundreds of scooters onto the streets of Birmingham .
Scooter firm Lime already operates an on-street hire service in London , which provided bikes with a top speed of 15mph to busy commuters .
The company is now vying to run a government-backed trial in the West Midlands , to see if commuters can be tempted to ditch their cars in exchange for high-powered scooters .
Bosses at the firm claim their bright green scooters - which would could allow commuters to hire a ride for as little as £1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham .
Lime , which operates in 100 cities worldwide , says it has offered its services to Transport for West Midlands ( TfWM ) for upcoming trials in the region - and says it could have bikes on the streets as early as late July .
Using e-scooters on public roads and pavements is currently illegal in the UK , but the Government intends to relax laws and will run several trials around the country , including the West Midlands .
TfWM , Birmingham City Council and Coventry City Council are working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Director UK Policy and Government Affairs at Lime , said if their firm was selected to run a West Midlands trial , they could soon quickly install several hundred e-scooters throughout the region .
These could be located and unlocked by customers via an app and used for one to three-mile journeys on roads or bicycle lanes with a top speed set by local authorities , he said .
He said charging would likely be “ comparable ” to its e-bikes service in London .
It costs £1 to unlock , followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour .
Mr Clarke said : “ Everyone recognises that as we move back to some form of normality , post Covid-19 crisis there is a real problem with transport .
“ The last thing we want is for everyone who would have taken the bus to hop back in a car .
“ Over the last couple of years , places like Birmingham have made good progress in starting to tackle congestion and bad air quality .
“ There will be some people who do not have a car and go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a more sustainable option .
“ The sections of society [ who use e-scooters ] are quite diverse compared to other transport methods .
“ It would very much be a case of replacing journeys people would otherwise make in a car , which are very , very short.
” He cited research from Inrix , a firm which provides traffic data , which showed 68 per cent of car journeys in Birmingham are within three miles , and 17 per cent are within one mile .
He said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One mile on an e-scooter at a safe speed would be less than ten minutes .
“ Most journeys would be quite short - a mile , a mile-and-a-half , two miles .
He said a top speed for the scooters could be agreed with the local authorities .
“ All of our e-scooters have a speed cap on them , ” he said .
“ In the UK , the speed cap might be 12.5 mph or 15 mph .
If you achieve that top speed , it will never go further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific areas where it is even lower than that.
” In terms of numbers of scooters offered at the starting point , he said it would again be subject to discussions with local authorities .
He said : “ We might launch in a city with 500 scooters , and after the first month if we are seeing scooters are being used regularly , we can work with the council to bring in more .
“ We would start the trial at zero cost to the council .
We don ’ t need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said e-scooters would be charged by staff in a warehouse “ over a matter of hours ” , meaning riders would not be responsible for doing that themselves .
Lime has committed to using 100 per cent renewable energy for charging the e-scooters , though questions have previously been raised about their impact on greenhouse gas emissions when including factors such as manufacturing .
A study by researchers at North Carolina State University last year found that when including “ upstream and downstream processes ” , travelling by scooter produces more greenhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bus .
Responding to this , Mr Clarke said : “ That report looked at a snapshot of the industry quite a long time ago .
It matters a lot what the scooters were they were looking at .
“ Lots of the processes they were assuming companies are doing are not consistent with what Lime are doing .
“ If a scooter doesn ’ t last very long it means there is a worse environmental impact.
” He said e-scooters designed for private use subsequently used in rental schemes had shorter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : “ We have a full research and development facility and our e-scooters are fully designed for rental use.
” Asked what the company does to avoid vandalism and theft , he said : “ Typically it ’ s about community engagement at the start of the scheme .
“ Often anti-social behaviour and vandalism are a lot worse if a scheme doesn ’ t have full backing from a council and the community groups in the area , and it feels like no one has ownership of these scooters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people as possible have access to a scooter .
If they use them and like them , we think antisocial behaviour and vandalism will be quite reduced .
“ It the cities where we operate , it ’ s not a serious problem.
” In terms of employment opportunities from the trial , Mr Clarke said : “ In London , we have 2,500 e-bikes and employ around 45 people locally .
This gives you a sense of starting levels .
“ We want to be able to launch this scheme in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and running in July or August .
“ The Government is talking about running the trials for 12 months , and that can be reviewed or extended .
“ The biggest studies have shown the risks and safety implications are similar to riding a bike .
Every transport method always has a level of risk associated with it .
“ The biggest danger by far is car use - that ’ s true for pedestrians , people on bikes and people on e-scooters .
“ We run a training module for new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people wear a helmet .
“ We have always been really clear e-scooters should only be used on the road or cycle lanes , and absolutely shouldn ’ t be used on the pavement .
” We have technology within the app that uses data from the e-scooter to create an alert for us if they are riding on the pavement .
” We would educate that rider and make sure e-scooters don ’ t have a negative impact on other users of the pavement.
” The Government announced in May it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England Combined Authority , Portsmouth and Southampton , Derby and Nottingham as locations for the trials .
TfWM and individual councils in the region are already working on a range of methods to encourage alternatives to car use .
The Local Democracy Reporting Service approached TfWM for comment on the status of its decision-making process around e-scooter rental service providers for the trial .

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An electric scooter company says it is poised to put hundreds of scooters onto the streets of Birmingham.
Scooter firm Lime already operates an on-street hire service in London, which provided bikes with a top speed of 15mph to busy commuters.
The company is now vying to run a government-backed trial in the West Midlands, to see if commuters can be tempted to ditch their cars in exchange for high-powered scooters.
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Bosses at the firm claim their bright green scooters - which would could allow commuters to hire a ride for as little as £1 - could eliminate short car journeys in Birmingham.
Lime, which operates in 100 cities worldwide, says it has offered its services to Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) for upcoming trials in the region - and says it could have bikes on the streets as early as late July.
Using e-scooters on public roads and pavements is currently illegal in the UK, but the Government intends to relax laws and will run several trials around the country, including the West Midlands.
TfWM, Birmingham City Council and Coventry City Council are working together on the project.
Alan Clarke, Director UK Policy and Government Affairs at Lime, said if their firm was selected to run a West Midlands trial, they could soon quickly install several hundred e-scooters throughout the region.
These could be located and unlocked by customers via an app and used for one to three-mile journeys on roads or bicycle lanes with a top speed set by local authorities, he said.
He said charging would likely be “comparable” to its e-bikes service in London. It costs £1 to unlock, followed by 15p per minute or £9 per hour.
Mr Clarke said: “Everyone recognises that as we move back to some form of normality, post Covid-19 crisis there is a real problem with transport.
“The last thing we want is for everyone who would have taken the bus to hop back in a car.
“Over the last couple of years, places like Birmingham have made good progress in starting to tackle congestion and bad air quality.
“There will be some people who do not have a car and go out and buy one. We want there to be a more sustainable option.
“The sections of society [who use e-scooters] are quite diverse compared to other transport methods.
“It would very much be a case of replacing journeys people would otherwise make in a car, which are very, very short.”
(Image: Lime)
He cited research from Inrix, a firm which provides traffic data, which showed 68 per cent of car journeys in Birmingham are within three miles, and 17 per cent are within one mile.
He said: “These journeys are perfect for e-scooters. One mile on an e-scooter at a safe speed would be less than ten minutes.
“Most journeys would be quite short - a mile, a mile-and-a-half, two miles.
He said a top speed for the scooters could be agreed with the local authorities.
“All of our e-scooters have a speed cap on them,” he said. “In the UK, the speed cap might be 12.5 mph or 15 mph. If you achieve that top speed, it will never go further than that.
“You might have specific areas where it is even lower than that.”
In terms of numbers of scooters offered at the starting point, he said it would again be subject to discussions with local authorities.
He said: “We might launch in a city with 500 scooters, and after the first month if we are seeing scooters are being used regularly, we can work with the council to bring in more.
“We would start the trial at zero cost to the council. We don’t need any infrastructure to be in place.”
He said e-scooters would be charged by staff in a warehouse “over a matter of hours”, meaning riders would not be responsible for doing that themselves.
Lime has committed to using 100 per cent renewable energy for charging the e-scooters, though questions have previously been raised about their impact on greenhouse gas emissions when including factors such as manufacturing.
A study by researchers at North Carolina State University last year found that when including “upstream and downstream processes”, travelling by scooter produces more greenhouse gas emissions per mile than travelling on a bus.
(Image: Kris Krug/Lime)
Responding to this, Mr Clarke said: “That report looked at a snapshot of the industry quite a long time ago. It matters a lot what the scooters were they were looking at.
“Lots of the processes they were assuming companies are doing are not consistent with what Lime are doing.
“If a scooter doesn’t last very long it means there is a worse environmental impact.”
He said e-scooters designed for private use subsequently used in rental schemes had shorter lifetimes than those made by Lime.
He said: “We have a full research and development facility and our e-scooters are fully designed for rental use.”
Asked what the company does to avoid vandalism and theft, he said: “Typically it’s about community engagement at the start of the scheme.
“Often anti-social behaviour and vandalism are a lot worse if a scheme doesn’t have full backing from a council and the community groups in the area, and it feels like no one has ownership of these scooters.
“We try to make sure as many people as possible have access to a scooter. If they use them and like them, we think antisocial behaviour and vandalism will be quite reduced.
“It the cities where we operate, it’s not a serious problem.”
(Image: Lime)
In terms of employment opportunities from the trial, Mr Clarke said: “In London, we have 2,500 e-bikes and employ around 45 people locally. This gives you a sense of starting levels.
“We want to be able to launch this scheme in July, and hope to have it up and running in July or August.
“The Government is talking about running the trials for 12 months, and that can be reviewed or extended.
“The biggest studies have shown the risks and safety implications are similar to riding a bike. Every transport method always has a level of risk associated with it.
“The biggest danger by far is car use - that’s true for pedestrians, people on bikes and people on e-scooters.
“We run a training module for new users on our app and we recommend people wear a helmet.
“We have always been really clear e-scooters should only be used on the road or cycle lanes, and absolutely shouldn’t be used on the pavement.
”We have technology within the app that uses data from the e-scooter to create an alert for us if they are riding on the pavement.
”We would educate that rider and make sure e-scooters don’t have a negative impact on other users of the pavement.”
The Government announced in May it had chosen the West Midlands, West of England Combined Authority, Portsmouth and Southampton, Derby and Nottingham as locations for the trials.
poll loading Would you swap your car journey for an electric scooter? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No Maybe - I'd want to see if they were safe first
West Midlands mayor Andy Street, TfWM managing director Laura Shoaf and Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward have voiced support.
TfWM and individual councils in the region are already working on a range of methods to encourage alternatives to car use.
The transport authority said it was speaking to up to 30 potential companies, including Lime, to decide who would deliver the scooter trial.
A spokesman said: "TfWM with Birmingham City Council are leading an exercise in partnership with the other regional local authorities to look at hosting e-scooter rental trials in the West Midlands.
"If taken forward, this would be done as part of the Department for Transport’s national scheme, which is an emerging process which seeks to understand the benefits of eScooters in the long term as well as providing an immediate help to the transport system as part of lifting the national Covid-19 lockdown.
"Lime are one of some 30 potentially interested companies who have been in contact with TfWM and various other regional local authorities.
"A decision on whether to proceed and on the preferred trial format and partners will be made over the summer with a view to starting to roll-out eScooters in limited trial zones towards the end of the Summer period.
"No decision has been made at this point [on whether only one provider will be chosen], but it possible that several will be chosen."


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Teenage girl suffers ‘very serious injuries’ in house blaze

A teenage girl has been seriously injured and three more have been taken to hospital after a house fire in Worcestershire .
Emergency services scrambled to a semi-detached house in Lilac Close in the Southcrest area of Redditch shortly after 2.30am on Sunday ( June 14 ) .
Five fire crews , four ambulances , three paramedic officers , a critical care paramedic , the Hazardous Area Response Team and a trauma doctor from the Medical Emergency Response Incident Team all attended the incident .
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service sent three crews from Redditch , two from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and described the incident as a ‘ severe house fire ’ .
They found people in the house had suffered ‘ burns and smoke inhalation ’ and had got out of the home before crews arrived .
The house was on fire when the ambulance crews arrived and they treated a teenage girl who had suffered ‘ very serious injuries ’ .
She was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham .
A man , a woman and a teenage boy were all checked by paramedics and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A fifth person was uninjured .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said : “ On arrival , ambulance staff found a house that was well ablaze .
One of the Trust ’ s paramedic Education and Training Officers was already on scene providing care .
“ In total , there were five people from the property of which four were hurt .
“ Two adults , a man and a woman and a teenage boy were all treated and assessed at the scene before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A teenage girl had suffered very serious injuries .
After assessment , she was rapidly taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the critical care paramedic travelling with the ambulance .
A spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue said : “ Five We were called to Lilac Close in Redditch at 2.33am on June 14 .
“ Five occupants of the house , suffering from burns and smoke inhalation , had self-rescued before the arrival of the fire service and were attended to by paramedics who , along with the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in a two-storey , semi-detached house , approximately 10m by 5m .
Fire affected 80 per cent of the property and there was severe fire damage to the first floor and the roof .
“ The fire was fought using three main jets and one hose reel jet with two firefighters using breathing apparatus making investigations in a neighbouring property .
The USAR ( Urban Search and Rescue ) Team assisted with shoring up the property before the incident was closed at 7.02pm on Sunday .
”

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A teenage girl has been seriously injured and three more have been taken to hospital after a house fire in Worcestershire.
Emergency services scrambled to a semi-detached house in Lilac Close in Redditch shortly after 2.30am on Sunday (June 14).
Five fire crews, four ambulances, three paramedic officers, a critical care paramedic, the Hazardous Area Response Team and a trauma doctor from the Medical Emergency Response Incident Team all attended the incident.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service sent three crews from Redditch, two from Bromsgrove and a drone team from Ledbury and described the incident as a ‘severe house fire’.
They found people in the house had suffered ‘burns and smoke inhalation’ and had got out of the home before crews arrived.
The house was on fire when the ambulance crews arrived and they treated a teenage girl who had suffered ‘very serious injuries’. She was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
A man, a woman and a teenage boy were all checked by paramedics and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital ‘with serious but not life-threatening injuries’. A fifth person was uninjured.
Neighbours spoke of their shock at the blaze at the small cul-de-sac in the Southcrest area of the town, which has around 16 semi-detached houses.
One neighbour said: “A family of five live there - the parents and three children.
“I knew them really well, they’re nice. A nice normal family.”
Another woman said: “It’s awful what happened, I just hope everyone is OK.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found a house that was well ablaze. One of the Trust’s paramedic Education and Training Officers was already on scene providing care.
“In total, there were five people from the property of which four were hurt.
“Two adults, a man and a woman and a teenage boy were all treated and assessed at the scene before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
“A teenage girl had suffered very serious injuries. After assessment, she was rapidly taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the critical care paramedic travelling with the ambulance.
“The fifth person was uninjured.”
A spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue said: “Five We were called to Lilac Close in Redditch at 2.33am on June 14.
“Five occupants of the house, suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, had self-rescued before the arrival of the fire service and were attended to by paramedics who, along with the police, also attended.
“The fire was in a two-storey, semi-detached house, approximately 10m by 5m. Fire affected 80 per cent of the property and there was severe fire damage to the first floor and the roof.
“The fire was fought using three main jets and one hose reel jet with two firefighters using breathing apparatus making investigations in a neighbouring property. The USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Team assisted with shoring up the property before the incident was closed at 7.02pm on Sunday.”


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Bullring forced to limit customers as shopping centre swells on re-opening

The Bullring shopping centre is limiting customer entry on Monday , June 15 , as stores across the city re-open .
After the government eased lockdown restrictions , giving customers the chance to shop at non-essential stores , the Bullring is back in operation .
The shopping centre was given the green light to start operating again from Monday after the latest government advice .
After a shake-up the lockdown , with a gradual easing of restrictions , shops including Selfridges , HMV and H & M welcomed back shoppers this morning .
Pictures taken on Monday morning show lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ malls as numbers of customers are being limited in each store to allow for social distancing .
This means many people are having to wait to get into shops .
But our reporter at the scene says there are lots of `` happy customers , predominately young , some wearing masks but loads clutching bags of shopping already . ''
Selfridges re-opened at 11am , some three hours after Primark re-opened the world 's biggest store , in Birmingham , at 7.25am .
The store was forced to open early amid a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets and one shopper waking at 4.30am to get a prime spot and be among the first customers served .
Other retailers to operate on Monday include the likes of Apple , Lush , JD Sports and Zara .

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The Bullring shopping centre is limiting customer entry on Monday, June 15, as stores across the city re-open.
After the government eased lockdown restrictions, giving customers the chance to shop at non-essential stores, the Bullring is back in operation.
The shopping centre was given the green light to start operating again from Monday after the latest government advice.
After a shake-up the lockdown, with a gradual easing of restrictions, shops including Selfridges, HMV and H&M welcomed back shoppers this morning.
Pictures taken on Monday morning show lots of people are in the main shopping malls as numbers of customers are being limited in each store to allow for social distancing.
This means many people are having to wait to get into shops.
But our reporter at the scene says there are lots of "happy customers, predominately young, some wearing masks but loads clutching bags of shopping already."
Follow live updates here.
Selfridges re-opened at 11am, some three hours after Primark re-opened the world's biggest store, in Birmingham, at 7.25am.
The store was forced to open early amid a huge demand outside, with hundreds lining the streets and one shopper waking at 4.30am to get a prime spot and be among the first customers served.
Other retailers to operate on Monday include the likes of Apple, Lush, JD Sports and Zara.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Birmingham City linked Nigel Clough favourite for TWO vacant jobs

Nigel Clough has emerged as a candidate for Birmingham City ’ s vacant hotseat , following reports in the national media .
Sky Sports said the former Burton , Sheffield United and Derby boss had held preliminary talks with Blues about replacing Pep Clotet .
Within hours that led to the 54-year-old being installed as the bookmakers ’ favourite for the St Andrew ’ s post - leapfrogging Lee Bowyer in an instant .
Neil Warnock and Chris Hughton are also high in the odds , with Slavisa Jokanovic - who was claimed to be Blues ’ first choice by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at 12/1 .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Birmingham City news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Blues news , views , gossip and opinion .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store However , Blues aren ’ t the only club with whom Clough is the bookies ’ favourite .
The ex-Liverpool and Nottingham Forest attacker is also the front-runner at Bolton Wanderers too .
Keith Hill left the Trotters last week following confirmation they would be relegated to League Two .
According to SkyBet the latest odds at Bolton are :

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Nigel Clough has emerged as a candidate for Birmingham City ’s vacant hotseat, following reports in the national media.
Sky Sports said the former Burton, Sheffield United and Derby boss had held preliminary talks with Blues about replacing Pep Clotet.
Within hours that led to the 54-year-old being installed as the bookmakers’ favourite for the St Andrew’s post - leapfrogging Lee Bowyer in an instant.
Neil Warnock and Chris Hughton are also high in the odds, with Slavisa Jokanovic - who was claimed to be Blues’ first choice by a report in the Sun on Sunday, at 12/1.
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Current Blues odds
Nigel Clough 7/4
Lee Bowyer 4/1
Neil Warnock 6/1
Chris Hughton 7/1
Lee Carsley 9/1
Slavisa Jokanovic 12/1
Craig Gardner 14/1
Mark Robins 16/1
Aitor Karanka 20/1
Kevin Phillips 20/1
However, Blues aren’t the only club with whom Clough is the bookies’ favourite. The ex-Liverpool and Nottingham Forest attacker is also the front-runner at Bolton Wanderers too.
Keith Hill left the Trotters last week following confirmation they would be relegated to League Two.
According to SkyBet the latest odds at Bolton are :
Nigel Clough 2/1
Gary Bowyer 9/4
Ian Evatt 4/1
David Lee 6/1
Ryan Lowe 9/1
Kevin Nolan 11/1
Richie Wellens 11/1
Michael Jolley 14/1
Torsten Lieberknecht 14/1
Dean Holden 16/1


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Man jailed over urinating next to Keith Palmer memorial

A 28-year-old football fan has admitted urinating next to the memorial dedicated to Pc Keith Palmer , who was stabbed to death in the 2017 Westminster terror attack .
Andrew Banks , of Manor Road in Stansted , Essex , was captured on camera as violent clashes between far-right protesters and police took place in central London .
Banks , wearing a white T-shirt and grey Adidas jogging bottoms , admitted one count of outraging public decency at Westminster Magistrates ' Court on Monday .
Prosecutor Michael Mallon said Banks , a Tottenham Hotspur fan , was in central London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted he did not know which statues .
He was said to have drunk 16 pints during Friday night into Saturday morning , and had not been to sleep .
Banks contacted police after being confronted by his father , the court heard .
His counsel Stuart Harris said his client was `` ashamed by his action '' , and had mental health issues .
Banks 's actions were widely condemned by politicians including MP Tobias Ellwood , who gave first aid to Pc Palmer as he lay dying after being stabbed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed extremist Khalid Masood on March 22 2017 .
Saturday 's far-right demonstration took place after thousands of anti-racism protesters marched in multiple events sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of white police officers in the US last month .
Mr Floyd 's death has prompted weeks of discussion and outrage about racism and colonialism in the UK .
Those attending Saturday 's far-right demonstration claimed to be guarding the statue of Winston Churchill as well as the Cenotaph .
However , the event turned violent after hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas near the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square and hurled missiles , smoke grenades , glass bottles and flares at police officers .
A total of 113 people were arrested and the protest was condemned by Boris Johnson as `` racist thuggery '' and described as `` mindless hooliganism '' by police .

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A 28-year-old football fan has admitted urinating next to the memorial dedicated to Pc Keith Palmer, who was stabbed to death in the 2017 Westminster terror attack.
Andrew Banks, of Manor Road in Stansted, Essex, was captured on camera as violent clashes between far-right protesters and police took place in central London.
Banks, wearing a white T-shirt and grey Adidas jogging bottoms, admitted one count of outraging public decency at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Prosecutor Michael Mallon said Banks, a Tottenham Hotspur fan, was in central London to "protect statues", but admitted he did not know which statues.
He was said to have drunk 16 pints during Friday night into Saturday morning, and had not been to sleep.
Banks contacted police after being confronted by his father, the court heard.
His counsel Stuart Harris said his client was "ashamed by his action", and had mental health issues.
Banks's actions were widely condemned by politicians including MP Tobias Ellwood, who gave first aid to Pc Palmer as he lay dying after being stabbed to death in the grounds of Parliament by armed extremist Khalid Masood on March 22 2017.
Saturday's far-right demonstration took place after thousands of anti-racism protesters marched in multiple events sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of white police officers in the US last month.
Mr Floyd's death has prompted weeks of discussion and outrage about racism and colonialism in the UK.
Those attending Saturday's far-right demonstration claimed to be guarding the statue of Winston Churchill as well as the Cenotaph.
However, the event turned violent after hundreds of self-proclaimed "statue defenders" took over areas near the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square and hurled missiles, smoke grenades, glass bottles and flares at police officers.
A total of 113 people were arrested and the protest was condemned by Boris Johnson as "racist thuggery" and described as "mindless hooliganism" by police.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Selfridges finally reopens in Bullring after customers queue for hours

Selfridges has finally reopened for Birmingham shoppers in the Bullring shopping centre - after customers queued for HOURS .
There were long queues to get into Selfridges this morning ahead of the department store reopening at 11am .
Queues snaked around the inside of Bullring as shoppers eagerly awaited the chance to peruse the luxury fashion and cosmetic items in store for the first time in three months .
The re-opening of the iconic department store giant came at 11am - some time after the rest of the city 's stores .
Birmingham city centre saw hundreds flock to stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 15 , with most opening between 8am and 9am .
Primark was among those forced to bring forward the opening time , however , after shoppers queued overnight to gain access .
One customer admitted they had awoken at 4.30am - yes , really - to be among the first shoppers allowed in to the store .
Selfridges is one of just a score of stores back open in the Bullring and Grand Central today .
Other high profile retailers opening for customers on Monday include the likes of New Look , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Primark has also opened , as well as Zara , Three , Apple and plenty more .

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Selfridges has finally reopened for Birmingham shoppers in the Bullring shopping centre - after customers queued for HOURS.
There were long queues to get into Selfridges this morning ahead of the department store reopening at 11am.
Queues snaked around the inside of Bullring as shoppers eagerly awaited the chance to peruse the luxury fashion and cosmetic items in store for the first time in three months.
The re-opening of the iconic department store giant came at 11am - some time after the rest of the city's stores.
Birmingham city centre saw hundreds flock to stores across the city streets on Monday, June 15, with most opening between 8am and 9am.
Primark was among those forced to bring forward the opening time, however, after shoppers queued overnight to gain access.
One customer admitted they had awoken at 4.30am - yes, really - to be among the first shoppers allowed in to the store.
Selfridges is one of just a score of stores back open in the Bullring and Grand Central today.
Other high profile retailers opening for customers on Monday include the likes of New Look, Topshop and Topman, Next and HMV.
Primark has also opened, as well as Zara, Three, Apple and plenty more.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Gang hunted as Good Samaritan attacked with weapons in street brawl

A Good Samaritan was left with serious injuries after being chased then attacked with weapons when he intervened in a street brawl .
Police and paramedics were called to Washwood Heath Road , Ward End , at around 10.30pm last night ( Sunday ) .
West Midlands Police say a man in his 20 's received serious injuries after intervening in a fight .
He was chased by a group of men and hit with weapons .
The man suffered serious injuries to his back and neck and remains in hospital .
Police say his injuries are not believed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Police spokesman said : `` Police are investigating after a man was attacked on Washwood Heath Road , Ward End at 10.30pm yesterday ( 14 June ) .
`` It is believed a fight took place between a group of men ; a man in his 20s tried to intervene when he was chased and hit with weapons .
`` The man suffered injuries to his back and neck and remains in hospital .
His injuries are not believed to be life threatening or life changing .
`` Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our website or by calling 101 .
Please quote crime reference number 20BE/137220B/20 . ''

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A Good Samaritan was left with serious injuries after being chased then attacked with weapons when he intervened in a street brawl.
Police and paramedics were called to Washwood Heath Road, Ward End, at around 10.30pm last night (Sunday).
West Midlands Police say a man in his 20's received serious injuries after intervening in a fight.
He was chased by a group of men and hit with weapons.
The man suffered serious injuries to his back and neck and remains in hospital. Police say his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "Police are investigating after a man was attacked on Washwood Heath Road, Ward End at 10.30pm yesterday (14 June).
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"It is believed a fight took place between a group of men; a man in his 20s tried to intervene when he was chased and hit with weapons.
"The man suffered injuries to his back and neck and remains in hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening or life changing.
"Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101. Please quote crime reference number 20BE/137220B/20."
Alternatively people can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Half of parents don't believe it's safe to send their children back to school

Half of parents are not currently willing to send their children back to school , a survery in a Birmingham constituency found .
It prompted calls for the Government to take more action to reassure parents that classrooms are safe .
The survey , conducted by Labour MP Jack Dromey , found 51 % of parents surveyed in his Erdington constituency agreed with the statement that children should not be returning to school `` and I will not be sending my children back '' .
Another 22 % said they `` need more reassurance before I feel comfortable sending my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing concern that children from low-income families in particular could suffer long-term damage to their education as a result of missing months of schooling .
The Government is set to announce plans to help pupils catch up during the summer holidays .
Mr Dromey has written to Gavin Williamson , the Education Secretary , to demand that steps are taken to rebuild parents ’ confidence in the return to school .
The action called for includes working cross-party , and in collaboration with headteachers , parents and teaching unions , to build a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also urged the government to prioritise the development of the test , track and trace system and to increase awareness of the testing that is avaiable , and to provide teaching staff with as much personal protective equipment as is required .
Jack Dromey MP said : `` The results of the survey I conducted of Erdington parents has revealed dismal , but unfortunately unsurprising , low levels of confidence in the Government ’ s plans for a return to school .
“ We must be in no doubt , schools need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but crucially , only when it is safe for children , teachers and their families .
“ The return to school is vital for disadvantaged children , who are falling even further behind their peers .
This problem is especially acute in my constituency of Erdington , which is one of the most deprived in the country .
“ I am calling on the Education Secretary , and the Government , to work with the Labour Party to build a cross-party consensus around the return to school that would give parents the confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We need to end the chaos and confusion and build a unity of approach around the return to school for the good of the nation.
” Politicians , education leaders and charity heads have called on the Government to ensure children eligible for free school meals ( FSM ) have internet access at home .
They signed a letter warning that at least 700,000 disadvantaged children have missed out due to a lack of computer or internet access and can not complete their homework .
The letter has been signed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former education and employment secretary Lord David Blunkett and Tim Loughton , a Conservative MP who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group ( AAPG ) for Children .
Get all the latest politics updates in our daily BirminghamLive newsletter Politics plays a huge part in all our lives , much more than we immediately realise .
News and updates on the world of politics seemed to become much more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic as we waited for news of the Government 's responses to the crisis and how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get all the latest politics updates in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
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Find it on Google Play Store and App Store Layla Moran , the Liberal Democrats education spokeswoman , has also signed the letter in addition to the former head of Ofsted Sir Michael Wilshaw and charity leaders including Action for Children chief executive Melanie Armstrong .
The letter reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silver bullet .
“ It will not fully close the digital divide or make up for months away from school .
“ But it would make an immediate , tangible difference to some of the most vulnerable families in our society.
” Mr Williamson previously told the House of Commons that 230,000 laptops will be given to disadvantaged children by the end of June , with 100,000 already delivered .
Tens of thousands of routers have also been provided to vulnerable families , he also told MPs .
A Department for Education spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can to make sure no child , whatever their background , falls behind as a result of coronavirus .
“ The Government has already committed over £100 million to support children to learn at home , and pupil premium funding at the highest ever rate per pupil continues to be paid to help schools support their disadvantaged pupils .
“ Many schools have begun welcoming children from Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 back to the classroom as part of a phased and cautious approach .
“ We are also working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver the support that is needed for all pupils who have been affected by school closures .
”

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Half of parents are not currently willing to send their children back to school, a survery in a Birmingham constituency found.
It prompted calls for the Government to take more action to reassure parents that classrooms are safe.
The survey, conducted by Labour MP Jack Dromey, found 51% of parents surveyed in his Erdington constituency agreed with the statement that children should not be returning to school "and I will not be sending my children back".
Another 22% said they "need more reassurance before I feel comfortable sending my children back".
It comes amid growing concern that children from low-income families in particular could suffer long-term damage to their education as a result of missing months of schooling.
The Government is set to announce plans to help pupils catch up during the summer holidays.
Mr Dromey has written to Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, to demand that steps are taken to rebuild parents’ confidence in the return to school.
The action called for includes working cross-party, and in collaboration with headteachers, parents and teaching unions, to build a consensus around the return to school.
He also urged the government to prioritise the development of the test, track and trace system and to increase awareness of the testing that is avaiable, and to provide teaching staff with as much personal protective equipment as is required.
Jack Dromey MP said: "The results of the survey I conducted of Erdington parents has revealed dismal, but unfortunately unsurprising, low levels of confidence in the Government’s plans for a return to school.
“We must be in no doubt, schools need to return as soon as possible – but crucially, only when it is safe for children, teachers and their families.
“The return to school is vital for disadvantaged children, who are falling even further behind their peers. This problem is especially acute in my constituency of Erdington, which is one of the most deprived in the country.
“I am calling on the Education Secretary, and the Government, to work with the Labour Party to build a cross-party consensus around the return to school that would give parents the confidence that sending their children back is safe.
“We need to end the chaos and confusion and build a unity of approach around the return to school for the good of the nation.”
Politicians, education leaders and charity heads have called on the Government to ensure children eligible for free school meals (FSM) have internet access at home.
They signed a letter warning that at least 700,000 disadvantaged children have missed out due to a lack of computer or internet access and cannot complete their homework.
The letter has been signed by politicians including former prime minister Tony Blair, former education and employment secretary Lord David Blunkett and Tim Loughton, a Conservative MP who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group (AAPG) for Children.
Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrats education spokeswoman, has also signed the letter in addition to the former head of Ofsted Sir Michael Wilshaw and charity leaders including Action for Children chief executive Melanie Armstrong.
The letter reads: “This policy is not a silver bullet.
“It will not fully close the digital divide or make up for months away from school.
“But it would make an immediate, tangible difference to some of the most vulnerable families in our society.”
Mr Williamson previously told the House of Commons that 230,000 laptops will be given to disadvantaged children by the end of June, with 100,000 already delivered.
Tens of thousands of routers have also been provided to vulnerable families, he also told MPs.
A Department for Education spokesman said: “We will do whatever we can to make sure no child, whatever their background, falls behind as a result of coronavirus.
“The Government has already committed over £100 million to support children to learn at home, and pupil premium funding at the highest ever rate per pupil continues to be paid to help schools support their disadvantaged pupils.
“Many schools have begun welcoming children from Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 back to the classroom as part of a phased and cautious approach.
“We are also working with a range of partner organisations to deliver the support that is needed for all pupils who have been affected by school closures.”


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Man pleads guilty after being pictured urinating next to Keith Palmer memorial

Andrew Banks , 28 , has pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates ' Court to outraging public decency after being pictured urinating next to the Pc Keith Palmer memorial in Westminster during Saturday 's far-right protests in central London .
On Sunday evening , Scotland Yard said Andrew Banks , from Stansted , Essex , had been charged with outraging public decency and remains in custody .
The image of a man was widely shared on social media on Saturday as violent clashes between far-right protesters and police took place in central London .
The man in the photo was widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who gave first aid to Pc Palmer as he lay dying after being stabbed to death in the grounds of Parliament by Khalid Masood in 2017 .
Saturday 's far-right demonstration took place after thousands of anti-racist protesters marched in multiple events sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of white police officers in the US last month .
The Prime Minister has previously been urged to show leadership in dealing with racism in the UK , as multiple tweets he had previously sent about Churchill 's statue were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice secretary David Lammy .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said he was `` extremely disturbed '' by the `` completely unacceptable '' scenes of violence on the streets on Saturday .
On Sunday morning , he said Mr Johnson needs to set out `` concrete steps '' to address `` the inequality and racism that still sadly exists in our country '' .

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Andrew Banks, 28, has pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to outraging public decency after being pictured urinating next to the Pc Keith Palmer memorial in Westminster during Saturday's far-right protests in central London.
On Sunday evening, Scotland Yard said Andrew Banks, from Stansted, Essex, had been charged with outraging public decency and remains in custody.
The image of a man was widely shared on social media on Saturday as violent clashes between far-right protesters and police took place in central London.
The man in the photo was widely condemned by politicians including MP Tobias Ellwood, who gave first aid to Pc Palmer as he lay dying after being stabbed to death in the grounds of Parliament by Khalid Masood in 2017.
Saturday's far-right demonstration took place after thousands of anti-racist protesters marched in multiple events sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of white police officers in the US last month.
The Prime Minister has previously been urged to show leadership in dealing with racism in the UK, as multiple tweets he had previously sent about Churchill's statue were branded a "deflection" by shadow justice secretary David Lammy.
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said he was "extremely disturbed" by the "completely unacceptable" scenes of violence on the streets on Saturday.
On Sunday morning, he said Mr Johnson needs to set out "concrete steps" to address "the inequality and racism that still sadly exists in our country".


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Watch as huge queues snake through intu Merry Hill as shops reopen

Mobile phone footage has captured huge queues of eager punters waiting to shop at intu Merry Hill 's Primark , as non-essential stores reopen for the first time .
The clip , which was taken by Katie Taylor , shows the massive line of customers snaking through the Brierley Hill-based shopping centre on Monday , June 15 .
Sports Direct at the mall also has a queue time of around THREE hours , Katie said .
Another video that was taken outside the centre shows queues winding round the car park as hundreds descend on the venue .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intu Merry Hill have said they are prepared for the new wave of shoppers and the centre includes designated queuing zones .
HMV , Primark and Pandora are just some of the shops set to reopen - a full list can be found here .
Matthew Roberts , chief executive of intu , said : “ We are looking forward to welcoming more visitors back to intu Merry Hill and our other centres from 15 June in line with Government guidance .
`` Our centres have and will always be at the heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 3 % of all retail jobs in the UK and our centres are home to some of the biggest and best brands , so we are doing everything we can to make them safe places to visit and work .
“ We know we can not do this alone and everyone who visits our centres whether for work or to shop will play their part in keeping themselves and each other safe by following the official guidelines , and the instructions and safety information provided by our teams .
“ Whilst the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill will be different to normal , our teams will be on hand to deliver that warm welcome our centres have become known for.
” Zoos and safari parks are also welcoming back visitors on Monday , places of worship can open for private prayer while some secondary school pupils will begin returning to their classrooms .

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Mobile phone footage has captured huge queues of eager punters waiting to shop at intu Merry Hill's Primark, as non-essential stores reopen for the first time.
The clip, which was taken by Katie Taylor, shows the massive line of customers snaking through the Brierley Hill-based shopping centre on Monday, June 15.
Sports Direct at the mall also has a queue time of around THREE hours, Katie said.
Another video that was taken outside the centre shows queues winding round the car park as hundreds descend on the venue. You can watch the clips above.
Owners at intu Merry Hill have said they are prepared for the new wave of shoppers and the centre includes designated queuing zones.
HMV, Primark and Pandora are just some of the shops set to reopen - a full list can be found here.
Gavin Prior, operations director at intu, said: "We’re delighted to be welcoming more people back to intu Merry Hill from today.
"There has been a wonderful vibe since even before we opened, with socially distanced queues forming from early this morning. Our visitors have been playing their part by staying socially distanced and following all the other safety measures we have in place to make sure all intu centres are safe places to visit and work. It’s great to see all our teams' hard work and planning come into action.
"In preparation for this week, we carried out some research with 2,000 regular shopping centre visitors which that found that many people were looking forward to returning to shops if there were the right safety measures and we have certainly seen that come true today.
"It is clear from the queues that people have been excited about returning to the shops and we are doing everything we can to make that experience both safe and joyful.
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"Footfall across all intu centres is naturally lower than the same day last year but by 2pm today had grown by 218% compared to last Monday and we expect the number of visitors to steadily increase towards the weekend as more of us look to venture out to the shops and more brands reopen.
"Around 40% of the shops in intu centres are open today and many more are planning on reopening over the next week or two as they continue to put the right safety measures in place.
"We’d like to thank all the teams at intu and all the brands in our centres who have been working incredibly hard to make sure intu centres are safe places to visit and work."
Zoos and safari parks are also welcoming back visitors on Monday, places of worship can open for private prayer while some secondary school pupils will begin returning to their classrooms.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Man, 79, who cheated death SIX times with Covid-19 makes miracle recovery

A great-grandfather nicknamed 'Uncle Albert ' who cheated death SIX times while battling coronavirus left doctors baffled - by making a miracle recovery .
Robin Jones , 79 , was struck down with the virus after complaining of crippling stomach pain .
He tested positive for Covid-19 in April and spent ten weeks fighting for life in Hereford County Hospital .
Because of his diabetes and a recent operation to repair a perforated bowel , he was given high-flow oxygen to help him battle the virus .
Medics called his family on six separate occasions telling them he was 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the retired builder rallied .
Incredibly , after ten weeks , Robin , affectionately nicknamed ‘ Uncle Albert ’ on account of his likeness to the Only Fools and Horses character , was discharged from hospital .
Inspiring video captured the moment medical staff formed a guard of honour and cheered as he left hospital last week .
His daughter Polly Jones , 51 , who is a nurse , said : “ I was coming home from work when my mum rang me saying my father had abdominal pain .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was really unwell .
He did n't want to go in because of the virus and he did n't want to waste anybody 's time .
“ However , when he went in , they found he had a perforated bowel .
He also needed emergency treatment for Crohn 's Disease , which had n't previously been diagnosed .
“ He deteriorated quickly with his respiratory functions in distress .
“ In early April , they did a test and he tested positive for Covid-19 .
“ From that date , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call from the hospital at one stage where they told us he is not going to make it to the morning .
“ It was just a lot to take him but we prepared ourselves for the worst .
Then we got a call from the hospital saying his condition had improved .
“ We so relieved but over the next couple of weeks we kept getting the dreaded call saying he had gone downhill again and not to expect him to survive .
“ It must have happened at least five or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was an emotional rollercoaster because one minute he was okay , then he was n't , then he was not , he 's not going to make it .
“ He was on high flow oxygen , which is 15 litres of oxygen for a few days .
It was all the hospital could do for him.
” Robin was finally discharged from hospital on May 26 and returned to his home which he shares with his wife-of-59-years , Pat , in Leominster , Herefordshire .
Polly added : “ Everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , that they pulled him through that .
He remembers a few staff off there as well , who were very good to him .
“ There was a lady called Beth from infection control who would sit with him and talk to him because he was lonely .
“ We had ten weeks of on and off after that .
After the first two weeks , it was definitely two months of touch and go .
“ On that night where they said he wo n't make it till morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking our call and was very good with us .
“ Because he was delirious and unwell , he was trying to fight the nurses .
“ He was pulling out his drip , pulling out the tube .
The nurse would take the phone to him and my sister would say 'Come on dad , take your tablets ' .
“ We were trying to support him , but he was just delirious .
He 's a very good , loving man and it was just so difficult to hear that as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Added to the fact of not actually being able to physically see how unwell he was , it tore us apart .
He would n't ring , because he was n't strong enough .
“ One of those times he was unconscious they did come and do an assessment from intensive care , but they said he was n't a candidate because he has diabetes .
“ He just had that operation and they said he was n't strong enough to go there .
“ Towards the end of April , there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not going to make it .
“ They were very nice to us but I think they thought we were not accepting that they were going to put him on end of life care .
“ They said if he deteriorates , we could come into the garden area and look through the window at him because nobody 's allowed in to see him or to say our goodbyes .
“ It was really tough .
I rang up one time and they said 'We 're working on him now ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
They said when they remove the oxygen , they will call us , but they did n't as he kept fighting .
“ Dad was very very hardworking all his life .
He was just a grafter really .
“ People call him either Uncle Albert , or Father Christmas , that 's how he 's known around the town .
He 's got a lovely , warm sense of humour.
” To express their gratitude to the medical staff , Robin and his family have launched an appeal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can donate to Robin ’ s fundraising efforts on Facebook here : https : //www.facebook.com/donate/255561235691597/1543768285814761/

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A great-grandfather nicknamed 'Uncle Albert' who cheated death SIX times while battling coronavirus left doctors baffled - by making a miracle recovery.
Robin Jones, 79, was struck down with the virus after complaining of crippling stomach pain.
He tested positive for Covid-19 in April and spent ten weeks fighting for life in Hereford County Hospital.
Because of his diabetes and a recent operation to repair a perforated bowel, he was given high-flow oxygen to help him battle the virus.
Medics called his family on six separate occasions telling them he was 24 hours from death but each time, the retired builder rallied.
Incredibly, after ten weeks, Robin, affectionately nicknamed ‘Uncle Albert’ on account of his likeness to the Only Fools and Horses character, was discharged from hospital.
Inspiring video captured the moment medical staff formed a guard of honour and cheered as he left hospital last week.
His daughter Polly Jones, 51, who is a nurse, said: “I was coming home from work when my mum rang me saying my father had abdominal pain.
“I had to do a 999 call because he was really unwell. He didn't want to go in because of the virus and he didn't want to waste anybody's time.
“However, when he went in, they found he had a perforated bowel. He also needed emergency treatment for Crohn's Disease, which hadn't previously been diagnosed.
“He deteriorated quickly with his respiratory functions in distress.
“In early April, they did a test and he tested positive for Covid-19.
“From that date, it was horrendous.
“We had a call from the hospital at one stage where they told us he is not going to make it to the morning.
(Image: SWNS)
“It was just a lot to take him but we prepared ourselves for the worst. Then we got a call from the hospital saying his condition had improved.
“We so relieved but over the next couple of weeks we kept getting the dreaded call saying he had gone downhill again and not to expect him to survive.
“It must have happened at least five or six times.
“He kept fighting and it was an emotional rollercoaster because one minute he was okay, then he wasn't, then he was not, he's not going to make it.
“He was on high flow oxygen, which is 15 litres of oxygen for a few days. It was all the hospital could do for him.”
(Image: SWNS)
Robin was finally discharged from hospital on May 26 and returned to his home which he shares with his wife-of-59-years, Pat, in Leominster, Herefordshire.
Polly added: “Everybody said we can't believe he made it, that they pulled him through that. He remembers a few staff off there as well, who were very good to him.
“There was a lady called Beth from infection control who would sit with him and talk to him because he was lonely.
“We had ten weeks of on and off after that. After the first two weeks, it was definitely two months of touch and go.
(Image: SWNS)
“On that night where they said he won't make it till morning, there was a night nurse who kept taking our call and was very good with us.
“Because he was delirious and unwell, he was trying to fight the nurses.
“He was pulling out his drip, pulling out the tube. The nurse would take the phone to him and my sister would say 'Come on dad, take your tablets'.
“We were trying to support him, but he was just delirious. He's a very good, loving man and it was just so difficult to hear that as we couldn't see him.
“Added to the fact of not actually being able to physically see how unwell he was, it tore us apart. He wouldn't ring, because he wasn't strong enough.
(Image: SWNS)
“One of those times he was unconscious they did come and do an assessment from intensive care, but they said he wasn't a candidate because he has diabetes.
“He just had that operation and they said he wasn't strong enough to go there.
“Towards the end of April, there was a week of them saying that he's not going to make it.
(Image: SWNS)
“They were very nice to us but I think they thought we were not accepting that they were going to put him on end of life care.
“They said if he deteriorates, we could come into the garden area and look through the window at him because nobody's allowed in to see him or to say our goodbyes.
“It was really tough. I rang up one time and they said 'We're working on him now'.
“That was hard to take in as well. They said when they remove the oxygen, they will call us, but they didn't as he kept fighting.
(Image: SWNS)
“Dad was very very hardworking all his life. He was just a grafter really.
“People call him either Uncle Albert, or Father Christmas, that's how he's known around the town. He's got a lovely, warm sense of humour.”
To express their gratitude to the medical staff, Robin and his family have launched an appeal to raise money for the hospital.
People can donate to Robin’s fundraising efforts on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/255561235691597/1543768285814761/


birminghammail--2020-06-15--This Morning fans mock shoppers queuing for hours overnight as shops re-open

This Morning viewers have been left cringing over shoppers queuing overnight and for hours as stores re-open today .
Fans of the ITV1 daytime programme were left swamping Twitter and Facebook with exasperated and disillusioned comments on Monday .
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby presented the ITV1 daytime favourite on Monday , June 15 , as shops re-opened across the country .
In Birmingham , shoppers lined the streets outside the likes of Primark as hundreds descended on the city centre , Bullring , Grand Central and beyond .
This Morning addressed the busy city centres across the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London .
The programme caught up with one shopper who spent hours queuing for a Mulberry handbag .
And , naturally , viewers were left perplexed - and flocked to social media to slam the shopper 's actions .
In Birmingham , scenes showed a shopper dressed in full PPE to visit Primark .
Another , meanwhile , woke up at 4.30am to be the first customer allowed entry into the city centre store .
This Morning viewers flocked to comment , with one writing : `` Gone shopping for a mulberry handbag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic , f***ing goals # ThisMorning . ''
`` If you got up at the crack of dawn to go and buy a f*****g handbag or a cashmere jumper you need to have a serious look at yourself # ThisMorning , '' another commented .
A third wrote : `` That woman is shopping for a cashmere jumper - in June !
# ThisMorning .

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This Morning viewers have been left cringing over shoppers queuing overnight and for hours as stores re-open today.
Fans of the ITV1 daytime programme were left swamping Twitter and Facebook with exasperated and disillusioned comments on Monday.
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby presented the ITV1 daytime favourite on Monday, June 15, as shops re-opened across the country.
In Birmingham, shoppers lined the streets outside the likes of Primark as hundreds descended on the city centre, Bullring, Grand Central and beyond.
This Morning addressed the busy city centres across the country, with astonishing scenes everywhere from Birmingham to London.
The programme caught up with one shopper who spent hours queuing for a Mulberry handbag.
And, naturally, viewers were left perplexed - and flocked to social media to slam the shopper's actions.
In Birmingham, scenes showed a shopper dressed in full PPE to visit Primark.
Another, meanwhile, woke up at 4.30am to be the first customer allowed entry into the city centre store.
This Morning viewers flocked to comment, with one writing: "Gone shopping for a mulberry handbag and cashmere jumpers in the middle of a pandemic, f***ing goals #ThisMorning."
"If you got up at the crack of dawn to go and buy a f*****g handbag or a cashmere jumper you need to have a serious look at yourself #ThisMorning," another commented.
A third wrote: "That woman is shopping for a cashmere jumper - in June! #ThisMorning.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Manchester United fans pile in after Jack Grealish report

Manchester United step up their efforts to sign Jack Grealish , according to reports .
The Mirror claims United are ready to stump up £75million for Aston Villa ’ s captain after being told Jadon Sancho will not be allowed to leave Borussia Dortmund .
Sancho is claimed to want to be sure of playing Champions League football next season , while The Mirror claim Grealish has set his heart on a move to Old Trafford .
United fans have been reacting - mostly about the price tag .
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All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
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It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store @ loveridge7 : I actually like Grealish , he ’ s been fantastic for Villa , got that bit of creativity that teams always need BUT if we pay more than 35mil for him we ’ ve had our pants pulled down !
# mufc @ ReppinUnited : I agree !
Villa may need to accept a lower fee because of the virus and maybe even relegation .
# mufc @ RocBoiJJ : Ole will HAVE TO PROVE he ’ s an elite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a real challenge but if Grealish is 2 come in n not Sancho then THERE WILL BE ALOT OF PROBLEMS unless Ole NEVER uses his preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 # MUFC @ FredyTheRed : # MUFC ’ s fans who don ’ t rate Jack Grealish , have they watched him playing or their judgment is utterly based on the team he plays for ?
!
@ AndrewStHill231 : Never for 75mil.. i mean come on..

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birminghammail--2020-06-15--What Primark's first customers in Birmingham are saying as store reopens

The mammoth queues outside Primark 's biggest store in the world - which is here in Birmingham - have calmed down .
The queues outside the flagship store died down after hundreds lined the streets , with one shopper waking at 4.30am to visit .
The branch re-opened 35 minutes early today after people queued overnight , with shop bosses bowing to the demand .
A female shopper who had spent almost two hours in the store with her daughter said it had been `` a delight '' to return to the store , which initially opened back in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Birmingham , said : `` There was a very large queue because of the social distancing but if you want something you have got to queue .
`` It took a long time but I bought a lot of dresses , nightwear and bras .
I have missed it a lot and I 'm really happy . ''
Some customers had fashioned makeshift face coverings from bandannas while a handful of others queued wearing medical-style visors .
Many of those queuing to enter Birmingham 's Primark store were wearing protective masks - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full-length hooded protective suit .
The woman used a brown paper Primark bag to cover her face as she left the store and passed members of the media .
Another female shopper , clutching three Primark bags , said : `` It 's good to be back - it seems like forever since I 've been in a clothes shop . ''
Queuing lanes have been erected outside the High Street store to ensure customers entering and leaving are kept several metres apart .
Signs have also been placed around the 45,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lucy Haynes and Mia Allen were two of the first people into the popular fashion store .
“ We are just looking forward to going shopping again , ” said Mia .
Both had travelled in from Shirley for their big day out .

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The mammoth queues outside Primark's biggest store in the world - which is here in Birmingham - have calmed down.
The queues outside the flagship store died down after hundreds lined the streets, with one shopper waking at 4.30am to visit.
The branch re-opened 35 minutes early today after people queued overnight, with shop bosses bowing to the demand.
A female shopper who had spent almost two hours in the store with her daughter said it had been "a delight" to return to the store, which initially opened back in April of last year.
(Image: NICK WILKINSON/BIRMINGHAM LIVE)
The woman, from Birmingham, said: "There was a very large queue because of the social distancing but if you want something you have got to queue.
"It took a long time but I bought a lot of dresses, nightwear and bras. I have missed it a lot and I'm really happy."
Some customers had fashioned makeshift face coverings from bandannas while a handful of others queued wearing medical-style visors.
(Image: NICK WILKINSON/BIRMINGHAM LIVE)
Many of those queuing to enter Birmingham's Primark store were wearing protective masks - with one woman shopping while equipped with a full-length hooded protective suit.
The woman used a brown paper Primark bag to cover her face as she left the store and passed members of the media.
Another female shopper, clutching three Primark bags, said: "It's good to be back - it seems like forever since I've been in a clothes shop."
Queuing lanes have been erected outside the High Street store to ensure customers entering and leaving are kept several metres apart.
Signs have also been placed around the 45,000 sq ft outlet to encourage social distancing.
Lucy Haynes and Mia Allen were two of the first people into the popular fashion store.
“We are just looking forward to going shopping again,” said Mia.
Both had travelled in from Shirley for their big day out.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Bullring reopens as queuing shoppers line city centre streets

This is the scene in Birmingham city centre today as the Bullring shopping centre reopened its doors for the first time since mid-March .
The shopping centre welcomed back shoppers as non-essential stores re-opened in the city after the government eased the ongoing lockdown .
The coronavirus crisis has triggered an unprecedented pandemic , with the health crisis leaving non-essential businesses across the city shuttered .
But now , as the government gradually lifts lockdown restrictions , stores are back open and welcoming customers - including in the Bullring .
Among the Bullring 's iconic stores to re-open include Selfridges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with stores in Grand Central are back operating today .
There were queues outside the Bullring today - with Primark , in the city centre , even busier , as hundreds flocked to line the streets outside .
Images from the Bullring show strict social distancing markers in place as the shopping centre welcomes back customers .
People are being advised to use hand sanitiser upon entering Bullring , then walk along a one way system to the shops .
They are then counted in and there are hand sanitisers at the front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 15 .
Our reporter says the shopping centre is `` filling up but relaxed . ''
Changing rooms are closed , strict hygiene rules are in place and large families will be banned , bosses previously confirmed ahead of the grand and eagerly-anticipated re-opening .
BirminghamLive is currently reporting live , up-to-date updates from the scene on our ongoing , constantly updated live-blog .
Click here to follow it and keep abreast of all the latest goings on from the city centre .

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This is the scene in Birmingham city centre today as the Bullring shopping centre reopened its doors for the first time since mid-March.
The shopping centre welcomed back shoppers as non-essential stores re-opened in the city after the government eased the ongoing lockdown.
The coronavirus crisis has triggered an unprecedented pandemic, with the health crisis leaving non-essential businesses across the city shuttered.
But now, as the government gradually lifts lockdown restrictions, stores are back open and welcoming customers - including in the Bullring.
Among the Bullring's iconic stores to re-open include Selfridges, Topshop, HMV and Next, with stores in Grand Central are back operating today.
There were queues outside the Bullring today - with Primark, in the city centre, even busier, as hundreds flocked to line the streets outside.
Images from the Bullring show strict social distancing markers in place as the shopping centre welcomes back customers.
People are being advised to use hand sanitiser upon entering Bullring, then walk along a one way system to the shops.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
They are then counted in and there are hand sanitisers at the front desk for customers attending on Monday, June 15.
Our reporter says the shopping centre is "filling up but relaxed."
Changing rooms are closed, strict hygiene rules are in place and large families will be banned, bosses previously confirmed ahead of the grand and eagerly-anticipated re-opening.
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BirminghamLive is currently reporting live, up-to-date updates from the scene on our ongoing, constantly updated live-blog.
Click here to follow it and keep abreast of all the latest goings on from the city centre.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Clough new favourite to replace Clotet despite Jokanovic claims

Nigel Clough is the new favourite to replace Pep Clotet , according to bookmakers .
The former Derby , Sheffield @ @ @ @ @ claimed to have had prelimiary talks with Birmingham City by Sky Sports .
The ex-Nottingham @ @ @ @ @ now rated as a 7/4 shot to succeed Clotet .
Lee Bowyer is priced at @ @ @ @ @ third in the running and Chris Hughton fourth .
Former Blues players Lee Carsley and @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's despite claims that former Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic is at the top @ @ @ @ @ The Sun on Sunday claim Jokanovic ’ s track record of winning promotions with Watford @ @ @ @ @ makers at St Andrew 's , but he remains at 12/1 .

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Robbie Fowler is the new favourite to become Birmingham City's next manager after he left Australian side Brisbane Roar.
The search for a successor to Pep Clotet has entered its third week with a number of names having been linked.
Clotet announced on June 8 that he will leave his role as head coach once the current season has come to an end.
Charlton Athletic manager and Carling Cup winner Lee Bowyer and former Blues boss Chris Hughton are among the options said to be under consideration, while Coventry City boss Mark Robins was linked over the weekend.
Hughton would be a popular choice but BirminghamLive understands he does not want to return at this stage.
Slavisa Jokanovic remains in the picture too and an approach for Rangers manager Steven Gerrard was reportedly turned down.
Fowler cut ties with A-League side Brisbane on Monday and the former Liverpool striker has shot to the top of the betting to take over at Blues.
“Robbie has not only provided stability but a refreshing injection of knowledge and insight into the Roar,” Brisbane’s deputy chairman Chris Fong said.
“We are disappointed that the global pandemic has impacted our plans together but completely understand that family comes first during these difficult times.”
Fowler, 45, took charge at Brisbane last April - his second managerial role following a stint as player-manager with Muangthong United in Thailand nine years ago.
After a slow start he had guided them to fourth in the league, winning ten of his 22 matches, before the pandemic shutdown.
Blues next manager odds (courtesy of SkyBet)
Robbie Fowler 5/2
Lee Carsley 3/1
Nigel Clough 4/1
Chris Hughton 9/2
Lee Bowyer 13/2
Steven Gerrard 7/1
Danny Buijs 8/1
Mark Robins 12/1
Slavisa Jokanovic 14/1
Gareth Ainsworth 16/1


birminghammail--2020-06-15--West Midlands Mayor Andy Street calls for change to 'two-metre' rule

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has urged the Government to change the social distancing rule that requires people to stay two metres apart .
Shops re-opening today have been required to introduce measures to ensure customers from different households do not come within two metres of each other .
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to review the restriction , following warnings that it would prevent businesses in the hospitality sector , such as pubs , restaurants and hotels , from opening .
And Mr Street said : `` It ’ s not just hospitality , it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on public transport , everywhere it ’ s the same… of course I want to see it changed but I am absolutely clear it can only change if the scientific advice is that it is safe so to do . ''
He added : `` I do welcome the formal review that the Prime Minister says he is putting in place to get us to look at this properly and hopefully , because no one is going to resist it , hopefully we will be able to make that change if that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street was speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday , on Sky News .
He said it was important to convince people to spend money in shops , adding : `` The fact is that about two-thirds of our economy is made up by consumer spending and of course retail is the biggest part of that , so this will be a really critical part of the effort to get the economy started again ... what we have to do is demonstrate that it is safe to return to the high street . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs to ease the two-metre social distancing rule , possibkly reducing it to one metre , so the hard-pressed hospitality sector can also reopen .
Mr Johnson confirmed at the weekend that he had ordered a “ comprehensive ” Downing Street review of the regulation .
With official figures showing the economy shrank by a fifth in April , ministers are desperate to get businesses going again to stave off another wave of job losses .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak – who is reported to be considering a VAT cut to stimulate spending – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government ’ s furlough scheme begins to unwind .
“ There is going to be hardship ahead .
People are going to lose their jobs , ” he said .

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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has urged the Government to change the social distancing rule that requires people to stay two metres apart.
Shops re-opening today have been required to introduce measures to ensure customers from different households do not come within two metres of each other.
But Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to review the restriction, following warnings that it would prevent businesses in the hospitality sector, such as pubs, restaurants and hotels, from opening.
And Mr Street said: "It’s not just hospitality, it would be the same with education, the same on public transport, everywhere it’s the same… of course I want to see it changed but I am absolutely clear it can only change if the scientific advice is that it is safe so to do."
He added: "I do welcome the formal review that the Prime Minister says he is putting in place to get us to look at this properly and hopefully, because no one is going to resist it, hopefully we will be able to make that change if that’s the right advice."
Mr Street was speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, on Sky News. He said it was important to convince people to spend money in shops, adding: "The fact is that about two-thirds of our economy is made up by consumer spending and of course retail is the biggest part of that, so this will be a really critical part of the effort to get the economy started again ... what we have to do is demonstrate that it is safe to return to the high street."
Ministers are under intense pressure from Conservative MPs to ease the two-metre social distancing rule, possibkly reducing it to one metre, so the hard-pressed hospitality sector can also reopen.
Mr Johnson confirmed at the weekend that he had ordered a “comprehensive” Downing Street review of the regulation.
With official figures showing the economy shrank by a fifth in April, ministers are desperate to get businesses going again to stave off another wave of job losses.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak – who is reported to be considering a VAT cut to stimulate spending – acknowledged further redundancies were inevitable as the Government’s furlough scheme begins to unwind.
“There is going to be hardship ahead. People are going to lose their jobs,” he said.


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Girl biker suffers multiple and 'serious' injuries after crash with van

A girl has been rushed to hospital with multiple and potentially serious injuries after being struck by a van in Halesowen .
Emergency crews – including medics and police – blocked off Belle Vale after the smash between the cyclist and small-sized van at around 9.20pm on Sunday , June 14 .
The youngster , who has not been named or aged , was taken to Birmingham Children 's Hospital for further treatment .
Her injuries are believed to be potentially serious but not life-threatening .
An eyewitness told BlackCountryLive that the road , which was close to Shelton Lane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of hours .
Speaking at the time , they said : Anyone know what is happening in Belle Vale ?
Police and ambulances have blocked it off and they aren ’ t letting anyone through .
`` We heard a little girl got hit by a vehicle – but they won ’ t tell us anything . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulacne Serivce added : `` We were called to Belle Vale after reports of a road traffic collision between a van and cyclist at 9.20pm on Sunday , June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramedic officer and MERIT trauma doctor was sent to the scene .
`` One female was treated for multiple , potentially serious injuries and was taken to Birmingham Children 's Hospital for further treatment . ''

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A girl has been rushed to hospital with multiple and potentially serious injuries after being struck by a van in Halesowen.
Emergency crews – including medics and police – blocked off Belle Vale after the smash between the cyclist and small-sized van at around 9.20pm on Sunday, June 14.
The youngster, who has not been named or aged, was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital for further treatment. Her injuries are believed to be potentially serious but not life-threatening.
An eyewitness told BlackCountryLive that the road, which was close to Shelton Lane, remained behind a cordon for a number of hours.
Speaking at the time, they said: Anyone know what is happening in Belle Vale? Police and ambulances have blocked it off and they aren’t letting anyone through.
"We heard a little girl got hit by a vehicle – but they won’t tell us anything."
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulacne Serivce added: "We were called to Belle Vale after reports of a road traffic collision between a van and cyclist at 9.20pm on Sunday, June 14.
"One ambulance, a paramedic officer and MERIT trauma doctor was sent to the scene.
"One female was treated for multiple, potentially serious injuries and was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital for further treatment."


birminghammail--2020-06-15--Ryanair flights touch down at Birmingham Airport as arrivals get busier

Ryanair , Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic are among the airlines operating flights to and from Birmingham Airport on Monday .
The spike in airport activity on Monday , June 15 , comes as flights begin to resume with the lockdown gradually being eased by the government .
The nationwide UK shutdown has seen non-essential shops finally allowed to re-open , with Foreign Office advice against travel abroad under `` constant review '' .
Birmingham Airport , a transport hub near the NEC , in Solihull , has been eerily quiet ever since mid-March , when the Foreign Office advised against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week saw just six flights depart the transport hub , but things are beginning to progress back to some sense of normality , with travel companies restarting flights - albeit with key changes .
Birmingham Airport has previously warned all passengers they face having to don face masks when moving through the departures lounge and terminals .
Likewise , flights face more thorough , extensive cleaning as airlines ramp up health , safety and hygiene measures as passengers take to cabins on the tarmac .
Flights will be at a lower frequency than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 30 % of its normal capacity between July and September .
But Ryanair is among those resuming flights , with a flight from Dublin due to land down at Birmingham today .
Likewise , Lufthansa , KLM , Virgin Atlantic and Air France are also operating services to the city 's airport .
Easyjet , Jet2 , Wizz Air and British Airways have previously committed to restarting flights this month .
Birmingham will welcome flights from Amsterdam , Dusseldorf and Frankfurt today , as well as Paris and Aberdeen .

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Ryanair, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic are among the airlines operating flights to and from Birmingham Airport on Monday.
The spike in airport activity on Monday, June 15, comes as flights begin to resume with the lockdown gradually being eased by the government.
The nationwide UK shutdown has seen non-essential shops finally allowed to re-open, with Foreign Office advice against travel abroad under "constant review".
Birmingham Airport, a transport hub near the NEC, in Solihull, has been eerily quiet ever since mid-March, when the Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel abroad.
One week saw just six flights depart the transport hub, but things are beginning to progress back to some sense of normality, with travel companies restarting flights - albeit with key changes.
Birmingham Airport has previously warned all passengers they face having to don face masks when moving through the departures lounge and terminals.
Likewise, flights face more thorough, extensive cleaning as airlines ramp up health, safety and hygiene measures as passengers take to cabins on the tarmac.
Flights will be at a lower frequency than normal, meaning airlines will operate at around 30% of its normal capacity between July and September.
But Ryanair is among those resuming flights, with a flight from Dublin due to land down at Birmingham today.
Likewise, Lufthansa, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Air France are also operating services to the city's airport.
Easyjet, Jet2, Wizz Air and British Airways have previously committed to restarting flights this month.
Birmingham will welcome flights from Amsterdam, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt today, as well as Paris and Aberdeen.