birminghammail--2020-04-02--Second 'Clap For Our Carers' tribute to show appreciation for all key workers

A second `` Clap For Our Carers '' event will take place at 8pm across the UK tonight ( Thursday ) .
It is being held following the huge success of the first one held last week , which saw millions of people go outside and give NHS staff a round of applause .
Tonight 's will be slightly different in that people will be asked to applaud other key workers who are keeping the country running through the coronavirus crisis .
As well as NHS staff and carers , they will also be honouring teachers , cleaners , supermarket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports how people are being urged to take to their windows , balconies or doorways at 8pm and clap and cheer loudly .
Last week , millions of people across the UK applauded from their homes in a moving tribute to the country 's NHS workers .
But tonight 's is expected to see more people take part as word spreads of the joyous event .
When is the Clap for Carers ?
The second Clap for Carers will take place at 8pm tonight ( Thursday 2 April ) .
The idea this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers who are keeping things running - so teachers , supermarket staff , delivery drivers and cleaners as well as NHS doctors and nurses .
The public is encouraged to applaud from their windows , balconies or doors to show their appreciation at 8pm .
Clap for our Carers creator , Annemarie Plas , first had the idea after seeing footage of a similar tribute in the Netherlands .
She used social media to spread word of the campaign , with millions of people across the country eventually participating last week .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Annemarie has suggested that the UK continues to clap at 8pm every Thursday throughout the crisis to show continued support for the people working under extremely difficult circumstances .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Daisy Naylor, Jane Tyler)

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A second "Clap For Our Carers" event will take place at 8pm across the UK tonight (Thursday).
It is being held following the huge success of the first one held last week, which saw millions of people go outside and give NHS staff a round of applause.
Tonight's will be slightly different in that people will be asked to applaud other key workers who are keeping the country running through the coronavirus crisis. As well as NHS staff and carers, they will also be honouring teachers, cleaners, supermarket workers and delivery drivers.
The Mirror reports how people are being urged to take to their windows, balconies or doorways at 8pm and clap and cheer loudly.
(Image: Getty Images)
Last week, millions of people across the UK applauded from their homes in a moving tribute to the country's NHS workers. But tonight's is expected to see more people take part as word spreads of the joyous event.
When is the Clap for Carers?
The second Clap for Carers will take place at 8pm tonight (Thursday 2 April).
Show your support for our NHS Heroes Please pledge your support for all the amazing NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus crisis on the frontline. At BirminghamLive, we’re proud to be part of the Reach nationwide NHS Heroes campaign, launched to make sure all these incredible people know exactly how much they mean to the nation. We’re asking you to show them love by helping us create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain. By dropping a heart on our online map, you’re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS. To pledge your support, just go to Thanks A Million NHS. Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS. And please do share the page to encourage others to show their support too. We also want to hear your stories of NHS Heroes too - it could be something as simple as bringing cakes in for the team or making endless cups of tea to looking after each other's children when no childcare is available and being available to swap shifts even when caring for people at home. Please email details of your hero to zoe.chamberlain@reachplc.com - we'd love to feature them. You can also read heartwarming stories in our #BrumKIND campaign Thank you
The idea this time is to clap for all key workers who are keeping things running - so teachers, supermarket staff, delivery drivers and cleaners as well as NHS doctors and nurses.
The public is encouraged to applaud from their windows, balconies or doors to show their appreciation at 8pm.
Clap for our Carers creator, Annemarie Plas, first had the idea after seeing footage of a similar tribute in the Netherlands.
She used social media to spread word of the campaign, with millions of people across the country eventually participating last week.
A Dutch yoga teacher living in London, Annemarie has suggested that the UK continues to clap at 8pm every Thursday throughout the crisis to show continued support for the people working under extremely difficult circumstances.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Labour backs call to name Birmingham coronavirus hospital after Mary Seacole

Labour has backed calls to name Birmingham 's temporary coronavirus hospital after pioneering Jamaican and British nurse Mary Seacole .
More than 7,000 people have signed a petition calling for the hospital to be named the Seacole NHS , and the campaign was backed by Dawn Butler , Labour 's Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities .
She said on Twitter : `` Matt Hancock MP The Secretary of State for Health and Care : The NEC in Birmingham should be called the NHS Seacole - Sign the Petition ! ''
The hospital based at the NEC ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as The NEC Birmingham ) will start with up to 500 beds , with the capacity to increase beds up to 2,000 if needed .
It is currently due to be called NHS Nightingale - the name also given to the temportary coronavirus hospital in London , and another planned hospital in Manchester .
However , there appears to be no reason it could not have a name of its own .
Mary Seacole , born in 1805 , set up the `` British Hotel '' to treat wounded soldiers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll of the 100 greatest black Britons , which was conducted in 2004 .
Work on the Birmingham hospital is being overseen by Dr David Rosser , the chief executive of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust , the body that runs hospitals across Birmingham including the Queen Elizabeth .

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Labour has backed calls to name Birmingham's temporary coronavirus hospital after pioneering Jamaican and British nurse Mary Seacole.
More than 7,000 people have signed a petition calling for the hospital to be named the Seacole NHS, and the campaign was backed by Dawn Butler, Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities. She said on Twitter: "Matt Hancock MP The Secretary of State for Health and Care: The NEC in Birmingham should be called the NHS Seacole - Sign the Petition!"
The hospital based at the NEC (which is actually in Solihull, but known as The NEC Birmingham) will start with up to 500 beds, with the capacity to increase beds up to 2,000 if needed.
It is currently due to be called NHS Nightingale - the name also given to the temportary coronavirus hospital in London, and another planned hospital in Manchester. However, there appears to be no reason it could not have a name of its own.
Mary Seacole, born in 1805, set up the "British Hotel" to treat wounded soldiers in the Crimean War. She previously topped a poll of the 100 greatest black Britons, which was conducted in 2004.
Work on the Birmingham hospital is being overseen by Dr David Rosser, the chief executive of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the body that runs hospitals across Birmingham including the Queen Elizabeth.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Horror as dog's body dumped in reservoir

A dog 's body was dumped in a bag in a Dudley reservoir - sparking an RSPCA investigation .
The horrifying discovery was made at Netherton Reservoir on Tuesday ( March 31 ) .
A woman spotted a black bag in the water and managed to fish it out .
She unzipped it to find the dog 'struggling to breathe ' .
The RSPCA were called - but when inspector Vicki Taylor arrived , the dog was dead .
She said : “ A member of the public contacted us after spotting the black bag in the reservoir .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it onto the bank where she found a dog zipped up inside .
“ She said the dog was struggling to breathe and wasn ’ t responsive so I rushed over there but , sadly , he was dead when I arrived.
” The dog - a large , adult male bull breed with cropped ears - is quite distinctive and Vicki hopes someone may recognise him or know where he ’ s come from .
In order to identify the dog , the animal welfare charity has released upsetting images - one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although we decided not to publish a second image , as it was too distressing .
“ He was wrapped in a blanket and microchipped but the chip wasn ’ t registered , which is now a legal requirement , ” Vicki added .
“ Although the caller believed he was breathing when she pulled him from the water , the vet believes he may have been dead and in the water for some time due to deterioration of his fur and skin .
“ He ’ s a large , grey/blue and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s quite recognisable .
`` He hasn ’ t suffered from any obvious injuries so it ’ s unclear whether he was dead before being dumped in the water or whether , tragically , he was deliberately thrown into the reservoir and drowned .
“ I ’ d really like to find out where this dog has come from and what happened to him so I ’ d urge anyone who recognises him to contact our appeal line . ''
Anyone with information should call 0300 123 8018 .

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A dog's body was dumped in a bag in a Dudley reservoir - sparking an RSPCA investigation.
The horrifying discovery was made at Netherton Reservoir on Tuesday (March 31).
A woman spotted a black bag in the water and managed to fish it out. She unzipped it to find the dog 'struggling to breathe'.
The RSPCA were called - but when inspector Vicki Taylor arrived, the dog was dead.
She said: “A member of the public contacted us after spotting the black bag in the reservoir. She managed to fish it out and pull it onto the bank where she found a dog zipped up inside.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“She said the dog was struggling to breathe and wasn’t responsive so I rushed over there but, sadly, he was dead when I arrived.”
The dog - a large, adult male bull breed with cropped ears - is quite distinctive and Vicki hopes someone may recognise him or know where he’s come from.
In order to identify the dog, the animal welfare charity has released upsetting images - one of which can be viewed below - although we decided not to publish a second image, as it was too distressing.
(Image: RSPCA)
“He was wrapped in a blanket and microchipped but the chip wasn’t registered, which is now a legal requirement,” Vicki added.
“Although the caller believed he was breathing when she pulled him from the water, the vet believes he may have been dead and in the water for some time due to deterioration of his fur and skin.
“He’s a large, grey/blue and white dog with cropped ears so he’s quite recognisable.
"He hasn’t suffered from any obvious injuries so it’s unclear whether he was dead before being dumped in the water or whether, tragically, he was deliberately thrown into the reservoir and drowned.
“I’d really like to find out where this dog has come from and what happened to him so I’d urge anyone who recognises him to contact our appeal line."
Anyone with information should call 0300 123 8018.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Watch as dirt bikers turn Marston Green station into playground during lockdown

Passengers at a Solihull train station watched in dismay as a group of youths rode dirt bikes on walkways at a deserted railway station .
The three riders were filmed on Wednesday ( April 1 ) at Marston Green railway station by a key railway worker who was waiting for the 15.27 train to New Street .
The video footage shows the trio performing 'wheelies ' and scrambling up and across the walkways which , in normal times , would be busy with pedestrians .
You can watch the video above Ignoring government social isolation guidelines , the group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces and helmets , can be heard revving their engines as they flout safety measures .
The passenger who took the video said : `` As you can see they are doing wheelies up the bridge .
I ’ m a key worker on the railway and this foolish behaviour is unacceptable , even more so on a railway bridge when there ’ s foot passengers walking up there , as there was yesterday . ''
West Midland Railway will begin running to a new timetable from next week as the coronavirus lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here from Friday .
As passenger numbers continue to fall and increased numbers of rail staff self-isolating , the operator – along with sister company London Northwestern Railway - has announced further changes will come into effect on Monday April 6 .
Julian Edwards , managing director of West Midlands Railway , said : “ The rail industry is facing our biggest challenge in peace time .
We are working together to operate a regular service for our key workers and those making only the most essential journeys .
“ With increased numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and a big drop in passenger numbers , now is the right time to make further changes to our service .
As the government has made clear , people should only use the train for essential journeys .
“ I would like to pay special tribute to our front-line staff , including drivers , conductors , dispatchers , station teams , engineers , cleaners and those in our control centres .
Their hard work and dedication to keeping the trains running are helping key workers save lives .
”

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Passengers at a Solihull train station watched in dismay as a group of youths rode dirt bikes on walkways at a deserted railway station.
The three riders were filmed on Wednesday (April 1) at Marston Green railway station by a key railway worker who was waiting for the 15.27 train to New Street.
The video footage shows the trio performing 'wheelies' and scrambling up and across the walkways which, in normal times, would be busy with pedestrians.
You can watch the video above
Ignoring government social isolation guidelines, the group of young people who wear scarves across their faces and helmets, can be heard revving their engines as they flout safety measures.
The passenger who took the video said: "As you can see they are doing wheelies up the bridge. I’m a key worker on the railway and this foolish behaviour is unacceptable, even more so on a railway bridge when there’s foot passengers walking up there, as there was yesterday."
BirminghamLive have contacted British Transport Police for comment.
West Midland Railway will begin running to a new timetable from next week as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
(Image: Tracey Ann Thomas)
The new timetable is available here from Friday.
As passenger numbers continue to fall and increased numbers of rail staff self-isolating, the operator – along with sister company London Northwestern Railway - has announced further changes will come into effect on Monday April 6.
Julian Edwards, managing director of West Midlands Railway, said:“The rail industry is facing our biggest challenge in peace time. We are working together to operate a regular service for our key workers and those making only the most essential journeys.
“With increased numbers of rail workers entering self-isolation due to coronavirus and a big drop in passenger numbers, now is the right time to make further changes to our service. As the government has made clear, people should only use the train for essential journeys.
“I would like to pay special tribute to our front-line staff, including drivers, conductors, dispatchers, station teams, engineers, cleaners and those in our control centres. Their hard work and dedication to keeping the trains running are helping key workers save lives.”


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Why Pedro Neto 'always ends up fighting' John Ruddy

Football is currently on pause as players , managers and supporters self-isolate at home to help slow the spread of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
The unprecedented halt in play has left Wolves stars missing their teammates , and none more so that Pedro Neto who has been sharing some secrets from behind the scenes at Molineux - including the one player he never fails to come to blows with .
Wolves official website asked the 20-year-old wide man who he would like the be locked in self-isolation with : Easy , his old friend Ruben Vinagre .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would least like to be stuck with as he spilt the beans on his training ground rivalry with goalkeeper John Ruddy .
`` I will say John Ruddy because we don ’ t speak a lot and when we do speak , we always end up fighting against each other ! ''
he revealed .
`` He ’ s a very good friend but we are always arguing , so after two weeks stuck together it would be very difficult . ''
He continued : `` We play a lot of football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play doubles and it gets very competitive .
`` It ’ s because nobody likes to lose and when we play football tennis , it ’ s like we are playing in the Premier League because it ’ s not always the same doubles partners .
`` Joao [ Moutinho ] is always joking because normally he would win everything because he is very strong and has been playing it for two years , but it ’ s my first year playing this and maybe next year I can beat him . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many to take with the future of the 2019-20 season under serious threat .
But Neto has remained positive as he continues to maintain his fitness at home .
“ It ’ s been a little bit strange and very difficult because we are at home and we are not doing what we like .
Being without football is like being without a part of our lives , '' he added .
“ Now I ’ m trying to be strong and of course we want the virus to pass , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait now .
”

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Football is currently on pause as players, managers and supporters self-isolate at home to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The unprecedented halt in play has left Wolves stars missing their teammates, and none more so that Pedro Neto who has been sharing some secrets from behind the scenes at Molineux - including the one player he never fails to come to blows with.
Wolves official website asked the 20-year-old wide man who he would like the be locked in self-isolation with: Easy, his old friend Ruben Vinagre.
But he took a little longer to answer who he would least like to be stuck with as he spilt the beans on his training ground rivalry with goalkeeper John Ruddy.
"I will say John Ruddy because we don’t speak a lot and when we do speak, we always end up fighting against each other!" he revealed.
(Image: PA)
"He’s a very good friend but we are always arguing, so after two weeks stuck together it would be very difficult."
He continued: "We play a lot of football tennis against each other. We usually play doubles and it gets very competitive.
"It’s because nobody likes to lose and when we play football tennis, it’s like we are playing in the Premier League because it’s not always the same doubles partners.
"Joao [Moutinho] is always joking because normally he would win everything because he is very strong and has been playing it for two years, but it’s my first year playing this and maybe next year I can beat him."
The mid-season break has been hard for many to take with the future of the 2019-20 season under serious threat.
But Neto has remained positive as he continues to maintain his fitness at home.
“It’s been a little bit strange and very difficult because we are at home and we are not doing what we like. Being without football is like being without a part of our lives," he added.
“Now I’m trying to be strong and of course we want the virus to pass, and it will pass, but we have to wait now.”


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Sandwell suspends parking charges to help key workers

Sandwell Council has joined with it neighbour Dudley in offering free town centre car parking until the end of June to help essential staff to do their jobs .
But the the authority is pleading with motorists not to use the suspension to make unnecessary trips during the present emergency .
The move applies to town centre cars parks run by the council but does not include those in Sandwell Valley .
Leader of the council Cllr Yvonne Davies said : “ We want to do all we can to support people who live and work in Sandwell during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are having to make essential journeys – particularly keyworkers and those who have to make trips to do essential shopping .
“ By suspending parking charges in council car parks we hope this will make things easier for people making those essential journeys .
“ But I would ask that people don ’ t use this as an opportunity to make unnecessary trips to the shops.
” On-street charges will still apply and drivers are being asked to continue to park safely warning those that don ’ t could be issued parking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member for sustainable transport Cllr Jackie Taylor said the move is intended to allow essential workers to do their jobs and have access to shops .
She said : “ During this difficult time our essential workers also require support to enable them to do their work .
“ Every opportunity has to be given to allow them to do so .
“ I am sure that every resident in Sandwell will be sensitive to the reasons why this has to be done .
“ Our essential workers are putting their lives at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finally , I want to thank all of our essential workers for keeping our citizens safe and well in Sandwell .
Your hard work and commitment is hugely appreciated.
” Last week , Dudley Council announced it was suspending charges to help frontline staff who need to travel to work during the coronavirus crisis .

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Sandwell Council has joined with it neighbour Dudley in offering free town centre car parking until the end of June to help essential staff to do their jobs.
But the the authority is pleading with motorists not to use the suspension to make unnecessary trips during the present emergency.
The move applies to town centre cars parks run by the council but does not include those in Sandwell Valley.
Leader of the council Cllr Yvonne Davies said: “We want to do all we can to support people who live and work in Sandwell during this difficult time.
“We know that people are having to make essential journeys – particularly keyworkers and those who have to make trips to do essential shopping.
“By suspending parking charges in council car parks we hope this will make things easier for people making those essential journeys.
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“But I would ask that people don’t use this as an opportunity to make unnecessary trips to the shops.”
On-street charges will still apply and drivers are being asked to continue to park safely warning those that don’t could be issued parking tickets.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport Cllr Jackie Taylor said the move is intended to allow essential workers to do their jobs and have access to shops.
She said: “During this difficult time our essential workers also require support to enable them to do their work.
“Every opportunity has to be given to allow them to do so.
“I am sure that every resident in Sandwell will be sensitive to the reasons why this has to be done.
“Our essential workers are putting their lives at risk to keep us alive.
“Finally, I want to thank all of our essential workers for keeping our citizens safe and well in Sandwell. Your hard work and commitment is hugely appreciated.”
Last week, Dudley Council announced it was suspending charges to help frontline staff who need to travel to work during the coronavirus crisis.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Our verdict on the Grealish controversy - and why it took us so long

Sorry for being so quiet on the Jack Grealish thing .
I 've got a lot of respect for his family & I 'm waiting for the full facts to emerge before passing judgement .
From what we 're seeing & hearing it does n't look great & Villa 's silence on it all is also concerning .
# AVFC That tweet on Monday morning 'banged ' , to use the parlance of my younger colleagues .
Whether it was followers who were applauding my measured approach to not wishing to break media law , or ( a seemingly equal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me of swerving the biggest story in town out of my love for the Grealishes , my Twitter analytics showed me that my engagement levels were up .
And then some .
Three days on and , let 's face it , the full facts are n't going to emerge are they ?
Not until 40 years from now when a tanned , wrinkly Jack Grealish , sporting that slick quiff in a Frank Worthington-style , decides to release an autobography to top up his retirement pot , anyway .
With that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me the words 'Tick Tock ' , can no longer be stalled with my smartarse 'Nah , mate , this is Twitter ' retort .
It 's time to pass my judgement .
Full disclosure - I have an interest to declare , so let 's get that out of the way first .
I like Grealish .
I have followed his career closely for around a decade , ever since I heard whispers that he was going to be a special player .
I got to know his Dad , Kev , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Nottingham to watch the teenage Grealish on loan at Notts County .
Grealish has donated a trophy to my boy 's Sunday morning team and my daughter once had a bounce on the Grealish family trampoline .
Okay , so that 's where I 'm at - let 's get to the events of the weekend .
None of the above will prevent me from writing that Grealish behaved like an absolute idiot on Sunday morning .
Having issued a message for us all to follow the government 's strict Covid-19 guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypocrisy for him to then go galavanting to see friends in Solihull .
After a day of rumours , innuendo and hearsay he finally took to social media to issue an apology on Monday afternoon .
`` I know it 's a tough time for everyone at the moment being locked in doors for so long .
I just got a call off a friend asking to go round to his ( house ) and I stupidly agreed to do so .
`` I do n't want anyone to make the same mistake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay at home and follow the rules and guidelines of what we 've been asked to do .
`` I know for a fact I 'll be doing that in the near future now and I urge everyone to do the same .
I hope everyone can I accept my apology and we can move on from this .
`` Hopefully in the near future we can all be out enjoying ourselves again once this has all boiled over .
Cheers guys . ''
His apology included the buzzwords 'stupidly ' , 'apology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was more notable for the information it omitted than the regrets it contained .
There was no mention of the damaged Range Rover that was left nudging the kerb outside those apartments in Dickens Heath - and his words seemed very much like a damage-limitation excercise than a full and frank explanation .
And this is the bit where my own social media critics will accuse me of not going far enough with my condemnation of Grealish 's actions .
Had Grealish been arrested and charged with an offence , then none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from condemning him for something far worse than breaking a curfew at a time when the whole world is grounded .
But while the Twittersphere can speculate , we do n't know any of those things for a fact .
Our continued enquiries to West Midlands Police about who is the driver of that Range Rover and whether he will face any further action have failed to glean any more information .
While the Wild West-ish , largely unregulated free-for-all of social media allows anonymous accounts to sling all kinds of mud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , in the mainstream media we have to operate within a much stricter set of guidelines .
It 's why I spent half of Sunday afternoon and evening trading emails with our company 's lawyers to establish what we were allowed to write and it 's why I ca n't and wo n't go into any more detail about what the Villa skipper may or may not have done , if we can not prove the information we obtain .
What we can say beyond dispute is that Grealish has done wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation will take some rebuilding .
Villa fans wo n't be upset if this latest episode puts off Manchester United and other potential suitors for his signature , but England boss Gareth Southgate will take a dim view of his antics .
Grealish has enough credit in the bank with Villa supporters - even those who are embarrassed by the conduct of their captain - to expect the backing of the claret and blue fanbase .
Outside of B6 he had started to gain a growing band of admirers for the on-field brilliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa into the Premier League and doing his damndest to keep them there .
The wider world , however , will remember him sprawled on a pavement in Tenerife or looking dishevelled by the side of a road in Solihull rather than pinging that wonder goal into the top corner at Old Trafford .
Providing he abides by the very rules he was espousing the importance of on Saturday , during the next few months he will have a lot of time to reflect on what he has done .
The community and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown footnote to this chaotic tale of a local boy made good need to come to the fore as part of his reformation .
The hefty donation he is making to The University Hospitals Charity in Birmingham , by way of a fine imposed on him by his club , should be just the start .
It 's such a shame that we are talking about Grealish as front page tabloid fodder rather than backpage headline maker again .
But Jack has only got himself to blame .

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Sorry for being so quiet on the Jack Grealish thing.
I've got a lot of respect for his family & I'm waiting for the full facts to emerge before passing judgement.
From what we're seeing & hearing it doesn't look great & Villa's silence on it all is also concerning. #AVFC
That tweet on Monday morning 'banged', to use the parlance of my younger colleagues.
Whether it was followers who were applauding my measured approach to not wishing to break media law, or (a seemingly equal amount of) others who were accusing me of swerving the biggest story in town out of my love for the Grealishes, my Twitter analytics showed me that my engagement levels were up. And then some.
Three days on and, let's face it, the full facts aren't going to emerge are they?
Not until 40 years from now when a tanned, wrinkly Jack Grealish, sporting that slick quiff in a Frank Worthington-style, decides to release an autobography to top up his retirement pot, anyway.
With that in mind the Birmingham City fan who tweeted me the words 'Tick Tock', can no longer be stalled with my smartarse 'Nah, mate, this is Twitter' retort.
It's time to pass my judgement.
Full disclosure - I have an interest to declare, so let's get that out of the way first.
I like Grealish. I have followed his career closely for around a decade, ever since I heard whispers that he was going to be a special player.
I got to know his Dad, Kev, and drove Grealish senior and a mate to Nottingham to watch the teenage Grealish on loan at Notts County.
Grealish has donated a trophy to my boy's Sunday morning team and my daughter once had a bounce on the Grealish family trampoline.
Okay, so that's where I'm at - let's get to the events of the weekend.
None of the above will prevent me from writing that Grealish behaved like an absolute idiot on Sunday morning.
Having issued a message for us all to follow the government's strict Covid-19 guidelines and stay at home it was rank hypocrisy for him to then go galavanting to see friends in Solihull.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
After a day of rumours, innuendo and hearsay he finally took to social media to issue an apology on Monday afternoon.
"I know it's a tough time for everyone at the moment being locked in doors for so long. I just got a call off a friend asking to go round to his (house) and I stupidly agreed to do so.
"I don't want anyone to make the same mistake I did so I urge everyone to stay at home and follow the rules and guidelines of what we've been asked to do.
"I know for a fact I'll be doing that in the near future now and I urge everyone to do the same. I hope everyone can I accept my apology and we can move on from this.
"Hopefully in the near future we can all be out enjoying ourselves again once this has all boiled over. Cheers guys."
(Image: Twitter)
His apology included the buzzwords 'stupidly', 'apology', 'mistake' etc, but it was more notable for the information it omitted than the regrets it contained.
There was no mention of the damaged Range Rover that was left nudging the kerb outside those apartments in Dickens Heath - and his words seemed very much like a damage-limitation excercise than a full and frank explanation.
And this is the bit where my own social media critics will accuse me of not going far enough with my condemnation of Grealish's actions.
Had Grealish been arrested and charged with an offence, then none of the above would have prevented me from condemning him for something far worse than breaking a curfew at a time when the whole world is grounded.
But while the Twittersphere can speculate, we don't know any of those things for a fact.
Our continued enquiries to West Midlands Police about who is the driver of that Range Rover and whether he will face any further action have failed to glean any more information.
While the Wild West-ish, largely unregulated free-for-all of social media allows anonymous accounts to sling all kinds of mud, whether the allegations can be proven or not, in the mainstream media we have to operate within a much stricter set of guidelines.
It's why I spent half of Sunday afternoon and evening trading emails with our company's lawyers to establish what we were allowed to write and it's why I can't and won't go into any more detail about what the Villa skipper may or may not have done, if we cannot prove the information we obtain.
What we can say beyond dispute is that Grealish has done wrong by flouting the stay-at-home rules and his reputation will take some rebuilding.
Villa fans won't be upset if this latest episode puts off Manchester United and other potential suitors for his signature, but England boss Gareth Southgate will take a dim view of his antics.
Grealish has enough credit in the bank with Villa supporters - even those who are embarrassed by the conduct of their captain - to expect the backing of the claret and blue fanbase.
Outside of B6 he had started to gain a growing band of admirers for the on-field brilliance and leadership he has displayed in dragging Villa into the Premier League and doing his damndest to keep them there.
The wider world, however, will remember him sprawled on a pavement in Tenerife or looking dishevelled by the side of a road in Solihull rather than pinging that wonder goal into the top corner at Old Trafford.
Providing he abides by the very rules he was espousing the importance of on Saturday, during the next few months he will have a lot of time to reflect on what he has done.
The community and charity efforts that are so often an unknown footnote to this chaotic tale of a local boy made good need to come to the fore as part of his reformation.
The hefty donation he is making to The University Hospitals Charity in Birmingham, by way of a fine imposed on him by his club, should be just the start.
It's such a shame that we are talking about Grealish as front page tabloid fodder rather than backpage headline maker again.
But Jack has only got himself to blame.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Trabzonspor president breaks silence as Aston Villa rumours swirl

Barely a day goes by and another Aston Villa star is linked with a move away from Villa Park to the Turkish SuperLig .
So far we ’ ve had Fotospor linking Besiktas with a loan move for Trezeguet and Fotomac reporting that Galatasaray are interested in Mbwana Samatta .
And on Wednesday it was claimed that Trabzonspor have identified Marvelous Nakamba as the man to replace the departing John Obi Mikel .
All three have come with the qualification that Villa would need to be relegated for any moves to go through .
And Fotomac , via Sport Witness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides who drop out of the Premier League will indeed have their players cherry picked by Turkish teams .
The newspaper carries comments from Trabzonspor President Ahmet Ağaoğlu who revealed , “ We are following England , getting players from the relegated teams is a sensible strategy .
It ’ s also economically good for us.
” Villa aren ’ t down yet , far from it , no-one knows what ’ s going to happen with the interrupted season , not when , nor even if Villa will be able to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
A UEFA meeting has paved the way for the Premier League season to be completed , giving Villa the chance to fight for survival .
Villa 's bid to remain in the top-flight is on hold until the end of the month at the earliest after fixtures were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
That decision has created significant uncertainty about how to finish the campaign or whether it will be completed at all .
UEFA held a video conference meeting on Wednesday with representatives from the 55 member nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 outbreak , the Liverpool Echo reports .
On Wednesday it was decided that all UEFA competition matches , such as games in the Champions League and Europa League and international clashes , are suspended until further notice .
Deadlines for achieving qualification into those competitions are also postponed .
The decision gives domestic leagues including those in England more room to manoeuvre as they put together their own plans for finishing the season without a fixed deadline in place from European football 's governing body .
19th-placed Villa sit two points from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their relegation rivals .
If they can sort that situation out Turkish suitors will have to look elsewhere .

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Barely a day goes by and another Aston Villa star is linked with a move away from Villa Park to the Turkish SuperLig.
So far we’ve had Fotospor linking Besiktas with a loan move for Trezeguet and Fotomac reporting that Galatasaray are interested in Mbwana Samatta.
And on Wednesday it was claimed that Trabzonspor have identified Marvelous Nakamba as the man to replace the departing John Obi Mikel.
All three have come with the qualification that Villa would need to be relegated for any moves to go through.
And Fotomac, via Sport Witness, have indeed confirmed the feeling that sides who drop out of the Premier League will indeed have their players cherry picked by Turkish teams.
The newspaper carries comments from Trabzonspor President Ahmet Ağaoğlu who revealed, “ We are following England, getting players from the relegated teams is a sensible strategy. It’s also economically good for us.”
Villa aren’t down yet, far from it, no-one knows what’s going to happen with the interrupted season, not when, nor even if Villa will be able to play out the final ten games of their campaign.
A UEFA meeting has paved the way for the Premier League season to be completed, giving Villa the chance to fight for survival.
Villa's bid to remain in the top-flight is on hold until the end of the month at the earliest after fixtures were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
That decision has created significant uncertainty about how to finish the campaign or whether it will be completed at all.
UEFA held a video conference meeting on Wednesday with representatives from the 55 member nations to discuss the latest response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Liverpool Echo reports.
On Wednesday it was decided that all UEFA competition matches, such as games in the Champions League and Europa League and international clashes, are suspended until further notice.
Deadlines for achieving qualification into those competitions are also postponed.
The decision gives domestic leagues including those in England more room to manoeuvre as they put together their own plans for finishing the season without a fixed deadline in place from European football's governing body.
19th-placed Villa sit two points from safety and have a game in hand on their relegation rivals. If they can sort that situation out Turkish suitors will have to look elsewhere.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Man dies after falling from Aston Expressway bridge

A man has died after falling from a bridge onto a Birmingham motorway .
The man fell from the bridge onto the A38M Aston Expressway early on Thursday ( April 2 ) morning .
Emergency services were called to the motorway just before 6am .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` A man has sadly died after falling from a bridge on A38 in Birmingham at 6am this morning ( 2 April ) .
Unfortunately nothing could be done to save the man ’ s life and he was pronounced dead at the scene .
`` His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will be referred to the coroner .
The road has since re-opened . ''
The incident led to both carriageways of the expressway being closed for over an hour .
Two lanes of the out-of-city carriageway reopened around 8am , but the remaining lane and all lanes on the inbound side stayed closed until 9.30am .
Despite it being lockdown with not many cars on the road , the closure did cause some traffic queues .
The death came just hours after a woman died in an unconnected incident after being found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Country hospital .
She was discovered in High Street , Pensnett , at around 12.30am on Thursday .
Passing paramedics discovered the pedestrian - who has not been named or aged - and despite their best efforts , nothing could be done to save her .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` A passing ambulance came across a pedestrian , a woman , lying in the road with serious injuries outside Russells Hall Hospital , High Street , Pensnett at 12.38am this morning .
`` The woman was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the transfer into nearby A & E .
`` Sadly , nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead a short time later . ''

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A man has died after falling from a bridge onto a Birmingham motorway.
The man fell from the bridge onto the A38M Aston Expressway early on Thursday (April 2) morning.
Emergency services were called to the motorway just before 6am.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "A man has sadly died after falling from a bridge on A38 in Birmingham at 6am this morning (2 April). Unfortunately nothing could be done to save the man’s life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"His death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner. The road has since re-opened."
The incident led to both carriageways of the expressway being closed for over an hour. Two lanes of the out-of-city carriageway reopened around 8am, but the remaining lane and all lanes on the inbound side stayed closed until 9.30am.
Despite it being lockdown with not many cars on the road, the closure did cause some traffic queues.
The death came just hours after a woman died in an unconnected incident after being found lying in the road outside a Black Country hospital. She was discovered in High Street, Pensnett, at around 12.30am on Thursday.
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Passing paramedics discovered the pedestrian - who has not been named or aged - and despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save her.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "A passing ambulance came across a pedestrian, a woman, lying in the road with serious injuries outside Russells Hall Hospital, High Street, Pensnett at 12.38am this morning.
"The woman was given advanced life support on scene which continued during the transfer into nearby A&E.
"Sadly, nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead a short time later."


birminghammail--2020-04-02--The only reason gatherings of more than one person are allowed

Tough new restrictions on people 's movement have been imposed by the government to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .
As part of strict social-distancing measures , people were ordered to stay home and only leave the house in a few circumstances as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week that the UK was to go into lockdown .
This means people can only leave the house in a few circumstances .
This is only for shopping for essentials ; taking one form of exercise a day ; for a medical need or travelling to work if it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
Gatherings of more than two people in public will be broken up with the risk of financial penalties for offenders , it was announced .
Police officers can fine and arrest people who continuously flout the social distancing measures under the new powers .
But there are certain times when you are able to gatherings of more than one other person are allowed .
The Health Protection ( Coronavirus , Restrictions ) ( England ) Regulations 2020 lists circumstances where this is allowed are : • Where all the persons in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household • Where the gathering is essential for work purposes • Where reasonably necessary— to facilitate a house move , to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person , including relevant personal care within the meaning of paragraph 7 ( 3B ) of Schedule 4 to the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 , to provide emergency assistance , or to participate in legal proceedings or fulfil a legal obligation Regarding funerals , government guidance states `` only members of the deceased person ’ s household or close family members should attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must adhere to the two-metre social distancing measures .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jessica Sansome, Brett Gibbons)

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Tough new restrictions on people's movement have been imposed by the government to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
As part of strict social-distancing measures, people were ordered to stay home and only leave the house in a few circumstances as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week that the UK was to go into lockdown.
This means people can only leave the house in a few circumstances.
This is only for shopping for essentials; taking one form of exercise a day; for a medical need or travelling to work if it is absolutely necessary, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Gatherings of more than two people in public will be broken up with the risk of financial penalties for offenders, it was announced.
Police officers can fine and arrest people who continuously flout the social distancing measures under the new powers.
But there are certain times when you are able to gatherings of more than one other person are allowed.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 lists circumstances where this is allowed are:
Where all the persons in the gathering are members of the same household
Where the gathering is essential for work purposes
To attend a funeral
Where reasonably necessary— to facilitate a house move, to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, including relevant personal care within the meaning of paragraph 7(3B) of Schedule 4 to the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, to provide emergency assistance, or to participate in legal proceedings or fulfil a legal obligation
Regarding funerals, government guidance states "only members of the deceased person’s household or close family members should attend funerals".
Those who do attend must adhere to the two-metre social distancing measures.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Commons Speaker backs call for 'online Parliament' if lockdown continues

MPs could take part in an `` online Parliament '' if the coronavirus lockdown is continuing after April 21 .
West Midlands MPs have backed proposals for Parliament to resume sitting using video-conferencing and other technology , so that they can question ministers and raise issues affecting their constituencies .
And the plan now has the support of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle - which means that it could happen .
MPs should still be able to take part in Prime Minister ’ s questions , oral questions to government departments , to ask urgent questions and to hear statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'not appropriate ' for them to be present in the House of Commons , Sir Lindsay said .
He argued that a trial of virtual Select Committee hearings had already been successful – and he has now asked officials `` to investigate how they would apply similar technology '' for use in the Chamber .
In a letter to the Leader of the House , Jacob Rees-Mogg , the Speaker asked if he would `` make representations to Government '' to enable the House to legislate , scrutinise and represent constituents in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to indicate `` as early as feasibly possible '' if the House will return after its longer Easter recess on 21 April – or whether it will be extended further .
Sir Lindsay wrote to the Leader after after 'numerous ' MPs had raised issues about how Parliamentary scrutiny could continue during the crisis .
`` Once the House returns , if we are still in the grip of the crisis where the physical presence of Members , or too many Members , in the Palace is not appropriate , I am keen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in key parliamentary proceedings virtually , for example , oral questions , urgent questions , statements , '' he said .
It came after more than 100 MPs supported calls for the House of Commons to sit in digital form , including Birmingham Hall Green MP Tahir Ali ; Birmingham Erdington MP Jack Dromey ; Birmingham Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill ; Birmingham Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood ; Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood ; Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana , and Matt Western , Labour MP for Warwick & Leamington .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Easter recess , but MPs are currently due to return to Westminster on April 21 .
However , it ’ s unclear whether restrictions on mass gatherings will be lifted by then .
The main Chamber of the House of Commons only has room for around 427 MPs - although there are actually 650 of them - which means that they are frequently forced to cram together for major debates or question sessions , and there would be no way of keeping MPs two metres apart without excluding a significant number .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , earlier this week held its first “ virtual ” meeting , as Ministers spoke via a video conferencing system .
Labour shadow minister Chi Onwurah , a Newcastle MP , drew up proposals for MPs to use video-conferencing , so that they can continue to hold debates and committee meetings while staying in their homes .
Ms Onwurah has written to John Benger , the Clerk of the Commons , saying : “ With the help of our many ethical and innovate tech sector organisations we can deliver a digital parliament which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain our democratic traditions in accordance with social distancing.
” She said : “ This should not be just about beaming everyone in on a video conference call .
Who wants to watch a 650-way split screen ?
We need a digital parliament which people , stuck at home , can engage with , and see their representative standing up and speaking for them .
”

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MPs could take part in an "online Parliament" if the coronavirus lockdown is continuing after April 21.
West Midlands MPs have backed proposals for Parliament to resume sitting using video-conferencing and other technology, so that they can question ministers and raise issues affecting their constituencies.
And the plan now has the support of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle - which means that it could happen.
MPs should still be able to take part in Prime Minister’s questions, oral questions to government departments, to ask urgent questions and to hear statements being made – especially if it is 'not appropriate' for them to be present in the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay said.
He argued that a trial of virtual Select Committee hearings had already been successful – and he has now asked officials "to investigate how they would apply similar technology" for use in the Chamber.
In a letter to the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Speaker asked if he would "make representations to Government" to enable the House to legislate, scrutinise and represent constituents in this way.
He also urged the Leader to indicate "as early as feasibly possible" if the House will return after its longer Easter recess on 21 April – or whether it will be extended further.
Sir Lindsay wrote to the Leader after after 'numerous' MPs had raised issues about how Parliamentary scrutiny could continue during the crisis.
"Once the House returns, if we are still in the grip of the crisis where the physical presence of Members, or too many Members, in the Palace is not appropriate, I am keen that they should be able to participate in key parliamentary proceedings virtually, for example, oral questions, urgent questions, statements," he said.
It came after more than 100 MPs supported calls for the House of Commons to sit in digital form, including Birmingham Hall Green MP Tahir Ali; Birmingham Erdington MP Jack Dromey; Birmingham Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill; Birmingham Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood; Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood; Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana, and Matt Western, Labour MP for Warwick & Leamington.
The Commons is currently not sitting due to the Easter recess, but MPs are currently due to return to Westminster on April 21.
However, it’s unclear whether restrictions on mass gatherings will be lifted by then. The main Chamber of the House of Commons only has room for around 427 MPs - although there are actually 650 of them - which means that they are frequently forced to cram together for major debates or question sessions, and there would be no way of keeping MPs two metres apart without excluding a significant number.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, earlier this week held its first “virtual” meeting, as Ministers spoke via a video conferencing system.
Labour shadow minister Chi Onwurah, a Newcastle MP, drew up proposals for MPs to use video-conferencing, so that they can continue to hold debates and committee meetings while staying in their homes.
Ms Onwurah has written to John Benger, the Clerk of the Commons, saying: “With the help of our many ethical and innovate tech sector organisations we can deliver a digital parliament which, through secure digital conferencing, can maintain our democratic traditions in accordance with social distancing.”
She said: “This should not be just about beaming everyone in on a video conference call. Who wants to watch a 650-way split screen? We need a digital parliament which people, stuck at home, can engage with, and see their representative standing up and speaking for them.”


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Council tax 'holiday' until JUNE being considered in Birmingham

People struggling to afford council tax because of the impact of coronavirus could pay nothing until June under plans being considered by the city council .
Birmingham City Council is considering the idea of a council tax “ holiday ” which would mean people can delay their first instalment of council tax for the 2020/21 year until June 28 .
This would mean the ten instalments would run from June to March rather than April to January as it would in other years .
Anyone struggling is asked to claim council tax support in the first instance but to contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Courts are not currently holding hearings for unpaid council tax , and residents are advised to pay their council tax , claim council tax support or contact the council if they are having difficulty .
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said : “ The council will consider a variety of payment options including a council tax payment ‘ holiday ’ for those who need it .
“ People in financial difficulties can claim council tax support which is the ‘ safety net ’ for these situations .
“ We will be constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the current pandemic .
“ [ The ‘ holiday ’ ] would normally be a variation on a plan for people to pay their council tax in full by March 31 , 2021 .
“ This could mean , for example , changing the first instalment from April 1 to June 28 – thus still enabling the tax to be paid in ten instalments by the end of the financial year .
“ We advise people to claim council tax support if they have difficulty in paying their council tax .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact the council .
“ The courts are currently closed for Council Tax Hearings .
We do not have any details of when this is likely to change and in the meantime our advice is that people should pay their council tax – claim council tax support or contact us if they have difficulty.
” The scheme would potentially help people struggling from the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis alongside universal credit , council tax support or Government schemes such as the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme .
It was reported that nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universal credit in the past two weeks of lock down .
There are normally about 100,000 applicants for the benefit in any given two-week period .

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People struggling to afford council tax because of the impact of coronavirus could pay nothing until June under plans being considered by the city council.
Birmingham City Council is considering the idea of a council tax “holiday” which would mean people can delay their first instalment of council tax for the 2020/21 year until June 28.
This would mean the ten instalments would run from June to March rather than April to January as it would in other years.
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Anyone struggling is asked to claim council tax support in the first instance but to contact the council if they are not eligible.
Courts are not currently holding hearings for unpaid council tax, and residents are advised to pay their council tax, claim council tax support or contact the council if they are having difficulty.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “The council will consider a variety of payment options including a council tax payment ‘holiday’ for those who need it.
“People in financial difficulties can claim council tax support which is the ‘safety net’ for these situations.
“We will be constantly reviewing our plans carefully in the light of the current pandemic.
“[The ‘holiday’] would normally be a variation on a plan for people to pay their council tax in full by March 31, 2021.
“This could mean, for example, changing the first instalment from April 1 to June 28 – thus still enabling the tax to be paid in ten instalments by the end of the financial year.
“We advise people to claim council tax support if they have difficulty in paying their council tax. If they are not eligible, they should contact the council.
“The courts are currently closed for Council Tax Hearings. We do not have any details of when this is likely to change and in the meantime our advice is that people should pay their council tax – claim council tax support or contact us if they have difficulty.”
The scheme would potentially help people struggling from the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis alongside universal credit, council tax support or Government schemes such as the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.
It was reported that nearly a million people have successfully applied for universal credit in the past two weeks of lock down.
There are normally about 100,000 applicants for the benefit in any given two-week period.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Stoke City fans deliver verdict on Villa man James Chester

Aston Villa 's James Chester is out of contract at the end of the season - whenever that might be .
The centre half is currently on loan at Stoke City in the Championship and has made seven league appearances - producing three much-needed wins .
We asked Stoke fans whether they would like to see the 31-year-old join permanently .
Here ’ s what they have had to say : Mick Johnson : Good job supporters don ’ t pick teams , let the manager decide , all this negative talk just makes us supporters look like idiots one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why do villa fans want him back if he ’ s no good .
Roy Millward : He has been ok that ’ s all .
Stuart Walsh : Big wages and average , much better big bruising centre half ’ s in the lower leagues !
Steve Rowley : No we have better on the books Souter Collins chuckrocky : He hasn ’ t looked any better than what we already have , which says a lot .
The Toxic Avenger : In my opinion a half fit Chester is a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A fully fit Chester is miles better than anything we have - we wouldn ’ t have got him had he been fully fit and on top of his game though .
Freddie52 : Chester is a fine player who needs games to sharpen up .
Marcus Asbury : Nathan Collins needs to be part of the spine of the team going forward Mark Dunn : No .
Use our young defenders Kevin Bennett : No too old and too slow jezzascfc : Chester is not a bad centre back , and with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , will be a good signing .
He came right into the side with matches coming thick and fast after not playing much at Villa , which was always going to prove a test .
Maybe easing him in would have been better ?
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Chester could still have a future with Villa , especially if they are relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season .
“ Any player like that you are going to stand up and take notice but I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in next year , ” he told Football League World .
“ Scott Hogan is doing himself no harm , he is scoring goals at that level regularly and playing well , so it would be silly not to put him back into the ranks .
`` The same applies to James Chester .
Players that have not fitted in but gone out and done well elsewhere .
”

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Aston Villa's James Chester is out of contract at the end of the season - whenever that might be.
The centre half is currently on loan at Stoke City in the Championship and has made seven league appearances - producing three much-needed wins.
We asked Stoke fans whether they would like to see the 31-year-old join permanently.
Here’s what they have had to say:
Mick Johnson: Good job supporters don’t pick teams,let the manager decide, all this negative talk just makes us supporters look like idiots one great game you all love him . Why do villa fans want him back if he’s no good.
Roy Millward: He has been ok that’s all .
Stuart Walsh: Big wages and average , much better big bruising centre half’s in the lower leagues !
Steve Rowley: No we have better on the books Souter Collins
chuckrocky: He hasn’t looked any better than what we already have, which says a lot.
The Toxic Avenger: In my opinion a half fit Chester is a little better than the options we have. A fully fit Chester is miles better than anything we have - we wouldn’t have got him had he been fully fit and on top of his game though.
Freddie52: Chester is a fine player who needs games to sharpen up.
Marcus Asbury: Nathan Collins needs to be part of the spine of the team going forward
Mark Dunn: No. Use our young defenders
Kevin Bennett: No too old and too slow
David Morris: Send him back
jezzascfc: Chester is not a bad centre back, and with games under his belt and having settled in, will be a good signing. He came right into the side with matches coming thick and fast after not playing much at Villa, which was always going to prove a test. Maybe easing him in would have been better?
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Chester could still have a future with Villa, especially if they are relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.
“Any player like that you are going to stand up and take notice but I think it depends massively on what league Villa are in next year,” he told Football League World.
“Scott Hogan is doing himself no harm, he is scoring goals at that level regularly and playing well, so it would be silly not to put him back into the ranks.
"The same applies to James Chester. Players that have not fitted in but gone out and done well elsewhere.”


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Wolves transfer double-deal could cost £90m

Wolves could be set to splash the cash when the transfer window opens in reports across Europe are to be believed .
Nuno Espirito Santo 's side have now well and truly established themselves as European battlers in the Premier League , just two years on from securing promotion from the Championship .
Depending on how the league campaign is concluded , Molineux could now host back-to-back European campaigns for Wolves and that will come international superstars of the highest calibre .
The two stars most linked with moves to Wolverhampton in recent weeks are Real Madrid ace James Rodriguez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the duo could set Wolves back upwards of £90m should the double-deal be completed .
It is understood that Real wish to recoup in the region of £71m for James , who remains one of the hottest prospects in world football .
Meanwhile , Khedira , who joined Juventus in 2015 for £16m , could well not be worth the same five years on with the market now more competitive than ever the land the very best of midfield talents .
Transfermakrt value the midfielder at £6.5m , but Wolves would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anywhere near that price with stiff competition expected from rivals West Ham United - and with a further two years left to run on his Juve deal .
Wolves will be boosted to know that both players are represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes who , under Nuno , has played a key role in a host of Molineux transfers .

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Wolves could be set to splash the cash when the transfer window opens in reports across Europe are to be believed.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side have now well and truly established themselves as European battlers in the Premier League, just two years on from securing promotion from the Championship.
Depending on how the league campaign is concluded, Molineux could now host back-to-back European campaigns for Wolves and that will come international superstars of the highest calibre.
The two stars most linked with moves to Wolverhampton in recent weeks are Real Madrid ace James Rodriguez and World Cup-winning Germany midfielder Sami Khedira.
And the duo could set Wolves back upwards of £90m should the double-deal be completed.
It is understood that Real wish to recoup in the region of £71m for James, who remains one of the hottest prospects in world football.
(Image: Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Khedira, who joined Juventus in 2015 for £16m, could well not be worth the same five years on with the market now more competitive than ever the land the very best of midfield talents.
Transfermakrt value the midfielder at £6.5m, but Wolves would do well to land his services at anywhere near that price with stiff competition expected from rivals West Ham United - and with a further two years left to run on his Juve deal.
Wolves will be boosted to know that both players are represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes who, under Nuno, has played a key role in a host of Molineux transfers.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Tributes to Tamworth marathon man who raised thousands for charity

A Tamworth man who raised thousands of pounds for charity and was the instigator of the original Tamworth 10k has died after a long battle with cancer .
Steve Eaton , 65 , was born in Isleworth and brought up in Kingston upon Thames .
He served in the RAF for 16 years .
He met Margaret , his wife of 32 years , and moved to Tamworth to be with her .
Steve , who worked at Atherstone ’ s TNT as an articulated-lorry driver for 15 years , was a running fanatic , completing more than 100 marathons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlin , London and Walt Disney World .
He even completed a 26-mile run in a quiet corridor in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital a week after completing radiotherapy treatment in 2015 .
He ran 211 laps of one of the hospital ’ s corridors to raise money for prostate cancer .
In total , he raised more than £33,000 for charity .
Wife Margaret said : “ Steve raised an awful lot of money for charity through the years .
“ He supported the likes of the British Heart Foundation , St Giles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also the first man to run a full marathon at sea !
“ He ran laps around a cruise ship , the Grand Princess , to raise money for Help for Heroes .
Running was a real passion for him .
“ Steve was a big Tamworth fan as well .
He was so , so proud of how the team were doing this season .
“ Even when he was in hospital he would get me to take him the back pages of the Herald so he could read up on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big , big part of his life and he was desperate for them to win the league this season.
” Margaret was keen to highlight the work of the Tamworth Well-being and Cancer Support Centre prior to Steve passing away and since .
“ We started going there when Steve was having his chemotherapy and I now volunteer there , ” she said .
“ The people there are so lovely .
Steve and I had so much support from them.
” Steve ’ s dear friend Karl Randall paid tribute and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer a few years ago but unfortunately it came back last year in many parts of his body .
He only found out in October .
“ He told me it would be his last Christmas but I never dreamt it would be .
“ He looked and felt fine for a while but the cancer took hold quickly .
“ I met Steve in 2006 .
We were members of the same gym .
“ I entered his Tamworth 10k and he showed me all his marathon medals .
We then started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marathons .
“ We then started to do marathons together .
“ The highlights for me , included August 2015 – Leila ’ s Run – which was Steve ’ s 100th marathon . ''
“ I had the honour of doing a speech for him and presenting him with his 100 Marathon Club medal and T-shirt .
“ It was a very proud moment for both of us and his lovely wife Margaret who was there to see .
“ The second highlight came soon after in January 2016 .
After Steve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house and booked us both in for the Dopey Challenge ( in Walt Disney World Resort ) .
“ We went and we conquered every race together apart from the marathon .
“ Steve wanted to do that on his own and he succeeded !
“ It ’ s incredibly hard to take in that he has passed away .
We had so many good times .
We will all miss you , Steve.
” Steve is survived by Margaret , step children Darran and Shelley , two grandchildren , El and Dexter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Steve once told the Tamworth Herald of taking part in marathons : “ With running , everyone who takes part has a different memory and I have built so many special ones over the years .
“ Achieving my 100th was particularly special .
My family and friends were there to see me finish , it was just incredible .
It is what all serious runners dream of and I achieved it .
”

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A Tamworth man who raised thousands of pounds for charity and was the instigator of the original Tamworth 10k has died after a long battle with cancer.
Steve Eaton, 65, was born in Isleworth and brought up in Kingston upon Thames.
He served in the RAF for 16 years. He met Margaret, his wife of 32 years, and moved to Tamworth to be with her.
Steve, who worked at Atherstone’s TNT as an articulated-lorry driver for 15 years, was a running fanatic, completing more than 100 marathons, including New York, Amsterdam, Berlin, London and Walt Disney World.
He even completed a 26-mile run in a quiet corridor in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital a week after completing radiotherapy treatment in 2015.
He ran 211 laps of one of the hospital’s corridors to raise money for prostate cancer.
In total, he raised more than £33,000 for charity.
Wife Margaret said: “Steve raised an awful lot of money for charity through the years.
“He supported the likes of the British Heart Foundation, St Giles Hospice and Clic Sargent.
“He was also the first man to run a full marathon at sea!
“He ran laps around a cruise ship, the Grand Princess, to raise money for Help for Heroes. Running was a real passion for him.
“Steve was a big Tamworth fan as well. He was so, so proud of how the team were doing this season.
“Even when he was in hospital he would get me to take him the back pages of the Herald so he could read up on the Lambs.
“They became a big, big part of his life and he was desperate for them to win the league this season.”
Margaret was keen to highlight the work of the Tamworth Well-being and Cancer Support Centre prior to Steve passing away and since.
“We started going there when Steve was having his chemotherapy and I now volunteer there,” she said.
“The people there are so lovely. Steve and I had so much support from them.”
Steve’s dear friend Karl Randall paid tribute and said: “Steve fought and beat prostate cancer a few years ago but unfortunately it came back last year in many parts of his body. He only found out in October.
“He told me it would be his last Christmas but I never dreamt it would be.
“He looked and felt fine for a while but the cancer took hold quickly.
“I met Steve in 2006. We were members of the same gym.
“I entered his Tamworth 10k and he showed me all his marathon medals. We then started booking races together, 10ks and half marathons.
“We then started to do marathons together.
“The highlights for me, included August 2015 – Leila’s Run – which was Steve’s 100th marathon."
“I had the honour of doing a speech for him and presenting him with his 100 Marathon Club medal and T-shirt.
“It was a very proud moment for both of us and his lovely wife Margaret who was there to see.
“The second highlight came soon after in January 2016. After Steve’s 100th he came to my house and booked us both in for the Dopey Challenge (in Walt Disney World Resort).
“We went and we conquered every race together apart from the marathon.
“Steve wanted to do that on his own and he succeeded!
“It’s incredibly hard to take in that he has passed away. We had so many good times. We will all miss you, Steve.”
Steve is survived by Margaret, step children Darran and Shelley, two grandchildren, El and Dexter, and his loving dog, Baxter.
Steve once told the Tamworth Herald of taking part in marathons: “With running, everyone who takes part has a different memory and I have built so many special ones over the years.
“Achieving my 100th was particularly special. My family and friends were there to see me finish, it was just incredible. It is what all serious runners dream of and I achieved it.”


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Plans to refurbish 21,000 homes in Dudley under threat due to outbreak

A multi-million pound programme to refurbish 21,000 Dudley council homes expected to begin this summer could be delayed because of the Covid-19 outbreak .
The Black Country local authority is asking construction companies to tender for the work which could be worth up to £28 million to the successful bidder .
Cllr Laura Taylor , cabinet member for housing , communities and residents ’ welfare , said : “ As part of the council ’ s commitment to invest and maintain 21,000 homes , we are in the process of appointing a range of contractors to help us deliver the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a five year rolling programme .
The contract will include roofing works , internal refurbishments such as new bathrooms and kitchens as well as general repairs.
” An official tender notice posted in February says the contract is currently unfulfilled and the council is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications .
Construction companies are asked to bid for the lucrative deal by the April 6 deadline with a proposed start date of June .
But because of the Covid-19 outbreak , which has seen many firms suspend work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over , the council has said the work could be delayed .
Nationally , the government is facing growing pressure to halt non-essential construction work as it tries to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak .
Last week , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said construction workers could continue to work as long as they are two metres apart .
Saying the contract could be put back , Cllr Laura Taylor explained : “ The contract is expected to commence in summer 2020 , but this could change in light of the current situation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed by 2025 .

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A multi-million pound programme to refurbish 21,000 Dudley council homes expected to begin this summer could be delayed because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Black Country local authority is asking construction companies to tender for the work which could be worth up to £28 million to the successful bidder.
Cllr Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: “As part of the council’s commitment to invest and maintain 21,000 homes, we are in the process of appointing a range of contractors to help us deliver the necessary works.
“This is part of a five year rolling programme. The contract will include roofing works, internal refurbishments such as new bathrooms and kitchens as well as general repairs.”
An official tender notice posted in February says the contract is currently unfulfilled and the council is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications.
Construction companies are asked to bid for the lucrative deal by the April 6 deadline with a proposed start date of June.
But because of the Covid-19 outbreak, which has seen many firms suspend work on existing projects until the health emergency is over, the council has said the work could be delayed.
Nationally, the government is facing growing pressure to halt non-essential construction work as it tries to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak.
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Last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said construction workers could continue to work as long as they are two metres apart.
Saying the contract could be put back, Cllr Laura Taylor explained: “The contract is expected to commence in summer 2020, but this could change in light of the current situation.”
The programme is expected to be completed by 2025.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--McDonald's statement - as fans flood restaurant with messages following prank

It was the announcement all fans of the Big Mac and Fillet of Fish had been waiting for - McDonald 's was to reopen after the lockdown !
The burger chain has been closed since March 23 , leaving fast food fans distraught and in despair , unable to get their junk food fix .
But yesterday ( Wednesday ) a glimmer of hope came on the horizon for them .
McDonald 's put out a tweet proclaiming they were open for business again - but it was n't them .
Eagle-eyed social media users would have spotted the date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - April 1st .
The tweet said : `` We 're opening again !
Mc Donald 's have decided to reopen all UK branches from Monday April 6th .
All branches will only be able to offer drive thru or take away .
`` Special measures will be put in place to prevent contact and maintain social distancing .
Unfortunately our breakfast menu will not be offered , but our lunch menu will be available all day .
`` We would like to thank our employees for agreeing to serve you again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have a limit of two customers inside each restaurant .
`` We will continue to monitor the situation but for now look forward to welcoming you back . ''
But shortly after the tweet was posted yesterday , another was put up by McDonald 's warning everyone it was an April Fool 's joke .
The `` real '' McDonald 's tweeted : `` Lots of people getting in touch about a certain post circulating tonight .
It 's a fake and we 're not reopening next week and any announcement would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brand name correctly . ''
McDonald 's , along with millions of other food chains , had to shut its branches when restrictions were imposed by the Government during the pandemic .
Within minutes of the closure being announced nearly two weeks ago , there were long queues outside many branches as fast food fans clamoured to get their final fix for a while .

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It was the announcement all fans of the Big Mac and Filet-O-Fish had been waiting for - McDonald's was to reopen after the lockdown!
The burger chain has been closed since March 23, leaving fast food fans distraught and in despair, unable to get their junk food fix.
But yesterday (Wednesday) a glimmer of hope came on the horizon for them. McDonald's put out a tweet proclaiming they were open for business again - but it wasn't them.
Eagle-eyed social media users would have spotted the date on which the tweet was put out - April 1st.
The tweet said: "We're opening again! Mc Donald's have decided to reopen all UK branches from Monday April 6th. All branches will only be able to offer drive thru or take away.
"Special measures will be put in place to prevent contact and maintain social distancing. Unfortunately our breakfast menu will not be offered, but our lunch menu will be available all day.
"We would like to thank our employees for agreeing to serve you again. Floor guides are still installed and we will have a limit of two customers inside each restaurant.
"We will continue to monitor the situation but for now look forward to welcoming you back."
But shortly after the tweet was posted yesterday, another was put up by McDonald's warning everyone it was an April Fool's joke.
The "real" McDonald's tweeted: "Lots of people getting in touch about a certain post circulating tonight. It's a fake and we're not reopening next week and any announcement would come from this page and would spell the brand name correctly."
McDonald's, along with millions of other food chains, had to shut its branches when restrictions were imposed by the Government during the pandemic. Within minutes of the closure being announced nearly two weeks ago, there were long queues outside many branches as fast food fans clamoured to get their final fix for a while.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--People still refusing to self-isolate in fight against Covid-19

Britons are still ignoring key advice and are refusing to self-isolate or take reasonable social distancing measures .
A survey revealed 27 per cent are still making contact with people outside of their home .
A third of those not isolating said it was because they were classified as an essential worker , but disturbingly 54 per cent were failing to keep their distance `` for other reasons '' , reports MirrorOnline .
Of those people claiming they were following official advice and currently distancing themselves from others , 14 per cent believed they already had coronavirus , but had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they think they currently have the virus .
Tiredness and lethargy ( 52 per cent ) were the most common symptoms for members of the public who think they have had the virus , followed by aches and pains and a continuous cough ( both 47 per cent ) .
Four in 10 of people polled said they were sure they had contracted the virus , after reporting a high temperature .
While 31 per cent had difficulty breathing and 26 per cent said they had experienced a loss of sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 71 per cent ) said they did not think they have had coronavirus .
The OnePoll survey of 2,000 adults came as several police forces set up specialist hotlines and online portals appealing to the public to tip them off if people fail to adhere to official guidelines .
It revealed that the vast majority ( 83 per cent ) of the public would like to be tested to see if they have the antibodies for Covid-19 and are therefore immune for the time being and can safely leave isolation .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Wilkes, Brett Gibbons)

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Britons are still ignoring key advice and are refusing to self-isolate or take reasonable social distancing measures.
A survey revealed 27 per cent are still making contact with people outside of their home.
A third of those not isolating said it was because they were classified as an essential worker, but disturbingly 54 per cent were failing to keep their distance "for other reasons", reports MirrorOnline.
Of those people claiming they were following official advice and currently distancing themselves from others, 14 per cent believed they already had coronavirus, but had since recovered.
While six per cent said they think they currently have the virus.
Tiredness and lethargy (52 per cent) were the most common symptoms for members of the public who think they have had the virus, followed by aches and pains and a continuous cough (both 47 per cent).
Four in 10 of people polled said they were sure they had contracted the virus, after reporting a high temperature.
While 31 per cent had difficulty breathing and 26 per cent said they had experienced a loss of sense of taste and/or smell.
Almost three quarters (71 per cent) said they did not think they have had coronavirus.
The OnePoll survey of 2,000 adults came as several police forces set up specialist hotlines and online portals appealing to the public to tip them off if people fail to adhere to official guidelines.
It revealed that the vast majority (83 per cent) of the public would like to be tested to see if they have the antibodies for Covid-19 and are therefore immune for the time being and can safely leave isolation.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--New figures show the full extent of the millions wasted at Villa

The extent of the money wasted at Aston Villa over the last five seasons has been laid bare .
According to new data released by football business experts Vysyble , Villa are behind only Chelsea in terms of the ‘ worst profit achievers ’ in English football .
Their calculations show Chelsea ’ s figure coming in at -£384.74m , with Villa ’ s at -£259.12m , slightly below Manchester City , while Fulham and Manchester United complete the bottom five .
In contrast , Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool both made economic profits of over £100m on figures based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On their website Vysyble sum up economic profit as “ a measure of performance that draws on information from the income and balance sheet statements and compares net operating profit after tax to the cost of all the capital invested in the business or organisation.
” Economic profit is usually worked out as a formula , which takes net operating profits after tax and subtracts capital invested multiplied by the weighted average cost of capital .
Villa ’ s performance can be part explained by the huge investment in players they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent heavily on the likes of Ross McCormack , Jonathan Kodjia , Scott Hogan , James Chester – and also by the fact they were relegated in 2016 .
During the qualifying period Villa were managed by Paul Lambert , Tim Sherwood , Remi Garde and Steve Bruce In May 2014 Randy Lerner announced his intention to sell the club , which was eventually bought by Nassef Swaris and Wes Edens .
What it doesn ’ t show is the increase in revenues following promotion back to the Premier League in 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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The extent of the money wasted at Aston Villa over the last five seasons has been laid bare.
According to new data released by football business experts Vysyble, Villa are behind only Chelsea in terms of the ‘worst profit achievers’ in English football.
Their calculations show Chelsea’s figure coming in at -£384.74m, with Villa’s at -£259.12m, slightly below Manchester City, while Fulham and Manchester United complete the bottom five.
In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool both made economic profits of over £100m on figures based on the submitted accounts from 2014/15 to 2018/2019.
On their website Vysyble sum up economic profit as “a measure of performance that draws on information from the income and balance sheet statements and compares net operating profit after tax to the cost of all the capital invested in the business or organisation.”
Economic profit is usually worked out as a formula, which takes net operating profits after tax and subtracts capital invested multiplied by the weighted average cost of capital.
Villa’s performance can be part explained by the huge investment in players they have made over the qualifying period, they spent heavily on the likes of Ross McCormack, Jonathan Kodjia, Scott Hogan, James Chester – and also by the fact they were relegated in 2016.
During the qualifying period Villa were managed by Paul Lambert, Tim Sherwood, Remi Garde and Steve Bruce
In May 2014 Randy Lerner announced his intention to sell the club, which was eventually bought by Nassef Swaris and Wes Edens.
What it doesn’t show is the increase in revenues following promotion back to the Premier League in 2019, nor the outlay made since then.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--A ghostly empty Solihull town centre.

A ghostly empty Solihull town centre.

As the coronavirus crises deepens , Mell Square in Solihull is all but empty .

A ghostly empty Solihull town centre.
As the coronavirus crises deepens, Mell Square in Solihull is all but empty.
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birminghammail--2020-04-02--Woman dies after she was found 'lying in road' outside hospital

A woman has died after she was found lying in the road outside Russells Hall Hospital .
Passing paramedics discovered the pedestrian - who has not been named or aged - in High Street , Pensnett , at around 12.30am this morning ( Thursday , April 2 ) .
Despite the best efforts of medics , nothing could be done to save her .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` A passing ambulance came across a pedestrian , a woman , lying in the road with serious injuries outside Russells Hall Hospital , High Street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A second ambulance , paramedic officer and MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene .
`` The woman was given advanced life support on scene which continued during the transfer into nearby A & E .
`` Sadly , nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead a short time later . ''
Keep up-to-date with all things Dudley on our Dudley Live Facebook page - where you 'll get the latest news , travel , weather and events in your area .
In the aftermath of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off for several hours .
Eyewitnesses reported seeing several patrol cars and unmarked vehicles at the scene .

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A woman has died after she was found lying in the road outside Russells Hall Hospital.
Passing paramedics discovered the pedestrian - who has not been named or aged - in High Street, Pensnett, at around 12.30am this morning (Thursday, April 2).
Despite the best efforts of medics, nothing could be done to save her.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "A passing ambulance came across a pedestrian, a woman, lying in the road with serious injuries outside Russells Hall Hospital, High Street, Pensnett at 12.38am this morning.
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"A second ambulance, paramedic officer and MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.
"The woman was given advanced life support on scene which continued during the transfer into nearby A&E.
"Sadly, nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead a short time later."
Keep up-to-date with all things Dudley on our Dudley Live Facebook page - where you'll get the latest news, travel, weather and events in your area.
In the aftermath of the incident, police sealed the road off for several hours.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing several patrol cars and unmarked vehicles at the scene.
Black Country Live has approached West Midlands Police for comment.