birminghammail--2020-02-21--Twisted vicar Meirion Griffiths jailed over abusing teen - and telling her: 'It's what God wants'

A former vicar has been jailed for eight years for abusing a teenage girl by making her perform sex acts on him by telling her `` it was what God wanted '' .
Meirion Griffiths was extradited from his home in Perth , Australia , to be brought to trial for the abuse of the girl aged in her teens in the mid-1970s and against another woman in her mid-20s in 1982 .
The 81-year-old was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault at Portsmouth Crown Court for the offences which happened when he was a Church of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , West Sussex .
Sentencing Griffiths , who emigrated to Australia in 1988 , Judge Roger Hetherington described the `` extraordinary '' offences as an `` enormous breach of trust between an experienced vicar and two highly-impressionable , naive and innocent '' victims with lifelong `` devastating '' effects for them .
Richard Witcombe , prosecuting , told the court that Griffiths , who was married with two children , targeted the teenager who attended bible classes and social groups at his church .
The court also heard that Griffiths abused her while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on trips to the beach where he took off all his clothes while swimming .
He said : `` As a result of gaining her trust , he was able to abuse her and did so by telling her to perform oral sex on him , telling her it was what God wanted her to do . ''
The victim , who spoke by videolink , told the hearing : `` The abuse that took place when I was a teenager has affected my whole life and continues to affect me , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left me . ''
Describing herself as a `` chaste '' teenager , she said that she had trusted Griffiths because he was a `` man of God '' and added : `` Who would believe me ?
He was a minister who held a position of authority . ''
A statement from the second victim read to the court described how she attempted to commit suicide during the abuse and continued to suffer from PTSD .
She stated : `` The abuse has caused profound irreparable damage and intense ongoing trauma .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite this he used his position to control my life . ''
Detective Constable Jo French , of Sussex Police , said : `` This abuse has clearly had a profound impact on both victims ever since .
`` Griffiths , by virtue of his position as local vicar , came to know them quite separately and gained their confidence in order to systematically abuse their trust in him for his own sexual gratification .
`` Both victims came forward quite independently five years ago , having finally found the resolve to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their resilience and courage in coming forward . ''
A Sussex Police spokesman said : `` Police emphasise that there are no current safeguarding issues or risks for anyone connected to St Pancras Church in relation to this case . ''

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A former vicar has been jailed for eight years for abusing a teenage girl by making her perform sex acts on him by telling her "it was what God wanted".
Meirion Griffiths was extradited from his home in Perth, Australia, to be brought to trial for the abuse of the girl aged in her teens in the mid-1970s and against another woman in her mid-20s in 1982.
The 81-year-old was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault at Portsmouth Crown Court for the offences which happened when he was a Church of England vicar at St Pancras Church, Chichester, West Sussex.
Sentencing Griffiths, who emigrated to Australia in 1988, Judge Roger Hetherington described the "extraordinary" offences as an "enormous breach of trust between an experienced vicar and two highly-impressionable, naive and innocent" victims with lifelong "devastating" effects for them.
Richard Witcombe, prosecuting, told the court that Griffiths, who was married with two children, targeted the teenager who attended bible classes and social groups at his church.
The court also heard that Griffiths abused her while teaching her to drive as well as on trips to the beach where he took off all his clothes while swimming.
He said: "As a result of gaining her trust, he was able to abuse her and did so by telling her to perform oral sex on him, telling her it was what God wanted her to do."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The victim, who spoke by videolink, told the hearing: "The abuse that took place when I was a teenager has affected my whole life and continues to affect me, the fear, disorientation and horror has never left me."
Describing herself as a "chaste" teenager, she said that she had trusted Griffiths because he was a "man of God" and added: "Who would believe me? He was a minister who held a position of authority."
A statement from the second victim read to the court described how she attempted to commit suicide during the abuse and continued to suffer from PTSD.
She stated: "The abuse has caused profound irreparable damage and intense ongoing trauma.
"He knew I was vulnerable but despite this he used his position to control my life."
Detective Constable Jo French, of Sussex Police, said: "This abuse has clearly had a profound impact on both victims ever since.
"Griffiths, by virtue of his position as local vicar, came to know them quite separately and gained their confidence in order to systematically abuse their trust in him for his own sexual gratification.
"Both victims came forward quite independently five years ago, having finally found the resolve to come forward to seek justice. We admire their resilience and courage in coming forward."
A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police emphasise that there are no current safeguarding issues or risks for anyone connected to St Pancras Church in relation to this case."


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Damilola Taylor killer jailed for driving into police officer after routine stop

One of the killers of 10-year-old schoolboy Damilola Taylor in 2006 has been jailed for four years after driving into a female police officer .
Ricky Preddie was 13 and his brother Danny 12 when they killed the schoolboy in November 2000 in a crime that shocked the nation .
The pair were jailed for eight years for Damilola 's manslaughter nearly 14 years ago .
Ricky Preddie , 32 , also known as Ricky Johnson , is back behind bars after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving ; driving whilst disqualified ; failing to stop ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court on Thursday .
Scotland Yard said he was sentenced to four years imprisonment and banned from driving for 12 years , which will start when he is released from jail , the PA news agency reports .
He was driving an Alfa Romeo in Wembley , north London , when police tried to stop his car on the afternoon of November 6 last year .
Preddie stopped the car but reversed along the pavement before crashing into a police vehicle , causing leg and neck injuries to a Pc who was getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the car was found nearby shortly after and he was arrested on November 12 .
Detective Superintendent Ray Keating said : `` In escaping from officers who had pulled him over , Johnson 's driving was extremely reckless and resulted in an officer being seriously injured .
`` He then drove off from the scene , callously leaving the officer needing urgent medical attention .
The officer has since returned to full duties , and I would like to commend her courage and strength since the incident .
`` While she has recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional and psychological toll .
Sadly , officers are injured whilst protecting the public far too often . ''
Damilola had moved to Britain from Nigeria a few months before he was jabbed in the thigh with a broken beer bottle by a gang of youths as he walked home from the local library after school .
The youngster was found bleeding to death in a stairwell near his home in Peckham , south London , where local workmen tried to save his life .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Henry Vaughan, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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One of the killers of 10-year-old schoolboy Damilola Taylor in 2006 has been jailed for four years after driving into a female police officer.
Ricky Preddie was 13 and his brother Danny 12 when they killed the schoolboy in November 2000 in a crime that shocked the nation.
The pair were jailed for eight years for Damilola's manslaughter nearly 14 years ago.
Ricky Preddie, 32, also known as Ricky Johnson, is back behind bars after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving; driving whilst disqualified; failing to stop; and driving without insurance at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday.
Scotland Yard said he was sentenced to four years imprisonment and banned from driving for 12 years, which will start when he is released from jail, the PA news agency reports.
He was driving an Alfa Romeo in Wembley, north London, when police tried to stop his car on the afternoon of November 6 last year.
Preddie stopped the car but reversed along the pavement before crashing into a police vehicle, causing leg and neck injuries to a Pc who was getting out.
He made his escape but the car was found nearby shortly after and he was arrested on November 12.
Detective Superintendent Ray Keating said: "In escaping from officers who had pulled him over, Johnson's driving was extremely reckless and resulted in an officer being seriously injured.
"He then drove off from the scene, callously leaving the officer needing urgent medical attention. The officer has since returned to full duties, and I would like to commend her courage and strength since the incident.
"While she has recovered physically, the incident has taken an emotional and psychological toll. Sadly, officers are injured whilst protecting the public far too often."
Damilola had moved to Britain from Nigeria a few months before he was jabbed in the thigh with a broken beer bottle by a gang of youths as he walked home from the local library after school.
The youngster was found bleeding to death in a stairwell near his home in Peckham, south London, where local workmen tried to save his life.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--'Love this guy' - Why Aston Villa fans are raving about Mbwana Samatta

It 's been a good start to life at Aston Villa for recent signing Mbwana Ally Samatta .
Within two games , the new signing has adjusted to the tempo of the Premier League , and looks the part up front for Villa .
Thrown straight into action against Leicester , Samatta missed a golden chance to score , but quickly made up for this with a goal against Bournemouth and an impressive showing against Tottenham Hotspur .
He 's even blown away a few of his teammates .
`` He has surprised a lot of our players how good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dean Smith , who 's worked with Samatta for a month now .
`` He has great movement and understands the game .
He can link up well and is good aerially .
He has his first Premier League goal as well .
He can only be an asset . ''
The words of Smith were followed by Samatta himself , who discussed his priorities and start to life in Birmingham in an interview with VillaTV .
`` The big difference is the physical battle here , it 's different to the Belgian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also different .
You have to be 100 per cent , fully-fit to play here .
It 's not as easy . ''
Samatta said his initial goal during the outing to Bournemouth was vital - to prove to his team-mates that he 's good enough to be the main man .
`` That was very important for me , '' he said , `` but also for my team-mates to know OK , he 's good , he can score goals .
You have to build confidence around myself and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( to score goals ) .
When you join a new team , they 're just looking for that .
How well he can score .
`` I try to adapt to them and make a good connection .
I 'm a striker when we create a lot of strikers I 'm sure I 'll be there , I 'm the main man there .
It 's easier when we create chances .
If we continue to show what we have showed , we can get a lot of points . ''
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Everybody 's my best friend .
Sometimes I meet with Marvelous Nakamba , he picks me up , we go to a restaurant or town shopping .
Everybody 's important for me .
We 're all family , we 're all connected . ''
Fans have been impressed with the performances of the Tanzanian forward , and especially so after his latest interview .
Here 's some of their reaction .
Andy : Didn ’ t understand his substitution on Sunday as I thought he did really well and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sounds to have a perfect striker mentality and self-belief .
Mike : I really like what I 've seen of him so far , looks a great signing .
@ Boden291 : Has looked good since coming in - I think when Wes is back fit they would really work well together also .
June : Once hes settled in and not just on the pitch i mean being away from home , he will be the main man we have already seen what he can do , he just needs feeding more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to feed this guy ’ s strength , reckon there ’ s a few goals there .
Kieran : Actually agree from the moment I saw him I thought he looks class .
Vlad : Enjoy seeing him there.. Gary : Rather see him talking like this and be confident than be in his shell overwhelmed by it all.He looks sharp and gets in good positions so it can only be good especially when Wes is back too .
Coley : Love his confidence .
Hope he rips Southampton to bits on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main man after one goal ... Frank : Our fabulous player , our very own Samatta .

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It's been a good start to life at Aston Villa for recent signing Mbwana Ally Samatta.
Within two games, the new signing has adjusted to the tempo of the Premier League, and looks the part up front for Villa.
Thrown straight into action against Leicester, Samatta missed a golden chance to score, but quickly made up for this with a goal against Bournemouth and an impressive showing against Tottenham Hotspur.
He's even blown away a few of his teammates.
"He has surprised a lot of our players how good he is," explained head coach Dean Smith, who's worked with Samatta for a month now.
"He has great movement and understands the game. He can link up well and is good aerially. He has his first Premier League goal as well. He can only be an asset."
The words of Smith were followed by Samatta himself, who discussed his priorities and start to life in Birmingham in an interview with VillaTV.
"The big difference is the physical battle here, it's different to the Belgian league. The speed of the game is also different. You have to be 100 per cent, fully-fit to play here. It's not as easy."
(Image: PA)
Samatta said his initial goal during the outing to Bournemouth was vital - to prove to his team-mates that he's good enough to be the main man.
"That was very important for me," he said, "but also for my team-mates to know OK, he's good, he can score goals. You have to build confidence around myself and my team-mates.
"That is my job (to score goals). When you join a new team, they're just looking for that. How well he can score.
"I try to adapt to them and make a good connection. I'm a striker when we create a lot of strikers I'm sure I'll be there, I'm the main man there. It's easier when we create chances. If we continue to show what we have showed, we can get a lot of points."
On settling into life at Villa, Samatta added: "Everybody's my best friend. Sometimes I meet with Marvelous Nakamba, he picks me up, we go to a restaurant or town shopping. Everybody's important for me. We're all family, we're all connected."
Fans have been impressed with the performances of the Tanzanian forward, and especially so after his latest interview.
Here's some of their reaction.
Andy: Didn’t understand his substitution on Sunday as I thought he did really well and was causing them problems.
Richard: He sounds to have a perfect striker mentality and self-belief.
Mike: I really like what I've seen of him so far, looks a great signing.
(Image: Neville Williams/Getty Images)
Jatinder: Love this guy.
@Boden291: Has looked good since coming in - I think when Wes is back fit they would really work well together also.
June: Once hes settled in and not just on the pitch i mean being away from home , he will be the main man we have already seen what he can do , he just needs feeding more.
Daz: Got to find a way to feed this guy’s strength, reckon there’s a few goals there.
Justin: Good to hear the confidence.
Kieran: Actually agree from the moment I saw him I thought he looks class.
Vlad: Enjoy seeing him there..
(Image: Plumb Images/Getty Images)
Gary: Rather see him talking like this and be confident than be in his shell overwhelmed by it all.He looks sharp and gets in good positions so it can only be good especially when Wes is back too.
Coley: Love his confidence. Hope he rips Southampton to bits on Saturday UTV.
Andy: Calling himself the main man after one goal...
Frank: Our fabulous player, our very own Samatta.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Man 'seriously injured' as two-car crash in Wolverhampton leaves two hurt

A man suffered potentially serious injuries after being a two-car crash on a major Black Country road injured two .
@ @ @ @ @ to Lichfield Road , Wolverhampton , following the crash at around 10am on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ the drivers , a man , was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken @ @ @ @ @ A second man , the driver of the other car , was treated for minor @ @ @ @ @ scene , a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said .
The spokesman added : @ @ @ @ @ 10.04am to reports of a collision involving two cars on Lichfield Road in Wolverhampton .
@ @ @ @ @ found two patients .
We treated a man , who was the driver of one @ @ @ @ @ potentially serious injuries , before taking him to New Cross Hospital for further treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ the driver of the other vehicle , was treated for minor injuries and discharged at @ @ @ @

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A man suffered potentially serious injuries after a two-car crash on a major Black Country road injured two.
Police and medics were deployed to Lichfield Road, Wolverhampton, following the crash at around 10am on Friday, February 21.
One of the drivers, a man, was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to New Cross Hospital.
A second man, the driver of the other car, was treated for minor injuries and discharged at the scene, a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said.
The spokesman added: “We were called at 10.04am to reports of a collision involving two cars on Lichfield Road in Wolverhampton.
“Three ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.
“Upon arrival, crews found two patients. We treated a man, who was the driver of one of the vehicles, for potentially serious injuries, before taking him to New Cross Hospital for further treatment.
“The second man, the driver of the other vehicle, was treated for minor injuries and discharged at the scene.”


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Surprise candidate launches bid to become West Mids Mayor on platform of "youth and inclusivity"

The race to become the next Mayor of the West Midlands has taken a fascinating turn after Brummie Ashvir Sangha announced his candidacy .
Sangha , 31 , decided to make a move on the mayoralty under the banner of a new movement , Our West Midlands .
He promises a `` fresh vision for local politics '' , focused on the region 's youth and diversity .
Birmingham-raised Ashvir is the Oxford-educated grandson of Sikh farmers from The Punjab who came to the UK in the 1950s in search of opportunity .
He has spent a decade working as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , organising mentorship programmes for young people in the UK & Asia including the ‘ Brum Young Leaders ’ programme .
He told BirminghamLive : “ I ’ m running to be the next Mayor of the West Midlands because I believe we need a fresh approach that isn ’ t going to come from the same old political parties .
`` Having watched politicians let us down time and time again , I decided to enter the political fray to make a change - bringing a new voice , perspective and set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As a local independent candidate , I can help us to move beyond party politics and put the people of the West Midlands first .
We will overhaul the Office of Mayor to be much more accessible and responsive.
” He added : “ This new movement - Our West Midlands - can pioneer an inclusive kind of politics .
We can offer leadership that truly reflects the youth and diversity of our region .
`` In the coming weeks I ’ ll be campaigning in all areas of the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people and meeting local heroes & amazing initiatives which I will support .
The first mayoral election in 2017 saw low voter turnout of just 26 % .
Let ’ s get people interested & voting.
” By rights , he should not stand much chance against either Conservative incumbent Andy Street or Labour 's heavily backed candidate Liam Byrne - but Ashvir oozes confidence and says he is leading a grassroots movement .
“ I think we have a real shot at winning this election .
Talk to people around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people are not satisfied with the current Mayor ’ s performance .
`` The current Conservative Mayor has failed to deliver on his promises .
For example , Channel 4 went to Leeds instead of Birmingham and we ’ ve seen homelessness get worse , not better , '' he said .
`` As for the Labour side , they are divided & dysfunctional and have opted for a mayoral candidate from the Tony Blair era who is infamous for leaving a note telling his ministerial successors that ‘ there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels like most people are tired of the traditional type of politician and the Westminster noise .
We ’ re offering something different .
We ’ re in the race to win it , and believe we will !
” The new Our West Midlands movement pledges to `` change local politics and rejuvenate the West Midlands . ''
The campaign 's six key commitments are : 1 .
Recruit 100 community champions - assemble and fund an army of locally respected doers who meet with the Mayor weekly to share what needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lead by example on the environment - starting by planting 1m trees over the next 4 years 5 .
Get a grip on the travel chaos - host a citizens assembly on transport to bring together road , rail & bus users plus cyclists & other stakeholders to come up with common sense solutions 6 .
Create opportunities for young people like never before - including getting all of our 16 to 18 year olds on to the life-changing National Citizen Service summer programme Added Ashvir : `` The movement in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and elect local independent candidates has grown rapidly since 2011 .
The 2019 local elections saw over 1,000 local & independent candidates elected , representing a larger gain in national vote share than any political party .
The world ’ s political leaders seem to be getting younger .
The likes of Jacinda Ardern ( New Zealand ) , AOC ( USA ) , Sebastian Kurz ( Austria ) and most recently Sanna Marin ( Finland ) suggest an appetite for ‘ next gen ’ leadership , he added .
Check out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mayoral election on May 7 2020 are Andy Street ( Conservatives ) , Liam Byrne ( Labour ) , Beverley Neilsen ( Liberal Democrats ) and Kathryn Downs ( Green Party ) .
Meanwhile , government funding to cover the £3.6 million cost of running the election has still not been confirmed .
The West Midlands Combined Authority is still waiting on the release of funds to cover running costs and might yet have to find the money itself to hold the vote .
A spokesperson for the WMCA said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , we are continuing to lobby Government for funding to cover the cost of the 2020 mayoral elections .
“ If that funding is not forthcoming WMCA Board will receive an update to its March meeting setting out an alternative plan to cover the estimated £3.6 million cost .
”

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The race to become the next Mayor of the West Midlands has taken a fascinating turn after Brummie Ashvir Sangha announced his candidacy.
Sangha, 31, decided to make a move on the mayoralty under the banner of a new movement, Our West Midlands.
He promises a "fresh vision for local politics", focused on the region's youth and diversity.
Birmingham-raised Ashvir is the Oxford-educated grandson of Sikh farmers from The Punjab who came to the UK in the 1950s in search of opportunity.
He has spent a decade working as a social entrepreneur in the education sector, organising mentorship programmes for young people in the UK & Asia including the ‘Brum Young Leaders’ programme.
He told BirminghamLive: “I’m running to be the next Mayor of the West Midlands because I believe we need a fresh approach that isn’t going to come from the same old political parties.
"Having watched politicians let us down time and time again, I decided to enter the political fray to make a change - bringing a new voice, perspective and set of skills to the role of Mayor.
"As a local independent candidate, I can help us to move beyond party politics and put the people of the West Midlands first. We will overhaul the Office of Mayor to be much more accessible and responsive.”
He added: “This new movement - Our West Midlands - can pioneer an inclusive kind of politics. We can offer leadership that truly reflects the youth and diversity of our region.
"In the coming weeks I’ll be campaigning in all areas of the West Midlands - listening to what matters most to people and meeting local heroes & amazing initiatives which I will support. The first mayoral election in 2017 saw low voter turnout of just 26%. Let’s get people interested & voting.”
By rights, he should not stand much chance against either Conservative incumbent Andy Street or Labour's heavily backed candidate Liam Byrne - but Ashvir oozes confidence and says he is leading a grassroots movement.
“I think we have a real shot at winning this election. Talk to people around the West Midlands and it’s clear that people are not satisfied with the current Mayor’s performance.
"The current Conservative Mayor has failed to deliver on his promises. For example, Channel 4 went to Leeds instead of Birmingham and we’ve seen homelessness get worse, not better," he said.
"As for the Labour side, they are divided & dysfunctional and have opted for a mayoral candidate from the Tony Blair era who is infamous for leaving a note telling his ministerial successors that ‘there’s no money left’.
"It feels like most people are tired of the traditional type of politician and the Westminster noise. We’re offering something different. We’re in the race to win it, and believe we will!”
The new Our West Midlands movement pledges to "change local politics and rejuvenate the West Midlands."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The campaign's six key commitments are:
1. Recruit 100 community champions - assemble and fund an army of locally respected doers who meet with the Mayor weekly to share what needs sorting in each and every neighbourhood
2. Cut and cap mayor’s office staff salaries - stop wasteful spending & fund local projects instead
3. House 2,020 homeless people in the year 2020 - increase shelters & accommodation fast
4. Lead by example on the environment - starting by planting 1m trees over the next 4 years
5. Get a grip on the travel chaos - host a citizens assembly on transport to bring together road, rail & bus users plus cyclists & other stakeholders to come up with common sense solutions
6. Create opportunities for young people like never before - including getting all of our 16 to 18 year olds on to the life-changing National Citizen Service summer programme
Added Ashvir: "The movement in the UK to reject the major political parties and elect local independent candidates has grown rapidly since 2011. The 2019 local elections saw over 1,000 local & independent candidates elected, representing a larger gain in national vote share than any political party.
The world’s political leaders seem to be getting younger. The likes of Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand), AOC (USA), Sebastian Kurz (Austria) and most recently Sanna Marin (Finland) suggest an appetite for ‘next gen’ leadership, he added.
Check out the party website here
Other known candidates in the mayoral election on May 7 2020 are Andy Street (Conservatives), Liam Byrne (Labour), Beverley Neilsen (Liberal Democrats) and Kathryn Downs (Green Party).
Meanwhile, government funding to cover the £3.6 million cost of running the election has still not been confirmed. The West Midlands Combined Authority is still waiting on the release of funds to cover running costs and might yet have to find the money itself to hold the vote.
A spokesperson for the WMCA said: “With our fellow mayoral combined authorities across the UK, we are continuing to lobby Government for funding to cover the cost of the 2020 mayoral elections.
“If that funding is not forthcoming WMCA Board will receive an update to its March meeting setting out an alternative plan to cover the estimated £3.6 million cost.”


birminghammail--2020-02-22--EastEnders eerily foreshadowed Dennis' tragic death a year ago - and nobody noticed

EastEnders viewers were left heartbroken on Friday evening - after the death of Denny Rickman .
The character is revealed to have died at the conclusion of a dramatic series of episodes which celebrate the soap 's 35th anniversary .
During the episode viewers see a distraught Sharon hear the news of Denny 's death shortly after she gives birth .
Harry Hickles , who plays the character , took the news that he was being killed off `` professionally '' , according to soap bosses .
And it 's no surprise , either , given the fact the Walford-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Mirror reports there was also a massive clue way back last year when Sharon made a promise to Louise on Dennis ' life .
Harking back to the moment , Sharon told Keanu : `` This is my fault .
I promised Louise on his life . ''
Turning on Keanu , she added : `` I thought this is what love looked like .
If you and me had never…if I ’ d never let you into my life I ’ d still have my son .
I never want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Soap bosses added that there was only `` one candidate '' for who should be killed off in the episode because of the far-reaching consequences it will have .
EastEnders premiered on BBC1 on February 19 in 1985 .
*EastEnders airs on BBC One on Mondays and Fridays at 8pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Kyle O'Sullivan, James Rodger)

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EastEnders viewers were left heartbroken on Friday evening - after the death of Denny Rickman.
The character is revealed to have died at the conclusion of a dramatic series of episodes which celebrate the soap's 35th anniversary.
During the episode viewers see a distraught Sharon hear the news of Denny's death shortly after she gives birth.
Harry Hickles, who plays the character, took the news that he was being killed off "professionally", according to soap bosses.
And it's no surprise, either, given the fact the Walford-based soap foreshadowed his death a YEAR ago.
The Mirror reports there was also a massive clue way back last year when Sharon made a promise to Louise on Dennis' life.
Harking back to the moment, Sharon told Keanu: "This is my fault. I promised Louise on his life."
Turning on Keanu, she added: "I thought this is what love looked like. If you and me had never…if I’d never let you into my life I’d still have my son. I never want to see you again. Get out."
(Image: BBC)
Soap bosses added that there was only "one candidate" for who should be killed off in the episode because of the far-reaching consequences it will have.
EastEnders premiered on BBC1 on February 19 in 1985.
*EastEnders airs on BBC One on Mondays and Fridays at 8pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Inside bargain retailer One Below's plans for UK dominance after rivalling Poundland, B&M, Aldi and

Inside bargain retailer One Below's plans for UK dominance after rivalling Poundland, B&M, Aldi and more

A retailer rivalling Poundland thanks to its budget prices and cash-saving bargains is set to expand with more stores cross the country .
On its first birthday , One Below has spoken out after becoming a go-to for cash-strapped Brits looking to make their pennies stretch further .
There are now 60 One Below stores across the UK .
The chain was launched by owner Christopher Edwards , 37 , in a bid to muscle in on Black Country retailer Poundland 's market dominance .
Christopher 's wife Louise has now told the Liverpool Echo the company is intent on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
The stores are owned by both Christopher Edwards and his father Christopher Edwards Senior who were the founders of Poundworld before it was sold to an American company in 2015 .
However , despite other budget retailers still on the high street , Louise says One Below is completely different as it offers prices even `` supermarkets ca n't match '' .
She added : `` No other discounter on the high street sells such a big range for £1 or less .
`` We have hundreds of new products arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearance items .
`` As it 's limited stock , customers are excited to come in and bag their bargains before it goes .
Our concept is unique to the high street .
`` We work on low margin and high footfall and sales .
`` We drive customers to store by special 75p promotions on products that even our closest discount competitors and supermarkets can ’ t match . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Catherine Murphy, James Rodger)

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A retailer rivalling Poundland thanks to its budget prices and cash-saving bargains is set to expand with more stores cross the country.
On its first birthday, One Below has spoken out after becoming a go-to for cash-strapped Brits looking to make their pennies stretch further.
There are now 60 One Below stores across the UK.
The chain was launched by owner Christopher Edwards, 37, in a bid to muscle in on Black Country retailer Poundland's market dominance.
Christopher's wife Louise has now told the Liverpool Echo the company is intent on expanding, with further stores across the country.
(Image: handout)
The stores are owned by both Christopher Edwards and his father Christopher Edwards Senior who were the founders of Poundworld before it was sold to an American company in 2015.
However, despite other budget retailers still on the high street, Louise says One Below is completely different as it offers prices even "supermarkets can't match".
She added: "No other discounter on the high street sells such a big range for £1 or less.
"We have hundreds of new products arriving every week, including special buys and clearance items.
"As it's limited stock, customers are excited to come in and bag their bargains before it goes. Our concept is unique to the high street.
"We work on low margin and high footfall and sales.
"We drive customers to store by special 75p promotions on products that even our closest discount competitors and supermarkets can’t match."


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Hunt for armed carjackers who injured toddler in gunfire incident in Balsall Heath

Police are hunting armed carjackers who injured a toddler in a gunfire incident in Birmingham .
West Midlands Police has launched an appeal after a two-year-old girl was injured when a gun was fired at the car she was in during the attack in Balsall Heath .
The terrifying incident happened on Sunday February 2 , but West Midlands Police said they were still hunting the offenders .
The toddler was injured by by flying glass as a window of the VW Golf was smashed in Clifton Road at 7.15pm that day .
Four people , including the toddler , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was found abandoned nearby a short time later .
The young child was taken to hospital with minor cuts and has since been discharged .
Another passenger , a man aged in his 20s , was assessed by paramedics for shock .
Enquiries are still ongoing , including collecting CCTV from local properties and examining it .
At the time , Detective Sergeant Simon Hanlon , from Force CID , said : `` This is a truly appalling incident and the ordeal has traumatised a family .
There were four people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s just fortunate no-one was more seriously injured .
`` Gun crime is always unacceptable , but even more so when a young child ’ s safety is put at risk .
`` We are working to establish the circumstances behind this attack and would urge anyone with information which can help us to come forward . ''
Anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk , or by calling 101 , and quote crime reference number 20BE/30019L/20 .
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Graeme Brown, Jane Tyler)

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Police are hunting armed carjackers who injured a toddler in a gunfire incident in Birmingham.
West Midlands Police has launched an appeal after a two-year-old girl was injured when a gun was fired at the car she was in during the attack in Balsall Heath.
The terrifying incident happened on Sunday February 2, but West Midlands Police said they were still hunting the offenders.
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The toddler was injured by by flying glass as a window of the VW Golf was smashed in Clifton Road at 7.15pm that day.
Four people, including the toddler, got out before offenders stole the car which was found abandoned nearby a short time later.
The young child was taken to hospital with minor cuts and has since been discharged. Another passenger, a man aged in his 20s, was assessed by paramedics for shock.
Enquiries are still ongoing, including collecting CCTV from local properties and examining it.
At the time, Detective Sergeant Simon Hanlon, from Force CID, said: "This is a truly appalling incident and the ordeal has traumatised a family. There were four people in the car at the time and it’s just fortunate no-one was more seriously injured.
"Gun crime is always unacceptable, but even more so when a young child’s safety is put at risk.
"We are working to establish the circumstances behind this attack and would urge anyone with information which can help us to come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or by calling 101, and quote crime reference number 20BE/30019L/20. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Jack Grealish offers insight into post-match ritual that Aston Villa fans will love

Jack Grealish was once that young fan waiting on the other side of the Villa Park gates , hoping for autographs aplenty .
Now , it is firmly roles reversed .
Grealish is idolised by Aston Villa fans , a boyhood supporter and now captain driving them on and aiming for Premier League survival .
The 24-year-old said he “ knows how much it means ” as a fan to get that contact with the players after a match , and that brief moment can stay with you for a lifetime .
Grealish said he will sign a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground and will take time out to speak to them .
“ I ’ ll go up into the box after the game and my dad will be there with about 50 programmes to sign for the kids outside , ” Grealish told the Express & Star .
“ That is just the way my family are .
They are nice and generous people .
“ Being a local lad coming up through the ranks I have been the one on the other side of the gate , waiting for the players .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know how much it means .
It is important that we as players are role models and it is important we give the fans our time .
“ A lot of the lads do it anyway , but the manager tells us as well .
He is a Villa fan himself and has been in the same situation I have .
“ We were both young and we adored Villa players .
He tells us to make sure we speak to the fans because it is important .
The club wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Jack Grealish was once that young fan waiting on the other side of the Villa Park gates, hoping for autographs aplenty.
Now, it is firmly roles reversed.
Grealish is idolised by Aston Villa fans, a boyhood supporter and now captain driving them on and aiming for Premier League survival.
The 24-year-old said he “knows how much it means” as a fan to get that contact with the players after a match, and that brief moment can stay with you for a lifetime.
Manager Dean Smith, also a Villa supporter, thinks similarly to Grealish.
Grealish said he will sign a number of programmes for the youngsters waiting outside the ground and will take time out to speak to them.
“I’ll go up into the box after the game and my dad will be there with about 50 programmes to sign for the kids outside,” Grealish told the Express & Star.
“That is just the way my family are. They are nice and generous people.
“Being a local lad coming up through the ranks I have been the one on the other side of the gate, waiting for the players.
“I’ve been there and I know how much it means. It is important that we as players are role models and it is important we give the fans our time.
“A lot of the lads do it anyway, but the manager tells us as well. He is a Villa fan himself and has been in the same situation I have.
“We were both young and we adored Villa players. He tells us to make sure we speak to the fans because it is important. The club wouldn’t be much without fans.”


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Student left with 'bursting' gut after eating two takeaways a day for a fortnight

In the UK , we eat over three million takeaways per day .
And a brand-new BBC One documentary , set to air this week , will throw a light on a subject all too familiar with people across Birmingham .
The Truth About Takeaways will air on Thursday , February 27 at 8pm on BBC One .
Journalist Nikki Fox teams up with scientists at Liverpool John Moores University to discover what this habit is doing to our health .
Ahead of the hour-long programme , a blogger has spoken out over the experiment 's harrowing effects .
Marc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the experiment , tasked with eating two takeaways per day for a week .
But the social media influencer , who is a student in the North West , has spoken out to our sister title - moaning his gut was `` bursting '' .
Marc told the Liverpool Echo : `` BBC One reached out to me to ask me to volunteer in a show . ''
The 21-year-old continued : `` The study originally had only been done on older adults so they wanted to do it on people aged 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing to our bodies and minds over a short period of time .
`` First we had to undergo a series of tests - we had to have a blood sugar test , our body fat percentage , gut bacteria , a mental well-being test and a cognitive sharpness test as well . ''
Participants had to eat a takeaway for their lunch and evening meal every day for two weeks .
Marc said : `` It was good at first - it was all right for the first couple of days because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything but then come the fifth day , I was really tired and lethargic .
`` It was lunch and dinner every day for two weeks which was horrendous .
`` It sounds like it 's going to be good but it 's really not .
`` We had to eat a doner kebab and it was the most disgusting thing ever , to me that 's something you get when you 're drunk on a night out so eating it for dinner , and one of the days we had to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think I even went sick after it .
`` By the tenth day , I did n't even want to get out of bed because I just felt so heavy and full .
`` I had a complete lack of motivation to do anything . ''
He said : `` As a student , it was really hard .
`` I managed to still go to uni but I found myself falling asleep in lectures or not listening properly .
`` Even after the two week period was up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You 'd think it was going to be amazing but it was not the best thing to do - I nearly dropped out [ of the experiment ] because I just feel like my gut was bursting . ''
The student said : `` I broke out in so many spots and I did n't like looking in the mirror - I felt disgusting .
`` Compared to what my skin was like beforehand , it just was n't me - I had oily pores , redness and bits of acne .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because my skin was so bad - it took a few weeks to calm down .
`` I thought it was the worst thing in the world at the time .
`` I can laugh about it now but at the time , it was awful . ''
He added : `` I was surprised , I know people that eat takeaways a couple times of week so I thought it was going to be a breeze but it really were n't .
He said : `` By the end of it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 'd only put a little bit of weight on but mentally looking in the mirror , I just felt disgusting , I felt huge .
`` I did n't want to look at myself .
`` I know my blood flow and my blood sugar levels were much higher than beforehand , so that was scary . ''
Marc added : `` It did put me off takeaways for a while , but I 'm back on them now .
`` I just wanted to put it out there and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that takeaways can have on you .
`` People will see the effects in the long term are not good . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jess Flaherty, James Rodger)

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In the UK, we eat over three million takeaways per day.
And a brand-new BBC One documentary, set to air this week, will throw a light on a subject all too familiar with people across Birmingham.
The Truth About Takeaways will air on Thursday, February 27 at 8pm on BBC One.
Journalist Nikki Fox teams up with scientists at Liverpool John Moores University to discover what this habit is doing to our health.
(Image: Marc Anthony Cox/Facebook)
Ahead of the hour-long programme, a blogger has spoken out over the experiment's harrowing effects.
Marc Cox was invited to take part in the experiment, tasked with eating two takeaways per day for a week.
But the social media influencer, who is a student in the North West, has spoken out to our sister title - moaning his gut was "bursting".
Marc told the Liverpool Echo: "BBC One reached out to me to ask me to volunteer in a show."
The 21-year-old continued: "The study originally had only been done on older adults so they wanted to do it on people aged 18 to 25 to see what takeaways are doing to our bodies and minds over a short period of time.
"First we had to undergo a series of tests - we had to have a blood sugar test, our body fat percentage, gut bacteria, a mental well-being test and a cognitive sharpness test as well."
(Image: Marc Anthony Cox/Facebook)
Participants had to eat a takeaway for their lunch and evening meal every day for two weeks.
Marc said: "It was good at first - it was all right for the first couple of days because we didn't have to cook or anything but then come the fifth day, I was really tired and lethargic.
"It was lunch and dinner every day for two weeks which was horrendous.
"It sounds like it's going to be good but it's really not.
"We had to eat a doner kebab and it was the most disgusting thing ever, to me that's something you get when you're drunk on a night out so eating it for dinner, and one of the days we had to have it for lunch too, was awful.
"I think I even went sick after it.
"By the tenth day, I didn't even want to get out of bed because I just felt so heavy and full.
"I had a complete lack of motivation to do anything."
(Image: Marc Anthony Cox/Facebook)
He said: "As a student, it was really hard.
"I managed to still go to uni but I found myself falling asleep in lectures or not listening properly.
"Even after the two week period was up, I still felt like that.
"You'd think it was going to be amazing but it was not the best thing to do - I nearly dropped out [of the experiment] because I just feel like my gut was bursting."
The student said: "I broke out in so many spots and I didn't like looking in the mirror - I felt disgusting.
"Compared to what my skin was like beforehand, it just wasn't me - I had oily pores, redness and bits of acne.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"I was trying to get facials afterwards because my skin was so bad - it took a few weeks to calm down.
"I thought it was the worst thing in the world at the time.
"I can laugh about it now but at the time, it was awful."
He added: "I was surprised, I know people that eat takeaways a couple times of week so I thought it was going to be a breeze but it really weren't.
"It was crazy."
He said: "By the end of it, we had to do the tests again and I'd only put a little bit of weight on but mentally looking in the mirror, I just felt disgusting, I felt huge.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"I didn't want to look at myself.
"I know my blood flow and my blood sugar levels were much higher than beforehand, so that was scary."
Marc added: "It did put me off takeaways for a while, but I'm back on them now.
"I don't eat them often.
"I just wanted to put it out there and I want young people to see the effects that takeaways can have on you.
"People will see the effects in the long term are not good."


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Secret cannabis factory raided after police called to Walsall break-in

Police have busted a secret cannabis factory in Walsall after they swooped onto a residential street following reports of an attempted break-in .
Officers discovered the illicit crop when they were called to Milton Street , in Palfrey , just before 2am on Thursday ( February 20 ) .
The shocking find comes after cops were initially called out to an attempted break-in , but police have said no arrest have been made .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` Police were called to an attempted break-in at an address on Milton Street , Palfrey , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Officers discovered a cannabis factory inside the premises .
No arrests were made . ''
The drugs have now been seized by the force 's cannabis disposal team .
All of the plants will now be burnt at a 'waste to energy ' plant - a procedure overseen by a police officer to ensure the cannabis never makes its way back onto the streets .
Anyone with information should contact the force via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight .
Alternatively , call 101 at anytime or for guaranteed anonymity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the UK , cannabis is categorised as a class B drug which will result in penalties for those found in possession , dealing or producing the substance .
Police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £90 if you ’ re found with cannabis .
Being found in possession of class B drugs can result in up to five years in prison , an unlimited fine or both .
Those convicted for supplying or production of class B drugs can face up to 14 years in prison .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jordan Coussins, Charlotte Regen)

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Police have busted a secret cannabis factory in Walsall after they swooped onto a residential street following reports of an attempted break-in.
Officers discovered the illicit crop when they were called to Milton Street, in Palfrey, just before 2am on Thursday (February 20).
The shocking find comes after cops were initially called out to an attempted break-in, but police have said no arrest have been made.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Police were called to an attempted break-in at an address on Milton Street, Palfrey, just before 2am yesterday (February 20). Officers discovered a cannabis factory inside the premises. No arrests were made."
The drugs have now been seized by the force's cannabis disposal team.
All of the plants will now be burnt at a 'waste to energy' plant - a procedure overseen by a police officer to ensure the cannabis never makes its way back onto the streets.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Anyone with information should contact the force via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.
Alternatively, call 101 at anytime or for guaranteed anonymity, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In the UK, cannabis is categorised as a class B drug which will result in penalties for those found in possession, dealing or producing the substance.
Police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £90 if you’re found with cannabis.
Being found in possession of class B drugs can result in up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Those convicted for supplying or production of class B drugs can face up to 14 years in prison.


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Universal Credit woman left living in fear over £12,000 bill from landlord

A Universal Credit claimant has been left utterly gobsmacked - after receiving a staggering £12,000 bill from her landlord .
Furious Sheila Shepherd , from Plymouth , has been billed by her landlord over a renovation of her flat .
She has been ordered to cough up thousands towards the refurbishment of an ageing estate .
The 56-year-old has been left ridden with panic after Plymouth Community Homes requested as much as £12,198.68 from her .
Woven into her deeds are covenants stipulating that she and other leaseholders in the building must pay a contribution to the freeholder if and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Sheila , who has a string of health problems and is in receipt of welfare benefits , says there 's no way she can pay .
She said she 's been offered a monthly repayment plan , but even that is way out of her league .
She 's even tried to negotiate by moving out of her home - where she 's lived on and off since the 1970s - to somewhere smaller and in turn free up the housing stock .
But PCH do n't want to know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinks it 's fair people who rent directly off PCH do n't have to pay a penny towards the improvements , whilst homeowners are hit hard in the pocket .
`` I got this bill and I just ca n't pay it - none of us [ who are leaseholders here ] , can , '' she said .
`` I 've phoned [ PCH ] up and said , even if I do n't put my heating or electricity on , I still ca n't afford to pay .
`` They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that - but I 've told them , how on earth am I going to pay ?
`` They ca n't have something I do n't have . ''
Sheila said PCH - which operates ex-council housing stock all over Plymouth - has sent her a form to determine which she is eligible for further financial help .
But it 's not helping the issue , she fumed .
`` I only have a certain amount to spend each month - I do n't smoke , do n't drink , I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford it , '' Sheila said .
`` I have never smoked , not that I could even afford to .
`` There 's nothing I can give up in order to pay it , except the essentials . ''
Sheila told how she 'd worked all her life from the age of 15 up until the point when she had to look after her elderly parents a few years back .
`` I gave up everything , and sadly , my mum died , two years ago , '' Sheila explained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work since then .
It 's not my fault that I am not working .
`` I ca n't do more for the state than that I have already done .
`` If I had put my mum into a home it would have cost the state £5,000 a month . ''
Another elderly neighbour , who was one of the first occupants of Vauxhall Street , has been told to pay within five years .
But she is in her 80s - and does n't even know if she 'll ever get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't even realise PCH were responsible for the outside of her home , and assumed she actually owned it .
`` I do n't know what I would be paying for , '' she said .
`` I do n't think there is a lot we can do .
`` It does n't feel like we have much of a voice , '' she added .
PCH has previously denied refurbishing blocks in strategic locations in the run up to 2020 so that they look visually appealing when visitors come to visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ten leaseholders in Vauxhall Street who have been lumbered with the refurb bill .
`` I am even willing to sell my flat back to them , '' she said .
`` If they moved me into a one bed place , because this is a two bed , I am willing to sell it back and at least then they will have a two bed property to sell back on .
`` But they turned around to me and said , we do n't buy property back . ''
In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with individuals who are worried about their bills .
Sue Shaw , director of homes , neighbourhoods and regeneration said : `` We recognise that some leaseholders may be concerned that payment may be difficult - and we will work together with them individually to help .
`` We have a dedicated Leasehold Team , and part of their role is to work closely with leaseholders around arrangements to pay their share of repair and modernisation costs for the exterior of their buildings .
`` While leases require that a leaseholder pays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer far more generous timescales , so that the owners of leasehold flats can agree reasonable repayment plans with us .
`` We will be happy to discuss the options with any leaseholder and would ask that anyone with concerns contacts the Leasehold Team on 0808 230 6500 so that we can find the right solution for them . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Miles O'Leary, James Rodger)

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A Universal Credit claimant has been left utterly gobsmacked - after receiving a staggering £12,000 bill from her landlord.
Furious Sheila Shepherd, from Plymouth, has been billed by her landlord over a renovation of her flat.
She has been ordered to cough up thousands towards the refurbishment of an ageing estate.
The 56-year-old has been left ridden with panic after Plymouth Community Homes requested as much as £12,198.68 from her.
Woven into her deeds are covenants stipulating that she and other leaseholders in the building must pay a contribution to the freeholder if and when it decides to renovate, PlymouthLive reports.
Sheila, who has a string of health problems and is in receipt of welfare benefits, says there's no way she can pay.
She said she's been offered a monthly repayment plan, but even that is way out of her league.
She's even tried to negotiate by moving out of her home - where she's lived on and off since the 1970s - to somewhere smaller and in turn free up the housing stock.
But PCH don't want to know, she claims.
And she doesn't thinks it's fair people who rent directly off PCH don't have to pay a penny towards the improvements, whilst homeowners are hit hard in the pocket.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"I got this bill and I just can't pay it - none of us [who are leaseholders here], can," she said.
"I've phoned [PCH] up and said, even if I don't put my heating or electricity on, I still can't afford to pay.
"They said, we don't want you doing that - but I've told them, how on earth am I going to pay?
"They can't have something I don't have."
Sheila said PCH - which operates ex-council housing stock all over Plymouth - has sent her a form to determine which she is eligible for further financial help. But it's not helping the issue, she fumed.
"I only have a certain amount to spend each month - I don't smoke, don't drink, I don't even have Sky because I can't afford it," Sheila said.
"I have never smoked, not that I could even afford to.
"There's nothing I can give up in order to pay it, except the essentials."
Sheila told how she'd worked all her life from the age of 15 up until the point when she had to look after her elderly parents a few years back.
"I gave up everything, and sadly, my mum died, two years ago," Sheila explained.
"I haven't been able to work since then. It's not my fault that I am not working.
"I can't do more for the state than that I have already done.
"If I had put my mum into a home it would have cost the state £5,000 a month."
Another elderly neighbour, who was one of the first occupants of Vauxhall Street, has been told to pay within five years.
But she is in her 80s - and doesn't even know if she'll ever get to settle her charge.
Tell us YOUR Universal Credit stories Are you on Universal Credit, about to apply for it, or being moved across to it from existing benefits? We want to hear YOUR stories. We are especially interested in talking to an individual or family from the West Midlands to follow your Universal Credit experiences from the beginning. And if you're already on Universal Credit and having problems, we want to hear from you too. Be sure to include the location where you are based. Write to: david.bentley@reachplc.com newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk or send a message to our social media pages: Birmingham Live on Facebook Birmingham Live on Twitter
Plus she didn't even realise PCH were responsible for the outside of her home, and assumed she actually owned it.
"I don't know what I would be paying for," she said. "I don't think there is a lot we can do.
"It doesn't feel like we have much of a voice," she added.
PCH has previously denied refurbishing blocks in strategic locations in the run up to 2020 so that they look visually appealing when visitors come to visit during Mayflower 400.
The rules on Housing Benefit Housing benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit. You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if: you’re getting the severe disability premium, or are entitled to it
you received (or were entitled to) severe disability premium within the last month and are still eligible for it
you've reached State Pension age
you live in temporary accommodation
you live in sheltered or supported housing with special facilities such as alarms or wardens
you’re staying in a hostel where care, support or supervision are provided Usually you will not get Housing Benefit if: your savings are over £16,000 - unless you get Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit
you’re paying a mortgage on your own home - you may be able to get Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
you live in the home of a close relative
you’re already claiming Universal Credit (unless you’re in temporary or supported housing)
your partner is already claiming Housing Benefit
you’re a full-time student - unless you’re disabled
you’re residing in the UK as a European Economic Area jobseeker
you’re an asylum seeker or sponsored to be in the UK
you’re subject to immigration control and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds
you’re a Crown Tenant
Sheila is one of ten leaseholders in Vauxhall Street who have been lumbered with the refurb bill.
"I am even willing to sell my flat back to them," she said. "If they moved me into a one bed place, because this is a two bed, I am willing to sell it back and at least then they will have a two bed property to sell back on.
"But they turned around to me and said, we don't buy property back."
In response, PCH chiefs say they hope to work with individuals who are worried about their bills.
Sue Shaw, director of homes, neighbourhoods and regeneration said: "We recognise that some leaseholders may be concerned that payment may be difficult - and we will work together with them individually to help.
"We have a dedicated Leasehold Team, and part of their role is to work closely with leaseholders around arrangements to pay their share of repair and modernisation costs for the exterior of their buildings.
"While leases require that a leaseholder pays a bill within 21 days, we offer far more generous timescales, so that the owners of leasehold flats can agree reasonable repayment plans with us.
"We will be happy to discuss the options with any leaseholder and would ask that anyone with concerns contacts the Leasehold Team on 0808 230 6500 so that we can find the right solution for them."


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Police launch 'urgent' appeal to find Daniel Adams - last seen in Perry Barr Travelodge

Police have launched an appeal in a bid to trace a young man who vanished from a Travelodge in Birmingham .
Daniel Adams was last seen at the Perry Barr Travelodge on Aldridge Road yesterday ( Friday February 21 ) .
He is described as white , slim , 5ft 11ins tall with a moustache and beard .
A West Midlands police spokesman said : `` We are urgently searching for Daniel Adams - have you seen him ?
`` He was last seen at a Travelodge on Aldridge Rd , Perry Barr yesterday but hasn ’ t been seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , slim , 5ft 11ins tall with a moustache and beard .
Call 101 with any info . ''
When is a person classed as missing ?
A person as classed as missing when their whereabouts can not be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or someone else .
A person may also be classed as absent if they are not at a place where they are expected or required to be and there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone is missing : If you believe that someone is missing then please contact your local police station .
Dial 101 and inform them you would like to make a missing persons report , alternatively you can attend your local police station .
It is a common belief that you have to wait 24 hours before reporting but this is not true , you can make a report to the police as soon as you think a person is missing .
If you are extremely concerned for the welfare of the person then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Police have launched an appeal in a bid to trace a young man who vanished from a Travelodge in Birmingham.
Daniel Adams was last seen at the Perry Barr Travelodge on Aldridge Road yesterday (Friday February 21).
He is described as white, slim, 5ft 11ins tall with a moustache and beard.
A West Midlands police spokesman said: "We are urgently searching for Daniel Adams - have you seen him?
"He was last seen at a Travelodge on Aldridge Rd, Perry Barr yesterday but hasn’t been seen since. He is described as white, slim, 5ft 11ins tall with a moustache and beard. Call 101 with any info."
When is a person classed as missing?
(Image: Google maps)
A person as classed as missing when their whereabouts cannot be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or someone else.
A person may also be classed as absent if they are not at a place where they are expected or required to be and there is no apparent risk.
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How to report someone is missing:
If you believe that someone is missing then please contact your local police station.
Dial 101 and inform them you would like to make a missing persons report, alternatively you can attend your local police station.
It is a common belief that you have to wait 24 hours before reporting but this is not true, you can make a report to the police as soon as you think a person is missing.
If you are extremely concerned for the welfare of the person then dial 999 and ask for the police.


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Love Island under fire from raging viewers after exposing Paige and Finn having sex

Love Island has been slammed by viewers - after broadcasting Finn and Paige getting steamy under the covers .
The ITV2 reality series will conclude on Sunday evening , with an eagerly-anticipated final .
Paige and Finn are one of the couples to have made it to the final episode , which will air on February 23 .
They will go up against Luke M and Demi , as well as Luke T and Siannise , and Jess and Ched , after Mike and Priscilla were cruelly dumped on Friday evening .
But Mike and Priscilla 's departure was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hour-long episode ended on ITV2 .
Instead , fans were left commenting on Paige and Finn , who rounded off the episode by getting hot and heavy in the bedroom .
Despite the lights being on , and the covers over the pair , they were seen canoodling - as Ched exclaimed : `` Oh my God ! ''
A pair of knickers was seen at the end of the bed before viewers watched the duvet bobbing up and down .
Finn cried : `` Oh f*** off .
Oh f*** off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
What 's that all about ? ''
The outburst caused one viewer to speculate : `` Is that the sex happening on national TV ?
?
?
?
? ''
`` The ONE time i watch love island with my mam , dad and 13 year old sister paige and finn decide to get frisky , '' another fumed .
`` ITV2 , you did n't need to show us Paige & Finn .
That was trash.. absolute trash , '' added a third .

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Love Island has been slammed by viewers - after broadcasting Finn and Paige getting steamy under the covers.
The ITV2 reality series will conclude on Sunday evening, with an eagerly-anticipated final.
Paige and Finn are one of the couples to have made it to the final episode, which will air on February 23.
They will go up against Luke M and Demi, as well as Luke T and Siannise, and Jess and Ched, after Mike and Priscilla were cruelly dumped on Friday evening.
But Mike and Priscilla's departure wasn't what viewers were left talking about after the hour-long episode ended on ITV2.
Instead, fans were left commenting on Paige and Finn, who rounded off the episode by getting hot and heavy in the bedroom.
Despite the lights being on, and the covers over the pair, they were seen canoodling - as Ched exclaimed: "Oh my God!"
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A pair of knickers was seen at the end of the bed before viewers watched the duvet bobbing up and down.
Finn cried: "Oh f*** off. Oh f*** off Ched.
"Why are you laughing? What's that all about?"
The outburst caused one viewer to speculate: "Is that the sex happening on national TV ?????"
"The ONE time i watch love island with my mam, dad and 13 year old sister paige and finn decide to get frisky," another fumed.
"ITV2, you didn't need to show us Paige & Finn. That was trash.. absolute trash," added a third.


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Celebrity Friends fans react to reunion special after comeback confirmed by cast

Fans of hit sitcom Friends have taken to Instagram to share their excitement about a reunion special .
The cast of the show announced on Friday they are returning for a special episode of the programme , more than 15 years after the show last aired .
The unscripted special will be on the HBO Max streaming service and will star all of the main characters from the show - including Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Lisa Kudrow , Matt LeBlanc , Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer .
The news has been shared on the main cast 's Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing a flashback cast photo from a shoot with Mark Seliger taken in 1995 - and celebrity fans were quick to express their delight with the news .
Reese Witherspoon , who starred in several episodes as Rachel 's spoilt younger sister , Jill Green , wrote : `` WHAT ?
?
?
!
!
!
This is the greatest news ever ! ''
Queer Eye stars Antoni Porowski and Tan France also revealed themselves to be fans of the show .
Porowski wrote : `` NOTHING ELSE MATTERS '' , with France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CA N'T EVEN ' BEEN MORE RELEVANT . ''
Actress Sarah Hyland wrote : `` EXCUSE ME ?
! ''
with multiple emojis , while Mindy Kaling added : `` EXPLAIN PLEASE . ''
Instead of sharing the same promo image as the rest of the cast , LeBlanc , who starred as Joey in the show , shared an old image of M*A*S*H actors , with the caption : `` It 's happening ! ''
Aniston wrote on the post : `` Oh no ... No no no NO LeBlanc !
Could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to post ?
?
? ''
Cox said : `` Uh no Matt .
Wrong reunion , '' and Kudrow added : `` Ha !
They Do look like us.. '' Perry first teased news of a special on February 5 , when he tweeted : `` Big news coming ... ''

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Fans of hit sitcom Friends have taken to Instagram to share their excitement about a reunion special.
The cast of the show announced on Friday they are returning for a special episode of the programme, more than 15 years after the show last aired.
The unscripted special will be on the HBO Max streaming service and will star all of the main characters from the show - including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer.
The news has been shared on the main cast's Instagram accounts, with five of the six sharing a flashback cast photo from a shoot with Mark Seliger taken in 1995 - and celebrity fans were quick to express their delight with the news.
Reese Witherspoon, who starred in several episodes as Rachel's spoilt younger sister, Jill Green, wrote: "WHAT???!!! This is the greatest news ever!"
Queer Eye stars Antoni Porowski and Tan France also revealed themselves to be fans of the show.
Porowski wrote: "NOTHING ELSE MATTERS", with France adding: "NEVER HAS 'I CAN'T EVEN' BEEN MORE RELEVANT."
Actress Sarah Hyland wrote: "EXCUSE ME?!" with multiple emojis, while Mindy Kaling added: "EXPLAIN PLEASE."
Instead of sharing the same promo image as the rest of the cast, LeBlanc, who starred as Joey in the show, shared an old image of M*A*S*H actors, with the caption: "It's happening!"
Aniston wrote on the post: "Oh no... No no no NO LeBlanc! Could that BE more NOT what we said to post???"
Cox said: "Uh no Matt. Wrong reunion," and Kudrow added: "Ha! They Do look like us.."
Perry first teased news of a special on February 5, when he tweeted: "Big news coming..."


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Residents' outrage at 'low life scum' leaving piles of rotting rubbish fly tipped on Alum Rock roads

Local residents have spoken of their shock and disgust at finding enormous piles fly tipped rubbish on their Birmingham streets .
Community activists in Alum Rock say the people who dumped the waste there are `` low life scum '' .
Piles of rubbish have been dumped on Tarry Road and Phillimore Road over the last few days .
Among the items strewn across the pavements are a mattress , black bin bags , a wooden door , a car tyre , children 's clothes and an office chair .
Also thrown out and left for the dustmen to clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mattress springs and a sofa bed .
Furious residents say what makes the fly tipping worse is that the nearest council recycling centre is less than two miles away .
Community activist , Wajid Hussain , posted videos of the rubbish in the two roads on Twitter - together with a scathing attack on the perpetrators .
He wrote : `` Tarry Rd B8 , Lowlife scums , making decent law-abiding citizens ' life a misery with selfish behaviour blocking pavement - waste tip only 1.5 miles away .
`` Phillimore Road B8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's an eyesore/smelly and blocking the pavement , tip less than 2 miles away . ''
The videos were posted on the eve of a community litter pick today ( Saturday , February 22 ) .
Alum Rock Community Forum has organised the event in a bid to clear their streets of rubbish .
It follows a crackdown by Birmingham City Council last year on the rising number of incidents of fly tipping in the Alum Rock and Saltley areas .
Anyone interested in joining in the community litter pick is invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ul Quran Mosque in St Saviours Road .
Cllr John O ’ Shea , Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Parks , said , speaking about an earlier fly tipping case this week : “ Whether it is one bag of rubbish , building waste or the contents of a house clearance , any fly-tipping in this city is completely unacceptable and a criminal offence .
“ The council will not tolerate this as it knows the top priority for the people of this city is clean streets .
When cases are reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is available , we prosecute .
“ We will prosecute whenever we have evidence .
If you fly-tip and are caught , the consequences mean it is simply not worth the risk.
” To read more about that prosecution click here .

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Local residents have spoken of their shock and disgust at finding enormous piles fly tipped rubbish on their Birmingham streets.
Community activists in Alum Rock say the people who dumped the waste there are "low life scum".
Piles of rubbish have been dumped on Tarry Road and Phillimore Road over the last few days. Among the items strewn across the pavements are a mattress, black bin bags, a wooden door, a car tyre, children's clothes and an office chair.
(Image: Wajid Hussain)
Also thrown out and left for the dustmen to clean up are bags containing rotting food, mattress springs and a sofa bed.
Furious residents say what makes the fly tipping worse is that the nearest council recycling centre is less than two miles away.
Community activist, Wajid Hussain, posted videos of the rubbish in the two roads on Twitter - together with a scathing attack on the perpetrators.
He wrote: "Tarry Rd B8, Lowlife scums, making decent law-abiding citizens' life a misery with selfish behaviour blocking pavement - waste tip only 1.5 miles away.
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"Phillimore Road B8. When will these idiots learn? It's an eyesore/smelly and blocking the pavement, tip less than 2 miles away."
The videos were posted on the eve of a community litter pick today (Saturday, February 22). Alum Rock Community Forum has organised the event in a bid to clear their streets of rubbish.
It follows a crackdown by Birmingham City Council last year on the rising number of incidents of fly tipping in the Alum Rock and Saltley areas.
Anyone interested in joining in the community litter pick is invited and should meet at 1pm outside Zia ul Quran Mosque in St Saviours Road.
Cllr John O’Shea, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Parks, said, speaking about an earlier fly tipping case this week: “Whether it is one bag of rubbish, building waste or the contents of a house clearance, any fly-tipping in this city is completely unacceptable and a criminal offence.
“The council will not tolerate this as it knows the top priority for the people of this city is clean streets. When cases are reported, we investigate – and when evidence is available, we prosecute.
“We will prosecute whenever we have evidence. If you fly-tip and are caught, the consequences mean it is simply not worth the risk.” To read more about that prosecution click here.


birminghammail--2020-02-22--How Danny Drinkwater compares to Aston Villa midfield teammates

Danny Drinkwater continues to be a massive talking point amongst Aston Villa supporters .
The 29-year-old continues to be backed to the hilt by Dean Smith who 's started him in four of Villa 's last five matches since the midfielder arrived on-loan from Chelsea in January .
Drinks , as he 's known around Bodymoor , admitted in a Villa TV interview he 's still short of the required match-fitness after playing just 59 minutes of Premier League football all season for previous club Burnley prior to joining Villa .
The Premier League winner spent time out in Abu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his body to the limit during an intense fitness camp in sweltering conditions .
After making his Villa debut , though , Drinkwater has drew severe criticism from pundits and fans alike - but Smith has likes what he 's been seeing .
`` His fitness is OK , '' his manager said , `` he ’ s working really hard and he ’ s getting to where we want him to be .
`` The only way you can work on your fitness is by working hard every day in training , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he ’ s come in and his pass completion stat last week was something like 91 per cent , and probably the most forward passes in a game as well , so he was a big part of our build-up .
Where he ’ s working to get better is without the ball . ''
The midfielder missed the Bournemouth defeat the last time Villa were on the south-coast having pulled up with a tight calf in training .
That day at the Vitality , though , Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steely Cherries midfield .
It lead Smith to drag Drinkwater straight back into the fold for Spurs last week but , in his four outings to date , the Chelsea loanee has only managed to average 65 minutes every time he starts having yet to complete 90 minutes .
So , given his somewhat indifferent form , just how does his stats rate against his Aston Villa team-mates ?
Here , club writer Ashley Preece crunches the numbers and looks at key midfield stats : passes and duels .
Here 's where Drinkwater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Debutant Drinkwater completed the most passes ( 29 ) , won the most duels ( 6 ) and attempted - and completed - most forward passes against City .
Summary : Drinkwater won two more duels than Nakamba while attempting - and completing - more passes than the Zimbabwean despite being on the pitch 18 minutes less .
Summary : Douglas Luiz upstaged Drinkwater after replacing him .
The Brazilian scored the crucial equaliser while winning the same amount of duels as Villa 's loan man despite starting from the bench .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watford , though .
Summary : Just look at the amount of midfield duels lost here ( 25/34 ) .
Drinkwater was missing with a tight calf and Smith said Nakamba and Douglas were n't good enough , with Drinky reinstated for Spurs after the winter break .
Summary : Drinkwater out-performed Douglas Luiz here , despite the latter completing the match and playing 36 more minutes .
Drinkwater attempted 49 passes in just 63 minutes , more than Douglas ' 47 .
Nakamba 's duel-winning stat was impressive given his 36-minute outing @

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Danny Drinkwater continues to be a massive talking point amongst Aston Villa supporters.
The 29-year-old continues to be backed to the hilt by Dean Smith who's started him in four of Villa's last five matches since the midfielder arrived on-loan from Chelsea in January.
Drinks, as he's known around Bodymoor, admitted in a Villa TV interview he's still short of the required match-fitness after playing just 59 minutes of Premier League football all season for previous club Burnley prior to joining Villa.
The Premier League winner spent time out in Abu Dhabi during the winter break, pushing his body to the limit during an intense fitness camp in sweltering conditions.
After making his Villa debut, though, Drinkwater has drew severe criticism from pundits and fans alike - but Smith has likes what he's been seeing.
"His fitness is OK," his manager said, "he’s working really hard and he’s getting to where we want him to be.
"The only way you can work on your fitness is by working hard every day in training, which he does, and play matches, and he’s come in and his pass completion stat last week was something like 91 per cent, and probably the most forward passes in a game as well, so he was a big part of our build-up. Where he’s working to get better is without the ball."
The midfielder missed the Bournemouth defeat the last time Villa were on the south-coast having pulled up with a tight calf in training. That day at the Vitality, though, Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz struggled to impose themselves against a steely Cherries midfield. It lead Smith to drag Drinkwater straight back into the fold for Spurs last week but, in his four outings to date, the Chelsea loanee has only managed to average 65 minutes every time he starts having yet to complete 90 minutes.
So, given his somewhat indifferent form, just how does his stats rate against his Aston Villa team-mates? Here, club writer Ashley Preece crunches the numbers and looks at key midfield stats: passes and duels. Here's where Drinkwater ranks among his Villa pals.
Man City (h), LOST 6-1
Danny Drinkwater, 79 minutes
accurate passes 29/31, 94 per cent
duels won 6/15, 40 per cent
accurate forward passes 4/5, 80 per cent
Conor Hourihane, 72 minutes
accurate passes 21/35, 60 per cent
duels won 3/8, 38 per cent
accurate forward passes 3/4, 75 per cent
Douglas Luiz, 65 minutes
accurate passes 21/43, 49 per cent
duels won 4/16, 25 per cent
accurate forward passes 3/4, 75 per cent
Marvelous Nakamba, 27 minutes
accurate passes 14/18, 78 per cent
duels won 3/4, 75 per cent
accurate forward passes 1/1, 100 per cent
Henri Lansbury, 13 minutes
accurate passes 7/10, 70 per cent
duels won 2/3, 67 per cent
accurate forward passes 1/1, 100 per cent
Summary: Debutant Drinkwater completed the most passes (29), won the most duels (6) and attempted - and completed - most forward passes against City.
Brighton (a), DREW 1-1
(Image: PA)
Marvelous Nakamba, 87 minutes
accurate passes 27/31, 87 per cent
duels won 9/19, 47 per cent
accurate forward passes 6/8, 75 per cent
Danny Drinkwater, 69 minutes
accurate passes 28/38, 74 per cent
duels won 11/20, 55 per cent
accurate forward passes 11/17, 65 per cent
Douglas Luiz, 28 minutes
accurate passes 9/11, 82 per cent
duels won 3/3, 100 per cent
accurate forward passes 0/1, 0 per cent
Conor Hourihane, 10 minutes
accurate passes 4/4, 100 per cent
duels won 0/1, 0 per cent
accurate forward passes 2/2, 100 per cent
Summary: Drinkwater won two more duels than Nakamba while attempting - and completing - more passes than the Zimbabwean despite being on the pitch 18 minutes less.
Watford (h), WON 2-1
Marvelous Nakamba, 99 minutes
accurate passes 41/48, 85 per cent
duels won 8/16, 50 per cent
accurate forward passes 12/17, 71 per cent
Danny Drinkwater, 59 minutes
accurate passes 35/40, 88 per cent
duels won 3/12, 25 per cent
accurate forward passes 15/16, 94 per cent
Douglas Luiz, 41 minutes
accurate passes 20/24, 83 per cent
duels won 3/5, 60 per cent
accurate forward passes 2/3, 67 per cent
Summary: Douglas Luiz upstaged Drinkwater after replacing him. The Brazilian scored the crucial equaliser while winning the same amount of duels as Villa's loan man despite starting from the bench. Nakamba was back to his best against Watford, though.
Bournemouth (a), LOST 2-1
Douglas Luiz, 96 minutes
accurate passes 37/44, 84 per cent
duels won 3/13, 23 per cent
accurate forward passes 3/7, 43 per cent
Marvelous Nakamba, 81 minutes
accurate passes 25/31, 81 per cent
duels won 6/21, 29 per cent
accurate forward passes 4/8, 50 per cent
Summary: Just look at the amount of midfield duels lost here (25/34). Drinkwater was missing with a tight calf and Smith said Nakamba and Douglas weren't good enough, with Drinky reinstated for Spurs after the winter break.
Tottenham (h), LOST 3-2
Douglas Luiz, 99 minutes
accurate passes 39/47, 70 per cent
duels won 13/24, 54 per cent
accurate forward passes 11/15, 73 per cent
Danny Drinkwater, 63 minutes
accurate passes 42/49, 86 per cent
duels won 7/16, 44 per cent
accurate forward passes 9/14, 64 per cent
Marvelous Nakamba, 36 minutes
accurate passes 13/14, 93 per cent
duels won 5/10, 50 per cent
accurate forward passes 1/0, 0 per cent
Summary: Drinkwater out-performed Douglas Luiz here, despite the latter completing the match and playing 36 more minutes. Drinkwater attempted 49 passes in just 63 minutes, more than Douglas' 47. Nakamba's duel-winning stat was impressive given his 36-minute outing.


birminghammail--2020-02-22--Conor Coady's latest words will delight Wolves fans

Conor Coady is beaming with pride after Wolverhampton Wanderers routed Espanyol to take another step towards Europa League glory .
A hat-trick from Diogo Jota and a thunderbolt from Ruben Neves saw Wolves seal a 4-0 first leg win over Espanyol on Thursday evening and they will now look to complete the job in Barcelona next week .
Coady is the only player who has been ever-present for Wolves in Europe this season having completed 90 minutes in all 13 of the club 's matches , dating back to Crusaders at Molineux on July 25 .
And Coady is incredibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play in this team , but also captains it .
`` ( I 'm ) the most proud you could ever imagine , I really am , '' said Coady .
`` It 's a massive honour to captain this club at any time , but to do it at this time with what we 're doing and the way we 're playing and the way the boys are adapting to different competitions because it 's been tough . ''
Listen to the full clip from Coady 's interview with talkSPORT via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Conor Coady is beaming with pride after Wolverhampton Wanderers routed Espanyol to take another step towards Europa League glory.
A hat-trick from Diogo Jota and a thunderbolt from Ruben Neves saw Wolves seal a 4-0 first leg win over Espanyol on Thursday evening and they will now look to complete the job in Barcelona next week.
Coady is the only player who has been ever-present for Wolves in Europe this season having completed 90 minutes in all 13 of the club's matches, dating back to Crusaders at Molineux on July 25.
And Coady is incredibly proud that he not only gets to play in this team, but also captains it.
"(I'm) the most proud you could ever imagine, I really am," said Coady. "It's a massive honour to captain this club at any time, but to do it at this time with what we're doing and the way we're playing and the way the boys are adapting to different competitions because it's been tough."
Listen to the full clip from Coady's interview with talkSPORT via the video at the top of the article.