birminghammail--2020-01-27--Identities of all nine people who died in Kobe Bryant helicopter tragedy

The city of Los Angeles has paid tribute to basketball star Kobe Bryant with vigils and tributes after his shock death in a helicopter crash .
The 41-year-old died alongside his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , and seven other people in the accident in Southern California on Sunday morning .
Mirror Online reports the 12-seater Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was carrying the nine passengers from Orange County , Los Angeles to Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game when it crashed into a mountainside in Calabasas .
Los Angeles Police Department confirmed conditions were not suitable for flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounded its own fleet due to heavy fog .
Here are the nine victims on board the aircraft .
Zobayan was identified as the pilot of the helicopter that crashed in California .
He has been described as an `` amazing person and an amazing pilot '' by Margaret Bray , who has flown many times with the 50-year-old , according to Daily News .
Laura Herzog , who flew with Zobayan four years ago , added : `` It was a very smooth flight .
I felt comfortable . ''
A friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helicopter pilots to fly , paid tribute to him on Twitter writing : `` Working for the aviation business has allowed me to meet some pretty amazing people and pilots .
`` Ara was definitely one of them .
Always so nice , talkative and especially attentive when it came to Kobe and his family .
I 'm heart broken . ''
Alyssa was a close friend of Kobe 's daughter Gianna , and played alongside her on the Los Angeles Lady Mambas Team .
Alyssa 's father John , known as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach at Orange Coast College 's Pirate Athletics .
Alyssa regularly travelled to practises and games with the Bryants , alongside her mother Keri and dad John , as confirmed by OCC assistant coach Ron La Ruffa on CNN : `` It was something John routinely did , flying up with Kobe to attend games with his daughter . ''
OCC said in a statement : `` It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli .
He was a coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a friend at OCC for 27 years . ''
Alyssa is survived by her two siblings , JJ and Alexis .
Christina was a basketball coach at Mamba Sports Academy , where Gianna played for the Lady Mambas Team .
The 38-year-old was also an assistant basketball coach at a private school in Orange County .
Mauser 's death was confirmed by Mayor of Costa Mesa , Katrina Foley , who tweeted : `` She coached the girls team .
This devastating tragedy gets worse by the hour .
So much pain for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are broken and grieving for the families impacted . ''
Mauser lived in Huntington Beach , California and was married to Matt , with whom she shared three children with : Penny Rose , Tommy and Ivy .
Matt wrote on Facebook : `` My kids and I are devastated , we lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash .
Please respect our privacy .
Thank you for all the well wishes they mean so much . ''
Mother and daughter Sarah and Peyton were the final two victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister Riley posted a tribute to her sibling and mother on Instagram writing : `` Rest in peace to the most amazing mother and sister .
I love you Pay Pay and Mon , RIP . ''
Principal Todd Schmidt added : `` As folks mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant , I want to take a moment to remember two gorgeous human beings who were with him , Sarah and Payton Chester .
`` As a principal , we work with some amazing families .
The Chesters were one of those .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ full of mischief and laughter - and they had the best kiddos !
`` This family made such a huge impact at Harbor View .
They were genuine , kind-hearted , and caring .
To the staff , to other families , and yes , especially to me . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jake Polden, James Rodger)

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The city of Los Angeles has paid tribute to basketball star Kobe Bryant with vigils and tributes after his shock death in a helicopter crash.
The 41-year-old died alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people in the accident in Southern California on Sunday morning.
Mirror Online reports the 12-seater Sikorsky S-76B helicopter was carrying the nine passengers from Orange County, Los Angeles to Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game when it crashed into a mountainside in Calabasas.
Los Angeles Police Department confirmed conditions were not suitable for flying before the crash, and had even grounded its own fleet due to heavy fog.
Here are the nine victims on board the aircraft.
Ara Zobayan
Zobayan was identified as the pilot of the helicopter that crashed in California.
He has been described as an "amazing person and an amazing pilot" by Margaret Bray, who has flown many times with the 50-year-old, according to Daily News.
Laura Herzog, who flew with Zobayan four years ago, added: "It was a very smooth flight. I felt comfortable."
A friend of the tragic pilot, who taught helicopter pilots to fly, paid tribute to him on Twitter writing: "Working for the aviation business has allowed me to meet some pretty amazing people and pilots.
"Ara was definitely one of them. Always so nice, talkative and especially attentive when it came to Kobe and his family. I'm heart broken."
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John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli
Alyssa was a close friend of Kobe's daughter Gianna, and played alongside her on the Los Angeles Lady Mambas Team.
Alyssa's father John, known as "Coach Alto", was head basketball coach at Orange Coast College's Pirate Athletics.
Alyssa regularly travelled to practises and games with the Bryants, alongside her mother Keri and dad John, as confirmed by OCC assistant coach Ron La Ruffa on CNN: "It was something John routinely did, flying up with Kobe to attend games with his daughter."
OCC said in a statement: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli. He was a coach, a colleague, a mentor and a friend at OCC for 27 years."
Alyssa is survived by her two siblings, JJ and Alexis.
(Image: Facebook)
Christina Mauser
Christina was a basketball coach at Mamba Sports Academy, where Gianna played for the Lady Mambas Team. The 38-year-old was also an assistant basketball coach at a private school in Orange County.
Mauser's death was confirmed by Mayor of Costa Mesa, Katrina Foley, who tweeted: "She coached the girls team. This devastating tragedy gets worse by the hour. So much pain for so many local families. Our hearts are broken and grieving for the families impacted."
Mauser lived in Huntington Beach, California and was married to Matt, with whom she shared three children with: Penny Rose, Tommy and Ivy.
Matt wrote on Facebook: "My kids and I are devastated,we lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash. Please respect our privacy. Thank you for all the well wishes they mean so much."
Sarah and Payton Chester
Mother and daughter Sarah and Peyton were the final two victims on board the aircraft.
Payton attended St. Margaret's Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano.
Payton's sister Riley posted a tribute to her sibling and mother on Instagram writing: "Rest in peace to the most amazing mother and sister. I love you Pay Pay and Mon, RIP."
Principal Todd Schmidt added: "As folks mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant, I want to take a moment to remember two gorgeous human beings who were with him, Sarah and Payton Chester.
"As a principal, we work with some amazing families. The Chesters were one of those. Engaged, supportive, encouraging, and full of mischief and laughter - and they had the best kiddos!
"This family made such a huge impact at Harbor View. They were genuine, kind-hearted, and caring. To the staff, to other families, and yes, especially to me."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Under-threat St George's Day event in Sandwell is saved

A proud celebration for people in the Black country can go ahead after Sandwell Council stepped into save the borough 's annual St George ’ s Day event .
The local authority has announced it will ensure the West Bromwich jamboree to mark the patron saint of England will happen this year .
The council acted after organisers said they were stepping down due to ill-health and work commitments .
The celebration has been held for 23 years and in the past attracted up to 10,000 people in a colourful display of Union Jacks and English flags .
Sandwell Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Crompton said : “ We will step into the breach and make sure we organise a great family day out to celebrate St George ’ s Day .
“ We helped the organising committee last year with some funding to help make sure the 2019 event happened , but we do understand that they have been running this event for many years and that they couldn ’ t continue to organise it .
“ Although there won ’ t be a march or parade associated with this year ’ s event , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park for families organised by the council .
We want to work with the community to make the event as successful as we can .
“ We ’ re happy to step in and make sure everyone has a great day out to celebrate our patron saint.
” The council plans to hold the event on Saturday , April 25 at Dartmouth Park .
Details are to be confirmed nearer the time .
The local authority spent £1,000 last April to make sure it could continue after organisers said they couldn ’ t @ @ @ @

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A proud celebration for people in the Black country can go ahead after Sandwell Council stepped into save the borough's annual St George’s Day event.
The local authority has announced it will ensure the West Bromwich jamboree to mark the patron saint of England will happen this year.
The council acted after organisers said they were stepping down due to ill-health and work commitments. The celebration has been held for 23 years and in the past attracted up to 10,000 people in a colourful display of Union Jacks and English flags.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for leisure Councillor Maria Crompton said: “We will step into the breach and make sure we organise a great family day out to celebrate St George’s Day.
“We helped the organising committee last year with some funding to help make sure the 2019 event happened, but we do understand that they have been running this event for many years and that they couldn’t continue to organise it.
“Although there won’t be a march or parade associated with this year’s event, there will be an event in the park for families organised by the council. We want to work with the community to make the event as successful as we can.
“We’re happy to step in and make sure everyone has a great day out to celebrate our patron saint.”
The council plans to hold the event on Saturday, April 25 at Dartmouth Park. Details are to be confirmed nearer the time.
The local authority spent £1,000 last April to make sure it could continue after organisers said they couldn’t afford the costs.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--ITV confirms The Masked Singer will return for second series

The Masked Singer has been confirmed to return for a second series .
The wacky series has been a ratings sensation and ITV bosses have secured a deal with production company Bandicoot to bring it back to our screens next year .
So far the show , which sees celebrities perform in masks and elaborate costumes while a panel tries to work out who they are , has pulled in up to seven million Saturday night viewers .
It first aired in South Korea in 2015 with the title King of Mask Singer and has since been sold to over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing that well that the BBC even moved The Greatest Dancer to an earlier slot because its ratings were taking a smash .
The ITV show , presented by Joel Dommett , is also outperforming established shows such as The Voice and Doctor Who .
An ITV source told Mirror Online : “ It was a no-brainer to go for a second series .
The show has been a massive hit .
“ It ’ s has the whole country talking .
People either love it or hate it but everyone seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insider added : “ After some high-level meetings , everything was agreed and now a second series is definitely happening .
“ Everyone at ITV is thrilled The Masked Singer will be back.
” ITV executives reportedly also want to keep the panellists – singer Rita Ora , American comic Ken Jeong , chat show host Jonathan Ross , and presenter Davina McCall – for the next series , as well as host Joel Dommett .
The ITV source said : “ Producers would like to keep the same line-up as the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They hope it won ’ t be hard to convince them to do a new series.
” So far five celebrities have been unmasked - Patsy Palmer , Alan Johnson , Teddy Sheringham , Justin Hawkins and Kelis .
The Masked Singer continues on Saturday at 7pm on ITV .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ed Gleave, Katie Brooks)

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The Masked Singer has been confirmed to return for a second series.
The wacky series has been a ratings sensation and ITV bosses have secured a deal with production company Bandicoot to bring it back to our screens next year.
So far the show, which sees celebrities perform in masks and elaborate costumes while a panel tries to work out who they are, has pulled in up to seven million Saturday night viewers.
It first aired in South Korea in 2015 with the title King of Mask Singer and has since been sold to over 20 countries.
(Image: Vincent Dolman/ITV/PA Wire)
The Masked Singer is doing that well that the BBC even moved The Greatest Dancer to an earlier slot because its ratings were taking a smash.
The ITV show, presented by Joel Dommett, is also outperforming established shows such as The Voice and Doctor Who.
An ITV source told Mirror Online: “It was a no-brainer to go for a second series. The show has been a massive hit.
“It’s has the whole country talking. People either love it or hate it but everyone seems to have an opinion on it.”
The insider added: “After some high-level meetings, everything was agreed and now a second series is definitely happening.
“Everyone at ITV is thrilled The Masked Singer will be back.”
ITV executives reportedly also want to keep the panellists – singer Rita Ora, American comic Ken Jeong, chat show host Jonathan Ross, and presenter Davina McCall – for the next series, as well as host Joel Dommett.
The ITV source said: “Producers would like to keep the same line-up as the show has gone down so well.
“They hope it won’t be hard to convince them to do a new series.”
So far five celebrities have been unmasked - Patsy Palmer, Alan Johnson, Teddy Sheringham, Justin Hawkins and Kelis.
The Masked Singer continues on Saturday at 7pm on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Aston Villa transfer news live: Shock striker bid, Piatek 'offered' & Wanyama latest

Welcome to Monday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage , brought to you by BirminghamLive .
After the win over Watford @ @ @ @ @ Leicester City and the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday .
But before that @ @ @ @ @ remaining for Villa to add to their squad with news signgings .
Louie Barry became @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , the former West Bromwich Albion man joining from Barcelona , and the @ @ @ @ @ impressing for the club 's Under-23s .
He follows Mbwana Samatta , Pepe Reina and @ @ @ @ @ tries to reshape his squad for the battle against the drop .
Follow all the @ @ @

18:34
Explained: Borja Baston
The Spaniard, 27, will arrive on a short-term deal on a free transfer. Swansea are more than happy to let him go given his contract is set to expire this summer. Here, Swansea City reporter for Wales Online, Ian Mitchelmore, provides the following lowdown, with Villa just taking up the striker’s wages.
It’s worth noting that Baston has the same agent as Pepe Reina while the forward knows Villa’s sporting director Suso from his time in Spain.
(Image: Getty Images)
How has this deal suddenly come about, is Baston out-of-favour at Swans - why?
Borja started the season like a house on fire, scoring five goals in August. But his style has never suited Swansea, and once he struggled again, he lost his place to Sam Surridge, and more recently Rhian Brewster. His sky-high wages are also a huge problem for Swansea, so from a financial point of view, offloading him will be a huge help to the club.
What’s been Baston’s story at Swansea, a big-money signing in 2016... not happened?
He came into a Swansea side that had abandoned their famed style of play and managed just one goal in his debut season at the club, despite being the club-record signing. He had two season-long loans in Spain before returning to the club last summer, but it’s safe to say he’s - pound for pound - one of the worst signings in the club’s history.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
He’s a pretty good finisher, as he showed in August. His clinical nature was vital as Swansea collected a significant number of points, despite not playing to their full potential. As for weaknesses, he’s not the quickest, so running in behind isn’t an option. He’s not the most mobile either, so he’s not someone you’ll see pressing from the front.
Just how surprised are Swansea given Premier League interest? Can he cut it?
It’s come as a huge surprise. The club have been willing to sell him for some time now in a bid to reduce the wage bill, but after such a woeful scoring record since joining the club, for a Premier League club to come knocking is quite simply astonishing. Can he cut it? He hasn’t at Swansea, but you don’t play for the likes of Atletico Madrid without having something about you.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Investigations continue into attack before Coventry v Birmingham derby that left man with fractured

Investigations continue into attack before Coventry v Birmingham derby that left man with fractured skull

Police are continuing to investigate a shocking attack at the weekend before the game between Birmingham City and Coventry City @ @ @ @ @ a fractured skull .
The 22-year-old was taken to hospital where his condition was described @ @ @ @ @ were arrested on suspicion of assault and were later released pending investigation .
The victim @ @ @ @ @ , Small Heath , around 15 minutes before kick-off in the FA Cup tie , @ @ @ @ @ was kicked to the floor and suffered a fractured skull .
Two men aged 25 @ @ @ @ @ suspicion of assault .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said today that the man @ @ @ @ @ that enquiries are ongoing .
West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with @ @ @ @ @ via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101 .
You can also report information @ @ @ @ @ 0800 555 111 .

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Police are continuing to investigate a shocking attack at the weekend before the game between Birmingham City and Coventry City which left a man with a fractured skull.
The 22-year-old was taken to hospital where his condition was described as stable.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of assault and were later released pending investigation.
The victim was walking on Cattell Road, Small Heath, around 15 minutes before kick-off in the FA Cup tie, at around 2.45pm.
He was kicked to the floor and suffered a fractured skull.
Two men aged 25 and 45 were arrested on suspicion of assault.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said today that the man is still in hospital and that enquiries are ongoing.
West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to contact the force via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101.
You can also report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Coronation Street to mark 10,000th episode with Rita learning husband has died

Coronation Street is going to mark its 10,000th episode with much-loved character Rita finding out that her husband has died .
The character , played by Barbara Knox , is sent estranged husband Dennis ' ashes with a request to take them to Blackpool , reports Mirror Online .
The Lancashire seaside resort has dark memories for her , as her abusive ex Alan Bradley was killed in the town by a tram 20 years ago .
Realising the trip will be tough for her , Ken Barlow agrees to go with her and later all her friends join in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenny Connor .
A bus is ordered and the gang including Audrey Roberts , Carla Connor , Eileen Grimshaw , Gail Rodwell , Mary Taylor , Sean Tully , Tracy Barlow , Sally Metcalfe and Yasmeen Nazir prepare to set off to honour Dennis , who was played by Philip Lowrie .
The episode which will air on February 7 , will see the day get off to a comedic start when the coach turns out to be a party bus with a grumpy driver , played by John Henshall .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aired but tensions rise when it looks as though they won ’ t make it to Blackpool before nightfall .
And the day trip takes a worrying turn when an ambulance attends the bus as Sean directs a paramedic on board .
One insider said : “ By the end of the trip one resident realises the time has come to leave the cobbles for pastures new.
” Rita ’ s notorious near-miss in Blackpool came in 1989 when she found herself chased onto the tram tracks by fraudster Bradley , played by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his car in terror .
As he yelled : “ Come back , you stupid bitch !
” , Rita managed to avoid a tram but he suffered a fatal blow .
The episode that killed off Bradley – since voted one of Corrie ’ s best soap villains – was watched by more than 21 million viewers .
Producer Iain MacLeod said : “ Ten thousand episodes !
Not bad for a programme which one newspaper said in 1960 was `` doomed from the outset '' .
“ I am first and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I watched this landmark episode with absolute glee .
“ It is uniquely Corrie : funny , poignant and characterful – and a glorious homage to the comedic charabanc trips of times past , packed with strong female characters and sparkling dialogue .
“ It ’ s a really great exhibition of Coronation Street ’ s classic qualities as we start a new decade on the cobbles .
”

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Coronation Street is going to mark its 10,000th episode with much-loved character Rita finding out that her husband has died.
The character, played by Barbara Knox, is sent estranged husband Dennis' ashes with a request to take them to Blackpool, reports Mirror Online.
The Lancashire seaside resort has dark memories for her, as her abusive ex Alan Bradley was killed in the town by a tram 20 years ago.
Realising the trip will be tough for her, Ken Barlow agrees to go with her and later all her friends join in, including Bradley’s daughter, Jenny Connor.
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A bus is ordered and the gang including Audrey Roberts, Carla Connor, Eileen Grimshaw, Gail Rodwell, Mary Taylor, Sean Tully, Tracy Barlow, Sally Metcalfe and Yasmeen Nazir prepare to set off to honour Dennis, who was played by Philip Lowrie.
The episode which will air on February 7, will see the day get off to a comedic start when the coach turns out to be a party bus with a grumpy driver, played by John Henshall.
On the journey memories are shared and secrets are aired but tensions rise when it looks as though they won’t make it to Blackpool before nightfall.
And the day trip takes a worrying turn when an ambulance attends the bus as Sean directs a paramedic on board.
One insider said: “By the end of the trip one resident realises the time has come to leave the cobbles for pastures new.”
Rita’s notorious near-miss in Blackpool came in 1989 when she found herself chased onto the tram tracks by fraudster Bradley, played by Mark Eden, after she leapt from his car in terror.
As he yelled: “Come back, you stupid bitch!”, Rita managed to avoid a tram but he suffered a fatal blow.
The episode that killed off Bradley – since voted one of Corrie’s best soap villains – was watched by more than 21 million viewers.
Producer Iain MacLeod said: “Ten thousand episodes! Not bad for a programme which one newspaper said in 1960 was "doomed from the outset".
“I am first and foremost a massive fan of the show and I watched this landmark episode with absolute glee.
“It is uniquely Corrie: funny, poignant and characterful – and a glorious homage to the comedic
charabanc trips of times past, packed with strong female characters and sparkling dialogue.
“It’s a really great exhibition of Coronation Street’s classic qualities as we start a new decade on the cobbles.”


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Aston Villa make shock transfer bid for former Liverpool striker - reports

Aston Villa are again being linked with Daniel Sturridge as the January transfer window reaches its final week of trading .
Sturridge was heavily linked with a move to Villa Park in the summer after he was released by Liverpool , but nothing came to fruition .
Instead the Birmingham-born striker , who was let go by Villa as a youth player , signed for Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer .
There were rumours at the start of the month that a potential deal for Sturridge could be revisited after Wesley Moraes was ruled out for the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports in Turkey are claiming Villa have made an offer as part of their push to add to Dean Smith ’ s attacking options .
Newspaper Fanatik ( via Sport Witness ) states a bid of 5m euros ( £4.2m ) has been submitted and Trabzonspor will issue their response in the coming days .
It comes after Trabzonspor president Ahmet Agaoglu said earlier in the month : “ We have received an offer for Daniel Sturridge but we want to keep him at the club over the second half of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot more to give and that we are going to witness a much better Sturridge in the second half of the season.
” Russian clubs CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow are also linked with the 30-year-old , who has scored four goals in nine Super Lig appearances this season .
Villa completed the signing of Mbwana Samatta from Genk last week to provide a much-needed boost to their depleted forward line .

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Aston Villa are again being linked with Daniel Sturridge as the January transfer window reaches its final week of trading.
Sturridge was heavily linked with a move to Villa Park in the summer after he was released by Liverpool, but nothing came to fruition.
Instead the Birmingham-born striker, who was let go by Villa as a youth player, signed for Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer.
There were rumours at the start of the month that a potential deal for Sturridge could be revisited after Wesley Moraes was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Now, fresh reports in Turkey are claiming Villa have made an offer as part of their push to add to Dean Smith’s attacking options.
Newspaper Fanatik (via Sport Witness) states a bid of 5m euros (£4.2m) has been submitted and Trabzonspor will issue their response in the coming days.
It comes after Trabzonspor president Ahmet Agaoglu said earlier in the month: “We have received an offer for Daniel Sturridge but we want to keep him at the club over the second half of the season.
“We think he has a lot more to give and that we are going to witness a much better Sturridge in the second half of the season.”
Russian clubs CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow are also linked with the 30-year-old, who has scored four goals in nine Super Lig appearances this season.
Villa completed the signing of Mbwana Samatta from Genk last week to provide a much-needed boost to their depleted forward line.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--West Brom 'transfer target' set for move to Premier League club

Kyle Walker-Peters , the Tottenham Hotspur defender who has been linked with a move to West Brom before the transfer window shuts , is close to joining Premier League outfit Southampton .
The 22-year-old right-back , restricted to just five appearances for Spurs ’ first team this season , is expected to join the Saints on a loan deal until the end of the season .
A deal hasn ’ t yet been agreed , but it ’ s believed to be a straightforward loan that ought to be completed this week .
Southampton have been in the market for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strengthen his back-line and Walker-Peters fits the bill , with Spurs willing to let him leave on a temporary basis .
Jose Mourinho has been playing Serge Aurier at right-back for the most part of the campaign since his own arrival , while emerging youngster Japhet Tanganga has also been utilised there recently .
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday , but Walker-Peters didn ’ t even make the travelling squad .
Albion , of course , remain in the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and were linked with a move for Walker-Peters over the weekend .
Nathan Ferguson faces a significant week in his embryonic career , as the wait continues to see if he ’ ll agree fresh terms with the club who developed him .
Beyond that , Kieran Gibbs has suffered another set-back after picking up a hamstring injury and he ’ ll be unavailable until next month .
Darnell Furlong was given a breather at West Ham over the weekend , and young centre-back Dara O ’ Shea - who has committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once again .

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Kyle Walker-Peters, the Tottenham Hotspur defender who has been linked with a move to West Brom before the transfer window shuts, is close to joining Premier League outfit Southampton.
The 22-year-old right-back, restricted to just five appearances for Spurs’ first team this season, is expected to join the Saints on a loan deal until the end of the season.
A deal hasn’t yet been agreed, but it’s believed to be a straightforward loan that ought to be completed this week.
Southampton have been in the market for a full-back as Ralph Hasenhuttl looks to strengthen his back-line and Walker-Peters fits the bill, with Spurs willing to let him leave on a temporary basis.
Jose Mourinho has been playing Serge Aurier at right-back for the most part of the campaign since his own arrival, while emerging youngster Japhet Tanganga has also been utilised there recently.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, but Walker-Peters didn’t even make the travelling squad.
Albion, of course, remain in the market for defensive cover, particularly at full-back, and were linked with a move for Walker-Peters over the weekend.
Nathan Ferguson faces a significant week in his embryonic career, as the wait continues to see if he’ll agree fresh terms with the club who developed him.
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Beyond that, Kieran Gibbs has suffered another set-back after picking up a hamstring injury and he’ll be unavailable until next month.
Darnell Furlong was given a breather at West Ham over the weekend, and young centre-back Dara O’Shea - who has committed his own future recently - filled in once again.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Hit-and-run driver killed woman in Bristol Road crash  - and called cops to say he'd been carjacked

A man who claimed he had been carjacked after knocking over and killing a grandmother has admitted causing death by dangerous driving .
Nathaniel Matthews , struck Baljit Kaur with his blue Volkswagen Golf after she ’ d stepped off a bus on Bristol Road , in Edgbaston , just before 4pm on December 22 , 2018 .
Mrs Kaur had got off the bus and had started to cross the road , when Matthews ’ car which had been travelling behind the bus , overtook it at speed .
He hit the 65-year-old and he drove off , leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nothing could be done to save Mrs Kaur ’ s life and she was pronounced dead on the scene .
About five minutes later , the security employee called police pretending that he had been carjacked on Umberslade Road , near to Kings Heath High Street .
His car was found at about 4pm that day by officers on Summer Road and enquiries , along with quick-time CCTV checks , led investigators to Matthews .
He was found just a few hundred yards away from where the car had been left and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous driving .
When taken into custody , his phone was examined showing his movements and proving he ’ d lied .
Matthews , 37 , of Tile Cross Road , pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday ( January 24 ) .
He was bailed and will be sentenced on February 20 .
Matthews has also been banned from driving in the interim .
At the time of her death , Mrs Kaur ’ s family released a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 22 December 2018 at approximately 3.25pm , our family lost my beloved wife Baljit Kaur who was a devoted mother , grandmother and sister .
`` We ask for our time to grieve privately and thank all well-wishers and those who helped at the scene . ''

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A man who claimed he had been carjacked after knocking over and killing a grandmother has admitted causing death by dangerous driving.
Nathaniel Matthews, struck Baljit Kaur with his blue Volkswagen Golf after she’d stepped off a bus on Bristol Road, in Edgbaston, just before 4pm on December 22, 2018.
Mrs Kaur had got off the bus and had started to cross the road, when Matthews’ car which had been travelling behind the bus, overtook it at speed.
He hit the 65-year-old and he drove off, leaving her with severe internal injuries. Tragically, nothing could be done to save Mrs Kaur’s life and she was pronounced dead on the scene.
(Image: WMP)
About five minutes later, the security employee called police pretending that he had been carjacked on Umberslade Road, near to Kings Heath High Street.
His car was found at about 4pm that day by officers on Summer Road and enquiries, along with quick-time CCTV checks, led investigators to Matthews .
He was found just a few hundred yards away from where the car had been left and arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
When taken into custody, his phone was examined showing his movements and proving he’d lied.
Matthews, 37, of Tile Cross Road, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (January 24).
He was bailed and will be sentenced on February 20. Matthews has also been banned from driving in the interim.
At the time of her death, Mrs Kaur’s family released a statement in tribute to her: “On the 22 December 2018 at approximately 3.25pm, our family lost my beloved wife Baljit Kaur who was a devoted mother, grandmother and sister.
"We ask for our time to grieve privately and thank all well-wishers and those who helped at the scene."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Victim of savage street attack is urging you to see his sickening injuries

A vicious street attack on an innocent bystander led to these jaw-dropping images - and they will sicken you .
The brutal assault was carried out by an irate Adam Manns , aged 33 , in Bridgend .
The campaign of violence saw Dale Bessant , 23 , left with facial injuries and broken bones .
He now wants others to see what his attacker did after he suffered a sickening concussion .
Bessant was punched to the floor by angry Manns , who then continued punching and stamping on Mr Bessant as he lay half in the road .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack , blacking out everything until he woke up in the ambulance , and says watching the CCTV makes him feel sick .
He wants others to see the consequences of violence after the attack - which was triggered by an argument over a hat .
The attack happened in the early hours of October 20 last year when Manns and Mr Bessant were out separately in Bridgend town centre , reports WalesOnline .
The argument started after Manns repeatedly lowered the peak of Mr Bessant 's hat as they stood ouitside a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face .
Manns later hunted Mr Bessant down - finding him outside a takeaway and punching him to the floor .
CCTV which was shown in court shows Manns continuing to punch and stamp on the defenceless Mr Bessant until he was pulled way and restrained by nearby security staff and passers by .
Prosecutor Timothy Evanstold the court : “ The prosecution suggest the defendant searched the town centre for Mr Bessant , found him and attacked him outside a nearby takeaway premises without warning .
All of that was caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the court which showed Manns asking a security guard outisde a nearby club if he had seen a man matching Mr Bessant ’ s description .
Another CCTV clip showed Mr Bessant standing outside a takeaway before Manns approached him from across the street .
CCTV shows the attack .
Mr Bessant did not get back up and was taken to hospital in an ambulance .
Mr Evans said : “ He has a fractured nose , fractures to a finger , he had bruising to his face .
He is described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mouth.
” Mr Bessant was also diagnosed with a concussion .
Speaking after the court case , Mr Bessant said : `` When the police showed me [ the CCTV ] it was more when I was on the floor that was the worst part .
`` The way my head was going back and my body going stiff .
It made me feel really sick - it was like seeing a ghost . ''
Mr Bessant recalled the ambulance ride , and being unable to remember why he was there or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` brutal '' attack .
He said : `` I just remember waking up in the ambulance .
I was just completely out of it . ''
Mr Bessant said the incident is still having an impact on his sleeping patterns .
He said : `` I either sleep too long , or too short .
I do n't like to think about it or remember it .
`` I try to keep myself distracted by doing things and keeping busy . ''
Rhodri Chudleigh , defending , told the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions could have been far more serious and he accepted there was no justification for what he did .
He said Manns had been suffering with depression at the time of the incident and a family member had died in tragic circumstances a few months previously .
He said Manns had expressed remorse for his actions .
Manns , of Pyle Inn Way , Pyle , admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent .
Judge Richard Williams said Manns ’ behaviour was “ calculated if not cold-blooded ” .
“ You stamped forcefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That action was intended to cause serious injury.
” Judge Williams sentenced Mann to four years and eight months in prison .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Thomas Deacon, Marcus Hughes, James Rodger)

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A vicious street attack on an innocent bystander led to these jaw-dropping images - and they will sicken you.
The brutal assault was carried out by an irate Adam Manns, aged 33, in Bridgend.
The campaign of violence saw Dale Bessant, 23, left with facial injuries and broken bones.
He now wants others to see what his attacker did after he suffered a sickening concussion.
Bessant was punched to the floor by angry Manns, who then continued punching and stamping on Mr Bessant as he lay half in the road.
Mr Bessant has no memory of the attack, blacking out everything until he woke up in the ambulance, and says watching the CCTV makes him feel sick.
He wants others to see the consequences of violence after the attack - which was triggered by an argument over a hat.
The attack happened in the early hours of October 20 last year when Manns and Mr Bessant were out separately in Bridgend town centre, reports WalesOnline.
The argument started after Manns repeatedly lowered the peak of Mr Bessant's hat as they stood ouitside a bar. Mr Bessant hit Manns in the face.
Manns later hunted Mr Bessant down - finding him outside a takeaway and punching him to the floor.
CCTV which was shown in court shows Manns continuing to punch and stamp on the defenceless Mr Bessant until he was pulled way and restrained by nearby security staff and passers by.
Prosecutor Timothy Evanstold the court: “The prosecution suggest the defendant searched the town centre for Mr Bessant, found him and attacked him outside a nearby takeaway premises without warning. All of that was caught on camera.”
Mr Evans played CCTV to the court which showed Manns asking a security guard outisde a nearby club if he had seen a man matching Mr Bessant’s description.
Another CCTV clip showed Mr Bessant standing outside a takeaway before Manns approached him from across the street.
CCTV shows the attack. Mr Bessant did not get back up and was taken to hospital in an ambulance.
Mr Evans said: “He has a fractured nose, fractures to a finger, he had bruising to his face. He is described in one statement as having cuts to his mouth.”
Mr Bessant was also diagnosed with a concussion.
Speaking after the court case, Mr Bessant said: "When the police showed me [the CCTV] it was more when I was on the floor that was the worst part.
"The way my head was going back and my body going stiff. It made me feel really sick - it was like seeing a ghost."
Mr Bessant recalled the ambulance ride, and being unable to remember why he was there or what had happened during what he described as a "brutal" attack.
He said: "I just remember waking up in the ambulance. I was just completely out of it."
Mr Bessant said the incident is still having an impact on his sleeping patterns. He said: "I either sleep too long, or too short. I don't like to think about it or remember it.
"I try to keep myself distracted by doing things and keeping busy."
Rhodri Chudleigh, defending, told the court that Manns recognised the consequences of his actions could have been far more serious and he accepted there was no justification for what he did.
He said Manns had been suffering with depression at the time of the incident and a family member had died in tragic circumstances a few months previously.
He said Manns had expressed remorse for his actions.
Manns, of Pyle Inn Way, Pyle, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Judge Richard Williams said Manns’ behaviour was “calculated if not cold-blooded”.
“You stamped forcefully on his head,” he said. “That action was intended to cause serious injury.”
Judge Williams sentenced Mann to four years and eight months in prison.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Doctor Who makes history with first black female Doctor

Doctor Who has made history again , this time by casting its first black female Doctor .
The latest episode saw Jodie Whittaker back in action as the Thirteenth Doctor and revealed a previously unknown incarnation of the time-travelling hero who was played by Jo Martin .
Disguised as a human named Ruth Clayton for most of the story , she 'd hid her existence as a Time Lord with her TARDIS ' Chameleon Arch and went into hiding on Earth after she was hunted by a mysterious fellow Time Lord named Gat ( Ritu Arya ) .
Neither Jodie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could remember ever looking like the other , suggesting she 's been cut out of the memory of Whittaker ’ s incarnation .
Doctor Who fans were shaken by the revelation and took to Twitter to voice their views .
One wrote : `` WE HAVE A BLACK DR WHO .
THIS IS NOT A DRILL .
WE HAVE A BLACK , FEMALE DR WHO !
!
! ''
Another said : `` # DoctorWho GOT ME F***ING SHOOK WHAT 'S THE TRUTH . ''
Also making a surprise appearance in the episode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness .
He told the Doctor 's companions to let her know a warning regarding `` The Lone Cyberman '' .
Doctor Who returns on Sunday on BBC One .

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Doctor Who has made history again, this time by casting its first black female Doctor.
The latest episode saw Jodie Whittaker back in action as the Thirteenth Doctor and revealed a previously unknown incarnation of the time-travelling hero who was played by Jo Martin.
Disguised as a human named Ruth Clayton for most of the story, she'd hid her existence as a Time Lord with her TARDIS' Chameleon Arch and went into hiding on Earth after she was hunted by a mysterious fellow Time Lord named Gat (Ritu Arya).
Neither Jodie Whittaker's Doctor, or Martin's could remember ever looking like the other, suggesting she's been cut out of the memory of Whittaker’s incarnation.
(Image: BBC)
Doctor Who fans were shaken by the revelation and took to Twitter to voice their views.
One wrote: "WE HAVE A BLACK DR WHO. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. WE HAVE A BLACK, FEMALE DR WHO!!!"
Another said: "#DoctorWho GOT ME F***ING SHOOK WHAT'S THE TRUTH."
Also making a surprise appearance in the episode titled 'Fugitive of the Judoon' was John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness.
He told the Doctor's companions to let her know a warning regarding "The Lone Cyberman".
Doctor Who returns on Sunday on BBC One.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--This is how much the most senior officer will earn this year at Solihull Council

Solihull Council 's most senior officer collects a salary more than eight times that of the organisation 's lowest-paid earners , the latest figures show .
The salary for chief executive Nick Page is £154,950 for the current financial year , compared with £17,364 – £18,065 for those in the bottom pay grade .
The gap between the top job and the average pay for a full-time council employee ( £27,905 ) is also significant , with Mr Page picking up five and a half times this `` median salary '' .
Although the council this week insisted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have favoured lower-paid staff .
The figures for 2019/20 were included in a pay report presented to the remuneration committee this week .
Dr Wanda Wyporska , executive director of The Equality Trust , a charity which campaigns on the disparity in earnings , said : `` Large gaps in income between the CEO and the lowest paid , are part of the problem in a broken system where many of those at the bottom are struggling to put food on the table and turning to the social security system to top up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are earning six-figure sums at a time when local services are suffering drastic cuts .
`` The Equality Trust is calling for local councils to pay all directly contracted staff the real Living Wage ( as set by the Living Wage Foundation ) , ensure all council contractors are required to pay staff the real Living Wage and publish a plan to reduce the pay ratio between the CEO and the lowest-paid directly employed council worker . ''
The real Living Wage differs from the statutory National Living Wage and is said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their families need to live . ''
Cllr Steve Caudwell ( Green , Castle Bromwich ) said : `` The Green Party has been pushing to narrow the gap between the highest and lowest-paid at the council for many years , so it 's good to see that the chief executive is paid less than ten times the lowest-paid workers .
`` It is however also true that the starting salary of £17,364 does n't meet the Living Wage Foundation 's recommended minimum of £9.30/hour - so whilst almost every council around us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the living wage , it remains a source of shame that Solihull Council is not . ''
A Solihull Council spokesman said : `` The issue of pay disparity and the ratio between the lowest and highest paid was highlighted in a review into public sector pay in 2010 by Will Hutton , who suggested the public sector should adopt a limit of 1:20 .
`` Solihull Council has been including its pay multiple in its annual Pay Policy Statement since 2013 .
The ratio in 2013 was 1:10 and a report to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the ratio has now reduced to 1:8.6 .
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This Facebook group is an extension of the unrivalled political coverage you get from Birmingham Live and the Birmingham Mail & Post .
Here you will find our stories from Parliament and the Council chambers , alongside stories from your communities which show how political decisions are having an impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you if you want to share your own views , engage in debate and tell us about the issues we are missing .
`` The council is committed to national pay bargaining .
It has been supportive of recent agreements that seek to reduce the gap in pay between the lowest and highest paid employees .
`` The resulting pay increases have favoured lower paid staff , 'bottom loading ' the increases .
This means lower paid workers have received proportionally bigger pay increases . ''

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Solihull Council's most senior officer collects a salary more than eight times that of the organisation's lowest-paid earners, the latest figures show.
The salary for chief executive Nick Page is £154,950 for the current financial year, compared with £17,364 – £18,065 for those in the bottom pay grade.
The gap between the top job and the average pay for a full-time council employee (£27,905) is also significant, with Mr Page picking up five and a half times this "median salary".
Although the council this week insisted that the gaps were narrowing and recent pay increases have favoured lower-paid staff.
(Image: Cllr Steve Caudwell)
The figures for 2019/20 were included in a pay report presented to the remuneration committee this week.
Dr Wanda Wyporska, executive director of The Equality Trust, a charity which campaigns on the disparity in earnings, said: "Large gaps in income between the CEO and the lowest paid, are part of the problem in a broken system where many of those at the bottom are struggling to put food on the table and turning to the social security system to top up their wages.
"Meanwhile top executives are earning six-figure sums at a time when local services are suffering drastic cuts.
"The Equality Trust is calling for local councils to pay all directly contracted staff the real Living Wage (as set by the Living Wage Foundation), ensure all council contractors are required to pay staff the real Living Wage and publish a plan to reduce the pay ratio between the CEO and the lowest-paid directly employed council worker."
The real Living Wage differs from the statutory National Living Wage and is said to be based on "what employees and their families need to live."
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Cllr Steve Caudwell (Green, Castle Bromwich) said: "The Green Party has been pushing to narrow the gap between the highest and lowest-paid at the council for many years, so it's good to see that the chief executive is paid less than ten times the lowest-paid workers.
"It is however also true that the starting salary of £17,364 doesn't meet the Living Wage Foundation's recommended minimum of £9.30/hour - so whilst almost every council around us, and many business, are paying the living wage, it remains a source of shame that Solihull Council is not."
A Solihull Council spokesman said: "The issue of pay disparity and the ratio between the lowest and highest paid was highlighted in a review into public sector pay in 2010 by Will Hutton, who suggested the public sector should adopt a limit of 1:20.
"Solihull Council has been including its pay multiple in its annual Pay Policy Statement since 2013. The ratio in 2013 was 1:10 and a report to remuneration committee [this week] confirmed that the ratio has now reduced to 1:8.6.
"The council is committed to national pay bargaining. It has been supportive of recent agreements that seek to reduce the gap in pay between the lowest and highest paid employees.
"The resulting pay increases have favoured lower paid staff, 'bottom loading' the increases. This means lower paid workers have received proportionally bigger pay increases."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--World's top 20 'alternative' must-see landmarks revealed - including one in Stourbridge

A travel company has revealed the world 's top 20 'alternative ' must-see landmarks - including the castle that inspired Disney and houses carved into a UK cliff face .
Extensive research among 1,000 UK globetrotters identified the ‘ off the beaten track ’ sights they most want to see .
Among them is Germany ’ s Burg Eltz , a fairy-tale style medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River that is said to be the blueprint for the palace in Cinderella .
The Rock Houses - homes carved straight into the rock amid a wildlife haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a popular choice .
While the Kiyomizu-dera Temple located in the hillside of Kyoto , Japan - built to honour Kannon , the goddess of mercy - also made the top 20 .
The study by Travelzoo also found a fifth of the 1,000 adults polled prefer to visit less known areas because they can experience them without any preconceived ideas .
James Clarke , general manager of Travelzoo UK , said : “ We ’ re all familiar with those must visit places - the Eiffel Tower , the Leaning Tower of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all truly amazing landmarks but there are a growing number of travellers who want to see sights that aren ’ t quite so well-known .
“ Thankfully we are blessed with fantastic landmarks across the globe which are also well worth a visit - and that ’ s exactly what we wanted to show through this research.
” In addition to the Rock Houses , the UK is also represented by the Minack Theatre , an open-air theatre located on the Cornish shore not far from Land ’ s End .
Wilton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the few surviving musical halls , is also among the British locations to make the list .
Other desirable destinations include Australia ’ s Ningaloo Reef , a world heritage-listed site home to turtles , tropical fish , manta rays , humpback whales and whale sharks .
The Baths of Caracalla in Rome - considered some of the best-preserved ancient buildings from Roman times , and Canada ’ s CN Tower are other locations travellers are eager to see .
The study also found visiting a particular place can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth have been moved to tears by the beauty , wonderment or history of some corners of the globe .
And 20 per cent even said their entire outlook on life changed after visiting some places .
Another three in 10 have been left speechless and a quarter have completely re-evaluated how they feel about a country .
Eight in 10 believe visiting a country ’ s landmarks and other areas of significance gives you a better understanding of that place ’ s culture .
Despite the rise of social media and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OnePoll , also found word of mouth is still the biggest inspiration for where those polled choose to visit .
Four in 10 said they rely on recommendations from friends and family , however a third will depend on Google and a quarter will use guidebooks .
Social media also has an influence too albeit not among quite so many travellers – Twitter ( 11 per cent ) , Facebook ( 18 per cent ) and Instagram ( 16 per cent ) .
James Clarke added : “ Travelzoo exists to provide its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new and interesting places .
“ Visiting the alternative destinations listed in this survey provides a way for travellers to explore unfamiliar cultures and off-the-beaten track landmarks to really gain a deeper understanding of the world.
” 1 .
ALCATRAZ , CALIFORNIA , USA - Former maximum-security prison located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay , off the coast of California - once home to the country 's most dangerous criminals .
2 .
CN TOWER , TORONTO , CANADA - A renowned architectural 'triumph ' , 'an engineering Wonder of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dining with views of the city .
3 .
THE BATHS OF CARACALLA , ROME - Some of the best-preserved ancient buildings from Roman times .
4 .
MINACK THEATRE , PORTHCURNO , UK - An open-air theatre , constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea .
5 .
PARLIAMENT , BUDAPEST , HUNGARY - The Hungarian Parliament building , a celebrated example of Neo-Gothic architecture - more than 100 years old .
6 .
THE TENEMENT MUSEUM , NEW YORK - Experience what it was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19th and 20th centuries - restored apartments .
8 .
CARNAC , BRITTANY , FRANCE - Best known for the Carnac stones - thousands of prehistoric standing stones .
10 .
PLAZA DE ESPANA , SEVILLE , SPAIN - Built in 1929 , it is a landmark example of Spain 's Regionalism Architecture , mixing elements of the Baroque Revival , Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture .
11 .
THE ROCK HOUSES , STOURBRIDGE , UK - A wildlife haven in the heath and unique homes carved straight into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , AUSTRALIA - Ancient red rock formations which appear to change colour .
13 .
LAKE LOUISE , ALBERTA , CANADA - Known for its turquoise , glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a stately chateau - good for hiking .
14 .
KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE , KYOTO , JAPAN - Built to honour Kannon , the goddess of mercy , its beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below .
15 .
OLOMOUC , CZECH REPUBLIC - The Czech Republic equivalent of Prague , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious heritage .
16 .
BURG ELTZ , GERMANY - a medieval castle nestled in the hills and forest above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier - resembles that of a Disney/fairy tale castle .
17 .
BENG MEALEA , CAMBODIA - Beng Mealea or Bung Mealea is a temple from the Angkor Wat period east of the main group of temples at Angkor , Cambodia , on the ancient royal highway to Preah Khan Kompong Svay .
18 .
KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE , KYOTO , JAPAN - Built in 1397 as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is completely covered in gold leaf .
19 .
UXMAL , MEXICO - An ancient Maya city of the classical period located in present-day Mexico .
20 .
CHRISTMAS ISLAND , INDIAN OCEAN - Nicknamed the 'Galapagos of the Indian Ocean ' , the island is famous for its red crabs , sea birds , whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rob Knight, James Rodger)

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A travel company has revealed the world's top 20 'alternative' must-see landmarks - including the castle that inspired Disney and houses carved into a UK cliff face.
Extensive research among 1,000 UK globetrotters identified the ‘off the beaten track’ sights they most want to see.
Among them is Germany’s Burg Eltz, a fairy-tale style medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River that is said to be the blueprint for the palace in Cinderella.
The Rock Houses - homes carved straight into the rock amid a wildlife haven in Stourbridge, UK - is also a popular choice.
While the Kiyomizu-dera Temple located in the hillside of Kyoto, Japan - built to honour Kannon, the goddess of mercy - also made the top 20.
The study by Travelzoo also found a fifth of the 1,000 adults polled prefer to visit less known areas because they can experience them without any preconceived ideas.
James Clarke, general manager of Travelzoo UK, said: “We’re all familiar with those must visit places - the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and so on.
“They are all truly amazing landmarks but there are a growing number of travellers who want to see sights that aren’t quite so well-known.
“Thankfully we are blessed with fantastic landmarks across the globe which are also well worth a visit - and that’s exactly what we wanted to show through this research.”
In addition to the Rock Houses, the UK is also represented by the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre located on the Cornish shore not far from Land’s End.
(Image: SWNS)
Wilton's Music Hall in London, which is one of the few surviving musical halls, is also among the British locations to make the list.
Other desirable destinations include Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, a world heritage-listed site home to turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks.
The Baths of Caracalla in Rome - considered some of the best-preserved ancient buildings from Roman times, and Canada’s CN Tower are other locations travellers are eager to see.
The study also found visiting a particular place can have a profound impact on visitors as a fifth have been moved to tears by the beauty, wonderment or history of some corners of the globe.
(Image: SWNS)
And 20 per cent even said their entire outlook on life changed after visiting some places.
Another three in 10 have been left speechless and a quarter have completely re-evaluated how they feel about a country.
Eight in 10 believe visiting a country’s landmarks and other areas of significance gives you a better understanding of that place’s culture.
Despite the rise of social media and the internet, the study carried out through OnePoll, also found word of mouth is still the biggest inspiration for where those polled choose to visit.
Four in 10 said they rely on recommendations from friends and family, however a third will depend on Google and a quarter will use guidebooks.
Social media also has an influence too albeit not among quite so many travellers – Twitter (11 per cent), Facebook (18 per cent) and Instagram (16 per cent).
(Image: SWNS)
James Clarke added: “Travelzoo exists to provide its members with the inspiration to travel to new and interesting places.
“Visiting the alternative destinations listed in this survey provides a way for travellers to explore unfamiliar cultures and off-the-beaten track landmarks to really gain a deeper understanding of the world.”
TOP 20 – ALTERNATIVE LANDMARKS:
1. ALCATRAZ, CALIFORNIA, USA - Former maximum-security prison located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California - once home to the country's most dangerous criminals.
2. CN TOWER, TORONTO, CANADA - A renowned architectural 'triumph', 'an engineering Wonder of the Modern World', offering entertainment and dining with views of the city.
3. THE BATHS OF CARACALLA, ROME - Some of the best-preserved ancient buildings from Roman times.
4. MINACK THEATRE, PORTHCURNO, UK - An open-air theatre, constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea.
5. PARLIAMENT, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - The Hungarian Parliament building, a celebrated example of Neo-Gothic architecture - more than 100 years old.
6. THE TENEMENT MUSEUM, NEW YORK - Experience what it was like to live in New York in the 19th and 20th centuries - restored apartments.
7. NINGALOO REEF, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - World Heritage-listed site home to turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, humpback whales and whale sharks.
8. CARNAC, BRITTANY, FRANCE - Best known for the Carnac stones - thousands of prehistoric standing stones.
9. WILTON'S MUSIC HALL, LONDON, UK - A Grade II listed music hall with original cast iron pillars, balcony and decor.
10. PLAZA DE ESPANA, SEVILLE, SPAIN - Built in 1929, it is a landmark example of Spain's Regionalism Architecture, mixing elements of the Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles of Spanish architecture.
11. THE ROCK HOUSES, STOURBRIDGE, UK - A wildlife haven in the heath and unique homes carved straight into the rock.
(Image: SWNS)
12. KATA TJUTA, AUSTRALIA - Ancient red rock formations which appear to change colour.
13. LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA, CANADA - Known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a stately chateau - good for hiking.
14. KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE, KYOTO, JAPAN - Built to honour Kannon, the goddess of mercy, its beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.
15. OLOMOUC, CZECH REPUBLIC - The Czech Republic equivalent of Prague, it's known for its architecture, culture and religious heritage.
16. BURG ELTZ, GERMANY - a medieval castle nestled in the hills and forest above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier - resembles that of a Disney/fairy tale castle.
17. BENG MEALEA, CAMBODIA - Beng Mealea or Bung Mealea is a temple from the Angkor Wat period east of the main group of temples at Angkor, Cambodia, on the ancient royal highway to Preah Khan Kompong Svay.
18. KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE, KYOTO, JAPAN - Built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it is completely covered in gold leaf.
19. UXMAL, MEXICO - An ancient Maya city of the classical period located in present-day Mexico.
20. CHRISTMAS ISLAND, INDIAN OCEAN - Nicknamed the 'Galapagos of the Indian Ocean', the island is famous for its red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Accident prone dog has to be dug out from slab of concrete after losing eye down badger hole

This is the moment an accident prone dog was dug out from under a concrete floor - less than 18 months after losing his EYE when he got stuck down a badger hole .
Boris , the Patterdale terrier , burrowed under a shed floor in search of small animals - only to get wedged underneath .
His anxious owner quickly called a local animal shelter , who in turn called a fire brigade .
Naughty Boris , who lost his left eye in a previous incident in September 2018 , was left struggling to breathe as the concrete weighed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southway , of Happy Landings Animal Shelter in Shepton Mallet , Somerset , along with Nick Haselwood of lost pets group , Search and Scan Somerset , realised there was no time to wait for the fire service .
Writing on the Happy Landings Animal Shelter Facebook page , Jo said : `` What a night !
`` Had a call to say this little guy was underground under a shed stuck with a concrete slab floor on top of him , so out we went armed with a pick axe and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there we realised how bad the situation was so called the fire brigade .
`` But he was making awful noises at this point and looking like he could n't breathe properly .
`` So Nick tried to lift the concrete floor , and as he did a paw moved - then he knew he could n't put it down .
`` The concrete was on top of him , wedging his pelvis , and pulling him was n't moving him .
`` But as the little monkey tried to claw his way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and strength and managed to move the whole thing up higher so he could just be pulled free .
`` Thankfully this rescued him before the fire crew were needed so we could call them off , but we 're so grateful they agreed to assist .
`` We think he dug underneath hunting small animals and the floor collapsed a bit .
Certainly one of the most intense rescues in a while , '' the Facebook post concluded .
The animal shelter added that Boris is feeling some soreness , but will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described Boris as a `` naughty little terrier '' - recalling the last time the same shelter were involved in rescuing him .
In September 2018 , Happy Landings Animal Shelter spent two weeks searching for Boris after he fell and got wedged down a badger hole - losing an eye and suffering scarring in the process .
After this latest rescue , the shelter said : `` The owner was very relieved that her dog was safe but imagines it wo n't be the last time he tries to get himself in @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jack Colwill and Sarah Lumley, James Rodger)

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This is the moment an accident prone dog was dug out from under a concrete floor - less than 18 months after losing his EYE when he got stuck down a badger hole.
Boris, the Patterdale terrier, burrowed under a shed floor in search of small animals - only to get wedged underneath.
His anxious owner quickly called a local animal shelter, who in turn called a fire brigade.
Naughty Boris, who lost his left eye in a previous incident in September 2018, was left struggling to breathe as the concrete weighed down on his pelvis.
And Jo Southway, of Happy Landings Animal Shelter in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, along with Nick Haselwood of lost pets group, Search and Scan Somerset, realised there was no time to wait for the fire service.
Writing on the Happy Landings Animal Shelter Facebook page, Jo said: "What a night!
"Had a call to say this little guy was underground under a shed stuck with a concrete slab floor on top of him, so out we went armed with a pick axe and a crow bar.
"When we got there we realised how bad the situation was so called the fire brigade.
"But he was making awful noises at this point and looking like he couldn't breathe properly.
(Image: SWNS)
"So Nick tried to lift the concrete floor, and as he did a paw moved - then he knew he couldn't put it down.
"The concrete was on top of him, wedging his pelvis, and pulling him wasn't moving him.
"But as the little monkey tried to claw his way out, Nick found some unknown adrenaline and strength and managed to move the whole thing up higher so he could just be pulled free.
"Thankfully this rescued him before the fire crew were needed so we could call them off, but we're so grateful they agreed to assist.
"We think he dug underneath hunting small animals and the floor collapsed a bit. Certainly one of the most intense rescues in a while," the Facebook post concluded.
(Image: SWNS)
The animal shelter added that Boris is feeling some soreness, but will suffer no lasting damage.
But they described Boris as a "naughty little terrier" - recalling the last time the same shelter were involved in rescuing him.
In September 2018, Happy Landings Animal Shelter spent two weeks searching for Boris after he fell and got wedged down a badger hole - losing an eye and suffering scarring in the process.
After this latest rescue, the shelter said: "The owner was very relieved that her dog was safe but imagines it won't be the last time he tries to get himself in trouble."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Battle over free parking in Solihull village is finally won after 18 months

Two hours ' free parking is to be reinstated in a Solihull village , almost 18 months after it was controversially cut .
Shoppers and traders in Knowle had been highly critical of the decision to reduce the free and display period in mid-2018 .
The backlash prompted a partial reversal of the policy last year , with the 30 minutes allowed following changes being taken back up to an hour .
And following fresh calls from the local community , it was announced this week that the system would revert to two hours .
The decision comes despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its parking budgets , with Cllr Ken Hawkins , cabinet member for environment and highways , saying it was `` essential '' to support the borough 's high streets .
He has asked his officers to implement the change at off-street facilities `` as soon as possible '' , with the extended period due to be in place by the beginning of April .
Resident Dave Pinwell , from Knowle Society , said : `` It will come as a great relief to particularly elderly residents , who start to fret about parking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the shops , or when the butcher goes out the back to take a joint off a carcass .
`` It will come as a great relief to those shops and retailers who are really struggling . ''
Cllr Alan Rebeiro ( Ind , Knowle ) said he was pleased the council had looked at the `` bigger , wider picture . ''
`` It will be so , so well received in Knowle .
We 've gone through a difficult period and there was a lot of anxiety ... so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just relief but optimism . ''
The local group Visit Knowle , established to promote the village , had also supported the move , having revealed that parking was one of `` the top priorities '' identified in recent surveys it had carried out .
`` We welcome changes that encourages visitors to come to Knowle and that support our local businesses , '' said a spokeswoman .
Members had been among those to press the issue , with other interventions by ward councillors , the Knowle Society and Meriden 's new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to Cllr Hawkins , Mr Bhatti said that many villagers had raised the parking issue during the recent election campaign .
`` Prior to entering politics I advised many small businesses as a chartered accountant and served as president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce , '' he said .
`` I am therefore acutely aware of the many pressures business owners experience while creating jobs and helping local economies survive . ''
While road chiefs had originally advised that reverting to the old system could cost between £200,000-240,000 in annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any loss would be absorbed by the wider budget .
Tell us your views on Facebook Birmingham and the West Midlands is home to informed , passionate people devoted to their political causes who are not afraid to tell you what they think !
This Facebook group is an extension of the unrivalled political coverage you get from Birmingham Live and the Birmingham Mail & Post .
Here you will find our stories from Parliament and the Council chambers , alongside stories from your communities which show how political decisions are having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place for you if you want to share your own views , engage in debate and tell us about the issues we are missing .
Explaining his decision , he said he had listened closely to comments from the local community and visited the village to discuss the issue .
`` Since the decision to alter the free parking period was made , there 's been a visible change in how people shop and where they shop ; both nationally and locally there has been a reported drop in sales and footfall in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solihull town centre and shops are performing well , I feel we need to re-examine our thoughts as to how we can support local shopping areas more . ''

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Two hours' free parking is to be reinstated in a Solihull village, almost 18 months after it was controversially cut.
Shoppers and traders in Knowle had been highly critical of the decision to reduce the free and display period in mid-2018.
The backlash prompted a partial reversal of the policy last year, with the 30 minutes allowed following changes being taken back up to an hour.
And following fresh calls from the local community, it was announced this week that the system would revert to two hours.
The decision comes despite the council already facing a £250,000 shortfall in its parking budgets, with Cllr Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for environment and highways, saying it was "essential" to support the borough's high streets.
He has asked his officers to implement the change at off-street facilities "as soon as possible", with the extended period due to be in place by the beginning of April.
Resident Dave Pinwell, from Knowle Society, said: "It will come as a great relief to particularly elderly residents, who start to fret about parking fines when they meet an unexpected queue in the shops, or when the butcher goes out the back to take a joint off a carcass.
"It will come as a great relief to those shops and retailers who are really struggling."
Cllr Alan Rebeiro (Ind, Knowle) said he was pleased the council had looked at the "bigger, wider picture."
"It will be so, so well received in Knowle. We've gone through a difficult period and there was a lot of anxiety ... so that really will bring a big sense of not just relief but optimism."
The local group Visit Knowle, established to promote the village, had also supported the move, having revealed that parking was one of "the top priorities" identified in recent surveys it had carried out.
"We welcome changes that encourages visitors to come to Knowle and that support our local businesses," said a spokeswoman.
Members had been among those to press the issue, with other interventions by ward councillors, the Knowle Society and Meriden's new MP Saqib Bhatti.
In a direct letter to Cllr Hawkins, Mr Bhatti said that many villagers had raised the parking issue during the recent election campaign.
"Prior to entering politics I advised many small businesses as a chartered accountant and served as president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce," he said.
(Image: Saqib Bhatti)
"I am therefore acutely aware of the many pressures business owners experience while creating jobs and helping local economies survive."
While road chiefs had originally advised that reverting to the old system could cost between £200,000-240,000 in annual parking income, Cllr Hawkins has said that any loss would be absorbed by the wider budget.
Explaining his decision, he said he had listened closely to comments from the local community and visited the village to discuss the issue.
"Since the decision to alter the free parking period was made, there's been a visible change in how people shop and where they shop; both nationally and locally there has been a reported drop in sales and footfall in our shopping areas.
"And while Solihull town centre and shops are performing well, I feel we need to re-examine our thoughts as to how we can support local shopping areas more."


birminghammail--2020-01-27--After saving Flybe, the Government is working on a plan to protect regional airports from future thr

After saving Flybe, the Government is working on a plan to protect regional airports from future threats

The potential collapse of airline Flybe , which threatened to have a devastating effect on airports across the country , has led the Government to commission a full-scale review into the regional aviation industry and how it can be strengthened .
Birmingham was one of the airports under threat from the potential collapse of Flybe .
As city MP Gary Sambrook ( Con , Northfield ) pointed out in the House of Commons , Flybe accounted for 30 per cent of the airport ’ s traffic .
It ’ s still not clear exactly what the Government offered Flybe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to defer at least £10 million of the £106 million tax bill it owes , and is in talks about receiving a loan .
But it was concern about regional airports rather than the airline itself that prompted the action .
This government paints itself as the champion of the Midlands and the North , and the last thing it wants is to see major employers across the country suffer a catastrophic blow to their businesses ( Birmingham Airport claims to contribute more than £1 billion to the West Midlands economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was this that caused Ministers to take what might be seen as a deeply un-Conservative decision to bail the firm out .
Justifying the decision , the Department for Transpoirt stressed the Flybe “ plays an important role in the UK ’ s connectivity by flying regional routes that other providers do not operate ” .
And it said that following talks with the Government : “ Flybe have confirmed they will continue to operate as normal , preserving flights to airports such as Southampton , Belfast and Birmingham ” .
But that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Grant Shapps also told the House of Commons that the Government was launching a review of regional connectivity , to ensure “ all nations and regions of the UK have the domestic transport connections local communities rely on – including regional services from local airports.
” The review is led by the Department for Transport , which says it will work closely with the aviation industry , local regions and devolved nations .
At the same time , the Treasury is reviewing Air Passenger Duty , a tax charged on passengers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the March Budget ” according to the Government , which implies ( without quite promising ) that a conclusion will be reached in time for Chancellor Sajid Javid to announce a decision in his Budget on March 31 .
This review is supposedly designed “ to ensure regional connectivity is supported while meeting the UK ’ s climate change commitments to meet net zero by 2050 ” .
The trouble with this is that supporting regional connectivity implies cutting taxes , at least for short haul flights , while meeting climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discourage people from flying .
It remains to be seen how the Government will square that circle , though the fact that air passenger duty is being examined in the context of a review designed to support regional airports suggests that taxes are only likely to fall .
Mr Shapps said : “ The Department for Transport will undertake an urgent review into how we can level up the country by strengthening regional connectivity and will look at all the options that we have to make sure our airports can continue to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , creating jobs and greening aviation , across the country.
” And Mr Javid said the reviews “ will ensure that regional connections not only continue but flourish in the years to come – so that every nation and region can fulfil its potential.
” Aviation Minister has launched a tour of regional airports as part of the review .
He is asking airport managers how the Government can support them .
He began by meeting the CEO of Liverpool John Lennon Airport , John Irving .
It would be a surprise if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to Birmingham .
This may all sound like great news for Flybe , which provides more than half of the UK ’ s domestic flights outside London , as well as flights to Ireland and Continental Europe .
But my guess ( though the Government hasn ’ t said or even hinted at this ) is that one question Ministers will be asking is how regional airports can reduce their reliance on a single business .
Whatever line of work you are in , if your business model collapses when a supplier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably need to make changes .

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The potential collapse of airline Flybe, which threatened to have a devastating effect on airports across the country, has led the Government to commission a full-scale review into the regional aviation industry and how it can be strengthened.
Birmingham was one of the airports under threat from the potential collapse of Flybe. As city MP Gary Sambrook (Con, Northfield) pointed out in the House of Commons, Flybe accounted for 30 per cent of the airport’s traffic.
It’s still not clear exactly what the Government offered Flybe, though the firm seems to have been allowed to defer at least £10 million of the £106 million tax bill it owes, and is in talks about receiving a loan. But it was concern about regional airports rather than the airline itself that prompted the action.
This government paints itself as the champion of the Midlands and the North, and the last thing it wants is to see major employers across the country suffer a catastrophic blow to their businesses (Birmingham Airport claims to contribute more than £1 billion to the West Midlands economy and to support 25,300 jobs). It was this that caused Ministers to take what might be seen as a deeply un-Conservative decision to bail the firm out.
Justifying the decision, the Department for Transpoirt stressed the Flybe “plays an important role in the UK’s connectivity by flying regional routes that other providers do not operate”.
And it said that following talks with the Government: “Flybe have confirmed they will continue to operate as normal, preserving flights to airports such as Southampton, Belfast and Birmingham”.
But that’s just the start. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also told the House of Commons that the Government was launching a review of regional connectivity, to ensure “all nations and regions of the UK have the domestic transport connections local communities rely on – including regional services from local airports.”
The review is led by the Department for Transport, which says it will work closely with the aviation industry, local regions and devolved nations.
At the same time, the Treasury is reviewing Air Passenger Duty, a tax charged on passengers. This work is taking place “ahead of the March Budget” according to the Government, which implies (without quite promising) that a conclusion will be reached in time for Chancellor Sajid Javid to announce a decision in his Budget on March 31.
This review is supposedly designed “to ensure regional connectivity is supported while meeting the UK’s climate change commitments to meet net zero by 2050”.
The trouble with this is that supporting regional connectivity implies cutting taxes, at least for short haul flights, while meeting climate change commitments implies increasing tax in order to discourage people from flying.
It remains to be seen how the Government will square that circle, though the fact that air passenger duty is being examined in the context of a review designed to support regional airports suggests that taxes are only likely to fall.
Mr Shapps said: “The Department for Transport will undertake an urgent review into how we can level up the country by strengthening regional connectivity and will look at all the options that we have to make sure our airports can continue to play an important role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and greening aviation, across the country.”
And Mr Javid said the reviews “will ensure that regional connections not only continue but flourish in the years to come – so that every nation and region can fulfil its potential.”
Aviation Minister has launched a tour of regional airports as part of the review. He is asking airport managers how the Government can support them. He began by meeting the CEO of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, John Irving. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t at some point come to Birmingham.
This may all sound like great news for Flybe, which provides more than half of the UK’s domestic flights outside London, as well as flights to Ireland and Continental Europe.
But my guess (though the Government hasn’t said or even hinted at this) is that one question Ministers will be asking is how regional airports can reduce their reliance on a single business.
Whatever line of work you are in, if your business model collapses when a supplier or partner gets into difficulties then you probably need to make changes.


birminghammail--2020-01-27--Brit becomes one of first to climb world's most remote mountain - that only 10 people have ever seen

An explorer has become the first Brit to climb the world 's remotest mountain - so isolated only ten people have ever SEEN it .
Adventurer Leo Houlding , 39 , successfully conquered Spectre - a jagged mountain peak in Antarctica , 450km south of the South Pole .
He battled Antarctic conditions for more than 2,000km to make the climb .
Leo became only the third person ever to reach the summit , the first Brit , and the first to have completed the expedition without outside financial assistance or use of any vehicle within the Antarctic .
Leo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I 've been on a lot of adventures and they are all quite challenging , but this was another level .
`` Of all that I 've done , that one takes the crown as the most remarkable and the most extreme .
`` The mountain is as remote as you can get .
There is a science base at the South Pole about 450km away , you basically have to go via there to get to Spectre .
`` It 's the most remote mountain in the world , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely self reliant - no one is coming to help if things go wrong . ''
The Spectre is 2,020 metres ( 6,630 ft ) high , and was discovered in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn .
Leo continued : `` It 's not the highest mountain and we were n't trying to climb it the quickest , I 'm not interested in those achievements .
`` Climbing Everest was a challenge 50 years ago but it 's not any more .
Now it 's about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not as famous .
`` It is a giant granite fang , there are only a few places in the world where you find such mountains and most are well know to climbers , but no one has even heard of Spectre .
`` For such a spectacular place to be that off the radar is unheard of in this day and age . ''
Comprising of a series of jagged granite peaks , climbing Spectre poses unique challenges to mountaineers .
The base of the mountain is only accessible by land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000km of ice and Antarctic conditions .
Shortly after he reached the summit he was joined by the other two members of his team , France 's Jean Burgun , 38 , and Mark Sedon , 49 , from New Zealand , who became the fourth and fifth people to complete the challenge .
Leo said that on his arrival , temperatures were so low that the team faced instant frostbite - and on one occasion he almost fell into a crevasse .
He added : `` Getting to Spectre was the greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transpired .
`` We kite skied for 2,000km with 200kg of kit each - it was the only way to get there .
Kite skiing enables you to travel at speed and carry enough weight .
`` This was n't a beach holiday , Spectre is in the most most hostile environment on earth and you need a lot of equipment to survive .
`` When we arrived it was -40 with winds of 60 knots , that gives a windchill of -73 - that 's instant frostbite .
`` You can freeze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It was difficult , travelling to the mountain I lost my sled into a crevasse and it almost pulled me in - I was saved by a knot in the rope .
`` Even walking in that environment is a challenge , so you can imagine how much more difficult it was to climb a vertical cliff face . ''
Spectre was given its allusive name by Edmund Stump , leader of the United States Antarctic Research Program , who became the first to climb the mountain after discovering it by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the first to people ever to climb in the transarctic mountains without government support , and the first to climb Spectre after travelling to it by land .
`` Edmund and Mugs Stump climbed the mountain in 1980 .
It is so remote that less than 10 people have even seen it .
`` It is at the end of the world .
It 's almost frustrating that the two scientists who discovered it were climbers , else we 'd have been the first to climb it .
`` But in another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't have their climbers eyes they might not have taken photos , then we would n't have even known about it . ''
Leo 's incredibly story is being told on film which will be shown around the nation as part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2020 , tickets are available now .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (John Bett, James Rodger)

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An explorer has become the first Brit to climb the world's remotest mountain - so isolated only ten people have ever SEEN it.
Adventurer Leo Houlding, 39, successfully conquered Spectre - a jagged mountain peak in Antarctica, 450km south of the South Pole.
He battled Antarctic conditions for more than 2,000km to make the climb.
Leo became only the third person ever to reach the summit, the first Brit, and the first to have completed the expedition without outside financial assistance or use of any vehicle within the Antarctic.
Leo, from Staveley, Cumbria, said: "I've been on a lot of adventures and they are all quite challenging, but this was another level.
"Of all that I've done, that one takes the crown as the most remarkable and the most extreme.
"The mountain is as remote as you can get. There is a science base at the South Pole about 450km away, you basically have to go via there to get to Spectre.
"It's the most remote mountain in the world, when you are that far out you are completely self reliant - no one is coming to help if things go wrong."
(Image: Mark Sedon / SWNS)
The Spectre is 2,020 metres (6,630 ft) high, and was discovered in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn.
Leo continued: "It's not the highest mountain and we weren't trying to climb it the quickest, I'm not interested in those achievements.
(Image: Mark Sedon / SWNS)
"Climbing Everest was a challenge 50 years ago but it's not any more. Now it's about doing things that are more technically difficult but not as famous.
"It is a giant granite fang, there are only a few places in the world where you find such mountains and most are well know to climbers, but no one has even heard of Spectre.
"For such a spectacular place to be that off the radar is unheard of in this day and age."
Comprising of a series of jagged granite peaks, climbing Spectre poses unique challenges to mountaineers.
The base of the mountain is only accessible by land, and would-be climbers must first face 2,000km of ice and Antarctic conditions.
Shortly after he reached the summit he was joined by the other two members of his team, France's Jean Burgun, 38, and Mark Sedon, 49, from New Zealand, who became the fourth and fifth people to complete the challenge.
(Image: Mark Sedon / SWNS)
Leo said that on his arrival, temperatures were so low that the team faced instant frostbite - and on one occasion he almost fell into a crevasse.
He added: "Getting to Spectre was the greatest part of the challenge, as it transpired.
"We kite skied for 2,000km with 200kg of kit each - it was the only way to get there. Kite skiing enables you to travel at speed and carry enough weight.
"This wasn't a beach holiday, Spectre is in the most most hostile environment on earth and you need a lot of equipment to survive.
(Image: Mark Sedon / SWNS)
"When we arrived it was -40 with winds of 60 knots, that gives a windchill of -73 - that's instant frostbite.
"You can freeze to death within minutes in those temperatures.
(Image: Mark Sedon / SWNS)
"It was difficult, travelling to the mountain I lost my sled into a crevasse and it almost pulled me in - I was saved by a knot in the rope.
"Even walking in that environment is a challenge, so you can imagine how much more difficult it was to climb a vertical cliff face."
(Image: Mark Sedon / SWNS)
Spectre was given its allusive name by Edmund Stump, leader of the United States Antarctic Research Program, who became the first to climb the mountain after discovering it by chance.
Leo added: "We were the first to people ever to climb in the transarctic mountains without government support, and the first to climb Spectre after travelling to it by land.
"Edmund and Mugs Stump climbed the mountain in 1980. It is so remote that less than 10 people have even seen it.
(Image: Mark Sedon / SWNS)
"It is at the end of the world. It's almost frustrating that the two scientists who discovered it were climbers, else we'd have been the first to climb it.
"But in another way it's lucky - if they didn't have their climbers eyes they might not have taken photos, then we wouldn't have even known about it."
Leo's incredibly story is being told on film which will be shown around the nation as part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2020, tickets are available now.