birminghammail--2020-08-10--Bedbound singer releases debut album - and is ahead of Taylor Swift in chart

A singer who has ME has released her debut album , after spending two years recording it while bedbound , with it currently number two in the Amazon Best Sellers chart ahead of Taylor Swift .
Kara Jane Spencer , 29 , from Shirebrook , Derbs.
, was diagnosed with the debilitating condition when she was just 16 after she became unable to walk .
Her movement is now severely restricted and she needs full-time nursing care .
In May , she asked for help to complete the album and more than 100 musicians and producers came forward to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were so severe , doctors have warned it could shorten her life expectancy .
However , she was “ overwhelmed ” with the number of people who have offered their services , with her beginning the album in January 2018 during a stint in hospital .
A small team of musicians , technicians and producers took vocals recorded from her bed and built them up into fully-formed tracks .
The finished album , titled ‘ It 's Still ME ’ , went on sale on Saturday ( 08/08 ) with proceeds due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Kara hoping to raise £100,000 .
As of yesterday ( 09/08 ) it is currently number two in the UK Amazon Best Sellers chart ahead of Taylor Swift and the Killers while it stands at 68 in the iTunes equivalent .
On the album ’ s surge in popularity , Kara said : “ I keep staring at the computer screen with big eyes .
I have no idea how it happened it 's incredible .
“ I feel incredulous .
I do n't know how to feel about it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's incredible , it does n't feel like it 's real .
I still feel like I am in a dream state , to be honest .
“ It 's not something that happens to normal people .
“ I am gobsmacked at the moment .
But in the same instance , I know that there 's money .
going to the charity with every sale .
“ It will be going towards postmortem research , and my head keeps thinking , ' I wonder how much we 've raised' “ If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really help them then oh my god , I 'll be proud of that.
” Kara has a severe form of ME , or myalgic encephalomyelitis , and is described by the NHS as a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms .
She said : “ It affects your brain and spinal cord .
For me , it 's become systemic , so it affects my whole body and all the organ systems .
“ It 's caused a lot of problems with my autonomic nervous system .
Your heart rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Your blood pressure , your swallowing is also normally automatic .
“ I have my oxygen cannula , my catheter tube and I 'll soon have a PEG tube so I am tube lady .
“ My immune system is quite severely affected , it does n't work as well as other people 's .
“ I can get infections just from the stuff that 's meant to be inside your bladder and I have become resistant to antibiotics .
It 's why ME is life-threatening for me .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't respond well to then we ca n't do anything about it because I 've not really got very many antibiotics that we can try .
“ I was diagnosed at the age of 16 when I lost the ability to walk .
I 'm not able to get out of bed but I do have a wheelchair .
“ Until then , I was healthy and active – “ loud , crazy and always laughing ” in the words of my sister .
“ My condition steadily deteriorated , until seven years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do something there 's always a cost or payback and I might be in pain .
“ For example , the other day I was doing too much and I had partial paralysis from the head down .
“ My carers have to move my head and arms into a better position .
Literally totally paralysed , not able to swallow as well .
“ That lasted for six hours , which might not sound like a long time but it really is scary.
” Singing has always been Kara ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small child .
After her health took a turn for the worst , she started writing the songs on the album back in January 2018 while in her hospital bed Kara wanted to record her singing voice so her two-and-a-half-year-old nephew would have something to remember her by if the worst were to happen .
She said : “ We 're all singers in our family , we are like the Von Trapp 's , so I did n't feel unique or special .
“ When I went to university people said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I became really ill , I was really gutted because I was at a stage at one time where I could n't sing .
“ No matter what will in the world , I would not have been physically able to sing .
I was gutted I had never recorded my voice before .
“ When I improved slightly enough to be able to sing , even though that 's been short blocks of time , I started recording in early 2018 .
“ Sometimes it 's a line at a time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to then stop the recording for a little bit and go again .
“ I have made myself poorly doing it sometimes , I 've done it too much .
I knew that I wanted to record an album .
“ I 've always written songs but I 'd not kept every one of them .
I had one that I thought was really good , from 2015 , but I did n't do anything with it .
“ After I was in the hospital for a six months stint , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a big creative catalyst .
Back then I was warned about my life expectancy .
“ I could be here for another five or six years or I could be gone with the next two infections .
“ It 's very up in the air so it 's just like anybody else really , but it 's not .
I am more likely to die due to infection than anyone else .
“ When I heard these things , the songs just came to me and demanded to be written .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to write a song for him in case I did n't grow up with him and have memories of me .
“ One was because of anger for my follow ME sufferers and how they 're being treated .
“ There 's a really big case trial but we have been treated rather horrifically by the NHS guidelines .
“ It has been disbanded basically since five years ago .
They are treating people via these guidelines , even though some of it has even been found to be harmful , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that inspired a couple of songs one of my best friends Marin , she died to this illness three years past at 21 after she was diagnosed at age 15 .
“ Songs came to me because I had loved and lost .
“ That 's very poignant in my life because me and my love we still love each other but we just ca n't be together .
“ He is disabled and I am very disabled so there 's no life we could have together .
“ It 's not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's something a lot of people have related to .
A group of people being put through hell , like ME sufferers , is not just unique to me .
“ It has happened to so many people over the years .
“ The last song on the album , 'Remember Us ' it says , 'You let me down , You let him down , You let us down , ' and it rolls onto 'Remember Us , Remember Them' “ It 's about the difficulties as we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” In May this year , Kara put out an appeal to help complete the album after she had recorded the vocals .
She said : “ I had all the vocals recorded but I had no one to take the vocals and make songs .
Naomi , my friend , heard them and thought they were great .
“ My very , very good friend Scott James .
He made one of the songs into a proper song with his fantastic piano playing .
“ I got to record with his equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In March I put that out and she said why do n't I use that to appeal for more musicians .
“ Funnily enough , it was due to coronavirus that everyone was out of work .
The situation meant so many musicians were able to respond to the appeal .
“ We had over 100 people reply to offer their services in a number of ways .
They were saying ' I 'm a trumpet player and a guitar player ' or ' I 'm a sound engineer , I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people , it was really overwhelming and I am so thankful.
” The appeal reached the ears of 27-year-old Cornwall-based record producer Liam Hicks who said : “ Actually , it couldn ’ t have come at a better time .
“ There were so many live session musicians and sound engineers out of work due to coronavirus , I included , so we had lots of offers .
“ We ended up with about 27 different musicians taking part.
” Co-producer Jim Molyneux said : “ Throughout lockdown , I took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these a-capellas and making them into songs .
“ I ’ d then send them to Liam who would make them sound 1000x better and he ’ d send them on to the string and bass players , drummers , guitarists , etc , who added their parts.
” Kara added : “ Massive thanks to Naomi Whittingham and Liam Hicks .
“ They 're the ones that have done all the Facebooking all the website and all the social media , with Liam producing too .
“ We call ourselves the Dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , it really has been fantastic .
Naomi has been my ghostwriter as she only recently started using her name .
“ She has ME herself and has really helped me if I have been poorly .
To do that when she has this disease as well is an incredible feat.
” Tony Britton , fundraising and PR manager with the ME Association , said : “ We ’ d like to thank everybody who put their hearts and souls into getting this album and the single out for no payment whatsoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of love .
Especially , huge thanks to Kara who is helping drive our funding of biomedical research into this horrific and much under-rated disease to the next level .
“ If anybody with M.E , wants to find out more about how they can donate tissue from their body to medical research , please get in touch through our website.
” In seven out of 10 cases , the illness can be traced back to a viral infection from which sufferers never really recovered .
“ There are an estimated 265,000 children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK with one in four of whom are so ill they have difficulty getting out of the house or are bedbound .
For more information about Kara ’ s music and where to find it , visit https : //karajanesings.com To make a donation to the £100,000 appeal separately from buying the album , visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kara-jane-sings

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A singer who has ME has released her debut album, after spending two years recording it while bedbound, with it currently number two in the Amazon Best Sellers chart ahead of Taylor Swift.
Kara Jane Spencer, 29, from Shirebrook, Derbs., was diagnosed with the debilitating condition when she was just 16 after she became unable to walk.
Her movement is now severely restricted and she needs full-time nursing care.
In May, she asked for help to complete the album and more than 100 musicians and producers came forward to offer their services.
Kara said her symptoms were so severe, doctors have warned it could shorten her life expectancy.
However, she was “overwhelmed” with the number of people who have offered their services, with her beginning the album in January 2018 during a stint in hospital.
A small team of musicians, technicians and producers took vocals recorded from her bed and built them up into fully-formed tracks.
(Image: Kara Jane Spencer / SWNS)
The finished album, titled ‘It's Still ME’, went on sale on Saturday (08/08) with proceeds due to be donated to The ME Association, with Kara hoping to raise £100,000.
As of yesterday (09/08) it is currently number two in the UK Amazon Best Sellers chart ahead of Taylor Swift and the Killers while it stands at 68 in the iTunes equivalent.
On the album’s surge in popularity, Kara said: “I keep staring at the computer screen with big eyes. I have no idea how it happened it's incredible.
“I feel incredulous. I don't know how to feel about it. It has just gone boom.
“It's incredible, it doesn't feel like it's real. I still feel like I am in a dream state, to be honest.
“It's not something that happens to normal people.
“I am gobsmacked at the moment. But in the same instance, I know that there's money. going to the charity with every sale.
“It will be going towards postmortem research, and my head keeps thinking, 'I wonder how much we've raised'
“If we can raise a decent amount that can really help them then oh my god, I'll be proud of that.”
Kara has a severe form of ME, or myalgic encephalomyelitis, and is described by the NHS as a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms.
She said: “It affects your brain and spinal cord. For me, it's become systemic, so it affects my whole body and all the organ systems.
“It's caused a lot of problems with my autonomic nervous system. Your heart rate, for example, is normally automatic.
“Your blood pressure, your swallowing is also normally automatic.
(Image: Kara Jane Spencer / SWNS)
“I have my oxygen cannula, my catheter tube and I'll soon have a PEG tube so I am tube lady.
“My immune system is quite severely affected, it doesn't work as well as other people's.
“I can get infections just from the stuff that's meant to be inside your bladder and I have become resistant to antibiotics. It's why ME is life-threatening for me.
“If I get one infection that I don't respond well to then we can't do anything about it because I've not really got very many antibiotics that we can try.
“I was diagnosed at the age of 16 when I lost the ability to walk. I'm not able to get out of bed but I do have a wheelchair.
“Until then, I was healthy and active – “loud, crazy and always laughing” in the words of my sister.
“My condition steadily deteriorated, until seven years ago I became completely bedridden
(Image: Kara Jane Spencer / SWNS)
“Whenever I do something there's always a cost or payback and I might be in pain.
“For example, the other day I was doing too much and I had partial paralysis from the head down.
“My carers have to move my head and arms into a better position. Literally totally paralysed, not able to swallow as well.
“That lasted for six hours, which might not sound like a long time but it really is scary.”
Singing has always been Kara’s passion, right from when she was a small child.
After her health took a turn for the worst, she started writing the songs on the album back in January 2018 while in her hospital bed
Kara wanted to record her singing voice so her two-and-a-half-year-old nephew would have something to remember her by if the worst were to happen.
(Image: Kara Jane Spencer / SWNS)
She said: “We're all singers in our family, we are like the Von Trapp's, so I didn't feel unique or special.
“When I went to university people said I had a good voice. When I became really ill, I was really gutted because I was at a stage at one time where I couldn't sing.
“No matter what will in the world, I would not have been physically able to sing. I was gutted I had never recorded my voice before.
“When I improved slightly enough to be able to sing, even though that's been short blocks of time, I started recording in early 2018.
“Sometimes it's a line at a time, sometimes it's a verse. I would have to then stop the recording for a little bit and go again.
“I have made myself poorly doing it sometimes, I've done it too much. I knew that I wanted to record an album.
“I've always written songs but I'd not kept every one of them. I had one that I thought was really good, from 2015, but I didn't do anything with it.
“After I was in the hospital for a six months stint, songs just came to me. It was a big creative catalyst. Back then I was warned about my life expectancy.
“I could be here for another five or six years or I could be gone with the next two infections.
(Image: Kara Jane Spencer / SWNS)
“It's very up in the air so it's just like anybody else really, but it's not. I am more likely to die due to infection than anyone else.
“When I heard these things, the songs just came to me and demanded to be written.
“One was about my nephew as I wanted to write a song for him in case I didn't grow up with him and have memories of me.
“One was because of anger for my follow ME sufferers and how they're being treated.
“There's a really big case trial but we have been treated rather horrifically by the NHS guidelines.
“It has been disbanded basically since five years ago. They are treating people via these guidelines, even though some of it has even been found to be harmful, not only ineffective.
“My anger about that inspired a couple of songs one of my best friends Marin, she died to this illness three years past at 21 after she was diagnosed at age 15.
“Songs came to me because I had loved and lost.
“That's very poignant in my life because me and my love we still love each other but we just can't be together.
“He is disabled and I am very disabled so there's no life we could have together.
“It's not just an album just about a poorly girl, it's something a lot of people have related to. A group of people being put through hell, like ME sufferers, is not just unique to me.
“It has happened to so many people over the years.
“The last song on the album, 'Remember Us' it says, 'You let me down, You let him down, You let us down,' and it rolls onto 'Remember Us, Remember Them'
“It's about the difficulties as we have been let down as a community of people.”
In May this year, Kara put out an appeal to help complete the album after she had recorded the vocals.
She said: “I had all the vocals recorded but I had no one to take the vocals and make songs. Naomi, my friend, heard them and thought they were great.
“My very, very good friend Scott James. He made one of the songs into a proper song with his fantastic piano playing.
“I got to record with his equipment, and it got us a single. In March I put that out and she said why don't I use that to appeal for more musicians.
“Funnily enough, it was due to coronavirus that everyone was out of work. The situation meant so many musicians were able to respond to the appeal.
“We had over 100 people reply to offer their services in a number of ways. They were saying 'I'm a trumpet player and a guitar player' or 'I'm a sound engineer, I do mastering'
“With the offers from so many people, it was really overwhelming and I am so thankful.”
(Image: Kara Jane Spencer / SWNS)
The appeal reached the ears of 27-year-old Cornwall-based record producer Liam Hicks who said: “Actually, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“There were so many live session musicians and sound engineers out of work due to coronavirus, I included, so we had lots of offers.
“We ended up with about 27 different musicians taking part.”
Co-producer Jim Molyneux said: “Throughout lockdown, I took on the challenge of taking some of these a-capellas and making them into songs.
“I’d then send them to Liam who would make them sound 1000x better and he’d send them on to the string and bass players, drummers, guitarists, etc, who added their parts.”
Kara added: “Massive thanks to Naomi Whittingham and Liam Hicks.
“They're the ones that have done all the Facebooking all the website and all the social media, with Liam producing too.
“We call ourselves the Dream Team, because it has been that way, it really has been fantastic. Naomi has been my ghostwriter as she only recently started using her name.
“She has ME herself and has really helped me if I have been poorly. To do that when she has this disease as well is an incredible feat.”
Tony Britton, fundraising and PR manager with the ME Association, said: “We’d like to thank everybody who put their hearts and souls into getting this album and the single out for no payment whatsoever.
“it was a real labour of love. Especially, huge thanks to Kara who is helping drive our funding of biomedical research into this horrific and much under-rated disease to the next level.
“If anybody with M.E, wants to find out more about how they can donate tissue from their body to medical research, please get in touch through our website.”
In seven out of 10 cases, the illness can be traced back to a viral infection from which sufferers never really recovered.
“There are an estimated 265,000 children and adults who have M.E. in the UK with one in four of whom are so ill they have difficulty getting out of the house or are bedbound.
For more information about Kara’s music and where to find it, visit https://karajanesings.com
To make a donation to the £100,000 appeal separately from buying the album, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kara-jane-sings


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Man transforms old ambulance into luxury mobile home for just £2,000

A man has followed his dream of transforming an old ambulance into a luxury mobile home in his pursuit of living the 'Van Life ' .
Mark Bonito , 40 , from Chertsey , Surrey previously owned a Volkswagen T4 which he skilfully converted into a camper .
This is when he first found a love for family adventures and the the freedom of the open road .
But in April 2019 Mark , who works as web developer , decided to upgrade his crash pad , and refurbish an old ambulance which was destined for the scrapyard into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchased the ambulance from a local auction for £5000 and spent a further £2000 refurbishing it inside and out .
The emergency vehicle came fully equipped with medical equipment and Mark and his partner Sophie Why , 35 , spent days disconnecting , removing and disposing of all unwanted equipment .
A thorough antibacterial clean was also carried out , before the couple were ready to start renovating the inside and equipping it with all the basic living necessities .
Mark decided he wanted to use as many reclaimed items as possible so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops and garage clear outs until they found everything they were looking for .
The bunk bed they settled on was bought at a garage sale and dissected to form a double bed frame , as well as a bench that pulls out to form a second bed .
Additionally , the kitchen area was built mainly from a kitchenette block that was rescued from a skip , and the original ambulance cabinet was adapted to form a good sized sink .
Mark redecorated the outside of the van so it still resembled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for one , and added an LED light bar above the windscreen .
The refurbishment of the vehicle took two months flat out work , and just before the pair were about to set off on their travels they ran into a major complication .
The weight of the ambulance was above the limit on Mark and Sophie 's license , which came as a shock to the web developer , as he had been driving long wheel base vans for 20 years .
He was then faced with months of hard work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theory tests , and countless lessons in preparation for the practical driving exam .
Now in August 2020 Mark and Sophie finally have their beautiful ambulance conversion on the road , ready for adventures together with their families .
Mark has three children from previous marriages and Sophie has two from a past relationship , meaning they have a lovely group to travel the world with .
The pair came up with the name `` Florence '' for their Fiat Ducato ambulance after the medical heroine Florence Nightingale , and for their first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Mark 's new motor home .
Sophie , who works as a radiographer , said : `` Mark is always the first to admit that some research should have been carried out , as owning an ambulance does come with its complications . ''
`` He likes things a little on the quirky side and liked the idea of buying a van that was complete with a good standard of servicing , and fully equipped with gadgets galore ! ''
`` Rescuing a service vehicle that had done a heroic job from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do . ''
Mark added : `` We love the fact we have a reuse theme with all our reclaimed and upcycled items .
Each item bares a memory of where we got it from . ''
`` We 've been to Dorset for the amazing panoramic views of the sea , with a 4am alarm to sit and watch the sunrise with a cup of tea .
`` We 've had a few forest adventures , some riverside stays and last weekend we stayed with the children in the South Down 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sky reserve with an amazing view of the stars .
`` When we 've been travelling to these places and there has been heavy traffic , we always say how handy it would be to still have the blue lights .
We often get a second glance from other road users too !
`` The van has also been great for our relationship .
We both have families from previous relationships , so it is great being able to have time alone together in the van but be able to get back quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` I work from the van remotely which is really comfortable .
I did all the electrics , heating and internet making it a really lovely space for me to live in .
My kids love it too .
`` We have a real passion for cooking , and have our own blog where we share recipes that can be easily cooked in vans whilst on the road . ''
`` Being part of the van life community is amazing because your not tied down and you can visit the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is incredible and I would n't change it for the world . ''

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Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
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A man has followed his dream of transforming an old ambulance into a luxury mobile home in his pursuit of living the 'Van Life'.
Mark Bonito, 40, from Chertsey, Surrey previously owned a Volkswagen T4 which he skilfully converted into a camper.
This is when he first found a love for family adventures and the the freedom of the open road.
But in April 2019 Mark, who works as web developer, decided to upgrade his crash pad, and refurbish an old ambulance which was destined for the scrapyard into a modern, comfortable living space.
He purchased the ambulance from a local auction for £5000 and spent a further £2000 refurbishing it inside and out.
The emergency vehicle came fully equipped with medical equipment and Mark and his partner Sophie Why, 35, spent days disconnecting, removing and disposing of all unwanted equipment.
A thorough antibacterial clean was also carried out, before the couple were ready to start renovating the inside and equipping it with all the basic living necessities.
(Image: Mark Bonito / SWNS)
Mark decided he wanted to use as many reclaimed items as possible so they scouted car boot sales, charity shops and garage clear outs until they found everything they were looking for.
The bunk bed they settled on was bought at a garage sale and dissected to form a double bed frame, as well as a bench that pulls out to form a second bed.
Additionally, the kitchen area was built mainly from a kitchenette block that was rescued from a skip, and the original ambulance cabinet was adapted to form a good sized sink.
Mark redecorated the outside of the van so it still resembled an ambulance but couldn't be mistaken for one, and added an LED light bar above the windscreen.
The refurbishment of the vehicle took two months flat out work, and just before the pair were about to set off on their travels they ran into a major complication.
(Image: Mark Bonito / SWNS)
The weight of the ambulance was above the limit on Mark and Sophie's license, which came as a shock to the web developer, as he had been driving long wheel base vans for 20 years.
He was then faced with months of hard work in order to pass the two written theory tests, and countless lessons in preparation for the practical driving exam.
Now in August 2020 Mark and Sophie finally have their beautiful ambulance conversion on the road, ready for adventures together with their families.
(Image: Mark Bonito / SWNS)
Mark has three children from previous marriages and Sophie has two from a past relationship, meaning they have a lovely group to travel the world with.
The pair came up with the name "Florence" for their Fiat Ducato ambulance after the medical heroine Florence Nightingale, and for their first trip plan to explore the Arctic together in Mark's new motor home.
Sophie, who works as a radiographer, said: "Mark is always the first to admit that some research should have been carried out, as owning an ambulance does come with its complications."
"He likes things a little on the quirky side and liked the idea of buying a van that was complete with a good standard of servicing, and fully equipped with gadgets galore!"
"Rescuing a service vehicle that had done a heroic job from being scrapped seemed the right thing to do."
Mark added: "We love the fact we have a reuse theme with all our reclaimed and upcycled items. Each item bares a memory of where we got it from."
"We've been to Dorset for the amazing panoramic views of the sea, with a 4am alarm to sit and watch the sunrise with a cup of tea.
"We've had a few forest adventures, some riverside stays and last weekend we stayed with the children in the South Down's National Park, which is a dark sky reserve with an amazing view of the stars.
"When we've been travelling to these places and there has been heavy traffic, we always say how handy it would be to still have the blue lights. We often get a second glance from other road users too!
"The van has also been great for our relationship. We both have families from previous relationships, so it is great being able to have time alone together in the van but be able to get back quickly to our kids if we need to."
"I work from the van remotely which is really comfortable. I did all the electrics, heating and internet making it a really lovely space for me to live in.
My kids love it too.
"We have a real passion for cooking, and have our own blog where we share recipes that can be easily cooked in vans whilst on the road."
"Being part of the van life community is amazing because your not tied down and you can visit the most beautiful places without leaving your home. It is incredible and I wouldn't change it for the world."


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Live updates - M5 West Bromwich slip closed after HGV crash

A slip road to a busy motorway has been closed off after a lorry crash at a nearby roundabout .
@ @ @ @ @ on the M5 at J1 for West Bromwich was closed at 9pm on Monday night @ @ @ @ @ England warned motorists of the closure after a HGV overturned on the island closeby .
@ @ @ @ @ to be on scene to deal with the collision .
It was not clear if @ @ @ @ @ this stage .
This is a live blog , we will be updating it .

A slip road to a busy motorway has been closed off after a lorry crash at a nearby roundabout.
The southbound exit slip road on the M5 at J1 for West Bromwich was closed at 9pm on Monday night, August 10.
Highways England warned motorists of the closure after a HGV overturned on the island closeby.
Central Motorway Police were said to be on scene to deal with the collision.
It was not clear if there were any injuries at this stage.
This is a live blog, we will be updating it.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--'Huge explosion, cracked windows and acrid smoke in throat' - witness

An industrial manager who was 'trapped ' for two hours in the vicinity of a severe blaze has described the moment he heard a huge explosion as toxic fumes were seen across Birmingham .
Carl Read , 54 , heard a bang so loud he jumped as it erupted amidst a massive fire in the unit opposite his in Tyseley Industrial Estate late on Monday afternoon ( August 10 ) .
The managing director revealed how he became stuck in Seeleys Road alongside 40 other workers as emergency services - including 100 firefighters , police and the hazardous response team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his unit - just metres from the scene of a blaze so major it was seen for miles across the city - he saw one of the windows to his business 'crack ' due to the intense heat .
After what he described as 'quite a traumatic ' ordeal , Mr Read told BirminghamLive : `` Within 45 minutes to an hour it turned from something that looked reasonably minor which could be tackled quite easily to this absolute inferno .
It was quite traumatic . ''
The Westair Productions manager and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving plastic in the factory opposite at around 4.45pm .
Thinking nothing of it , they continued to work until one of the windows cracked and a firefighter urged them to leave their unit immediately .
He continued : `` We did n't realise the danger we were actually in until I walked outside and a fireman said : 'You should n't be here , you need to get your staff and you need to leave as quickly as possible ' . ''
The pair , who were alone in the building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been left on inside before evacuating at around 5.30pm .
`` By the time you went to go to the front door , you could n't touch the double glazed door because it was that hot .
You could feel , when were in the office , this real intense heat , '' he added .
`` While I was on the phone to my wife , I heard a big explosion .
A really loud bang .
There were a couple of smaller ones as well .
It made you jump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were leaving they must have had near enough 100 firefighters , police and ambulances and all sorts . ''
He and other workers were evacuated from their buildings , but Carl says they were unable to leave Seeleys Road due to emergency services blocking the roads .
`` They let us out the building , but they would n't let us walk out or out in a vehicle from Seeleys Road .
Two hours we had to wait for them to let us out , '' he claimed .
Mr Read has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been damaged in the blaze as they 'could n't get near it ' , but feared the worst after seeing smoke from his neighbouring unit 's roof .
`` There 's a road between us and that unit and they have a metal fence that runs down .
But from the actual heat from the fire it blew all the windows out .
And obviously we were very concerned then about getting fire into our unit .
`` The unit next to us which is taller had smoke coming from the roof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting back of your throat .
Really black , acrid smoke billowing out . ''
He eventually left the scene to go to his Solihull home , as fire crews told of plans to get water from the Grand Canal to extinguish the fire .
The latest statement from the fire service read : `` We now have more than 100 firefighters tackling a severe fire at a plastics factory on Tyseley Industrial Estate , Birmingham .
Follow our live-blog for updates here '' This incident will last into the night .
Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors closed if you live nearby . ''
West Midlands Police are on scene to help with road closures - which include Seeleys Road and major commuter route , Warwick Road .
Drivers were told to avoid the area along with Stratford Road as there was heavy congestion in the area following the blaze .
Bus services were also 'severely affected ' with passengers warned to plan ahead of their travel .

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An industrial manager who was 'trapped' for two hours in the vicinity of a severe blaze has described the moment he heard a huge explosion as toxic fumes were seen across Birmingham.
Carl Read, 54, heard a bang so loud he jumped as it erupted amidst a massive fire in the unit opposite his in Tyseley Industrial Estate late on Monday afternoon (August 10).
The managing director revealed how he became stuck in Seeleys Road alongside 40 other workers as emergency services - including 100 firefighters, police and the hazardous response team - flooded the scene.
While inside his unit - just metres from the scene of a blaze so major it was seen for miles across the city - he saw one of the windows to his business 'crack' due to the intense heat.
After what he described as 'quite a traumatic' ordeal, Mr Read told BirminghamLive: "Within 45 minutes to an hour it turned from something that looked reasonably minor which could be tackled quite easily to this absolute inferno. It was quite traumatic."
The Westair Productions manager and his brother initially saw a 'small fire' involving plastic in the factory opposite at around 4.45pm.
Thinking nothing of it, they continued to work until one of the windows cracked and a firefighter urged them to leave their unit immediately.
He continued: "We didn't realise the danger we were actually in until I walked outside and a fireman said: 'You shouldn't be here, you need to get your staff and you need to leave as quickly as possible'."
The pair, who were alone in the building, went to shut down five computers which had been left on inside before evacuating at around 5.30pm.
"By the time you went to go to the front door, you couldn't touch the double glazed door because it was that hot. You could feel, when were in the office, this real intense heat," he added.
"While I was on the phone to my wife, I heard a big explosion. A really loud bang. There were a couple of smaller ones as well. It made you jump it was that loud.
"As we were leaving they must have had near enough 100 firefighters, police and ambulances and all sorts."
(Image: Darren Quinton)
He and other workers were evacuated from their buildings, but Carl says they were unable to leave Seeleys Road due to emergency services blocking the roads.
"They let us out the building, but they wouldn't let us walk out or out in a vehicle from Seeleys Road. Two hours we had to wait for them to let us out," he claimed.
Mr Read has no idea whether or not his unit has been damaged in the blaze as they 'couldn't get near it', but feared the worst after seeing smoke from his neighbouring unit's roof.
(Image: Sarah Read)
"There's a road between us and that unit and they have a metal fence that runs down. But from the actual heat from the fire it blew all the windows out. And obviously we were very concerned then about getting fire into our unit.
"The unit next to us which is taller had smoke coming from the roof. It was acrid, it was getting back of your throat. Really black, acrid smoke billowing out."
He eventually left the scene to go to his Solihull home, as fire crews told of plans to get water from the Grand Canal to extinguish the fire.
The latest statement from the fire service read: "We now have more than 100 firefighters tackling a severe fire at a plastics factory on Tyseley Industrial Estate, Birmingham.
Follow our live-blog for updates here
"This incident will last into the night. Please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed if you live nearby."
West Midlands Police are on scene to help with road closures - which include Seeleys Road and major commuter route, Warwick Road.
Drivers were told to avoid the area along with Stratford Road as there was heavy congestion in the area following the blaze.
Bus services were also 'severely affected' with passengers warned to plan ahead of their travel.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Birmingham City linked with 'highly-rated' Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter

Birmingham City have been linked with a move for goalkeeper Nathan Baxter .
According to The Sun , Derby County have also expressed an interest in the 21-year-old Chelsea stopper .
The two clubs are reported to want to sign the former Ross County man on loan .
Baxter , who counts Solihull Moors among his former clubs , is yet to make a competitive appearance for Frank Lampard 's side .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here He is , however , working his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Yeovil Town in League Two last season earning him the player of the year award at Huish Park .
And he made the step up to the Scottish Premiership with Ross County in 2019-20 , making 13 appearances for the Victoria Park side .
Like most of Chelsea 's loan stars , he has considerable experience in the Stamford Bridge youth ranks and has appeared in Europe 's top competition for youngsters , the UEFA Youth League , twice .
Now Chelsea think the time is right for him to get experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with two clubs in Blues and Derby in need of new stoppers .
Lee Camp and Ben Hamer , who were Blues and Derby 's number ones respectively for most of the season , have both left the clubs .
At St Andrew 's , Connal Trueman has joined AFC Wimbledon on loan meaning a new goalkeeper is at the top of Aitor Karanka 's transfer wish-list .
The Sun quote an 'insider ' at Chelsea as saying : `` This kid has got real talent and Derby and Birmingham are both @ @ @ @

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Birmingham City have been linked with a move for goalkeeper Nathan Baxter.
According to The Sun, Derby County have also expressed an interest in the 21-year-old Chelsea stopper.
The two clubs are reported to want to sign the former Ross County man on loan.
Baxter, who counts Solihull Moors among his former clubs, is yet to make a competitive appearance for Frank Lampard's side.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
He is, however, working his way up the Leagues with his performances for Yeovil Town in League Two last season earning him the player of the year award at Huish Park.
And he made the step up to the Scottish Premiership with Ross County in 2019-20, making 13 appearances for the Victoria Park side.
Like most of Chelsea's loan stars, he has considerable experience in the Stamford Bridge youth ranks and has appeared in Europe's top competition for youngsters, the UEFA Youth League, twice.
Now Chelsea think the time is right for him to get experience in the Championship, according to reports, with two clubs in Blues and Derby in need of new stoppers.
Lee Camp and Ben Hamer, who were Blues and Derby's number ones respectively for most of the season, have both left the clubs.
At St Andrew's, Connal Trueman has joined AFC Wimbledon on loan meaning a new goalkeeper is at the top of Aitor Karanka's transfer wish-list.
The Sun quote an 'insider' at Chelsea as saying: "This kid has got real talent and Derby and Birmingham are both really keen.”


birminghammail--2020-08-10--'Harmful fumes' filling skyline from major fire

Police have warned of the 'harmful fumes ' sweeping across Birmingham 's skyline as more than 100 firefighters tackle a severe industrial blaze .
The huge fire service response more than doubled within an hour when the fire broke out at Tyseley Industrial Estate on Monday afternoon , August 10 .
Initially , ten fire crews - a total of around 50 firefighters - were in attendance to battle the raging inferno as it tore across a row of units at 5.30pm .
But by 7pm , the service were forced to increase the number of crews as witnesses reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire sparked .
Now , police have warned residents of a 'number of harmful fumes ' filling the air - with residents told they must keep all doors and windows firmly shut .
A statement from Hodge Hill officers read : `` For those who live around the Greet area of Sparkhill , please keep your windows and doors closed .
`` The blaze at the industrial area is likely to go on throughout the night and is producing a number of harmful fumes . ''
It came as fire crews also informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'last into the night ' .
The latest statement from the fire service read : `` We now have more than 100 firefighters tackling a severe fire at a plastics factory on Tyseley Industrial Estate , Birmingham .
`` This incident will last into the night .
Please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed if you live nearby . ''
Follow our live-blog for updates here West Midlands Police are on scene to help with road closures - which include Seeleys Road and major commuter route , Warwick Road .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with Stratford Road as there was heavy congestion in the area following the blaze .
Bus services were also 'severely affected ' with passengers warned to plan ahead of their travel .

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Police have warned of the 'harmful fumes' sweeping across Birmingham's skyline as more than 100 firefighters tackle a severe industrial blaze.
The huge fire service response more than doubled within an hour when the fire broke out at Tyseley Industrial Estate on Monday afternoon, August 10.
Initially, ten fire crews - a total of around 50 firefighters - were in attendance to battle the raging inferno as it tore across a row of units at 5.30pm.
But by 7pm, the service were forced to increase the number of crews as witnesses reported several 'big explosions' after the initial fire sparked.
Now, police have warned residents of a 'number of harmful fumes' filling the air - with residents told they must keep all doors and windows firmly shut.
A statement from Hodge Hill officers read: "For those who live around the Greet area of Sparkhill, please keep your windows and doors closed.
"The blaze at the industrial area is likely to go on throughout the night and is producing a number of harmful fumes."
It came as fire crews also informed locals that the major city incident would 'last into the night'.
The latest statement from the fire service read: "We now have more than 100 firefighters tackling a severe fire at a plastics factory on Tyseley Industrial Estate, Birmingham.
"This incident will last into the night. Please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed if you live nearby."
Follow our live-blog for updates here
West Midlands Police are on scene to help with road closures - which include Seeleys Road and major commuter route, Warwick Road.
Drivers were told to avoid the area along with Stratford Road as there was heavy congestion in the area following the blaze.
Bus services were also 'severely affected' with passengers warned to plan ahead of their travel.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Ex Albion coach Downing back in club football with Bristol City

Former West Brom coach Keith Downing is back in club football after leaving his job at the FA to assist new Bristol City boss Dean Holden .
Oldbury born Downing , who enjoyed a spell with Wolves in his playing days , arrived at The Hawthorns as an academy coach in 2009 , and worked under Roy Hodgson , Steve Clarke , Pepe Mel and Alan Irvine with the first team as the Baggies established themselves in the Premier League .
Indeed during Mel ’ s tenure , Downing and fellow coach Dean Kiely played a considerable role in ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relegation in 2014 .
Downing left Albion in 2015 when Tony Pulis arrived , and had since been involved in the England youth set-up , which included leading the U19s to Euro glory in 2017 .
Now , alongside fellow Lions coach Paul Simpson , Downing has moved back into club football to work under new Robins boss Holden , who has replaced sacked Lee Johnson .
“ They ’ re two fantastic coaches .
Fantastic knowledge of players .
They ’ ve got real good ideas , ” Holden told BristolLive of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s testament to the football club that they decided to leave good jobs at the FA .
“ When I met the two of them , I thought this is what I need around me .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com “ You ’ ve got to get people around you who are good at what you ’ re not so good at .
You ’ ve got two strong characters who are prepared to give their opinion.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked under Downing at Albion - and is now a coach himself with Clarke in the Scotland set-up - congratulated him upon the appointment .
“ Delighted to see Keith Downing back in club football at Bristol City .
Fantastic coach and football man , ” he tweeted .

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Former West Brom coach Keith Downing is back in club football after leaving his job at the FA to assist new Bristol City boss Dean Holden.
Oldbury born Downing, who enjoyed a spell with Wolves in his playing days, arrived at The Hawthorns as an academy coach in 2009, and worked under Roy Hodgson, Steve Clarke, Pepe Mel and Alan Irvine with the first team as the Baggies established themselves in the Premier League.
Indeed during Mel’s tenure, Downing and fellow coach Dean Kiely played a considerable role in ensuring Albion battled successfully against the threat of relegation in 2014.
Downing left Albion in 2015 when Tony Pulis arrived, and had since been involved in the England youth set-up, which included leading the U19s to Euro glory in 2017.
Now, alongside fellow Lions coach Paul Simpson, Downing has moved back into club football to work under new Robins boss Holden, who has replaced sacked Lee Johnson.
“They’re two fantastic coaches. Fantastic knowledge of players. They’ve got real good ideas,” Holden told BristolLive of Downing and Simpson. “I think it’s testament to the football club that they decided to leave good jobs at the FA.
“When I met the two of them, I thought this is what I need around me.
“You’ve got to get people around you who are good at what you’re not so good at. You’ve got two strong characters who are prepared to give their opinion.”
Former Albion defender Steven Reid, who worked under Downing at Albion - and is now a coach himself with Clarke in the Scotland set-up - congratulated him upon the appointment.
“Delighted to see Keith Downing back in club football at Bristol City. Fantastic coach and football man,” he tweeted.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Birmingham City linked with Kayden Jackson following Ipswich Town decision

Birmingham City have been linked with a move for free agent Kayden Jackson following his departure from Ipswich Town .
According to website Football Insider , Blues ' Championship rivals Coventry City and Stoke City are also interested in the 26-year-old .
Jackson has turned down the offer of a new contract with League One side Ipswich Town following his decision to turn down an extension to his current deal at Portman Road , it is being said .
He signed a three-year deal with Paul Lambert 's side in August 2018 when he made the move from Accrington Stanley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Jackson , who has come up from non-league and established himself at League One , scored 15 goals and registered 18 assists for Accrington in 2017-18 as they achieved promotion to the third tier .
The former Tamworth striker 's only Championship campaign came in 2018-19 , when Ipswich suffered relegation .
He scored three goals and registered two assists for Ipswich and hit 11 strikes and contributed to seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up short in their bid to return to the Championship immediately with the coronavirus pandemic ending the season early .
Blues , under the command of Aitor Karanka , have also been linked with a move for Middlesbrough defender George Friend .
Danny Fox , who played under Karanka at Nottingham Forest , has also been linked .
The St Andrew 's side banked around €25 million from the sale of Jude Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund last month .

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Birmingham City have been linked with a move for free agent Kayden Jackson following his departure from Ipswich Town.
According to website Football Insider, Blues' Championship rivals Coventry City and Stoke City are also interested in the 26-year-old.
Jackson has turned down the offer of a new contract with League One side Ipswich Town following his decision to turn down an extension to his current deal at Portman Road, it is being said.
He signed a three-year deal with Paul Lambert's side in August 2018 when he made the move from Accrington Stanley for a reported fee of around £1 million.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Jackson, who has come up from non-league and established himself at League One, scored 15 goals and registered 18 assists for Accrington in 2017-18 as they achieved promotion to the third tier.
The former Tamworth striker's only Championship campaign came in 2018-19, when Ipswich suffered relegation.
He scored three goals and registered two assists for Ipswich and hit 11 strikes and contributed to seven goals in 2019-20.
Ipswich ultimately came up short in their bid to return to the Championship immediately with the coronavirus pandemic ending the season early.
Blues, under the command of Aitor Karanka, have also been linked with a move for Middlesbrough defender George Friend.
Danny Fox, who played under Karanka at Nottingham Forest, has also been linked.
The St Andrew's side banked around €25 million from the sale of Jude Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund last month.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Fire in Tyseley to last 'into night' as new warning issued to residents

Fire crews have confirmed the dramatic blaze in Tyseley will last `` well into the night '' as emergency services issued a fresh warning over keeping doors and windows shut .
Issuing an update on Monday , August 10 , West Midlands Fire Service has told followers on Twitter : `` We now have more than 100 firefighters tackling a severe fire at a plastics factory on Tyseley Industrial Estate , Birmingham . ''
The emergency services then added : `` This incident will last into the night .
`` Please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blaze erupted at an industrial estate in the south of Birmingham this afternoon ( August 10 ) - sparking an initial response of 50 firefighters .
Ten fire engines were rushed to the Tyseley Industrial Estate in the south west of the city .
A hazardous response team is also on scene .
Seeleys Road , where the factories are based , has been blocked off while motorists and bus users were warned of heavy congestion in surrounding roads .
West Midlands Police is aware of the ongoing incident , it has confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what caused the fire .
West Midlands Roads tweeted : `` There is heavy congestion in the surrounding areas near # TyseleyIndustrialEstate due to a large fire ; with with the # A41 Warwick Road and the # A34 Stratford Road # Sparkhill # Tyseley severely affected .
`` Avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible . ''
Earlier , West Midlands Fire Service announced that it had received dozens of calls regarding the fire .
A spokesperson for the service said : `` We currently have 10 appliances plus specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Tyseley Industrial Estate .
Follow our live-blog for updates here .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Rodger, Stephanie Balloo)

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Fire crews have confirmed the dramatic blaze in Tyseley will last "well into the night" as emergency services issued a fresh warning over keeping doors and windows shut.
Issuing an update on Monday, August 10, West Midlands Fire Service has told followers on Twitter: "We now have more than 100 firefighters tackling a severe fire at a plastics factory on Tyseley Industrial Estate, Birmingham."
The emergency services then added: "This incident will last into the night.
"Please avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed if you live nearby."
The blaze erupted at an industrial estate in the south of Birmingham this afternoon (August 10) - sparking an initial response of 50 firefighters.
Ten fire engines were rushed to the Tyseley Industrial Estate in the south west of the city. A hazardous response team is also on scene.
Seeleys Road, where the factories are based, has been blocked off while motorists and bus users were warned of heavy congestion in surrounding roads.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
West Midlands Police is aware of the ongoing incident, it has confirmed to BirminghamLive.
It is currently unclear what caused the fire.
West Midlands Roads tweeted: "There is heavy congestion in the surrounding areas near #TyseleyIndustrialEstate due to a large fire; with with the #A41 Warwick Road and the #A34 Stratford Road #Sparkhill #Tyseley severely affected.
"Avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible."
Earlier, West Midlands Fire Service announced that it had received dozens of calls regarding the fire.
A spokesperson for the service said: "We currently have 10 appliances plus specialist appliances in attendance at a severe fire at Tyseley Industrial Estate .
Follow our live-blog for updates here.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Villa fans pay an emotional tribute to departed James Chester

James Chester has made his Stoke City move a permanent arrangement on a free transfer after his Aston Villa contract came to an end - and Lions fans would like to see the defender given a send off befitting of his services .
The centre half , a fan favourite during his time at Villa , spent four years at Villa Park but struggled with injuries in his final year and was loaned out to the Potters in January , for a loan spell to last the remainder of the season .
In that time , either side of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stoke as they avoided relegation under Michael O ’ Neill .
The Welshman has been spotted as the club commenced pre-season training , reports the Stoke Sentinel , and Chester did enough in his loan spell to prompt O ’ Neill and Stoke to offer him permanent terms .
Chester , now 31 , made more than 120 appearances for Villa , the majority of them in the Championship , after signing for around £9m from West Brom .
The tributes from the Villa faithful flooded in upon the news - with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversee the organising of a testimonial , or an equivalent , for Chester .
Jamie Clewer : Deserves to be remembered with genuine fondness for the important role he played in the turnaround at Villa Park .
What a nice guy as well .
Silver Fox : He is an absolute hero .
He put his career on the line for the club and leaves with every Villa fan ’ s lasting gratitude and best wishes .
Andi : Players still have testimonials ?
Chester should get a testimonial Mr MWB : All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always have the respect of the Villa fans .
You put your career on the line for our club and we ’ ll never forget that .
Good luck at Stoke and beyond AVFC Pearson : A player that always showed class and dedication , such a smooth player and leader gon na miss Chester wish him all the best Jamie Reece : All the best to James Chester .
Put his career on the line for us , great leader , Mr Reliable The Villan : Thanks for your service , James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the good guys Ash : What a pro man .
One of the bright sparks in the 3 years in the championship .
Destroyed his body for our club .
Top top guy .
AVFCNews : He is everything you want in a man and in a player , played through a severe injury which could ’ ve cost him his career , what a man and hero , all the best Chezzie , our Captain Aaron Bourne : James Chester put his body through pain just to help us when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t forget Grealish asking Chester to lift the trophy with him .
Has to go down as a Villa hero and a definite fan favourite !
All the best Chester !
Prinxe : James Chester should be afforded a special match similar to a testimonial for his commitment to # avfc .
I ’ m yet to see a player pretty much cut their career short by a few years by playing through a serious injury in pure devotion for his club .

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James Chester has made his Stoke City move a permanent arrangement on a free transfer after his Aston Villa contract came to an end - and Lions fans would like to see the defender given a send off befitting of his services.
The centre half, a fan favourite during his time at Villa, spent four years at Villa Park but struggled with injuries in his final year and was loaned out to the Potters in January, for a loan spell to last the remainder of the season.
In that time, either side of the lockdown, Chester made 16 appearances for Stoke as they avoided relegation under Michael O’Neill.
The Welshman has been spotted as the club commenced pre-season training, reports the Stoke Sentinel, and Chester did enough in his loan spell to prompt O’Neill and Stoke to offer him permanent terms.
Chester, now 31, made more than 120 appearances for Villa, the majority of them in the Championship, after signing for around £9m from West Brom.
The tributes from the Villa faithful flooded in upon the news - with a number of supporters calling for Villa to oversee the organising of a testimonial, or an equivalent, for Chester.
Villa fans pay tribute to Chester
Jamie Clewer: Deserves to be remembered with genuine fondness for the important role he played in the turnaround at Villa Park. What a nice guy as well.
Silver Fox: He is an absolute hero. He put his career on the line for the club and leaves with every Villa fan’s lasting gratitude and best wishes.
Andi : Players still have testimonials? Chester should get a testimonial
(Image: 2020 Aston Villa FC)
Mr MWB: All the best James, you’ll always have the respect of the Villa fans. You put your career on the line for our club and we’ll never forget that. Good luck at Stoke and beyond
AVFC Pearson: A player that always showed class and dedication, such a smooth player and leader gonna miss Chester wish him all the best
Jamie Reece: All the best to James Chester. Put his career on the line for us, great leader, Mr Reliable
The Villan: Thanks for your service, James Chester. Will definitely be remembered as one of the good guys
Ash : What a pro man. One of the bright sparks in the 3 years in the championship. Destroyed his body for our club. Top top guy.
AVFCNews : He is everything you want in a man and in a player, played through a severe injury which could’ve cost him his career, what a man and hero, all the best Chezzie, our Captain
Aaron Bourne: James Chester put his body through pain just to help us when we needed him the most. Won’t forget Grealish asking Chester to lift the trophy with him. Has to go down as a Villa hero and a definite fan favourite! All the best Chester!
Prinxe : James Chester should be afforded a special match similar to a testimonial for his commitment to #avfc. I’m yet to see a player pretty much cut their career short by a few years by playing through a serious injury in pure devotion for his club.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Watch factory engulfed in raging flames and thick clouds of smoke

This is the shocking moment raging orange flames and thick grey clouds of smoke engulfed a row of city units during a severe blaze .
Firefighters were filmed desperately trying to extinguish the huge flames as they tore through factories at Tyseley Industrial Estate on Monday evening , August 10 .
The dramatic footage was filmed just after 5pm - with reports of several 'big explosions ' taking place after the clip was taken - we have contacted West Midlands Fire Service for more information .
Seeleys Road , where the factories are based , has been blocked off while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy congestion in surrounding roads .
Motorists were told to avoid major routes Stratford Road and Warwick Road as around 50 firefighters battled the inferno shown above .
All National Express and Diamond bus services in the area were said to be 'severely affected ' , with passengers warned to plan ahead of travel .
Emergency services urgently told residents nearby to close all windows and doors to stop the smoke entering their homes and businesses .
West Midlands Fire Service said : `` We currently have 10 appliances plus specialist appliances in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Industrial Estate # Birmingham Please keep doors and windows closed . ''
The major incident has been spotted from most areas of Birmingham - from Stirchley and Sparkbrook to the city centre and Birmingham Airport .
Hundreds of pictures and video have been flooding social media , from the thick black smoke filling the sky in Tyseley to the diluted plumes seen rising into the air from the Druids Heath area .

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This is the shocking moment raging orange flames and thick grey clouds of smoke engulfed a row of city units during a severe blaze.
Firefighters were filmed desperately trying to extinguish the huge flames as they tore through factories at Tyseley Industrial Estate on Monday evening, August 10.
The dramatic footage was filmed just after 5pm - with reports of several 'big explosions' taking place after the clip was taken - we have contacted West Midlands Fire Service for more information.
Seeleys Road, where the factories are based, has been blocked off while motorists and bus users were warned of heavy congestion in surrounding roads.
Motorists were told to avoid major routes Stratford Road and Warwick Road as around 50 firefighters battled the inferno shown above.
All National Express and Diamond bus services in the area were said to be 'severely affected', with passengers warned to plan ahead of travel.
Emergency services urgently told residents nearby to close all windows and doors to stop the smoke entering their homes and businesses.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
West Midlands Fire Service said: "We currently have 10 appliances plus specialist appliances in attendance at a severe fire at Tyseley Industrial Estate #Birmingham Please keep doors and windows closed."
The major incident has been spotted from most areas of Birmingham - from Stirchley and Sparkbrook to the city centre and Birmingham Airport.
Hundreds of pictures and video have been flooding social media, from the thick black smoke filling the sky in Tyseley to the diluted plumes seen rising into the air from the Druids Heath area.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Aston Villa transfer news live - Emi Buendia linked plus more rumours

Hello and welcome to Monday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa 's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer , the 2020/21 campaign just a month from Wednesday .
All the latest Villa news , views rumours will be added to our live blog below throughout the day , with new signings and transfers linked to the club .
Brentford stars Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma remain the key targets for Villa following the Bees ' play-off final defeat - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye on the situation concerning those two players .
There will be plenty on the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Callum Wilson , too , some of the latest players linked with a Villa Park switch .
The Celtic and Bournemouth forwards have dominated the Villa headlines in recent days and that could well continue into this week .
We will , of course , also have latest on Jack Grealish 's future as Manchester United and Arsenal continue to be linked with a move .
So stay with us on today 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joseph Chapman, Richard Cusack)

Hello and welcome to Monday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you informed on all the key developments across today as Villa's transfer window gathers pace and the new season draws closer, the 2020/21 campaign just a month from Wednesday.
All the latest Villa news, views rumours will be added to our live blog below throughout the day, with new signings and transfers linked to the club.
Brentford stars Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma remain the key targets for Villa following the Bees' play-off final defeat - so we will be keeping a close eye on the situation concerning those two players.
There will be plenty on the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Callum Wilson, too, some of the latest players linked with a Villa Park switch.
The Celtic and Bournemouth forwards have dominated the Villa headlines in recent days and that could well continue into this week.
We will, of course, also have latest on Jack Grealish's future as Manchester United and Arsenal continue to be linked with a move.
So stay with us on today's blog and be sure to check back for all the latest Villa transfer news and opinion.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Dramatic fire in Tyseley as smoke spreads across city - what we know so far

Crews from 10 fire engines are tackling a `` severe '' blaze on an industrial estate in Birmingham .
West Midlands Fire Service tweeted : `` We are answering high volumes of calls to an incident we are at on Tyseley Industrial Estate .
`` We have over 10 appliances in attendance . ''
The fire service urged people to keep doors and windows shut as it tried to bring the blaze under control .
Images on social media show a thick column of smoke rising from the site , with the dark cloud visible from miles away .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dramatic unfolding incident .
To keep up to date with updates , continue to follow our live-blog here .
What has happened in Tyseley ?
WMFS has confirmed more than 50 of its staff members are tackling the `` severe '' blaze .
The fire has unfolded at Tyseley Industrial Estate on August 10 ( Monday ) .
The emergency services have urgently warned Brummies to keep their doors and windows closed .
Smoke from the fire can be seen in the city centre .
Photos from as far away as Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also show the thick plume of smoke billowing above the city skyline .
How far can the smoke be seen from ?
The smoke is visible from several areas around the city .
Amazingly , photos from as far away as Birmingham Airport , situated near the NEC , in Solihull , show the thick plumes .
Other images from Small Heath , Sparkbrook , Newtown , Bordesely Green , Sparkhill , and Livery Street , in the Jewellery Quarter , also show the dramatic blaze .
What have emergency services said ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service warned : `` We currently have 10 appliances plus specialist appliances in attendance at a severe fire at Tyseley Industrial Estate # Birmingham Please keep doors and windows closed . ''
We asked West Midlands Police for information and were told they are ‘ aware ’ of the fire .
There is heavy congestion in the surrounding areas near Tyseley Industrial Estate .
The A41 Warwick Road and the A34 Stratford Road through Sparkhill and Tyseley are also severely affected .
Avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible .
Bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delays if travelling in the area this evening .
The delays will affect you if you ’ re travelling on the following services : It is currently unclear what caused the fire .
The fire has caused most bus routes in the area to grind to a halt .
Concerned locals took to Twitter to post messages about the fire .
One person wrote : `` Massive fire in # Tyseley .
Please stay safe @ WestMidsFire .
`` Praying that no one is hurt . ''
Another tweeted : `` This fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tyseley . ''
A third person commented : `` I can see it on the horizon 8 miles away in Cofton Hackett ! ''

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Crews from 10 fire engines are tackling a "severe" blaze on an industrial estate in Birmingham.
West Midlands Fire Service tweeted: "We are answering high volumes of calls to an incident we are at on Tyseley Industrial Estate.
"We have over 10 appliances in attendance."
The fire service urged people to keep doors and windows shut as it tried to bring the blaze under control.
Images on social media show a thick column of smoke rising from the site, with the dark cloud visible from miles away.
This is everything we know so far about the dramatic unfolding incident. To keep up to date with updates, continue to follow our live-blog here.
What has happened in Tyseley?
(Image: Thomas Cantwell)
WMFS has confirmed more than 50 of its staff members are tackling the "severe" blaze.
The fire has unfolded at Tyseley Industrial Estate on August 10 (Monday).
The emergency services have urgently warned Brummies to keep their doors and windows closed.
Smoke from the fire can be seen in the city centre.
Photos from as far away as Birmingham Airport and in Hall Green and Solihull also show the thick plume of smoke billowing above the city skyline.
(Image: Khalid Hussain)
How far can the smoke be seen from?
The smoke is visible from several areas around the city.
Amazingly, photos from as far away as Birmingham Airport, situated near the NEC, in Solihull, show the thick plumes.
Other images from Small Heath, Sparkbrook, Newtown, Bordesely Green, Sparkhill, and Livery Street, in the Jewellery Quarter, also show the dramatic blaze.
What have emergency services said?
In a tweet, West Midlands Fire Service warned: "We currently have 10 appliances plus specialist appliances in attendance at a severe fire at Tyseley Industrial Estate #Birmingham Please keep doors and windows closed."
We asked West Midlands Police for information and were told they are ‘aware’ of the fire.
(Image: Darren Quinton)
How is traffic affected?
There is heavy congestion in the surrounding areas near Tyseley Industrial Estate.
The A41 Warwick Road and the A34 Stratford Road through Sparkhill and Tyseley are also severely affected.
Avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible.
Bus users have been told to expect severe delays if travelling in the area this evening.
The delays will affect you if you’re travelling on the following services:
National Express
2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 8A, 8C, 17, 28, 60
Diamond buses
34, 36
What caused the fire?
It is currently unclear what caused the fire.
The fire has caused most bus routes in the area to grind to a halt.
Concerned locals took to Twitter to post messages about the fire.
One person wrote: "Massive fire in #Tyseley. Please stay safe @WestMidsFire.
"Praying that no one is hurt."
Another tweeted: "This fire really needs to be brought under control in Tyseley."
A third person commented: "I can see it on the horizon 8 miles away in Cofton Hackett!"


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Wolves tipped to make move for winger available for €30m

Wolves make up a three-way battle for Porto winger Jesus Corona - and it ’ s been claimed that any interested clubs can sign the player for €30m .
Nuno Espirito Santo is desperate to bring Corona to Wolves in the next transfer window , according to reports in Portugal .
Nuno and Wolves will be looking to add to their existing squad , as well as retain their highly prized assets across the pitch , in this summer window which runs parallel with their Europa League knock-out campaign .
One addition which the club are reportedly keen to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Porto and who worked with Nuno when he was in charge of the club for the 2016-17 campaign .
Inter Milan and Sevilla - both still in the Europa League and the latter Wolves ’ next opponents - are also linked with Corona , who can also operate at full-back .
Record claim that many sides are waiting to see what their situation is , regarding if they ’ ll be playing Champions League or Europa League football next season , before conducting any significant business .
The wide-man has netted four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assists for the Portuguese giants this season , and that ’ s drawn attention from across the continent .
Corona , a Mexican international , has been at Porto since 2015 when he joined the club from Dutch side FC Twente and supposedly has a €30m release clause .
The 27-year-old ’ s current contract runs until the summer of 2022 .

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Wolves make up a three-way battle for Porto winger Jesus Corona - and it’s been claimed that any interested clubs can sign the player for €30m.
Nuno Espirito Santo is desperate to bring Corona to Wolves in the next transfer window, according to reports in Portugal.
Nuno and Wolves will be looking to add to their existing squad, as well as retain their highly prized assets across the pitch, in this summer window which runs parallel with their Europa League knock-out campaign.
One addition which the club are reportedly keen to make is that of Corona, who plays for Porto and who worked with Nuno when he was in charge of the club for the 2016-17 campaign.
Inter Milan and Sevilla - both still in the Europa League and the latter Wolves’ next opponents - are also linked with Corona, who can also operate at full-back.
Record claim that many sides are waiting to see what their situation is, regarding if they’ll be playing Champions League or Europa League football next season, before conducting any significant business.
The wide-man has netted four goals and racked up a remarkable 18 assists for the Portuguese giants this season, and that’s drawn attention from across the continent.
Corona, a Mexican international, has been at Porto since 2015 when he joined the club from Dutch side FC Twente and supposedly has a €30m release clause.
The 27-year-old’s current contract runs until the summer of 2022.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Ainsley Maitland-Niles interesting Aston Villa fans amid Arsenal exit rumours

Aston Villa fans are interested in the future of Arsenal 's Ainsley Maitland-Niles .
Maitland-Niles has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium with reports in the national press claiming that three Premier League clubs are keen on the 22-year-old .
Last week Mikel Arteta was said to have put the former Ipswich Town loanee up for sale with a price tag of £30 million as he looks to raise funds for a rebuild in his first summer transfer window at the club .
Sky Sports have claimed that two clubs - unnamed - from the English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club , from the Bundesliga , are keen on the versatile youngster .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Maitland-Niles , who can operate in midfield or defence but prefers the former , helped Arsenal to an FA Cup success last month but looks set to move on .
He could be an ideal signing for Villa , who could do with another left-sided player to compete with Neil Taylor and Matt Targett at left-back or Anwar El @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would fit the profile of the type of signing Villa would want to make : a young player with potential and a high re-sale value .
However , at 22 he does n't have too much experience in the Premier League having only made 34 starts in the competition after making his debut in 2014 .
Supporters have been talking about Maitland-Niles and there is interest in supporters as he is among the most searched for players by Villa fans in the last few hours on search engine Google .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd love him at Villa , '' one said at the weekend .
`` Would even prefer him to Max Aarons . ''
`` Seeing our fans snubbing their noses at Divock Origi , Said Benrahma and Maitland-Niles , '' another said .
`` All three of them would be unreal addition . ''
`` Wouldn ’ t mind Maitland-Niles - under-used at Arsenal , '' a third said .
`` They will regret selling him if he goes . ''
`` Would be all over a deal for Maitland-Niles , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , versatile and has room for improvement . ''

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Aston Villa fans are interested in the future of Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Maitland-Niles has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium with reports in the national press claiming that three Premier League clubs are keen on the 22-year-old.
Last week Mikel Arteta was said to have put the former Ipswich Town loanee up for sale with a price tag of £30 million as he looks to raise funds for a rebuild in his first summer transfer window at the club.
Sky Sports have claimed that two clubs - unnamed - from the English top tier as well as another anonymous club, from the Bundesliga, are keen on the versatile youngster.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Maitland-Niles, who can operate in midfield or defence but prefers the former, helped Arsenal to an FA Cup success last month but looks set to move on.
He could be an ideal signing for Villa, who could do with another left-sided player to compete with Neil Taylor and Matt Targett at left-back or Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet on the wings plus he would fit the profile of the type of signing Villa would want to make: a young player with potential and a high re-sale value.
However, at 22 he doesn't have too much experience in the Premier League having only made 34 starts in the competition after making his debut in 2014.
Supporters have been talking about Maitland-Niles and there is interest in supporters as he is among the most searched for players by Villa fans in the last few hours on search engine Google.
"If Arsenal really are willing to sell Maitland-Niles I'd love him at Villa," one said at the weekend. "Would even prefer him to Max Aarons."
"Seeing our fans snubbing their noses at Divock Origi, Said Benrahma and Maitland-Niles," another said. "All three of them would be unreal addition."
"Wouldn’t mind Maitland-Niles - under-used at Arsenal," a third said. "They will regret selling him if he goes."
"Would be all over a deal for Maitland-Niles," added another. "Twenty-two years old, versatile and has room for improvement."


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Huge plumes of smoke have been spotted across Birmingham after a severe fire broke out at an industr

Huge plumes of smoke have been spotted across Birmingham after a severe fire broke out at an industrial estate in @ @ @ @ @ were pictured rising into the sky by dozens of concerned residents this afternoon ( August @ @ @

Huge plumes of smoke have been spotted across Birmingham after a severe fire broke out at an industrial estate in Tyseley.
Thick grey clouds were pictured rising into the sky by dozens of concerned residents this afternoon (August 10).
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birminghammail--2020-08-10--Aston Villa favourite 'available for just £8m this summer'

Christian Benteke , the former Aston Villa striker , has reportedly been made available this summer for just £8m .
The Belgian forward has been at Crystal Palace for the last four years after moving to Selhurst Park from Liverpool , but he has scored just six goals for the Eagles over the course of those three most recent seasons .
Having cost Palace the best part of £30m , his club are reportedly prepared to take a big hit provided they can find someone who will take over Benteke ’ s sizeable wages , believed to be in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Roy Hodgson is desperate to strengthen his forward line this summer ; besides rock bottom Norwich City , no other Premier League club scored less than Palace ’ s miserly 31 goals last term .
Ismaila Sarr , of Watford , is high up on their wish-list , and in order to help fund an offer they ’ re willing to move Benteke on .
Villa , of course , are keen on adding to their own forward line this summer .
With Wesley Moraes to come back into the reckoning after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released , Dean Smith has three first-team forwards to call upon currently .
The list of strikers who have been linked with Villa this summer is already a lengthy one ; Ollie Watkins , who has worked with Smith previously at Brentford , is understood to be under consideration .

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Christian Benteke, the former Aston Villa striker, has reportedly been made available this summer for just £8m.
The Belgian forward has been at Crystal Palace for the last four years after moving to Selhurst Park from Liverpool, but he has scored just six goals for the Eagles over the course of those three most recent seasons.
Having cost Palace the best part of £30m, his club are reportedly prepared to take a big hit provided they can find someone who will take over Benteke’s sizeable wages, believed to be in the region of £120,000 claims the Daily Mail.
Roy Hodgson is desperate to strengthen his forward line this summer; besides rock bottom Norwich City, no other Premier League club scored less than Palace’s miserly 31 goals last term.
Ismaila Sarr, of Watford, is high up on their wish-list, and in order to help fund an offer they’re willing to move Benteke on.
Villa, of course, are keen on adding to their own forward line this summer.
With Wesley Moraes to come back into the reckoning after his injury layoff, and Borja Baston released, Dean Smith has three first-team forwards to call upon currently.
The list of strikers who have been linked with Villa this summer is already a lengthy one; Ollie Watkins, who has worked with Smith previously at Brentford, is understood to be under consideration.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Robin van Persie wants Wolves to win the Europa League

Manchester United hero Robin van Persie wants Wolverhampton Wanderers to win the Europa League .
Van Persie spent three years @ @ @ @ @ key to Sir Alex Ferguson ’ s final Premier League title win before retirement in @ @ @ @ @ revered at Old Trafford - but he is backing Wolves in the Europa League .
@ @ @ @ @ quarter-final in Duisburg on Tuesday evening and the winner will meet either United or Copenhagen @ @ @ @ @ an interview with BT Sport , van Persie was asked who he thinks will win @ @ @ @ @ response has delighted Wolves fans .
“ I would love Wolves to win it , @ @ @ @ @ It would be unbelievable.
” He added : “ Inter Milan are big contenders , @ @ @ @ @ done really well there - over 20 goals .
Manchester United have half a chance @ @ @ @ @ against them is very tough .
”

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Manchester United hero Robin van Persie wants Wolverhampton Wanderers to win the Europa League.
Van Persie spent three years at Old Trafford and was key to Sir Alex Ferguson’s final Premier League title win before retirement in 2013.
The Dutchman remains revered at Old Trafford - but he is backing Wolves in the Europa League.
Wolves face Sevilla in a quarter-final in Duisburg on Tuesday evening and the winner will meet either United or Copenhagen in the semi-finals.
During an interview with BT Sport, van Persie was asked who he thinks will win the competition outright and his response has delighted Wolves fans.
“I would love Wolves to win it,” he said. “It would be unbelievable.”
He added: “Inter Milan are big contenders, (Romelu) Lukaku has done really well there - over 20 goals. Manchester United have half a chance. Shakhtar, every game against them is very tough.”


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Huge fire sparks heavy congestion and warning to residents

Huge plumes of smoke seen for miles across Birmingham after a severe fire broke out at an industrial estate , fire crews have now revealed .
Around 50 firefighters rushed to deal with the blaze at Tyseley Industrial Estate on Monday afternoon , August 10 .
Ten crews along with specialist appliances were at the scene , off Seeleys Road , at 5.30pm .
Residents have been warned to keep all doors and windows closed as they work to extinguish the fire and make the area safe .
Motorists were also told to avoid the area as heavy congestion was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sparkhill and A41 Warwick Road , Tyseley .
Drivers were urged to seek alternative routes while the major city routes were 'severely affected ' by the impact of the fire .
There was also disruption to all bus services in the area due to the traffic .
Passengers travelling on board National Express services 2 , 3 , 4 , 4A , 5 , 6 , 8A , 8C , 17 , 28 , 60 and Diamond buses 34 , 36 were told to expect disruption and plan ahead .
Follow our live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6pm , West Midlands Roads warned : `` There is heavy congestion in the surrounding areas near Tyseley Industrial Estate due to a large fire ; with with the A41 Warwick Road and the A34 Stratford Road Sparkhill Tyseley severely affected .
`` Avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible . ''
Thick grey clouds were seen from Birmingham city centre , the airport , Sparkbrook , Small Heath , Druids Heath , South Yardley , Moseley , the Jewellery Quarter and many more areas .
West Midlands Fire Service said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus specialist appliances in attendance at a severe fire at Tyseley Industrial Estate # Birmingham Please keep doors and windows closed . ''

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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Huge plumes of smoke seen for miles across Birmingham after a severe fire broke out at an industrial estate, fire crews have now revealed.
Around 50 firefighters rushed to deal with the blaze at Tyseley Industrial Estate on Monday afternoon, August 10.
Ten crews along with specialist appliances were at the scene, off Seeleys Road, at 5.30pm.
Residents have been warned to keep all doors and windows closed as they work to extinguish the fire and make the area safe.
Motorists were also told to avoid the area as heavy congestion was reported in nearby A34 Stratford Road, Sparkhill and A41 Warwick Road, Tyseley.
Drivers were urged to seek alternative routes while the major city routes were 'severely affected' by the impact of the fire.
There was also disruption to all bus services in the area due to the traffic. Passengers travelling on board National Express services 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 8A, 8C, 17, 28, 60 and Diamond buses 34, 36 were told to expect disruption and plan ahead.
Follow our live blog here for more updates
Just before 6pm, West Midlands Roads warned: "There is heavy congestion in the surrounding areas near Tyseley Industrial Estate due to a large fire; with with the A41 Warwick Road and the A34 Stratford Road Sparkhill Tyseley severely affected.
"Avoid the area and seek alternative routes where possible."
Thick grey clouds were seen from Birmingham city centre, the airport, Sparkbrook, Small Heath, Druids Heath, South Yardley, Moseley, the Jewellery Quarter and many more areas.
West Midlands Fire Service said: "We currently have 10 appliances plus specialist appliances in attendance at a severe fire at Tyseley Industrial Estate #Birmingham Please keep doors and windows closed."