birminghammail--2020-05-09--How the Black Country celebrated VE Day

How the Black Country celebrated VE Day

Street parties were in full swing across the Black Country to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
The coronavirus crisis might have put a dampener on elaborate mass celebrations - but that did n't stop neighbours joining forces to remember those who served in World War Two .
Deck chairs were placed in front gardens , barbecues fired up on drives and homes were decked in flags and homemade bunting as people gathered - from a distance - on Friday ( May 8 ) .
There was also dancing in the street as neighbours in South Avenue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passionate rendition of the wartime anthem We ’ ll Meet Again - as can be seen in the video above .
Kiniths Way in West Bromwich was also a sea of red , white and blue as residents went all out to mark the occasion .
Nicola Sutton , who lives in the street , said : `` We have really pulled together during lockdown .
We have such an amazing street - always looking out for one another and every household participates in the weekly 'Clap for Carers ' .
`` Yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate at our socially distanced VE Day celebration .
This celebration would n't have happened without Louise Oakley sourcing the decorations , Steve Cooper helping to put them up for everybody and of course Jennie Caddy for delivering invites to everybody on the street and supplying the wartime music .
`` We are so lucky that , even 75 years on , we live on such a wonderful street which is filled with community spirit and love - reminiscent of those wartime communities .
As Jennie says , 'our street is full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Celebrations also took place at Walsall Manor Hospital .
Staff on Ward 2 were determined to give patients a day to remember and held five separate parties across the ward .
Entertainment was provided by nursing associate Luke Smith , who took on the role of Winston Churchill , while nurses sang Vera Lynn classics at the bay door .
Ward manager , Aaron Bate , said : `` We usually have parties to celebrate occasions and festivals .
`` This was a different challenge with the restrictions we had but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came together .
`` We were determined to try to bring some normality to VE Day for patients , despite the challenges of caring for Covid-19 patients on the ward .
`` We had five separate parties across the ward - so infection control procedure was maintained - and had food and non-alcoholic drinks . ''

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Street parties were in full swing across the Black Country to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
The coronavirus crisis might have put a dampener on elaborate mass celebrations - but that didn't stop neighbours joining forces to remember those who served in World War Two.
Deck chairs were placed in front gardens, barbecues fired up on drives and homes were decked in flags and homemade bunting as people gathered - from a distance - on Friday (May 8).
There was also dancing in the street as neighbours in South Avenue, Stourbridge, came together to sing a passionate rendition of the wartime anthem We’ll Meet Again - as can be seen in the video above .
(Image: Nicola Sutton)
Kiniths Way in West Bromwich was also a sea of red, white and blue as residents went all out to mark the occasion.
Nicola Sutton, who lives in the street, said: "We have really pulled together during lockdown. We have such an amazing street - always looking out for one another and every household participates in the weekly 'Clap for Carers'.
"Yesterday so many of our residents came out to celebrate at our socially distanced VE Day celebration. This celebration wouldn't have happened without Louise Oakley sourcing the decorations, Steve Cooper helping to put them up for everybody and of course Jennie Caddy for delivering invites to everybody on the street and supplying the wartime music.
"We are so lucky that, even 75 years on, we live on such a wonderful street which is filled with community spirit and love - reminiscent of those wartime communities. As Jennie says, 'our street is full of neighbours who are amazing friends'."
Celebrations also took place at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Staff on Ward 2 were determined to give patients a day to remember and held five separate parties across the ward.
Entertainment was provided by nursing associate Luke Smith, who took on the role of Winston Churchill, while nurses sang Vera Lynn classics at the bay door.
Ward manager, Aaron Bate, said: "We usually have parties to celebrate occasions and festivals.
(Image: Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust)
"This was a different challenge with the restrictions we had but we're quite proud of how it came together.
"We were determined to try to bring some normality to VE Day for patients, despite the challenges of caring for Covid-19 patients on the ward.
"We had five separate parties across the ward - so infection control procedure was maintained - and had food and non-alcoholic drinks."


birminghammail--2020-05-09--City tip queue motorists face up to two-and-a-half hour wait

Huge queues are building outside a Birmingham tip this morning with wait times up to two-and-a-half hours .
Motorists eager to dump waste at Lifford Lane , in Kings Norton , were faced long delays over the Bank Holiday weekend .
Birmingham City Council took the decision to reopen the majority of its recycling centres following closures across the city on March 24 after the Government 's announcement of lockdown across the UK .
Four out of five recycling centres were reopened in the city on Thursday - but it prompted wait times of three to five hours at peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened after the pandemic forced it to close - is currently open from 8am to 2.30pm on a Saturday and Sunday .
Speaking about today 's ( May 9 ) queues , a Birmingham Mail photographer said : `` I was told by a lady queueing it was a two-and-half-hour wait today and it was over three hours yesterday .
`` It 's just crazy .
The queues run back to the island .
It was a two-and-half-minute journey just to walk the queue .
`` It 's a three-hour experience on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly , but not by much from the opening day . ''
A 78-year-old man was first in the queue at the tip in Birmingham on Thursday by turning up at 3am - eight hours before it was officially due to open .
Birmingham 's tips partially reopened on May 6 .
The manager took his rubbish - five bags of garden waste - and sent him on his way home .
All of the sites , which are managed by Veolia , were being operated for essential use only .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please think carefully before you decide to visit the site .
Non-essential use puts yourself , other members of the public and our staff at risk from spreading the infection .
`` Anyone in self-isolation or with COVID-19 symptoms must NOT visit under any circumstances .
`` The number of vehicles on-site will be restricted and cars should be driver-only where possible .
`` Extra guidelines in place will cause delays and we ask you to be patient .
Our staff are working hard in difficult circumstances to keep this site operating .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all times .
`` We take our responsibility to your health and safety and that of our staff very seriously .
`` We will be cleaning handrails regularly and closing the site at certain times to allow for thorough cleaning .
`` Our operatives are following Government and industry guidance on personal hygiene . ''
Vans and trailers will not be permitted at any site and only one person should be in each vehicle going to any of the tips .
As usual , those going to the sites need to produce ID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which they will be asked to show against closed car windows .
Social distancing will be maintained on sites at all times , which means staff will not be able to assist the public with their waste disposal .

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Huge queues are building outside a Birmingham tip this morning with wait times up to two-and-a-half hours.
Motorists eager to dump waste at Lifford Lane, in Kings Norton, were faced long delays over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Birmingham City Council took the decision to reopen the majority of its recycling centres following closures across the city on March 24 after the Government's announcement of lockdown across the UK.
Four out of five recycling centres were reopened in the city on Thursday - but it prompted wait times of three to five hours at peak times.
Lifford Lane - which had reopened after the pandemic forced it to close - is currently open from 8am to 2.30pm on a Saturday and Sunday.
Speaking about today's (May 9) queues, a Birmingham Mail photographer said: "I was told by a lady queueing it was a two-and-half-hour wait today and it was over three hours yesterday.
"It's just crazy. The queues run back to the island. It was a two-and-half-minute journey just to walk the queue.
"It's a three-hour experience on a Saturday. It seems to have improved slightly, but not by much from the opening day."
A 78-year-old man was first in the queue at the tip in Birmingham on Thursday by turning up at 3am - eight hours before it was officially due to open. Birmingham's tips partially reopened on May 6.
The manager took his rubbish - five bags of garden waste - and sent him on his way home.
All of the sites, which are managed by Veolia, were being operated for essential use only.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
In a statement, the firm said: "Please think carefully before you decide to visit the site. Non-essential use puts yourself, other members of the public and our staff at risk from spreading the infection.
"Anyone in self-isolation or with COVID-19 symptoms must NOT visit under any circumstances.
"The number of vehicles on-site will be restricted and cars should be driver-only where possible.
"Extra guidelines in place will cause delays and we ask you to be patient. Our staff are working hard in difficult circumstances to keep this site operating. Please treat our staff with respect at all times.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"We take our responsibility to your health and safety and that of our staff very seriously.
"We will be cleaning handrails regularly and closing the site at certain times to allow for thorough cleaning.
"Our operatives are following Government and industry guidance on personal hygiene."
Vans and trailers will not be permitted at any site and only one person should be in each vehicle going to any of the tips.
As usual, those going to the sites need to produce ID to prove they live in the city, which they will be asked to show against closed car windows.
Social distancing will be maintained on sites at all times, which means staff will not be able to assist the public with their waste disposal.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Aston Villa news LIVE: Project restart latest as Premier League plan talks

The Premier League are set for crunch talks at the start of next week , with discussions over 'Project Restart @ @ @ @ @ .
Elite football in the UK has been suspended since March amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ guidelines still in place across the country .
Governing bodies in England have remained committed @ @ @ @ @ albeit without fans in attendance .
The latest proposal is believed to have been that @ @ @ @ @ played at neutral venues , with players regularly tested in order to complete the campaign @ @ @ @ @ Aston Villa newsletter here It 's a plan that has divided the 20 top-flight clubs @ @ @ @ @ bottom of the table believing it gives them a major disadvantage in not playing at @ @ @ @ @ 19th place before the suspension , with their top-flight status at risk .
We 'll @ @ @ @ @ with all the latest updates on the Premier League plans :

The Premier League are set for crunch talks at the start of next week, with discussions over 'Project Restart' threatening to turn sour.
Elite football in the UK has been suspended since March amid the coronavirus pandemic, with strict social distancing guidelines still in place across the country.
Governing bodies in England have remained committed to completing the season, albeit without fans in attendance.
The latest proposal is believed to have been that all remaining fixtures will be played at neutral venues, with players regularly tested in order to complete the campaign.
It's a plan that has divided the 20 top-flight clubs, with those towards the bottom of the table believing it gives them a major disadvantage in not playing at home.
Villa were in 19th place before the suspension, with their top-flight status at risk. We'll keep you up to date with all the latest updates on the Premier League plans:


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Brum's good weather coming to an end, according to the Met Office

We 've enjoyed a glorious start to the May Bank Holiday Weekend so far - but experts are predicting the weather is about to change .
The sun shone on Birmingham 's VE Day 75 celebrations on Friday May 8 with temperatures reaching highs of 22° , and Brummies awoke to a hot Saturday morning .
But , according to the Met Office , we need to make the most of the good weather today as it 's all likely to change from tomorrow .
Temperatures are set to plummet as the skies turn grey from Sunday May 10 right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week .
Here 's the daily forecast for Birmingham from the Met Office : Sunday May 10 : Grey skies and temperature highs of 13° first thing in the morning , quickly dipping to around 9° by lunchtime and down to 6° by the evening .
Monday May 11 : Temperatures fall again on Monday , with a low of just 4° at 7am , increasing to around 9° by lunchtime then cooling off again into the evening .
Tuesday May 12 : There will be sunshine first thing on Tuesday but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperatures of around 5° at 7am .
Sadly the sun will fade to grey skies by lunchtime with highs of around 12° Wednesday May 13 : It ’ s much the same picture for Wednesday with a little sun first thing and temperatures rising to 12° around lunchtime Thursday May 14 : Thursday looks a little sunnier , with highs of around 12° - 13° early afternoon Friday May 14 : The weather looks much the same into the weekend , with highs of around 12° - 13° early afternoon

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We've enjoyed a glorious start to the May Bank Holiday Weekend so far - but experts are predicting the weather is about to change.
The sun shone on Birmingham's VE Day 75 celebrations on Friday May 8 with temperatures reaching highs of 22°, and Brummies awoke to a hot Saturday morning.
But, according to the Met Office, we need to make the most of the good weather today as it's all likely to change from tomorrow.
Temperatures are set to plummet as the skies turn grey from Sunday May 10 right through to the middle to end of next week.
Here's the daily forecast for Birmingham from the Met Office:
Sunday May 10: Grey skies and temperature highs of 13° first thing in the morning, quickly dipping to around 9° by lunchtime and down to 6° by the evening.
Monday May 11: Temperatures fall again on Monday, with a low of just 4° at 7am, increasing to around 9° by lunchtime then cooling off again into the evening.
Tuesday May 12: There will be sunshine first thing on Tuesday but it will still be chilly, with temperatures of around 5° at 7am. Sadly the sun will fade to grey skies by lunchtime with highs of around 12°
Wednesday May 13: It’s much the same picture for Wednesday with a little sun first thing and temperatures rising to 12° around lunchtime
Thursday May 14: Thursday looks a little sunnier, with highs of around 12° - 13° early afternoon
Friday May 14: The weather looks much the same into the weekend, with highs of around 12° - 13° early afternoon


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Police probe as woman found injured in Solihull street

Police are investigating after a teenager was found with mysterious injuries on a usually busy city street in Solihull .
The 19-year-old woman had suffered injuries to her head , leg and one of her hands when she was found on the A41 Olton Road on Bank Holiday Friday , May 8 .
It was not clear how she sustained the wounds , which are not believed to be serious .
Three police cars , two police vans and an ambulance were observed at the scene after the alarm was raised with emergency services shortly before 2pm .
West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how she sustained the injuries and has issued an appeal for information .
The teenager was taken to hospital to be checked over .
In pictures taken by a passer-by , officers were focusing on the driveway of a house in the street , which lies in an area also known as Olton Hollow .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said on Friday : “ We were called to Warwick Road in Solihull where a 19-year-old woman was found with injuries to her head , leg and one of her hands .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be serious , she has been taken to hospital to be checked over .
“ Enquiries continue to find out how she sustained the injuries and anyone with information is asked to contact officers.
” Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , quoting log 1902 of May 8 .
Alternatively , Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Layton, Stephanie Balloo)

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Police are investigating after a teenager was found with mysterious injuries on a usually busy city street in Solihull.
The 19-year-old woman had suffered injuries to her head, leg and one of her hands when she was found on the A41 Olton Road on Bank Holiday Friday, May 8.
It was not clear how she sustained the wounds, which are not believed to be serious.
Three police cars, two police vans and an ambulance were observed at the scene after the alarm was raised with emergency services shortly before 2pm.
West Midlands Police is carrying out enquiries as to how she sustained the injuries and has issued an appeal for information.
The teenager was taken to hospital to be checked over.
In pictures taken by a passer-by, officers were focusing on the driveway of a house in the street, which lies in an area also known as Olton Hollow.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said on Friday: “We were called to Warwick Road in Solihull where a 19-year-old woman was found with injuries to her head, leg and one of her hands.
“Although the injuries are not thought to be serious, she has been taken to hospital to be checked over.
“Enquiries continue to find out how she sustained the injuries and anyone with information is asked to contact officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, quoting log 1902 of May 8.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Nine lockdown restrictions that may be lifted next week

The Prime Minister has promised a 'road map ' out of the coronavirus lockdown , some of which he will deliver when he addresses the nation on Sunday .
Details have already started to emerge as to what this is likely to include , with reports that the lifting of isolation practises will include three phases , with smaller shops opening in phase one , some schools returning in phase two and hotels and leisure facilities reopening in phase three .
Boris Johnson is likely to say that some restrictions will stay in force for the foreseeable future , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
Our sister paper My London has put together a list of the nine lockdown restrictions most likely to be relaxed next week .
There are suggestions that one of the most likely restrictions to be eased first is to do with outdoor activities , as there is thought to be less risk of COVID-19 transmission outdoors than indoors .
At the moment you 're allowed to go for a walk or a run , but there are suggestions that you may be able to do unlimited outdoor exercise and perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as you maintain social distance .
There are suggestions that the Prime Minister may look at relaxing Sunday trading laws to help reduce queues for supermarkets at the weekends .
It is thought this would also help prevent overcrowding as people go to buy their groceries .
3 .
Going out for a drive and having a picnic According to a report in the Mail on Sunday , people may be allowed to drive to the countryside and have picnics with members of their own household so long as they keep two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government did not comment on the Mail 's report but ministers and scientists have repeatedly said outdoor gatherings look to be less risky than those indoors .
4 .
Possible 'back to business ' for outdoor workplaces As with outdoor exercise , outdoor working may have less chance of coronavirus transmission than indoors .
Building sites were never told to close under lockdown guidance - as long as two metres could be kept between workers - so the government is expected to make a renewed push for people to return to work there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to more people on public transport .
In a bid to prevent overcrowding , it 's likely that the number of trains in circulation will slowly rise .
New timetables will be introduced as planned in May , even though trains will not run to them straight away .
While major sports events and mass gatherings will be one of the last things to be allowed , some smaller sports may return - as long as spectators can stay in the open air .
7 .
Some cafes and shops may reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already started to reopen - such as B & Q and Pret a Manger - but with very different measures in place .
Perhaps more cafes will start to open offering takeaways only , and only allowing a couple of customers inside at a time .
8 .
'Bubbles ' of up to ten may be allowed Rather than being restricted to your household , there 's a chance the Government may allow people to form a 'bubble ' of up to ten people .
This means close friends and family who do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet up , although it would have to be the same people day-to-day , week-to-week .
Reports say the idea is one being mulled by the UK government so it might not come into force immediately .
The NHS has been adamant at stressing people should seek medical attention if necessary , and not to worry about coming to A & E because of coronavirus .
Some routine operations and fertility treatments have already been restored as hospital inpatients fell for several weeks in a row .
It 's not yet clear when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that do n't involve too much contact may resume soon .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ellie McKinnell, Zoe Chamberlain)

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The Prime Minister has promised a 'road map' out of the coronavirus lockdown, some of which he will deliver when he addresses the nation on Sunday.
Details have already started to emerge as to what this is likely to include, with reports that the lifting of isolation practises will include three phases, with smaller shops opening in phase one, some schools returning in phase two and hotels and leisure facilities reopening in phase three.
Boris Johnson is likely to say that some restrictions will stay in force for the foreseeable future, while some may even start to be lifted on Monday.
Our sister paper My London has put together a list of the nine lockdown restrictions most likely to be relaxed next week.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
1. Increased outdoor activities may be allowed
There are suggestions that one of the most likely restrictions to be eased first is to do with outdoor activities, as there is thought to be less risk of COVID-19 transmission outdoors than indoors.
At the moment you're allowed to go for a walk or a run, but there are suggestions that you may be able to do unlimited outdoor exercise and perhaps even group exercise in parks, as long as you maintain social distance.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
2. Relaxing of Sunday supermarket opening hours
There are suggestions that the Prime Minister may look at relaxing Sunday trading laws to help reduce queues for supermarkets at the weekends.
It is thought this would also help prevent overcrowding as people go to buy their groceries.
3. Going out for a drive and having a picnic
According to a report in the Mail on Sunday, people may be allowed to drive to the countryside and have picnics with members of their own household so long as they keep two metres away from other groups.
The Government did not comment on the Mail's report but ministers and scientists have repeatedly said outdoor gatherings look to be less risky than those indoors.
4. Possible 'back to business' for outdoor workplaces
As with outdoor exercise, outdoor working may have less chance of coronavirus transmission than indoors.
Building sites were never told to close under lockdown guidance - as long as two metres could be kept between workers - so the government is expected to make a renewed push for people to return to work there.
5. Increased public transport
The easing of restrictions will undoubtedly lead to more people on public transport.
In a bid to prevent overcrowding, it's likely that the number of trains in circulation will slowly rise.
New timetables will be introduced as planned in May, even though trains will not run to them straight away.
6. Local grassroots sports may return
While major sports events and mass gatherings will be one of the last things to be allowed, some smaller sports may return - as long as spectators can stay in the open air.
7. Some cafes and shops may reopen
A number of high street chains have already started to reopen - such as B&Q and Pret a Manger - but with very different measures in place.
Perhaps more cafes will start to open offering takeaways only, and only allowing a couple of customers inside at a time.
8. 'Bubbles' of up to ten may be allowed
Rather than being restricted to your household, there's a chance the Government may allow people to form a 'bubble' of up to ten people.
This means close friends and family who don't live together would be able to meet up, although it would have to be the same people day-to-day, week-to-week.
Reports say the idea is one being mulled by the UK government so it might not come into force immediately.
9. Routine NHS services resumed
The NHS has been adamant at stressing people should seek medical attention if necessary, and not to worry about coming to A&E because of coronavirus.
Some routine operations and fertility treatments have already been restored as hospital inpatients fell for several weeks in a row.
It's not yet clear when other services will continue, but some that don't involve too much contact may resume soon.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Aston Villa defender James Chester drops transfer hint

James Chester has admitted he would seriously consider a move to the Bundesliga , if an offer came in .
The Aston Villa defender , who has spent the second half of the season on-loan with Stoke City , has just over a month left on his deal at Villa Park .
He recently revealed that he had held no discussions with the club over his future , with injuries hampering his chances to break into Dean Smith 's starting XI .
With the coronavirus suspension now meaning the season will run well into the summer , contracts are one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Monday 's pivotal Premier League meeting .
Chester has suggested he would be open to extending his contract with Villa , but in the long-term a move to Germany would appeal to him .
Writing in his weekly Athletic column , he said : “ The Bundesliga will be back soon , but I ’ m not sure how much I ’ ll watch .
I ’ ve got to pick and choose my battles with my wife , and Premier League and Champions League take priority over German , Italian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had her way , we ’ d be watching the Kardashians .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here On potentially moving to Germany , Chester added : “ I do like the German league — the fans are similar to in this country , and if I ever went abroad , that could be a country I ’ d try .
“ Whether the time has passed to go to a league in Europe remains to be seen .
With my boy Henri only being one and not in school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision .
If there was something that became available , that we all wanted to do as a family , I would consider it .
”

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James Chester has admitted he would seriously consider a move to the Bundesliga, if an offer came in.
The Aston Villa defender, who has spent the second half of the season on-loan with Stoke City, has just over a month left on his deal at Villa Park.
He recently revealed that he had held no discussions with the club over his future, with injuries hampering his chances to break into Dean Smith's starting XI.
(Image: 2020 Aston Villa FC)
With the coronavirus suspension now meaning the season will run well into the summer, contracts are one of the issues that will be discussed at Monday's pivotal Premier League meeting.
Chester has suggested he would be open to extending his contract with Villa, but in the long-term a move to Germany would appeal to him.
Writing in his weekly Athletic column, he said: “The Bundesliga will be back soon, but I’m not sure how much I’ll watch. I’ve got to pick and choose my battles with my wife, and Premier League and Champions League take priority over German, Italian, or Spanish domestic competitions. If she had her way, we’d be watching the Kardashians.
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here
On potentially moving to Germany, Chester added: “I do like the German league — the fans are similar to in this country, and if I ever went abroad, that could be a country I’d try.
“Whether the time has passed to go to a league in Europe remains to be seen. With my boy Henri only being one and not in school, I still have opportunity to make that decision. If there was something that became available, that we all wanted to do as a family, I would consider it.”


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Taxi passenger arrested after machete found in man's trousers

Police arrested a taxi passenger for carrying a large knife concealed in his trousers in Sparkbrook .
A cabbie had @ @ @ @ @ customer was on board carrying a weapon .
Police arrived at the scene and found @ @ @ @ @ searched .
One was held in custody for being in possession of an offensive weapon @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Police 's Force Response team took to Twitter to share news of the @ @ @ @ @ of this morning .
The tweet said : `` # Cteam stechford alerted by a @ @ @ @ @ had a passenger on board who was in possession of a large knife , taxi @ @ @ @ @ , 1 now in custody the weapon concealed in his trousers along with cannabis @ @ @ @ @ @ also tweeted about a separate incident after an officer was allegedly assaulted in Northfield .
@ @ @ @ @ CTeam Bournville have arrested a male after one of our officers was assaulted in # @ @ @ @ @ service workers will NOT be tolerated !
# protectthefrontline ``

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Police arrested a taxi passenger for carrying a large knife concealed in his trousers in Sparkbrook.
A cabbie had alerted his bosses that a customer was on board carrying a weapon.
Police arrived at the scene and found three people who were all searched.
One was held in custody for being in possession of an offensive weapon and Class B drugs.
West Midlands Police's Force Response team took to Twitter to share news of the incident in the early hours of this morning.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The tweet said: " #Cteam stechford alerted by a taxi company that a driver had a passenger on board who was in possession of a large knife, taxi located and 3 passengers searched, 1 now in custody the weapon concealed in his trousers along with cannabis @SparkbrookWMP @WMPolice
Force Response also tweeted about a separate incident after an officer was allegedly assaulted in Northfield.
It said: " #CTeam Bournville have arrested a male after one of our officers was assaulted in #Northfield. Assaults on emergency service workers will NOT be tolerated! #protectthefrontline "


birminghammail--2020-05-09--How to ask a question at the coronavirus press conference

It is possible for anyone to ask a question during the daily coronavirus press conference .
The Government daily briefing has been running since March and has included questions on everything from PPE and furloughing to school closures and testing .
Most questions are posed by journalists but , on April 27 , the platform was also opened up for members of the public to raise issues to be discussed in the Downing Street COVID-19 conferences .
Number 10 said the Government had “ asked a lot of the public ” during the pandemic and so decided to save a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How to ask a question at the coronavirus press conference One question from a member of the public is now answered each day and , who knows , maybe this week , it could be yours .
Questions are only accepted from adults , so you need to be 18 or above to take part .
You simply need to submit your question on the Government website here and , if your question is chosen , a cabinet minister will answer it during the live broadcast .
An independent polling organisation chooses the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Government website , ministers do not see the questions before the press conference and the government is not involved in choosing questions .
If your question is chosen , the Cabinet Office will contact you by 3pm on the day of the press conference .
If you want to , you can record a video of yourself asking your question , to be shown during the live broadcast .
If you do not want to record a video , your question will be read out by the minister .
If the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 days , your question has not been chosen .
You will not get a response to your question .
However , you can submit your question again at any time .

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It is possible for anyone to ask a question during the daily coronavirus press conference.
The Government daily briefing has been running since March and has included questions on everything from PPE and furloughing to school closures and testing.
Most questions are posed by journalists but, on April 27, the platform was also opened up for members of the public to raise issues to be discussed in the Downing Street COVID-19 conferences.
Number 10 said the Government had “asked a lot of the public” during the pandemic and so decided to save a slot for queries from the public.
How to ask a question at the coronavirus press conference
One question from a member of the public is now answered each day and, who knows, maybe this week, it could be yours.
Questions are only accepted from adults, so you need to be 18 or above to take part.
You simply need to submit your question on the Government website here and, if your question is chosen, a cabinet minister will answer it during the live broadcast.
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An independent polling organisation chooses the questions at 10am each day. According to the Government website, ministers do not see the questions before the press conference and the government is not involved in choosing questions.
If your question is chosen, the Cabinet Office will contact you by 3pm on the day of the press conference.
If you want to, you can record a video of yourself asking your question, to be shown during the live broadcast. If you do not want to record a video, your question will be read out by the minister.
If the Cabinet Office does not contact you within 3 days, your question has not been chosen. You will not get a response to your question. However, you can submit your question again at any time.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Pundit claims Leeds hold advantage in West Brom promotion battle

Marcelo Bielsa ’ s rigorous training schedule could give Leeds United the edge in the promotion battle , if the season resumes .
That ’ s the view of former Leeds midfielder , turned Sky Sports pundit , David Prutton , who suggests his old side could be better prepared for the return of competitive football .
Elite football has been suspended in the UK since mid-March , with governing bodies hoping to find a compromise amid the coronavirus pandemic .
West Brom and Leeds will be desperate for the season to resume , with both well set ti win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to our West Brom newsletter here There have been fears that the fixtures may not be completed , although EFL boss Rick Parry has suggested that fixtures could be completed in a hectic , 56-day schedule .
And Prutton believes Leeds , who are currently one point ahead of the Baggies , could have an advantage due to their high levels of fitness .
Prutton told the Yorskhire Evening Post : “ The EFL have said they are looking to play their remaining games in a 56-day time frame over the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how fit Leeds are , and also the fact they have made impressive starts to both seasons under Marcelo Bielsa .
“ Could you read anything into that in terms of would this situation suit them ?
I think you could .
“ I understand how Bielsa has managed to push them to that extra level and if you are a Leeds fan you are waiting with bated breath for the ultimate result from that , ie promotion.
” He added : “ But as much as Leeds will be as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other teams , I still think that free-for-all element of what it possibly could be would be a great leveller over the course of the league .
“ We know how competitive the Championship can be and we know how teams are all fighting for different things so there ’ s a big motivation there and also just the release of playing football .
”

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Marcelo Bielsa’s rigorous training schedule could give Leeds United the edge in the promotion battle, if the season resumes.
That’s the view of former Leeds midfielder, turned Sky Sports pundit, David Prutton, who suggests his old side could be better prepared for the return of competitive football.
Elite football has been suspended in the UK since mid-March, with governing bodies hoping to find a compromise amid the coronavirus pandemic.
West Brom and Leeds will be desperate for the season to resume, with both well set ti win promotion to the Premier League.
Sign up to our West Brom newsletter here
There have been fears that the fixtures may not be completed, although EFL boss Rick Parry has suggested that fixtures could be completed in a hectic, 56-day schedule.
And Prutton believes Leeds, who are currently one point ahead of the Baggies, could have an advantage due to their high levels of fitness.
Prutton told the Yorskhire Evening Post: “The EFL have said they are looking to play their remaining games in a 56-day time frame over the summer months and there has always been talk about how fit Leeds are, and also the fact they have made impressive starts to both seasons under Marcelo Bielsa.
“Could you read anything into that in terms of would this situation suit them? I think you could.
“I understand how Bielsa has managed to push them to that extra level and if you are a Leeds fan you are waiting with bated breath for the ultimate result from that, ie promotion.”
He added: “But as much as Leeds will be as well prepared, if not better prepared than other teams, I still think that free-for-all element of what it possibly could be would be a great leveller over the course of the league.
“We know how competitive the Championship can be and we know how teams are all fighting for different things so there’s a big motivation there and also just the release of playing football.”


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Martin Lewis reveals how far ahead you can book slots with each supermarket

It 's one thing deciding to do you shopping online - quite another to work out when you can place your order and get it delivered .
To try to take some of the finger-work out of surfing endlessly online , the Martin Lewis website money Saving Expert has compiled a list of top tips .
This shows how far ahead each supermarket releases its slots , when in particular and how you might bag one .
The supermarket with the longest lead time appears to be Tesco with a massive 21 days .
Which of course assumes that might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks on Sunday .
Waitrose and Morrisons release their slots just three days ahead .
So you might know what you want to eat but will you then have enough time to get your order in before all of the slots are quickly taken ?
In the game of supermarket slots sweep , this is how the giants are operating according to Moneysavingexpert Waitrose - used to be in partnership with Ocado but not any more .
So it might well be looking to expand times in due course .
For slots , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check each morning ' .
Shoppers surveyed said they had success from 6am to 8am as well as randomly during the day .
Morrisons - shoppers top tip was to try just after midnight Co-op - told Martin Lewis that 'slots are launched every day , at around midnight ' .
Iceland - the company said times were specific to stores , so Martin Lewis 's 'Forumites ' reported different results in tandem .
Sainsbury 's - told Martin Lewis that 'when the slots are released will vary - there is n't a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the store ' .
Ocado - the online supermarket was a former partner with Waitrose but recently jumped in to bed with M & S and is due start selling its products , as well as its own , from September .
It said there was n't a fixed time when they were released , but priority customers were emailed about availability .
Once they 've had a chance to book , non-priority customers are notified - via a message on the home page - and were then able to book any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slots update as and when they become available in each area .
Popular times to get a slot were typically 10pm or midnight , though some followers said between 2am and 4am .
Tesco - Martin Lewis was told 'slots tend to be released at midnight for three weeks ahead ' but that it 's busy adding extra vans to create more slots .
Top tips include logging on ten minutes early and then trying to book after midnight .

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It's one thing deciding to do you shopping online - quite another to work out when you can place your order and get it delivered.
To try to take some of the finger-work out of surfing endlessly online, the Martin Lewis website money Saving Expert has compiled a list of top tips.
This shows how far ahead each supermarket releases its slots, when in particular and how you might bag one.
The supermarket with the longest lead time appears to be Tesco with a massive 21 days.
(Image: Birmingham Live / Graham Young)
Which of course assumes that might know what you want to eat three weeks on Sunday.
Waitrose and Morrisons release their slots just three days ahead.
So you might know what you want to eat but will you then have enough time to get your order in before all of the slots are quickly taken?
In the game of supermarket slots sweep, this is how the giants are operating according to Moneysavingexpert
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Three days ahead
Waitrose - used to be in partnership with Ocado but not any more.
So it might well be looking to expand times in due course.
For slots, it said it is 'advising customers to check each morning'.
Shoppers surveyed said they had success from 6am to 8am as well as randomly during the day.
Morrisons - shoppers top tip was to try just after midnight
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Five days ahead
Co-op - told Martin Lewis that 'slots are launched every day, at around midnight'.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Seven days ahead
Iceland - the company said times were specific to stores, so Martin Lewis's 'Forumites' reported different results in tandem.
Sainsbury's - told Martin Lewis that 'when the slots are released will vary - there isn't a specific time and it doesn't depend on the store'.
One follower reported success every Monday.
Ocado - the online supermarket was a former partner with Waitrose but recently jumped in to bed with M&S and is due start selling its products, as well as its own, from September.
It said there wasn't a fixed time when they were released, but priority customers were emailed about availability.
Once they've had a chance to book, non-priority customers are notified - via a message on the home page - and were then able to book any remaining slots.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
14 days ahead
Asda - revealed that slots update as and when they become available in each area. Popular times to get a slot were typically 10pm or midnight, though some followers said between 2am and 4am.
21 days ahead
Tesco - Martin Lewis was told 'slots tend to be released at midnight for three weeks ahead' but that it's busy adding extra vans to create more slots.
Top tips include logging on ten minutes early and then trying to book after midnight.
Good luck!


birminghammail--2020-05-09--When garden centres are set to be 'allowed to reopen' in England

Garden centres will be permitted to reopen next week in Birmingham and around England as part of first-step measures to gradually ease the lockdown restrictions .
The Prime Minister is set to announce on Sunday that garden centres will be allowed to open their doors to customers from Wednesday .
But nursery bosses will have to ensure visitors obey social distancing measures , including keeping two metres away from others Garden centres will be expected to put restrictions in place to control shop numbers in a similar way to supermarkets .
Supermarkets have introduced queueing systems and one-way aisles to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with one another , while also creating cleaning stations where trolley and basket handles can be disinfected .
Extra cleaning regimes have been introduced and perspex screens installed for check-out staff , which is a pattern garden centres could be set to follow .
“ Garden centres typically open large open-air spaces where the risk of transmission of coronavirus is lower , '' a senior Government source said .
“ With strict social distancing measures in place we believe they can open safely from next week.
” The confirmation follows the announcement by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to open from Monday .
First Minister Mark Drakeford , speaking at a briefing in Cardiff on Friday , said : “ Our second planned change to the regulations is to allow garden centres to reopen , provided the social distancing rules can be applied.
” The Welsh Labour leader also said councils could plan to reopen recycling centres – a measure already recommended to English local authorities by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick .
Boris Johnson will formally make the announcement about garden centres during his Sunday evening address to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his appearance at the Downing Street daily briefing to dampen expectations about a wholesale lifting of lockdown restrictions by the PM , stating that there “ isn ’ t going to be any dramatic overnight change . ''
But the reopening of garden centres will be part of what Government sources say will be a gradual loosening of the current social distancing restrictions in the coming weeks .
Garden centres will be told , as part of guidance being issued by the UK Government , that any cafes or playgrounds associated with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen .
It is understood garden centres have been selected as one of the first retail groups to open not only because of the outdoor nature of their setting but also because of the particular financial hardships being felt by the horticulture sector .
Research for the Horticultural Trades Association last month found that , even with access to UK Government aid packages , a third of businesses are likely to be insolvent by the end of the year in the face of the pandemic lockdown .
Some 13 percent of the ornamental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will be out of business by the end of June .
Following the publication of the results , leading gardeners and television presenters , including Alan Titchmarsh , Adam Frost , Bunny Guinness and Joe Swift , backed calls for specialised support to be provided to the industry .

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Garden centres will be permitted to reopen next week in Birmingham and around England as part of first-step measures to gradually ease the lockdown restrictions.
The Prime Minister is set to announce on Sunday that garden centres will be allowed to open their doors to customers from Wednesday.
But nursery bosses will have to ensure visitors obey social distancing measures, including keeping two metres away from others
Garden centres will be expected to put restrictions in place to control shop numbers in a similar way to supermarkets.
Supermarkets have introduced queueing systems and one-way aisles to limit the interaction customers and staff have with one another, while also creating cleaning stations where trolley and basket handles can be disinfected.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Extra cleaning regimes have been introduced and perspex screens installed for check-out staff, which is a pattern garden centres could be set to follow.
“Garden centres typically open large open-air spaces where the risk of transmission of coronavirus is lower," a senior Government source said.
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“With strict social distancing measures in place we believe they can open safely from next week.”
The confirmation follows the announcement by the Welsh government that garden centres will be able to open from Monday.
First Minister Mark Drakeford, speaking at a briefing in Cardiff on Friday, said: “Our second planned change to the regulations is to allow garden centres to reopen, provided the social distancing rules can be applied.”
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The Welsh Labour leader also said councils could plan to reopen recycling centres – a measure already recommended to English local authorities by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Boris Johnson will formally make the announcement about garden centres during his Sunday evening address to the nation.
Environment Secretary George Eustice used his appearance at the Downing Street daily briefing to dampen expectations about a wholesale lifting of lockdown restrictions by the PM, stating that there “isn’t going to be any dramatic overnight change."
But the reopening of garden centres will be part of what Government sources say will be a gradual loosening of the current social distancing restrictions in the coming weeks.
Garden centres will be told, as part of guidance being issued by the UK Government, that any cafes or playgrounds associated with the retail space will not be able to reopen.
It is understood garden centres have been selected as one of the first retail groups to open not only because of the outdoor nature of their setting but also because of the particular financial hardships being felt by the horticulture sector.
Research for the Horticultural Trades Association last month found that, even with access to UK Government aid packages, a third of businesses are likely to be insolvent by the end of the year in the face of the pandemic lockdown.
Some 13 percent of the ornamental growers who responded to the poll claim they will be out of business by the end of June.
Following the publication of the results, leading gardeners and television presenters, including Alan Titchmarsh, Adam Frost, Bunny Guinness and Joe Swift, backed calls for specialised support to be provided to the industry.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Cadbury releases two new chocolate bars and brings back an old fave

Here 's something new to try in lockdown - Cadbury has released not one , but two new flavour chocolate bars .
A lot of us have been turning to comfort food during isolation and chocolate is certainly high up on our shopping list , along with crumpets and baked beans , according to new research .
Now Brum 's own chocolate maker has announced it has new Dairy Milk flavours on offer and we ca n't wait to try them .
The two new bars are the Dairy Milk Moro - which is Dairy Milk chocolate with a choc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and the Dairy Milk Crispy Mint Creme - which is Dairy Milk chocolate with mint flavoured creme and and crispy mint pieces .
A shopper spotted them at their local B & M store and shared a pic on social media .
And , according to the MEN , they 're only available at B & M stores at the moment .
B & M store shared the photo on its own Instagram page with the message : `` Has anyone else spotted these tasty Cadbury UK bars in store yet ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance , alongside a wider range of exotic chocolate bars , so they 're well worth picking up next time you pop in for an essential shop ! ''
And , who remembers Top Deck ?
Well , it 's back !
Another Dairy Milk favourite , this one is topped with a layer of Dream white chocolate .
Remember , you ca n't just pop out to buy treats like you used to before lockdown .
Police have issued a list of rules on the dos and don'ts of shopping over Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy several days ' worth of food , including luxury items and alcohol , collect basic food items from a friend , buy tools to repair a damaged fence panel and buy a small amount of a staple item or necessity , such as a newspaper , pet food , a loaf of bread or pint of milk .
But police say it is not reasonable to pop out for DIY supplies so you can do up your kitchen , for example .
You should order these items online instead .
Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easing the coronavirus lockdown on Sunday and details of the next step are starting to emerge .
The Government has indicated it may recommend people wear masks to work , re-open garden centres and encourage commuters to use bikes .
Another important aspect of the plans seems to be the potential of quarantining foreign visitors .
A report by The Times suggested those visiting the UK will have to fill in a digital form and declare an address where they will then be expected to self-isolate for 14 days .
Travellers could face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deportation if spot checks later find they have flouted the rules , which the report claimed could be introduce in June .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jessica Sansome, Zoe Chamberlain)

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Here's something new to try in lockdown - Cadbury has released not one, but two new flavour chocolate bars.
A lot of us have been turning to comfort food during isolation and chocolate is certainly high up on our shopping list, along with crumpets and baked beans, according to new research.
Now Brum's own chocolate maker has announced it has new Dairy Milk flavours on offer and we can't wait to try them.
The two new bars are the Dairy Milk Moro - which is Dairy Milk chocolate with a choc malt flavoured creme and smooth flowing caramel - and the Dairy Milk Crispy Mint Creme - which is Dairy Milk chocolate with mint flavoured creme and and crispy mint pieces.
A shopper spotted them at their local B&M store and shared a pic on social media. And, according to the MEN, they're only available at B&M stores at the moment.
B&M store shared the photo on its own Instagram page with the message: "Has anyone else spotted these tasty Cadbury UK bars in store yet?!
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"They've just made an appearance, alongside a wider range of exotic chocolate bars, so they're well worth picking up next time you pop in for an essential shop!"
And, who remembers Top Deck? Well, it's back! Another Dairy Milk favourite, this one is topped with a layer of Dream white chocolate.
Remember, you can't just pop out to buy treats like you used to before lockdown.
Police have issued a list of rules on the dos and don'ts of shopping over Bank Holiday.
The advice says you can buy several days' worth of food, including luxury items and alcohol, collect basic food items from a friend, buy tools to repair a damaged fence panel and buy a small amount of a staple item or necessity, such as a newspaper, pet food, a loaf of bread or pint of milk.
But police say it is not reasonable to pop out for DIY supplies so you can do up your kitchen, for example. You should order these items online instead.
Boris Johnson is set to reveal his plans for easing the coronavirus lockdown on Sunday and details of the next step are starting to emerge.
The Government has indicated it may recommend people wear masks to work, re-open garden centres and encourage commuters to use bikes.
Another important aspect of the plans seems to be the potential of quarantining foreign visitors. A report by The Times suggested those visiting the UK will have to fill in a digital form and declare an address where they will then be expected to self-isolate for 14 days.
Travellers could face fines of up to £1,000 and even deportation if spot checks later find they have flouted the rules, which the report claimed could be introduce in June.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Grealish’s ultimate XI named as Terry, McGinn and Benteke miss out

Jack Grealish celebrated six years since his Aston Villa debut earlier this week .
The Villa midfielder has gone from a promising floppy-haired teenager to the club ’ s captain and is indisputably Dean Smith ’ s most talented player .
His form has been so brilliant in the Premier League this season - seven goals and six assists in 26 matches - that top clubs are circling .
If Grealish does go on to join Manchester United he will undoubtedly play with far bigger names than those he ’ s rubbed shoulders with in Villa ’ s dressing room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the XI Grealish has turned out with most regularly during his career .
Check out the rules below : Johnstone spent 18 months on loan at Villa Park and his deal would probably have been made permanent in 2018 had Villa not been in financial ruin .
No player has appeared alongside Grealish more than Hutton during his short career with the Scot pipping Ahmed Elmohamady to the right-back slot .
The man who lifted the Championship play-off final trophy with Grealish was a shoe-in .
Chester didn ’ t miss a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa Park and played a key role in the 24-year-old ’ s development .
Mings is one of the pillars of Villa ’ s current side and has become close with Grealish away from Villa Park ’ s hallowed turf .
He edges out former Notts County centre-back Alan Sheehan and ex-Villa loanee Axel Tuanzebe .
We all know Hutton is pretty capable at left-back , but we ’ re sticking to natural positions and Taylor is the only contender at left-back .
Jordan Amavi and Matt Targett haven ’ t played anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa ’ s current captain .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here Westwood sneaks in based on appearances made alongside Grealish at the start of his career .
Westwood was a key player for Villa in 2014/15 and 2015/16 as Grealish was breaking through .
Jedinak is another who has had a big influence on Grealish ’ s career .
The no nonsense Aussie was one of the players Steve Bruce relied on to manage the dressing room during his first two seasons in B6 .
Only Hutton has appeared alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who still vies for a place alongside him in Villa ’ s midfield .
Adomah is another of Villa ’ s Championship heroes and comfortably seals his spot in the XI .
Grealish assisted Adomah ’ s decisive goal in the 2-0 win over Birmingham City at Villa Park in February 2018 , and the winger returned the favour with a peach of a cross for Grealish in Villa ’ s 4-2 Second City derby win later that year .
The flamboyant forward was Villa ’ s main man in 2016/17 with Grealish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It wasn ’ t until 2018 that Grealish truly eclipsed Kodjia as Villa ’ s most important player and their careers have raced in very different directions since .
El Ghazi pips youngster Andre Green to the wide left berth having started regularly alongside Grealish in the past two seasons .
Grealish ’ s shift in position this season has seen El Ghazi operate primarily on the right , but his best moments for Villa have come off the left .

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Jack Grealish celebrated six years since his Aston Villa debut earlier this week.
The Villa midfielder has gone from a promising floppy-haired teenager to the club’s captain and is indisputably Dean Smith’s most talented player.
His form has been so brilliant in the Premier League this season - seven goals and six assists in 26 matches - that top clubs are circling.
If Grealish does go on to join Manchester United he will undoubtedly play with far bigger names than those he’s rubbed shoulders with in Villa’s dressing room.
But, for now, this is the XI Grealish has turned out with most regularly during his career. Check out the rules below:
The rules The XI is made up of players who made the most appearances alongside our featured player or for our featured manager. We're not looking for an overall 'Best' XI, and the player/manager himself isn't in it.
For a player, the appearance numbers are based on the time they spent on the pitch at the same time as our main man, factoring in both club and international level.
This isn't necessarily the eleven players who've spent the most time on the pitch with/for him, just the eleven that would fit into a working team.
We're not going to come up with a Garth Crooksesque formation, but we might name subs if we feel like it.
All minutes played and appearances stats are courtesy of transfermarkt.co.uk.
Don't get angry in the comments section.
Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone
Games alongside Grealish: 41
Johnstone spent 18 months on loan at Villa Park and his deal would probably have been made permanent in 2018 had Villa not been in financial ruin.
Right-back: Alan Hutton
Games alongside Grealish: 96
No player has appeared alongside Grealish more than Hutton during his short career with the Scot pipping Ahmed Elmohamady to the right-back slot.
Centre-back: James Chester
Games alongside Grealish: 80
The man who lifted the Championship play-off final trophy with Grealish was a shoe-in. Chester didn’t miss a game during his first two seasons at Villa Park and played a key role in the 24-year-old’s development.
Centre-back: Tyrone Mings
Games alongside Grealish: 37
Mings is one of the pillars of Villa’s current side and has become close with Grealish away from Villa Park’s hallowed turf.
He edges out former Notts County centre-back Alan Sheehan and ex-Villa loanee Axel Tuanzebe.
Left-back: Neil Taylor
Games alongside Grealish: 57
We all know Hutton is pretty capable at left-back, but we’re sticking to natural positions and Taylor is the only contender at left-back.
Jordan Amavi and Matt Targett haven’t played anywhere near as much as Taylor has alongside Villa’s current captain.
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Centre-midfield: Ashley Westwood
Games alongside Grealish: 53
Westwood sneaks in based on appearances made alongside Grealish at the start of his career. Westwood was a key player for Villa in 2014/15 and 2015/16 as Grealish was breaking through.
Centre-midfield: Mile Jedinak
Games alongside Grealish: 53
Jedinak is another who has had a big influence on Grealish’s career. The no nonsense Aussie was one of the players Steve Bruce relied on to manage the dressing room during his first two seasons in B6.
(Image: PA)
Centre-midfield: Conor Hourihane
Games alongside Grealish: 85
Only Hutton has appeared alongside Grealish on more occasions than Hourihane, who still vies for a place alongside him in Villa’s midfield.
Right winger: Albert Adomah
Games alongside Grealish: 78
Adomah is another of Villa’s Championship heroes and comfortably seals his spot in the XI.
Grealish assisted Adomah’s decisive goal in the 2-0 win over Birmingham City at Villa Park in February 2018, and the winger returned the favour with a peach of a cross for Grealish in Villa’s 4-2 Second City derby win later that year.
Striker: Jonathan Kodjia
Games alongside Grealish: 63
The flamboyant forward was Villa’s main man in 2016/17 with Grealish forming part of his supporting cast. It wasn’t until 2018 that Grealish truly eclipsed Kodjia as Villa’s most important player and their careers have raced in very different directions since.
Left winger: Anwar El Ghazi
Games alongside Grealish: 47
El Ghazi pips youngster Andre Green to the wide left berth having started regularly alongside Grealish in the past two seasons.
Grealish’s shift in position this season has seen El Ghazi operate primarily on the right, but his best moments for Villa have come off the left.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Striker to snub Wolves and Leeds offers to join Manchester United

Sunderland wonderkid Joe Hugill is reportedly set to sign a three-and-a-half year contract with Manchester United , after snubbing numerous offers .
The 16-year-old has shone for the Mackems ' U23 side this season , attracting attention from a number of clubs up and down the country .
Sign up to our Wolves newsletter here According to Football Insider , Hugill will sign a deal at Old Trafford that will see him join initially as a scholar , before signing a professional contract on his 17th birthday .
It has been claimed that the Red Devils are set to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £300,000 compensation fee almost agreed .
The report suggests that Wolves lodged a late bid for the striker , in an attempt to hijack United 's deal .
Along with Wolves - Leeds United and Tottenham are both said to have offered Hugill a contract .
Wolves have made recruitment for their youth set-up a priority since Fosun ’ s takeover in 2016 .
In the most recent window , Leo Campana , Enzo Loiodice and Luke Matheson , were all signed , with the latter set to join the team when @ @ @ @

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Sunderland wonderkid Joe Hugill is reportedly set to sign a three-and-a-half year contract with Manchester United, after snubbing numerous offers.
The 16-year-old has shone for the Mackems' U23 side this season, attracting attention from a number of clubs up and down the country.
According to Football Insider, Hugill will sign a deal at Old Trafford that will see him join initially as a scholar, before signing a professional contract on his 17th birthday.
It has been claimed that the Red Devils are set to win the race for the teenager, with a £300,000 compensation fee almost agreed.
The report suggests that Wolves lodged a late bid for the striker, in an attempt to hijack United's deal. Along with Wolves - Leeds United and Tottenham are both said to have offered Hugill a contract.
Wolves have made recruitment for their youth set-up a priority since Fosun’s takeover in 2016. In the most recent window, Leo Campana, Enzo Loiodice and Luke Matheson, were all signed, with the latter set to join the team when the season ends.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Plans to ease lockdown emerge include masks at work and cycle lanes

Boris Johnson is set to reveal his plans for easing the coronavirus lockdown on Sunday and details of the next step are starting to emerge .
The Government has indicated it may recommend people wear masks to work , re-open garden centres and encourage commuters to use bikes .
Another important aspect of the plans seems to be the potential of quarantining foreign visitors .
A report by The Times suggested those visiting the UK will have to fill in a digital form and declare an address where they will then be expected to self-isolate for 14 days .
Travellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even deportation if spot checks later find they have flouted the rules , which the report claimed could be introduce in June .
During a Downing Street briefing on Friday , reporters were told that the quarantining foreign visitors was being “ looked at ” as a way of guarding the country against a second peak in the transmission rate .
The Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said : “ I think ministers have said the issue of looking to ensure , as we really drive down transmission in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is not being brought into the country from overseas is one they are actively considering.
” The strict clampdown is set to be part of a “ road map ” revealed by the Prime Minister during his address to the nation on Sunday evening in which he will set out the stages for lifting the lockdown .
Boris Johnson will also recommend workers wear masks when they do return to work and when using public transport , The Daily Telegraph reported .
It has been confirmed to the PA news agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres will be allowed to open their doors to customers from Wednesday May 13 .
Nursery bosses will have to ensure shoppers obey social distancing measures , such as keeping two metres away from others , and will be expected to put restrictions in place , including queuing systems and installing Perspex shields to protect till staff , in a similar way to supermarkets .
A senior Government source said : “ Garden centres are typically open large open-air spaces where the risk of transmission of coronavirus is lower .
“ With strict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can open safely from next week.
” And it is understood ministers are preparing to recommend that commuters use their bicycles for journeys to work , in a bid to reduce the number of people using public transport .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is set to use his appearance at the Downing Street briefing on Saturday to unveil a further £250 million for extra cycle lanes , while trials on the use of e-scooters on British roads are due to be fast-tracked , PA understands .
Meanwhile , Environment Secretary George Eustice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home for the remainder of the bank holiday weekend and to respect social distancing rules .
The call comes despite Met Office predictions that Saturday could be the hottest day of the year , with temperatures likely to hit 26C ( 78.8F ) .
His comments came after the devolved administration in Wales announced “ modest adjustments ” to the restrictions on movement , put in place across the UK to stem the transmission of Covid-19 .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the three changes , coming into force on Monday , included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day and permitting garden centres and public libraries to reopen .
But in Scotland , only alterations to exercise guidance are expected , while those in Northern Ireland have been told there will be just “ nuanced changes ” to the clampdown on movement .
Those in England will have to wait until 7pm on Sunday for the PM to formally declare the result of the UK Government ’ s review into what rule changes should be brought in for England .
The PM has promised to exercise “ maximum caution ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data suggested more than 36,000 people had died with coronavirus in the UK since the pandemic broke .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Patrick Daly, Zoe Chamberlain)

Boris Johnson is set to reveal his plans for easing the coronavirus lockdown on Sunday and details of the next step are starting to emerge.
The Government has indicated it may recommend people wear masks to work, re-open garden centres and encourage commuters to use bikes.
Another important aspect of the plans seems to be the potential of quarantining foreign visitors. A report by The Times suggested those visiting the UK will have to fill in a digital form and declare an address where they will then be expected to self-isolate for 14 days.
Travellers could face fines of up to £1,000 and even deportation if spot checks later find they have flouted the rules, which the report claimed could be introduce in June.
(Image: Sean Gallup / Getty Images)
During a Downing Street briefing on Friday, reporters were told that the quarantining foreign visitors was being “looked at” as a way of guarding the country against a second peak in the transmission rate.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “I think ministers have said the issue of looking to ensure, as we really drive down transmission in the UK, that we are able to ensure the virus is not being brought into the country from overseas is one they are actively considering.”
The strict clampdown is set to be part of a “road map” revealed by the Prime Minister during his address to the nation on Sunday evening in which he will set out the stages for lifting the lockdown.
Boris Johnson will also recommend workers wear masks when they do return to work and when using public transport, The Daily Telegraph reported.
It has been confirmed to the PA news agency that Mr Johnson will announce that garden centres will be allowed to open their doors to customers from Wednesday May 13.
Nursery bosses will have to ensure shoppers obey social distancing measures, such as keeping two metres away from others, and will be expected to put restrictions in place, including queuing systems and installing Perspex shields to protect till staff, in a similar way to supermarkets.
A senior Government source said: “Garden centres are typically open large open-air spaces where the risk of transmission of coronavirus is lower.
“With strict social distancing measures in place we believe they can open safely from next week.”
And it is understood ministers are preparing to recommend that commuters use their bicycles for journeys to work, in a bid to reduce the number of people using public transport.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is set to use his appearance at the Downing Street briefing on Saturday to unveil a further £250 million for extra cycle lanes, while trials on the use of e-scooters on British roads are due to be fast-tracked, PA understands.
Meanwhile, Environment Secretary George Eustice reiterated calls for people to stay at home for the remainder of the bank holiday weekend and to respect social distancing rules.
The call comes despite Met Office predictions that Saturday could be the hottest day of the year, with temperatures likely to hit 26C (78.8F).
His comments came after the devolved administration in Wales announced “modest adjustments” to the restrictions on movement, put in place across the UK to stem the transmission of Covid-19.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the three changes, coming into force on Monday, included allowing more than one form of exercise per day and permitting garden centres and public libraries to reopen.
But in Scotland, only alterations to exercise guidance are expected, while those in Northern Ireland have been told there will be just “nuanced changes” to the clampdown on movement.
Those in England will have to wait until 7pm on Sunday for the PM to formally declare the result of the UK Government’s review into what rule changes should be brought in for England.
The PM has promised to exercise “maximum caution” when tinkering with the restrictions after official data suggested more than 36,000 people had died with coronavirus in the UK since the pandemic broke.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Wolves and Leeds United dealt major transfer blow

Brighton have revealed they want to keep Ben White at the club for a number of years , ending hope for a number of teams .
Wolves have been long-time admirers of White , who has spent this season on loan with Leeds United .
Marcelo Bielsa ’ s side are desperate to keep the central defender , while clubs like Liverpool , Manchester United and Man City are all believed to be interested .
Sign up to our Wolves newsletter here The 22-year-old has yet to make a senior appearance for the Seagulls , but Technical Director Dan Ashworth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling him when the window reopens .
“ We ’ ve been delighted with his progress and Leeds have done a fantastic job with him , ” he said .
“ He ’ s done really well , and Leeds have done great in helping him develop – he ’ s played a lot of matches .
We ’ re not surprised at how well he ’ s done , and we rate him highly .
“ He signed a new deal last summer before he went out [ on loan ] so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll see where we are , but he is part of our plans and a talent we ’ ll be looking to keep for a number of years at the club .
”

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Brighton have revealed they want to keep Ben White at the club for a number of years, ending hope for a number of teams.
Wolves have been long-time admirers of White, who has spent this season on loan with Leeds United. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are desperate to keep the central defender, while clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Man City are all believed to be interested.
The 22-year-old has yet to make a senior appearance for the Seagulls, but Technical Director Dan Ashworth has confirmed they have no intention of selling him when the window reopens.
“We’ve been delighted with his progress and Leeds have done a fantastic job with him,” he said.
“He’s done really well, and Leeds have done great in helping him develop – he’s played a lot of matches. We’re not surprised at how well he’s done, and we rate him highly.
“He signed a new deal last summer before he went out [on loan] so when he comes back, we’ll see where we are, but he is part of our plans and a talent we’ll be looking to keep for a number of years at the club.”


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Watford chief backs Christian Purslow's 'Project Restart' claim

Watford have become the latest team to slam the proposed plan that would see the Premier League return , with fixtures played in neutral venues .
Project Restart is set to be discussed at a meeting on Monday , as bosses try to find a solution that can see the season completed amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow outlined his stance on the proposal , suggesting losing home advantage for six of their final 10 fixtures was unfair .
“ Personally I am against it , ” he said , '' we are a club that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think two thirds of our wins this season have come at home .
`` We have got six home games left to play so I think any Villa fan would agree giving up that advantage is a massive decision for somebody running Aston Villa and I certainly wouldn ’ t agree to that unless the circumstances were right . ''
Brighton chief Paul Barber has also revealed he will vote against the plan in the all-important meeting next week .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here And now Watford CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote against it , claiming there is a duty of care to protect the clubs at the bottom from a ‘ distorted mini-league ’ .
“ There are 20 different vested interests which sometimes align but more often than not work purely to protect each individual club , ” Duxbury told the Times .
“ That is why some clubs are happy to sign up to Project Restart because arguably there is only an upside in participating in this compromised format ; it means Liverpool can win the title , other clubs can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or potentially fight their way up the table from a position of safety .
“ But when at least six clubs — and I suspect more — are concerned about the clear downside and the devastating effects of playing in this kind of distorted nine-game mini-league , then I believe the Premier League has a duty of care to address those concerns.
” The Hornets were 17th at the time of the suspension , outside of the relegation zone on goal difference alone – although they would drop in , should Villa win @ @ @ @ @

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Watford have become the latest team to slam the proposed plan that would see the Premier League return, with fixtures played in neutral venues.
Project Restart is set to be discussed at a meeting on Monday, as bosses try to find a solution that can see the season completed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow outlined his stance on the proposal, suggesting losing home advantage for six of their final 10 fixtures was unfair.
“Personally I am against it,” he said,"we are a club that prides itself on our home form, I think two thirds of our wins this season have come at home.
"We have got six home games left to play so I think any Villa fan would agree giving up that advantage is a massive decision for somebody running Aston Villa and I certainly wouldn’t agree to that unless the circumstances were right."
Brighton chief Paul Barber has also revealed he will vote against the plan in the all-important meeting next week.
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here
And now Watford CEO Scott Duxbury has also hinted he will vote against it, claiming there is a duty of care to protect the clubs at the bottom from a ‘distorted mini-league’.
“There are 20 different vested interests which sometimes align but more often than not work purely to protect each individual club,” Duxbury told the Times.
“That is why some clubs are happy to sign up to Project Restart because arguably there is only an upside in participating in this compromised format; it means Liverpool can win the title, other clubs can book their place in Europe next season or potentially fight their way up the table from a position of safety.
“But when at least six clubs — and I suspect more — are concerned about the clear downside and the devastating effects of playing in this kind of distorted nine-game mini-league, then I believe the Premier League has a duty of care to address those concerns.”
The Hornets were 17th at the time of the suspension, outside of the relegation zone on goal difference alone – although they would drop in, should Villa win their game in hand.


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals transfer strategy amid Jack Grealish interest

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he will need to 'adjust ' his transfer plans due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Football has been suspended for two months now and all clubs have been hit hard , even ones of United 's stature and wealth .
But Solskjaer is still expected to make moves once the transfer window opens as United look to close the gap on rivals Liverpool and Manchester City .
Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish is one of Solskjaer 's top targets after a brilliant season back in the Premier League .
The playmaker has bagged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead his club 's fight against relegation .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here Several reports have suggested United could spend up to £70million to prise Grealish away from Villa - but Solskjaer has suggested he 'll have to rein in the spending .
He said : `` I think Mason [ Greenwood ] , Anthony [ Martial ] and Marcus [ Rashford ] this season have been fantastic .
They 've scored upwards of 50 goals , the three of them .
`` Marcus was on course for his best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his best season , Mason , of course , is just a unique talent , with his goalscoring abilities .
`` But we 're always looking to improve the squad and this uncertainty in the market now , who knows how football is going to be and how the market is going to be .
`` But I 'm very happy with the squad I 've got .
I think today 's world is different to what it was two months ago .
`` We 've got to adjust to that and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us financially .
`` But it 's still a new world and the transfer market this summer will be completely different to what anyone thought it was going to be . ''

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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he will need to 'adjust' his transfer plans due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Football has been suspended for two months now and all clubs have been hit hard, even ones of United's stature and wealth.
But Solskjaer is still expected to make moves once the transfer window opens as United look to close the gap on rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish is one of Solskjaer's top targets after a brilliant season back in the Premier League. The playmaker has bagged seven goals in 26 league starts to lead his club's fight against relegation.
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here
(Image: PA)
Several reports have suggested United could spend up to £70million to prise Grealish away from Villa - but Solskjaer has suggested he'll have to rein in the spending.
He said: "I think Mason [Greenwood], Anthony [Martial] and Marcus [Rashford] this season have been fantastic. They've scored upwards of 50 goals, the three of them.
"Marcus was on course for his best season, Anthony was on course for his best season, Mason, of course, is just a unique talent, with his goalscoring abilities.
"But we're always looking to improve the squad and this uncertainty in the market now, who knows how football is going to be and how the market is going to be.
"But I'm very happy with the squad I've got. I think today's world is different to what it was two months ago.
"We've got to adjust to that and there are clubs out there struggling more than us financially.
"But it's still a new world and the transfer market this summer will be completely different to what anyone thought it was going to be."


birminghammail--2020-05-09--Coronation Street's Leanne and Steve prepare for heartbreaking Oliver diagnosis

Coronation Street star Jane Danson has said a new storyline , in which her character Leanne Battersby ’ s son is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness , “ could really break ” her .
Three-year-old Oliver became unwell last month while in the care of his father Steve McDonald ( Simon Gregson ) .
Doctors initially put this down to a febrile convulsion , but when Oliver suffers another seizure this week , he is rushed to hospital for tests , and diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder , for which there is currently no cure .
The ITV soap ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation , a charity that supports families and funds research into the disease , which occurs when mitochondria in the cells do not function properly .
They also consulted with Professor Robert McFarland from the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research in Newcastle .
Danson said : “ We ’ ve worked closely with Liz Curtis at The Lily Foundation .
“ It was harrowing hearing the story of what happened to her daughter Lily but also really amazing to hear how people come through this , how they support each other and learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s almost too much to comprehend but I came away from the meeting bowled over by her bravery and how amazing she is as a human being .
“ She shared with me how she felt emotionally , how she got through her days , how people rallied around her .
“ I ’ ve also read a lot of literature about how families cope around their children ’ s diagnosis with life-limiting illnesses , looking at the human elements to their stories amidst all the medical speak and hoping I can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelming , I ’ ve been so lucky to have so many stories with Leanne over the last 20 odd years but this one feels different , this one could really break her and it feels like it ’ s the one where I ’ ve got the most responsibility to get it right.
” Leanne and Steve are not a couple , and Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod said the storyline would challenge their respective partners .
He said : “ In the end it will leave everyone permanently changed , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have been through the fire , these relationships that have been tested in this extreme adversity will be much stronger and life-changing , and life-long relationships.
” Liz Curtis , chief executive and co-founder of The Lily Foundation said : “ There is currently no cure for mitochondrial diseases , so those diagnosed face an uncertain future .
“ We have been impressed with how sensitively the show ’ s researchers and script writers have handled this , listening to those who have been affected by the disease and the doctors who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a very positive step in our ongoing fight to raise awareness about mitochondrial diseases , support affected families and fund research to find a cure.
” ITV has halted production on Coronation Street and Emmerdale , due to the coronavirus pandemic , and reduced its transmission of both soaps to make the episodes which have already been recorded last longer .

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Coronation Street star Jane Danson has said a new storyline, in which her character Leanne Battersby’s son is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, “could really break” her.
Three-year-old Oliver became unwell last month while in the care of his father Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).
Doctors initially put this down to a febrile convulsion, but when Oliver suffers another seizure this week, he is rushed to hospital for tests, and diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder, for which there is currently no cure.
The ITV soap’s research team worked with The Lily Foundation, a charity that supports families and funds research into the disease, which occurs when mitochondria in the cells do not function properly.
They also consulted with Professor Robert McFarland from the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research in Newcastle.
Danson said: “We’ve worked closely with Liz Curtis at The Lily Foundation.
“It was harrowing hearing the story of what happened to her daughter Lily but also really amazing to hear how people come through this, how they support each other and learn to live again.
“It’s almost too much to comprehend but I came away from the meeting bowled over by her bravery and how amazing she is as a human being.
“She shared with me how she felt emotionally, how she got through her days, how people rallied around her.
“I’ve also read a lot of literature about how families cope around their children’s diagnosis with life-limiting illnesses, looking at the human elements to their stories amidst all the medical speak and hoping I can get it right.
“It is quite overwhelming, I’ve been so lucky to have so many stories with Leanne over the last 20 odd years but this one feels different, this one could really break her and it feels like it’s the one where I’ve got the most responsibility to get it right.”
Leanne and Steve are not a couple, and Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod said the storyline would challenge their respective partners.
He said: “In the end it will leave everyone permanently changed, but also stronger for it.
“Once they have been through the fire, these relationships that have been tested in this extreme adversity will be much stronger and life-changing, and life-long relationships.”
(Image: PA)
Liz Curtis, chief executive and co-founder of The Lily Foundation said: “There is currently no cure for mitochondrial diseases, so those diagnosed face an uncertain future.
“We have been impressed with how sensitively the show’s researchers and script writers have handled this, listening to those who have been affected by the disease and the doctors who support them.
“We see this as a very positive step in our ongoing fight to raise awareness about mitochondrial diseases, support affected families and fund research to find a cure.”
ITV has halted production on Coronation Street and Emmerdale, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and reduced its transmission of both soaps to make the episodes which have already been recorded last longer.