birminghammail--2020-05-06--'Since then' - Our columnist's latest verdict on Jack Grealish

A few weeks ago , I criticised Aston Villa star Jack Grealish for breaking the stay-at-home and social-distancing rules .
Everybody knew he was wrong and , most importantly , Jack knew he was in the wrong for not sticking to the rules .
As you would expect , he got a lot of stick from all parts of the media , including myself , and also from the public .
He did not try to justify his actions or make excuses but apologised for an error of judgement .
Since then Jack has worked hard to make amends with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Hospital is getting £200k thanks to him .
He has worked hard to engage with supporters who are suffering with family issues by way of donating items or direct messages .
In our business if you are prepared to be critical of wrongdoings then you also have to show balance with praise for good works .
I have always been very proud of this area and our clubs , but I was bursting with pride to see West Brom , Villa and Blues doing their bit in this crisis , Villa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maternity use to help ease the pressure on the NHS .
A brilliant caring gesture that once again places the club in the heart of its community .
Well done to both clubs on a brilliant effort .
Blues staff and the Former Players ’ Association have come together to raise money for the local hospitals through the NHS University Hospitals Charity by collectively walking , running or crawling 1,083 miles , which is the distance from Land ’ s End to John O ’ Groats under the banner KRO Challenge .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own homes while practising social distancing .
Another great effort .

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A few weeks ago, I criticised Aston Villa star Jack Grealish for breaking the stay-at-home and social-distancing rules.
Everybody knew he was wrong and, most importantly, Jack knew he was in the wrong for not sticking to the rules.
As you would expect, he got a lot of stick from all parts of the media, including myself, and also from the public.
He did not try to justify his actions or make excuses but apologised for an error of judgement.
However, credit where it’s due.
Since then Jack has worked hard to make amends with some amazing acts.
The Children’s Hospital is getting £200k thanks to him.
He has worked hard to engage with supporters who are suffering with family issues by way of donating items or direct messages.
In our business if you are prepared to be critical of wrongdoings then you also have to show balance with praise for good works.
Pride
I have always been very proud of this area and our clubs, but I was bursting with pride to see West Brom, Villa and Blues doing their bit in this crisis, Villa and the Baggies handing over their stadiums for maternity use to help ease the pressure on the NHS.
A brilliant caring gesture that once again places the club in the heart of its community. Well done to both clubs on a brilliant effort.
Blues staff and the Former Players’ Association have come together to raise money for the local hospitals through the NHS University Hospitals Charity by collectively walking, running or crawling 1,083 miles, which is the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats under the banner KRO Challenge.
They are doing this in and around their own homes while practising social distancing. Another great effort.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Clean Air Zone must be introduced 'as early as possible' - council chief

Birmingham 's delayed Clean Air Zone ( CAZ ) must be introduced 'as early as possible ' in 2021 , the council 's cabinet member for transport has said .
Cllr Waseem Zaffar ( Lab , Lozells ) said the cabinet was right to take the decision to delay the charge , which was originally intended to be introduced this summer .
But he added the council 'have got to introduce the Clean Air Zone ' as soon as is feasible , pointing to the drop in air pollution in recent weeks as evidence of what the city has got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year Cllr Zaffar wrote to the government to request a delay to launch of the charge , which will see high-polluting cars charged £8 a day to enter the city centre .
In his letter , he asked that the launch be pushed back until at least January 2021 , to allow businesses and residents time to adjust to the ongoing pandemic .
Reflecting on the decision , Cllr Zaffar said he was glad that the city council had taken the decision to delay the charge , allowing businesses to focus on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that the delay agreed upon by the government does not change plans for the CAZ , which he hopes will be launched 'as early as possible ' .
`` I think very early on after government decided on the lockdown , we had some conversations at the council , '' he said .
`` At a time when businesses are thinking about their future and whether they could pay their staff or not , without any income , they clearly couldn ’ t be focussing on the implementation of the CAZ , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying compliant cars , or shifting from private car use to public transport - these challenges just didn ’ t make sense .
`` However the delay didn ’ t amend the ministerial direction , so that still stands , and ultimately that means we have to bring forward the CAZ as early as possible in 2021 .
And I do think that ’ s absolutely required . ''
He added : `` We ’ ve clearly seen during the drop in transport - there ’ s been approximately a 70 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that ’ s had a massive impact in nitrous oxide levels in the city .
`` But people generally are posting on social media to say that they feel the sky is cleaner , they feel a lot better when they ’ re out on their walk .
`` And quite rightly so , because when we do have better levels of air quality people do feel a lot lot better , and that does have a massive impact on people ’ s health and their wellbeing too .
`` So we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we ’ ve just put the pause button on it for now while we deal with the challenges that Covid-19 bring . ''

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Birmingham's delayed Clean Air Zone (CAZ) must be introduced 'as early as possible' in 2021, the council's cabinet member for transport has said.
Cllr Waseem Zaffar (Lab, Lozells) said the cabinet was right to take the decision to delay the charge, which was originally intended to be introduced this summer.
But he added the council 'have got to introduce the Clean Air Zone' as soon as is feasible, pointing to the drop in air pollution in recent weeks as evidence of what the city has got to look forward to.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Earlier this year Cllr Zaffar wrote to the government to request a delay to launch of the charge, which will see high-polluting cars charged £8 a day to enter the city centre.
In his letter, he asked that the launch be pushed back until at least January 2021, to allow businesses and residents time to adjust to the ongoing pandemic.
Reflecting on the decision, Cllr Zaffar said he was glad that the city council had taken the decision to delay the charge, allowing businesses to focus on the priority of Covid-19.
However, he says that the delay agreed upon by the government does not change plans for the CAZ, which he hopes will be launched 'as early as possible'.
"I think very early on after government decided on the lockdown, we had some conversations at the council," he said.
"At a time when businesses are thinking about their future and whether they could pay their staff or not, without any income, they clearly couldn’t be focussing on the implementation of the CAZ, they couldn’t be focussing on buying compliant cars, or shifting from private car use to public transport - these challenges just didn’t make sense.
"However the delay didn’t amend the ministerial direction, so that still stands, and ultimately that means we have to bring forward the CAZ as early as possible in 2021. And I do think that’s absolutely required."
He added: "We’ve clearly seen during the drop in transport - there’s been approximately a 70 per cent drop in transport in this city - and that’s had a massive impact in nitrous oxide levels in the city.
"But people generally are posting on social media to say that they feel the sky is cleaner, they feel a lot better when they’re out on their walk.
"And quite rightly so, because when we do have better levels of air quality people do feel a lot lot better, and that does have a massive impact on people’s health and their wellbeing too.
"So we’ve got to introduce the CAZ, but we’ve just put the pause button on it for now while we deal with the challenges that Covid-19 bring."


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Key workers to get free seaside trips - when it's safe to go

Coach companies in the West Midlands want to reward key workers with a free seaside day trip - once it is safe to do so .
Clarkes Travel , Kings Norton Coaches , Nash ’ s Coaches and Greenline Coaches have started a crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs of a trip to Weston-super-Mare , North Somerset .
They hope to provide free places for more than 100 NHS staff and other key workers to thank them for their efforts during the coronavirus crisis .
The trip will take place either this year or next year - either when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sit apart from each other , or if and when social distancing is lifted completely .
James Clarke , 42 , co-owner of Northfield-based Clarkes Travel , said the two-year old business regularly made trips to destinations like Weston-super-Mare , Blackpool and Barmouth .
But he said the company stopped getting bookings from March 13 , as the Covid-19 crisis took hold .
He estimates the company has so far lost around £25,000 of business and he and co-owner Sarah Clarke , 44 , his wife , are living on money they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using his 15-seater minibus to help the South Birmingham Community Food Hub pick up food donations from supermarket chains for vulnerable people in the community .
He and other coach companies in the region put together the plan for the NHS and Key Workers Day Out following a talk in March .
They have set up a page on GoFundMe and are aiming to raise £1,000 to cover the companies ’ costs , such as fuel .
Mr Clarke said the coaches would pick up passengers from various points in Birmingham and drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pier .
The key workers would then be able to spend the day in the seaside destination .
Mr Clarke , a father-of-two , said : “ It ’ s something for key workers to look forward to .
They will have been working all through the lockdown .
We want to give something else back to the community .
“ It came from a conversation we had back in March .
We said ‘ when we come out of this , can we do something ?
’ .
“ If people want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be a massive help .
We hope to have a fleet of coaches going down the M5 to Weston , which is a firm favourite with Brummies .
“ It will hopefully be some time this year .
The number of people we can take would depend on where we are with social distancing at that point .
`` Each coach may only be able to take 20 to 25 people on .
“ We would hope to take at least 100 key workers , but we would like to take @ @ @ @ @

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Coach companies in the West Midlands want to reward key workers with a free seaside day trip - once it is safe to do so.
Clarkes Travel, Kings Norton Coaches, Nash’s Coaches and Greenline Coaches have started a crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs of a trip to Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset.
They hope to provide free places for more than 100 NHS staff and other key workers to thank them for their efforts during the coronavirus crisis.
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The trip will take place either this year or next year - either when the lockdown ends but passengers are still required to sit apart from each other, or if and when social distancing is lifted completely.
James Clarke, 42, co-owner of Northfield-based Clarkes Travel, said the two-year old business regularly made trips to destinations like Weston-super-Mare, Blackpool and Barmouth.
But he said the company stopped getting bookings from March 13, as the Covid-19 crisis took hold.
(Image: James Clarke)
He estimates the company has so far lost around £25,000 of business and he and co-owner Sarah Clarke, 44, his wife, are living on money they have saved.
He has since been using his 15-seater minibus to help the South Birmingham Community Food Hub pick up food donations from supermarket chains for vulnerable people in the community.
He and other coach companies in the region put together the plan for the NHS and Key Workers Day Out following a talk in March.
(Image: James Clarke)
They have set up a page on GoFundMe and are aiming to raise £1,000 to cover the companies’ costs, such as fuel.
Mr Clarke said the coaches would pick up passengers from various points in Birmingham and drop them off near Weston’s Grand Pier.
The key workers would then be able to spend the day in the seaside destination.
(Image: James Clarke)
Mr Clarke, a father-of-two, said: “It’s something for key workers to look forward to. They will have been working all through the lockdown. We want to give something else back to the community.
“It came from a conversation we had back in March. We said ‘when we come out of this, can we do something?’.
“If people want to help us with the costs, it would be a massive help. We hope to have a fleet of coaches going down the M5 to Weston, which is a firm favourite with Brummies.
“It will hopefully be some time this year. The number of people we can take would depend on where we are with social distancing at that point.
"Each coach may only be able to take 20 to 25 people on.
“We would hope to take at least 100 key workers, but we would like to take a lot more.”
Key workers can register at: www.clarkestravel.com/keyworkers


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Easyjet issues huge update to customers with July, August, September flights

Easyjet has issued a huge update to anybody with flights booked beyond June - and it is promising news .
The budget carrier says it intends for flights booked in July , August and September to go ahead .
Easyjet , which has a huge base at London Luton Airport , operates flights from a number of UK bases to a variety of holiday hotspots .
The airline flies to pretty much all of our favourite holiday destinations .
And if you 've got a trip booked towards the end of the year , the airline has issued some advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule is constantly adapting and evolving during the coronavirus crisis .
And if your flight does get cancelled , you ’ ll be notified at least seven days in advance .
But if you 've paid upfront and want to consider changing your holiday date , you can change your date and destination online for no fee and receive a 10 % discount if your new booking is more expensive .
You can cancel your booking and receive a credit note to use for a future holiday .
EasyJet says : `` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ departure date your holiday becomes impacted , we ’ ll be in touch again .
`` You can rest assured that if easyJet holidays cancels your holiday you ’ ll receive a full refund back to the original payment method . ''
For any holidays booked in September or beyond , easyJet says : `` We 're closely monitoring the situation and reviewing the advice we receive from the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office , as well as our in-destination partners , as we hope to be taking customers on their holidays again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If anything changes with your holiday with us , we ’ ll be in touch . ''

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Easyjet has issued a huge update to anybody with flights booked beyond June - and it is promising news.
The budget carrier says it intends for flights booked in July, August and September to go ahead.
Easyjet, which has a huge base at London Luton Airport, operates flights from a number of UK bases to a variety of holiday hotspots.
The airline flies to pretty much all of our favourite holiday destinations.
And if you've got a trip booked towards the end of the year, the airline has issued some advice for customers.
Easyjet says its flight schedule is constantly adapting and evolving during the coronavirus crisis.
And if your flight does get cancelled, you’ll be notified at least seven days in advance.
But if you've paid upfront and want to consider changing your holiday date,you can change your date and destination online for no fee and receive a 10% discount if your new booking is more expensive.
You can cancel your booking and receive a credit note to use for a future holiday.
EasyJet says: "If, when we get to review your departure date your holiday becomes impacted, we’ll be in touch again.
"You can rest assured that if easyJet holidays cancels your holiday you’ll receive a full refund back to the original payment method."
For any holidays booked in September or beyond, easyJet says: "We're closely monitoring the situation and reviewing the advice we receive from the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, as well as our in-destination partners, as we hope to be taking customers on their holidays again as soon as we can.
"If anything changes with your holiday with us, we’ll be in touch."


birminghammail--2020-05-06--'Hand and arm' found in river - but all is not as it seems

The long arm of the law was in full evidence when police were called to reports of a human limb floating in a Birmingham river .
Hall Green officers were alerted to the bizarre find after shocked locals reported the discovery in the River Cole today , Wednesday , May 6 .
Thankfully the gruesome sighting turned to be the hand and arm of a stuffed dummy .
And officers went further out on a limb after they struggled to get out of the river - providing amusement to those watching the operation to retrieve the wayward body part .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all those concerned thinking they had witnessed an arm in the River Cole , thankfully it was part of a stuffed dummy .
Hall Green officers retrieved the item after a struggle to climb out much to the amusement of the locals .
`` Someone has had some harmless fun . ''
The River Cole runs through Sarehole Road , Hall Green Road and Bank Road .
A tribute of the river drives the Grade 11 listed Sarehole Mill which is now a museum and one of the inspirations for JRR Tolkien 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his brother spent their childhood in Birmingham with their widowed mother first living in the hamlet of Sarehole , which Tolkien is reported to have said were the happiest years of his youth .
Sarehole is said to have been the model for The Shire , home to the hobbits and every year the Tolkien Weekend is held at Sarehole Recreation Ground and Moseley Bog Local Nature Reserve , part of the Shire Country Park .

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The long arm of the law was in full evidence when police were called to reports of a human limb floating in a Birmingham river.
Hall Green officers were alerted to the bizarre find after shocked locals reported the discovery in the River Cole today, Wednesday, May 6.
Thankfully the gruesome sighting turned to be the hand and arm of a stuffed dummy.
And officers went further out on a limb after they struggled to get out of the river - providing amusement to those watching the operation to retrieve the wayward body part.
Hall Green Police tweeted: "For all those concerned thinking they had witnessed an arm in the River Cole, thankfully it was part of a stuffed dummy. Hall Green officers retrieved the item after a struggle to climb out much to the amusement of the locals.
"Someone has had some harmless fun."
The River Cole runs through Sarehole Road, Hall Green Road and Bank Road.
A tribute of the river drives the Grade 11 listed Sarehole Mill which is now a museum and one of the inspirations for JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
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Tolkien and his brother spent their childhood in Birmingham with their widowed mother first living in the hamlet of Sarehole, which Tolkien is reported to have said were the happiest years of his youth.
Sarehole is said to have been the model for The Shire, home to the hobbits and every year the Tolkien Weekend is held at Sarehole Recreation Ground and Moseley Bog Local Nature Reserve, part of the Shire Country Park.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Garden waste collections are back - but there could be delays

Sandwell 's green bin collections have started again this week - but residents were reminded they may take longer than usual .
Crews are working to empty green bins on usual collection days , or as soon as possible afterwards , but the council said there may be delays due to higher levels of garden waste .
The authority and its environmental services partner , Serco , are putting in plans for catch-up collections on Saturdays if necessary .
Deputy council leader Councillor Maria Crompton said : '' The crews are doing an amazing job and it 's fantastic that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again while also keeping up weekly household waste and recycling collections .
`` Inevitably , there is a lot of garden waste to collect given the circumstances , with more green bins being put out than usual .
So , there may be some delays for some households .
`` If the garden waste bins in your road are n't collected on your scheduled day , please leave them out until they are emptied .
Our crews will get to you as soon as they possibly can . ''
People can find more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including tips on what you can and ca n't put in your green bin , at our www.sandwell.gov.uk/gardenwaste webpage .
Go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/composting for advice on composting .
What to put in your garden waste bin : What not to put in ( these items wo n't be collected ) : We ca n't empty your garden waste bin if it : • contains items that can ’ t be composted • contains any bags - garden waste must be loose and not in bags • is too full for the lid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full to empty safely .

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Sandwell's green bin collections have started again this week - but residents were reminded they may take longer than usual.
Crews are working to empty green bins on usual collection days, or as soon as possible afterwards, but the council said there may be delays due to higher levels of garden waste.
The authority and its environmental services partner, Serco, are putting in plans for catch-up collections on Saturdays if necessary.
Deputy council leader Councillor Maria Crompton said:"The crews are doing an amazing job and it's fantastic that our fortnightly garden waste collections have started again while also keeping up weekly household waste and recycling collections.
"Inevitably, there is a lot of garden waste to collect given the circumstances, with more green bins being put out than usual. So, there may be some delays for some households.
"If the garden waste bins in your road aren't collected on your scheduled day, please leave them out until they are emptied. Our crews will get to you as soon as they possibly can."
People can find more advice and information on garden waste, including tips on what you can and can't put in your green bin, at our www.sandwell.gov.uk/gardenwaste webpage.
Go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/composting for advice on composting.
What to put in your garden waste bin:
grass cuttings
hedge and shrub clippings
plants and weeds
leaves, twigs and bark
cut flowers
windfalls
What not to put in (these items won't be collected):
soil, pot plant compost, turf, ash or garden chemicals
plastic (including plastic bags, bin liners, carrier bags or plant pots)
food or kitchen waste (including raw or cooked food)
stones or rubble
DIY rubbish, timber or sawdust
animal waste or bedding
metal or glass.
We can't empty your garden waste bin if it:


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Ten firefighters attend tanker crash with 'potentially serious consequences'

A crash involving a tanker , a car and a pick-up truck could have had 'potentially serious consequences , ' West Midlands Fire Service said .
The collision happened in Lodge Road , Knowle at around 9am today , Wednesday , May 6 , and saw a car smash into a tanker .
No-one was seriously injured .
Solihull Fire tweeted : `` Solihull fire station attended a collision with potentially serious consequences .
Take a look at https : //wmfs.link/2Un0KjF for driver safety advice . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said : `` The call came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Lodge Road , Knowle .
`` We sent two engines with ten firefighters to the scene involving a two cars and a tanker .
`` One of the vehicles was a 4x4 which went into a hedgerow and the other vehicle was in a collision with a tanker .
`` The men from both vehicles had minor injuries and the tanker driver is believed to be uninjured .
The spokesman added : `` There was no significant damage to the tanker and recovery of the the two other vehicles was left in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called to the Junction of Lodge Road and Warwick Road in Knowle at 9.03am to reports of a multi vehicle RTC .
`` One ambulance attended and treated one man on scene for minor injuries .
He didn ’ t require hospital treatment and was discharged on scene . ''

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A crash involving a tanker, a car and a pick-up truck could have had 'potentially serious consequences,' West Midlands Fire Service said.
The collision happened in Lodge Road, Knowle at around 9am today, Wednesday, May 6, and saw a car smash into a tanker.
A 4x4 pick-up truck also crashed into a hedgerow.
No-one was seriously injured.
Solihull Fire tweeted: "Solihull fire station attended a collision with potentially serious consequences. Take a look at https://wmfs.link/2Un0KjF for driver safety advice."
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "The call came in from the ambulance service at 9.09am to Lodge Road, Knowle.
"We sent two engines with ten firefighters to the scene involving a two cars and a tanker.
"One of the vehicles was a 4x4 which went into a hedgerow and the other vehicle was in a collision with a tanker.
"The men from both vehicles had minor injuries and the tanker driver is believed to be uninjured.
"Fortunately the tanker was empty."
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The spokesman added: "There was no significant damage to the tanker and recovery of the the two other vehicles was left in the hands of the police."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to the Junction of Lodge Road and Warwick Road in Knowle at 9.03am to reports of a multi vehicle RTC.
"One ambulance attended and treated one man on scene for minor injuries. He didn’t require hospital treatment and was discharged on scene."


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Jurgen Klopp planning shock move for West Brom target - reports

Liverpool have emerged as shock rivals for West Brom transfer target , Domagoj Vida , according to reports .
Albion have been heavily linked with the Besiktas defender in recent weeks , amid claims Slaven Bilic could bring his compatriot to England if the Baggies win promotion .
The Turkish club are keen to offload Vida when the window opens , with his current €3m salary , the highest at the club .
Centre half Vida helped Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 , scoring in the quarter finals against hosts Russia and then featuring again as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has been playing for Bilic ’ s former club Besiktas , since January of that year and has played regularly in the Turkish Super Lig and the Europa League .
West Brom 's local rivals , Aston Vila , have also been linked , with suggestions Dean Smith has a bid rejected for the Croatian international in January .
However , it has now been reported in Turkey , that Liverpool see Vida as the ideal , experienced compliment to their central defensive ranks .
According to Yeni Asir , Jurgen Klopp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide cover behind Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez – and Vida fits the bill .
The Croatian is believed to be valued at around €6m , with another two years remaining on his deal with the Turkish giants .

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Liverpool have emerged as shock rivals for West Brom transfer target, Domagoj Vida, according to reports.
Albion have been heavily linked with the Besiktas defender in recent weeks, amid claims Slaven Bilic could bring his compatriot to England if the Baggies win promotion.
The Turkish club are keen to offload Vida when the window opens, with his current €3m salary, the highest at the club.
(Image: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Centre half Vida helped Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018, scoring in the quarter finals against hosts Russia and then featuring again as they knocked out England in the semis.
He has been playing for Bilic’s former club Besiktas, since January of that year and has played regularly in the Turkish Super Lig and the Europa League.
West Brom's local rivals, Aston Vila, have also been linked, with suggestions Dean Smith has a bid rejected for the Croatian international in January.
However, it has now been reported in Turkey, that Liverpool see Vida as the ideal, experienced compliment to their central defensive ranks.
According to Yeni Asir, Jurgen Klopp is keen to bring in another player to provide cover behind Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez – and Vida fits the bill.
The Croatian is believed to be valued at around €6m, with another two years remaining on his deal with the Turkish giants.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--'Benefits Street' murder probe victim named as family man

Police have named a man found dead at his home in Birmingham 's 'Benefits ' Street ' as `` family man '' Amarjit Arora .
The 48-year-old was discovered unresponsive at his house in James Turner Street , Winson Green , on Sunday , May 3 .
He was pronounced dead at the scene .
Police said he suffered no obvious injuries and his death was not initially treated as suspicious .
A 44-year-old woman , who was known to Mr Arora , was arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed as enquiries continued .
A senior officer said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death may not have been natural causes or an accident '' .
West Midlands Police said a post-mortem examination carried out today , Wednesday , May 6 , proved inconclusive and more forensic tests would be undertaken to establish the cause of death .
Det Insp Stuart Mobberley , from the force 's Homicide Unit , said : “ This is a tragic case in which a family man has been found dead in his own home .
“ Initially Mr Arora ’ s death was not deemed suspicious and there are no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a new line of enquiry emerged suggesting his death may not have been natural causes or an accident .
We will do all we can to find out exactly what happened .
“ If anyone has information they believe could assist our investigation I would urge them to contact my team as soon as possible . ''
James Turner Street became known across the country as the setting for the first series of Channel 4 's series Benefits Street , which charted the struggles of a string of real-life characters living on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be contacted via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101 anytime .
Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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Police have named a man found dead at his home in Birmingham's 'Benefits' Street' as "family man" Amarjit Arora.
The 48-year-old was discovered unresponsive at his house in James Turner Street, Winson Green, on Sunday, May 3. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said he suffered no obvious injuries and his death was not initially treated as suspicious.
A 44-year-old woman, who was known to Mr Arora, was arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed as enquiries continued. A senior officer said the force received new information "suggesting his death may not have been natural causes or an accident".
West Midlands Police said a post-mortem examination carried out today, Wednesday, May 6, proved inconclusive and more forensic tests would be undertaken to establish the cause of death.
Det Insp Stuart Mobberley, from the force's Homicide Unit, said: “This is a tragic case in which a family man has been found dead in his own home.
“Initially Mr Arora’s death was not deemed suspicious and there are no clear signs of injury.
“However, a new line of enquiry emerged suggesting his death may not have been natural causes or an accident. We will do all we can to find out exactly what happened.
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“If anyone has information they believe could assist our investigation I would urge them to contact my team as soon as possible."
James Turner Street became known across the country as the setting for the first series of Channel 4's series Benefits Street, which charted the struggles of a string of real-life characters living on the breadline.
The homicide team can be contacted via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101 anytime. Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Loris Karius' agent speaks amid Wolves transfer claims

Lorius Karius ’ agent has finally put to bed rumours that a transfer to Wolves has been agreed , claiming they have held no discussions about his future .
The German is set to return to Liverpool , after terminating his loan agreement with Besiktas earlier this week .
Karius had been locked in a bitter row with his loan side over unpaid wages and the Turkish club 's director Erda Torunogullari revealed last month the 26-year-old wanted to return to England .
Amid the dispute , Wolves were named as a potential destination in the next transfer window .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract at the end of the season and he ’ s been linked with a move to the Turkish capital .
It was even claimed in Turkey a deal has already been agreed for Karius to sign for Wolves in July .
However , the keeper ’ s agent Florian Goll has revealed he will now return to Merseyside , before holding more concrete talks about his long-term future .
“ Karius is still 26 and has a great career ahead of him , ” Goll told Fanatick ( via Sport Witness ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool where he still has two years of the contract .
We haven ’ t discussed what we will do in the future .
“ Let ’ s see what will happen .
“ Unfortunately , Besiktas ’ board have handled things pretty badly .
We decided to keep calm despite the unpaid wages .
Karius was ready to help the club during this situation but they never listened.
” Reports in recent days have suggested that Jurgen Klopp may decide to not invite Karius into first-team training , when his squad reconvene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the remainder of the season and could be asked to stay away from the senior squad .

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Lorius Karius’ agent has finally put to bed rumours that a transfer to Wolves has been agreed, claiming they have held no discussions about his future.
The German is set to return to Liverpool, after terminating his loan agreement with Besiktas earlier this week.
Karius had been locked in a bitter row with his loan side over unpaid wages and the Turkish club's director Erda Torunogullari revealed last month the 26-year-old wanted to return to England.
Amid the dispute, Wolves were named as a potential destination in the next transfer window. Backup option John Ruddy is out of contract at the end of the season and he’s been linked with a move to the Turkish capital.
It was even claimed in Turkey a deal has already been agreed for Karius to sign for Wolves in July.
However, the keeper’s agent Florian Goll has revealed he will now return to Merseyside, before holding more concrete talks about his long-term future.
“Karius is still 26 and has a great career ahead of him,” Goll told Fanatick (via Sport Witness). “He is now returning to Liverpool where he still has two years of the contract. We haven’t discussed what we will do in the future.
“Let’s see what will happen.
“Unfortunately, Besiktas’ board have handled things pretty badly. We decided to keep calm despite the unpaid wages. Karius was ready to help the club during this situation but they never listened.”
Reports in recent days have suggested that Jurgen Klopp may decide to not invite Karius into first-team training, when his squad reconvene later this month.
He is ineligible for the remainder of the season and could be asked to stay away from the senior squad.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--'I make the rules' - The story of Villa training ground bust-up

In our ‘ Remember When ’ series we look back at stories from Aston Villa 's past .
Here we recall the infamous ‘ contretemps ’ between manager Martin O ’ Neill and midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker on the Bodymoor Heath training ground in September 2009 .
It was a month into the 2009-10 Premier League campaign , which would turn out to be Martin O ’ Neill ’ s last season at Villa , who would finish sixth in the top flight table and make it to the Carling Cup final and FA Cup semi-final at Wembley .
The previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late winner in a 1-0 Second City derby victory over Alex McLeish ’ s Birmingham City at St Andrew ’ s .
It was a routine Thursday morning training session on September 17 2009 as O ’ Neill and his coaches prepared the first team squad for that weekend ’ s home clash against Portsmouth .
Suddenly it became less than routine when O ’ Neill and Reo-Coker clashed following a flashpoint in an 11-a-side practice match .
SIGN UP FOR OUR VILLA NEWSLETTER HERE At the time it was reported that O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go at a then teenage Nathan Delfouneso for opting to shoot rather than passing to him .
O ’ Neill sided with Delfouneso and as the row escalated it was alleged that the manager and the midfielder had to be separated .
It is then said that the training game was abandoned and the players were instructed to do running drills .
After the incident Reo-Coker was sent home .
He returned to the training ground the following Monday .
At the time O ’ Neill was considering fining the midfielder , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened .
Reo-Coker was suspended for the weekend ’ s match against Pompey - James Milner and Agbonlahor sealed a 2-0 win - and also missed the following week ’ s 1-0 Carling Cup victory over Cardiff City when Agbolahor was again on target .
The former West Ham United midfielder was back in the matchday squad for th next fixture , but was an unused substitute as Villa lost 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park .
His return to action came with an eight minute cameo as a substitute in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa Park on Monday , October 5 .
It was Tuesday October 27 in that Carling Cup penalty shootout win at Sunderland before he was back in the first XI and Saturday November 7 - 51 days after the ‘ contretemps ’ - before he started a Premier League game , the 5-1 home win over Bolton Wanderers .
Reo-Coker did make a series of starts in the months that followed but tended to be used as a substitute in the closing stages of the season .
O ’ Neill , during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident , suggested the fall-out had been more verbal than physical .
He said : “ There was a bit of a contretemps between myself and Nigel , which usually happens between players really and the manager separates them .
“ There were no fisticuffs .
There was no wrestling to the ground .
I don ’ t remember lying on the floor .
But it was enough for me to treat the incident seriously .
“ I make the rules .
I am the manager of the football club .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so my rules apply .
The players have to get used to that .
It ’ s as simple as that.
” Apparently , Reo-Coker refused O ’ Neill ’ s request for a public apology and after that , as was often the way with Villa ’ s press department at that time , was hidden away from the media for the rest of the season and beyond .
In fact it was April 2011 , 19 months later , before a national newspaper was granted an interview with him .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clash of personalities ’ , adding : “ It ’ s the first time I ’ ve experienced something like that and some people will have this view of me as a troublemaker , which I ’ m portrayed as in the press sometimes , but I know that ’ s far from the truth .
“ If people actually spoke to people who work at the club , who know me on a personal and more intimate level , I ’ m sure they could give you a true reflection of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not a troublesome person .
If people want to say that ’ s what I am , that ’ s down to them .
But I ’ m secure in the man that I am and people true to me know my character and intentions.
” Although it didn ’ t seem that it would be the case at the time , Reo-Coker actually outlived O ’ Neill in terms of his claret and blue career .
O ’ Neill resigned five days before the following season - 2010-11 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the direction in which the club was heading .
Reo-Coker enjoyed a revival under Gerard Houllier and became an important member of O ’ Neill ’ s successor ’ s team .
So much so that he was even being touted for a move to a Champions League club when his contract ( a new deal could not be agreed ) expired in the summer of 2011 .
Reo-Coker also spent time in Major League Soccer with Vancouver Whitecaps , Chivas USA and Montreal Impact and had a stint with Norwegian club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MK Dons .
As for O ’ Neill his next job was at Villa ’ s Premier League rivals Sunderland .
He was sacked after 15 months and became national team manager for the Republic of Ireland in November 2013 .

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In our ‘Remember When’ series we look back at stories from Aston Villa's past.
Here we recall the infamous ‘contretemps’ between manager Martin O’Neill and midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker on the Bodymoor Heath training ground in September 2009.
The context
It was a month into the 2009-10 Premier League campaign, which would turn out to be Martin O’Neill’s last season at Villa, who would finish sixth in the top flight table and make it to the Carling Cup final and FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
The previous Sunday, Gabby Agbonlahor had grabbed a late winner in a 1-0 Second City derby victory over Alex McLeish’s Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.
It was a routine Thursday morning training session on September 17 2009 as O’Neill and his coaches prepared the first team squad for that weekend’s home clash against Portsmouth.
Suddenly it became less than routine when O’Neill and Reo-Coker clashed following a flashpoint in an 11-a-side practice match.
What sparked it
At the time it was reported that O’Neill intervened after Reo-Coker had a go at a then teenage Nathan Delfouneso for opting to shoot rather than passing to him.
O’Neill sided with Delfouneso and as the row escalated it was alleged that the manager and the midfielder had to be separated.
It is then said that the training game was abandoned and the players were instructed to do running drills.
After the incident Reo-Coker was sent home. He returned to the training ground the following Monday. At the time O’Neill was considering fining the midfielder, but it is not known whether that actually happened.
What happened next
Reo-Coker was suspended for the weekend’s match against Pompey - James Milner and Agbonlahor sealed a 2-0 win - and also missed the following week’s 1-0 Carling Cup victory over Cardiff City when Agbolahor was again on target.
The former West Ham United midfielder was back in the matchday squad for th next fixture, but was an unused substitute as Villa lost 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
His return to action came with an eight minute cameo as a substitute in a 1-1 league draw with Manchester City at Villa Park on Monday, October 5.
It was Tuesday October 27 in that Carling Cup penalty shootout win at Sunderland before he was back in the first XI and Saturday November 7 - 51 days after the ‘contretemps’ - before he started a Premier League game, the 5-1 home win over Bolton Wanderers.
Reo-Coker did make a series of starts in the months that followed but tended to be used as a substitute in the closing stages of the season.
What O’Neill said
O’Neill, during his pre-match press conference the day after the incident, suggested the fall-out had been more verbal than physical.
He said: “There was a bit of a contretemps between myself and Nigel, which usually happens between players really and the manager separates them.
“There were no fisticuffs. There was no wrestling to the ground. I don’t remember lying on the floor. But it was enough for me to treat the incident seriously.
“I make the rules. I am the manager of the football club. I am a custodian of the football club and so my rules apply. The players have to get used to that. It’s as simple as that.”
What Reo-Coker said
Not much.
Apparently, Reo-Coker refused O’Neill’s request for a public apology and after that, as was often the way with Villa’s press department at that time, was hidden away from the media for the rest of the season and beyond.
In fact it was April 2011, 19 months later, before a national newspaper was granted an interview with him.
He told the Guardian it was a ‘clash of personalities’, adding: “It’s the first time I’ve experienced something like that and some people will have this view of me as a troublemaker, which I’m portrayed as in the press sometimes, but I know that’s far from the truth.
“If people actually spoke to people who work at the club, who know me on a personal and more intimate level, I’m sure they could give you a true reflection of the type of person I am.
“I’m not a troublesome person. If people want to say that’s what I am, that’s down to them. But I’m secure in the man that I am and people true to me know my character and intentions.”
Longer term
Although it didn’t seem that it would be the case at the time, Reo-Coker actually outlived O’Neill in terms of his claret and blue career.
O’Neill resigned five days before the following season - 2010-11 - after falling out with owner Randy Lerner over the direction in which the club was heading.
Reo-Coker enjoyed a revival under Gerard Houllier and became an important member of O’Neill’s successor’s team.
So much so that he was even being touted for a move to a Champions League club when his contract (a new deal could not be agreed) expired in the summer of 2011.
Reo-Coker also spent time in Major League Soccer with Vancouver Whitecaps, Chivas USA and Montreal Impact and had a stint with Norwegian club IK Start before trying his luck with MK Dons.
As for O’Neill his next job was at Villa’s Premier League rivals Sunderland. He was sacked after 15 months and became national team manager for the Republic of Ireland in November 2013.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Former owner sends brutal warning to West Brom over promotion bid

Finishing the season just to award West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United promotion ‘ makes scant sense ’ according to one former football club owner .
Football has been suspended for almost two months now due to the coronavirus but the EFL are accelerating plans to finish the season .
EFL chairman Rick Parry recently wrote to supporters to inform them that all games will be staged behind closed doors for the foreseeable future and the governing body are now awaiting further instruction from the Government .
Albion trail Leeds by a point at the top of the Championship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ automatic promotion to the Premier League .
But Simon Jordan , the former owner of Crystal Palace , believes the season should be voided if the June deadline isn ’ t met .
That would probably mean Liverpool missing out on the Premier League title , despite Jurgen Klopp ’ s men holding a virtually unassailable lead , and Leeds and Albion missing out on promotion .
He wrote in The Sun : “ The season , for all manner of reasons , needs to be completed properly , not by changing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it hasn ’ t reached the tipping point where that ’ s an impossibility .
“ But , frankly , if a June-only return date is available for football to complete its calendar then the 2019-20 season should be voided .
“ In the 1974 Charity Shield , two domestic powerhouses playing in that game , Liverpool and Leeds , would never have thought , 46 years later , one would be vying for their first championship in 30 years and the other out of the elite for nearly two decades .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voiding notion .
“ But bringing back football in the eye of a pandemic , to protect Premier League broadcast deals which can be renegotiated , to give Liverpool the title and perhaps promote Leeds and West Brom , makes scant sense to the majority of the football world .
”

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Finishing the season just to award West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United promotion ‘makes scant sense’ according to one former football club owner.
Football has been suspended for almost two months now due to the coronavirus but the EFL are accelerating plans to finish the season.
EFL chairman Rick Parry recently wrote to supporters to inform them that all games will be staged behind closed doors for the foreseeable future and the governing body are now awaiting further instruction from the Government.
Albion trail Leeds by a point at the top of the Championship and both clubs are on course to win automatic promotion to the Premier League.
But Simon Jordan, the former owner of Crystal Palace, believes the season should be voided if the June deadline isn’t met.
That would probably mean Liverpool missing out on the Premier League title, despite Jurgen Klopp’s men holding a virtually unassailable lead, and Leeds and Albion missing out on promotion.
He wrote in The Sun: “The season, for all manner of reasons, needs to be completed properly, not by changing the format. And, as yet, it hasn’t reached the tipping point where that’s an impossibility.
“But, frankly, if a June-only return date is available for football to complete its calendar then the 2019-20 season should be voided.
“In the 1974 Charity Shield, two domestic powerhouses playing in that game, Liverpool and Leeds, would never have thought, 46 years later, one would be vying for their first championship in 30 years and the other out of the elite for nearly two decades.
“They will both be apoplectic about any voiding notion.
“But bringing back football in the eye of a pandemic, to protect Premier League broadcast deals which can be renegotiated, to give Liverpool the title and perhaps promote Leeds and West Brom, makes scant sense to the majority of the football world.”


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Giant Debenhams store in Bullring to shut down as 1,400 jobs axed

A landmark store in Birmingham 's Bullring has closed for good , it emerged tonight .
The giant Debenhams store - a huge presence at one end of the three-storey mall - will not reopen after lockdown .
Four others , including a shop at The Oracle shopping centre in Reading , have also permanently closed , with the loss of up to 1,400 jobs , Reuters reported on Wednesday , May 6 .
All the sites affected are in Hammerson-owned shopping centres .
The news was announced on the same day the company revealed a £400 million deal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the private equity buyer pulled out .
The transaction would have been the largest sale of UK retail parks in a decade but was severely disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic which has resulted in the shutdown of all non-essential retailers .
Troubled Debenhams has been blighted by financial problems in recent months and fell into administration last month for the second time in a year .
It said in April that seven of its 142 stores would permanently close , including a branch in Stratford-upon-Avon , with the loss of 420 jobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ handful '' more sites could also be lost .
Its store at The Fort shopping centre , near Erdington , was also among the earlier casualties .
No comment was available from Bullring .

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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A landmark store in Birmingham's Bullring has closed for good, it emerged tonight.
The giant Debenhams store - a huge presence at one end of the three-storey mall - will not reopen after lockdown.
Four others, including a shop at The Oracle shopping centre in Reading, have also permanently closed, with the loss of up to 1,400 jobs, Reuters reported on Wednesday, May 6.
All the sites affected are in Hammerson-owned shopping centres. The news was announced on the same day the company revealed a £400 million deal to sell seven retail parks had collapsed after the private equity buyer pulled out.
The transaction would have been the largest sale of UK retail parks in a decade but was severely disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic which has resulted in the shutdown of all non-essential retailers.
Troubled Debenhams has been blighted by financial problems in recent months and fell into administration last month for the second time in a year.
It said in April that seven of its 142 stores would permanently close, including a branch in Stratford-upon-Avon, with the loss of 420 jobs.
But it acknowledged tean that a "handful" more sites could also be lost.
Its store at The Fort shopping centre, near Erdington, was also among the earlier casualties.
No comment was available from Bullring.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--West Brom and Leeds United sent major promotion warning

Kevin Phillips has warned West Brom and Leeds United that there is no guarantee they would win promotion – if the season resumes .
Albion sit in second place in the Championship , trailling Marcelo Bielsa ’ s side by just a solitary point .
The two do have a nice buffer between them and the chasing pack , with both well set for a return to the Premier League .
Neither have played a game in more than a month , with the coronavirus pandemic threatening to derail their promotion push .
Leagues across Europe have been suspended , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to end them indefinitely .
The Dutch FA made the decision to also cancel promotions , a precedent that will concern the two promotion chasers .
The EFL have remained committed to completing the season , with the UK Government also suggesting that football will return to ‘ lift the spirits ’ of the nation .
But former Baggies striker Phillips , has warned the top-two that the chasing pack will still fancy their chances of reeling them in , if fixtures resume .
“ They can still be caught , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no given that they are going to continue winning football matches after a long break .
“ The teams behind them will think they can catch them . ''
He added : “ It would be massively disappointing ( if the fixtures could not be completed ) .
There is light at the end of the tunnel and unless we have a relapse… “ If nobody was to get promoted and nobody was to get relegated it would be really disappointing.. “ Whenever we can it needs to get finished .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come so close for two seasons , and sitting pretty at the moment , it would be devastating .
”

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Kevin Phillips has warned West Brom and Leeds United that there is no guarantee they would win promotion – if the season resumes.
Albion sit in second place in the Championship, trailling Marcelo Bielsa’s side by just a solitary point. The two do have a nice buffer between them and the chasing pack, with both well set for a return to the Premier League.
Neither have played a game in more than a month, with the coronavirus pandemic threatening to derail their promotion push.
Leagues across Europe have been suspended, with a select few now making the decision to end them indefinitely. The Dutch FA made the decision to also cancel promotions, a precedent that will concern the two promotion chasers.
The EFL have remained committed to completing the season, with the UK Government also suggesting that football will return to ‘lift the spirits’ of the nation.
But former Baggies striker Phillips, has warned the top-two that the chasing pack will still fancy their chances of reeling them in, if fixtures resume.
“They can still be caught,” he told Football Insider. “There is no given that they are going to continue winning football matches after a long break.
“The teams behind them will think they can catch them."
He added: “It would be massively disappointing (if the fixtures could not be completed). There is light at the end of the tunnel and unless we have a relapse…
“If nobody was to get promoted and nobody was to get relegated it would be really disappointing..
“Whenever we can it needs to get finished. From a Leeds point of view, having come so close for two seasons, and sitting pretty at the moment, it would be devastating.”


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Secret cannabis farm uncovered after firefighters tackle house blaze

A secret cannabis factory was discovered after firefighters battled a house blaze in Dudley .
West Midlands Police said the illegal cultivation was uncovered following the fire in Cambridge Road , Dudley , at around 9am on Wednesday , May 6 .
It is not known what was destroyed by the flames but a spokesman for the force said the incident was not believed to have been started deliberately .
A picture , which was taken from the scene by Spotted : Brierley Hill and local , shows a number of engines parked outside an address during the drama .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We were alerted by the fire service after a cannabis factory was discovered at a house that was on fire in Cambridge Road , Dudley , today ( May 6 ) at about 8.45am .
`` No-one was at the property at the time and there were no injuries .
`` We do not believe the fire was started deliberately and the building has now been made safe .
Anyone with any information can contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk , quoting 20DY/105293F/20 , or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on @ @ @ @

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A secret cannabis factory was discovered after firefighters battled a house blaze in Dudley.
West Midlands Police said the illegal cultivation was uncovered following the fire in Cambridge Road, Dudley, at around 9am on Wednesday, May 6.
It is not known what was destroyed by the flames but a spokesman for the force said the incident was not believed to have been started deliberately.
A picture, which was taken from the scene by Spotted: Brierley Hill and local, shows a number of engines parked outside an address during the drama.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added: "We were alerted by the fire service after a cannabis factory was discovered at a house that was on fire in Cambridge Road, Dudley, today (May 6) at about 8.45am.
"No-one was at the property at the time and there were no injuries.
"We do not believe the fire was started deliberately and the building has now been made safe.
"Our enquires continue."
Anyone with any information can contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk, quoting 20DY/105293F/20, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Villa fans all make the same point over Liverpool update

Aston Villa are through to the quarter-finals of the # ePremierLeague Invitational after Keinan Davis thrashed Liverpool 6-1 on FIFA .
Davis was up against former Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique and he put him to the sword with midfielder John McGinn bagging a hat-trick .
Villa 's last two forays into the eSports world have been miserable with Ezri Konsa and McGinn suffering heavy defeats to Wolves ' Diogo Jota and Brighton 's Neal Maupay respectively .
However , Davis appears to be far more capable at the PS4 pad than his team-mates and advanced without any problems .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media channels supporters were quick to point out that this is the second time they 've beaten Liverpool heavily this season .
Back in December Dean Smith 's side defeated a youthful Reds outfit 5-0 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at Villa Park .
@ utvben : `` Light work , two times now this season . ''
Joe Bushell : `` Shock , stuck another five past them . ''
Dom Johns : `` Two wins over Liverpool this season . ''
Drew Walsh : `` Disappointed with no clean sheet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better . ''
Ben Kavanagh : `` Not the first time we ’ ve beat Liverpool by five goals this season . ''
@ Tidge24 : `` 12 goals past them this season , too easy . ''

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Aston Villa are through to the quarter-finals of the #ePremierLeague Invitational after Keinan Davis thrashed Liverpool 6-1 on FIFA.
Davis was up against former Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique and he put him to the sword with midfielder John McGinn bagging a hat-trick.
Villa's last two forays into the eSports world have been miserable with Ezri Konsa and McGinn suffering heavy defeats to Wolves' Diogo Jota and Brighton's Neal Maupay respectively.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
However, Davis appears to be far more capable at the PS4 pad than his team-mates and advanced without any problems.
After Villa confirmed the result on their social media channels supporters were quick to point out that this is the second time they've beaten Liverpool heavily this season.
Back in December Dean Smith's side defeated a youthful Reds outfit 5-0 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at Villa Park.
@utvben: "Light work, two times now this season."
Harry Moore: "Becoming quite normal putting 5+ goals past Liverpool."
@RHUTV170: "Made van Dijk look average, again."
Joe Bushell: "Shock, stuck another five past them."
Dom Johns: "Two wins over Liverpool this season."
@Samagoal20: "We love a Liverpool thrashing."
Drew Walsh: "Disappointed with no clean sheet, the last time we played them was better."
Ben Kavanagh: "Not the first time we’ve beat Liverpool by five goals this season."
@Tidge24: "12 goals past them this season, too easy."


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Giant 174ft RAF Globemaster plane spotted circling over Brum

An enormous RAF plane has been spotted circling above Birmingham today ( May 6 ) .
Residents in lockdown near Birmingham Airport and around Solihull , Marston Green , Castle Bromwich , Smithswood , Erdington and Walmley could see and hear the giant 174ft RAF C-17 Globemaster soaring through the skies above their homes and gardens .
RAF Brize Norton posted details of the operation on its Facebook page , reassuring people the huge plane had nothing to do with the COVID-19 crisis .
The message read : `` This afternoon , our C-17 Globemaster aircraft will be operating in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in essential training .
`` These are necessary , routine , flights and not connected with RAF support to the UK 's fight against Coronavirus . ''
Used for combat , peacekeeping or humanitarian missions worldwide , the C-17 Globemaster is capable of transporting up to 100,000lb of freight more than 8,334km while flying at altitudes above 35,000ft .
Brummies took to social media to share their delight at witnessing the flight of such an impressive aircraft .
The above photo , kindly shared by Sam Moran , shows the plane flying over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the picture below , sent to us by Darren Jackson , shows the C-17 circling Birmingham Airport .
Mum Sarah Howarth posted : `` Our boys love seeing it go past .
Just flew right over our garden ! ''
Louise Alexander said : `` The highlight of our day is seeing this beauty flying around the village of Marston Green .
Not only that , it ’ s our daily exercise as we run out the front of our house to see it fly past and then run round to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Phew !
Thank you RAF Brize Norton Pilots for helping to keep us entertained at this difficult time . ''
Steve Reading added : `` Seen this beast three times circuit and bump in the last 40 minutes .
One advantage of living on the approach to Birmingham airport , they come in nice and low and sitting in the back garden with a beer in the sun you get a good view .
Make that four times just gone over again . ''
• Range with 100,000lb ( 45,360kg ) payload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The aircraft ’ s design enables high-angle , steep approaches at relatively slow speeds , allowing it to operate into small , austere airfields and onto runways as short as 3,500ft long and just 90ft wide .
Christopher Hambleton posted : `` Absolutely wonderful !
Came round nine times in total .
So good to see them .
Thank you 99 Squadron , come again soon . ''
Becky Corrigan added : `` Neeeeiiioowww !
Glad to see somebody is flying . ''
Angie Sinclair said : `` Beautiful to see !
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colette Ann Lee added : `` Kaden and I saw it 's whole training session while on our walk by the airport ... pretty awesome but very weird only seeing this aircraft in the sky all afternoon . ''

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An enormous RAF plane has been spotted circling above Birmingham today (May 6).
Residents in lockdown near Birmingham Airport and around Solihull, Marston Green, Castle Bromwich, Smithswood, Erdington and Walmley could see and hear the giant 174ft RAF C-17 Globemaster soaring through the skies above their homes and gardens.
RAF Brize Norton posted details of the operation on its Facebook page, reassuring people the huge plane had nothing to do with the COVID-19 crisis.
The message read: "This afternoon, our C-17 Globemaster aircraft will be operating in the vicinity of Birmingham, whilst engaged in essential training.
"These are necessary, routine, flights and not connected with RAF support to the UK's fight against Coronavirus."
Used for combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions worldwide, the C-17 Globemaster is capable of transporting up to 100,000lb of freight more than 8,334km while flying at altitudes above 35,000ft.
Brummies took to social media to share their delight at witnessing the flight of such an impressive aircraft. The above photo, kindly shared by Sam Moran, shows the plane flying over Sheldon Country Park towards Marston Green Station. And the picture below, sent to us by Darren Jackson, shows the C-17 circling Birmingham Airport.
Mum Sarah Howarth posted: "Our boys love seeing it go past. Just flew right over our garden!"
Louise Alexander said: "The highlight of our day is seeing this beauty flying around the village of Marston Green. Not only that, it’s our daily exercise as we run out the front of our house to see it fly past and then run round to the back garden for a different view. Phew! Thank you RAF Brize Norton Pilots for helping to keep us entertained at this difficult time."
Steve Reading added: "Seen this beast three times circuit and bump in the last 40 minutes. One advantage of living on the approach to Birmingham airport, they come in nice and low and sitting in the back garden with a beer in the sun you get a good view. Make that four times just gone over again."
C-17 Globemaster Statistics
Powerplant four 40,400lb st (179.90kN) Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans
four 40,400lb st (179.90kN) Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans Length overall: 174ft (53.04m)
174ft (53.04m) Height overall: 55ft 1in (16.79m)
55ft 1in (16.79m) Wingspan: 169ft 9in (51.74m)
169ft 9in (51.74m) Wing area: 3,800sqft (353.03m2)
3,800sqft (353.03m2) Maximum take-off weight: 585,000lb (265,350kg)
585,000lb (265,350kg) Cruising speed at 28,000ft: 450kt (833km/h)
450kt (833km/h) Range with 100,000lb (45,360kg) payload: more than 4,500nm (8,334km)
more than 4,500nm (8,334km) Service ceiling: 45,000ft
45,000ft Maximum payload (2.5g load factor): 169,000lb (76,655kg)
The aircraft’s design enables high-angle, steep approaches at relatively slow speeds, allowing it to operate into small, austere airfields and onto runways as short as 3,500ft long and just 90ft wide.
Christopher Hambleton posted: "Absolutely wonderful! Came round nine times in total. So good to see them. Thank you 99 Squadron,come again soon."
Becky Corrigan added: "Neeeeiiioowww! Glad to see somebody is flying."
Angie Sinclair said: "Beautiful to see! Get emotional everytime! Proud emotional."
Colette Ann Lee added: "Kaden and I saw it's whole training session while on our walk by the airport ... pretty awesome but very weird only seeing this aircraft in the sky all afternoon."


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Death toll in England tops 44,000 from coronavirus and lockdown - expert

More than 44,000 people have now died in England alone from Covid-19 or because of the lockdown , a statistical expert has said .
Statistician Nigel Marriott said data suggested that , on top of almost 33,000 deaths where Covid-19 has been registered on the death certificate , there were a further 11,000 deaths directly or indirectly linked to Covid-19 as of May 1 .
He estimates that 44,000 people have now died as a result of Covid-19 or as a result of the lockdown across England .
He told the PA news agency : `` In April , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normally expect for this time of year have been at record levels . ''
He said the 11,000 additional deaths may be from people who had actually died from coronavirus but that had not been recorded , or could be down to suicide in lockdown , unhealthy behaviours or people not seeking NHS help .
`` We do n't know the reason for the 11,000 additional deaths but a number of suggestions have been made , '' he said .
`` This could be because of the lockdown , such as if people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are drinking too much and reasons like that .
`` It could be as a result of people not going to hospital with chest pain or stroke or other symptoms .
The worry of course is that the campaign to protect the NHS may have been too successful .
`` One possible contributor to this is that the people who would have rung their doctors or who would have gone to A & E and would have called an ambulance did n't do so . ''
Mr Marriott is using data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Office for National Statistics to make estimates for England .
On Tuesday , figures released by the NHS and the Office for National Statistics showed a total of 26,008 deaths involving Covid-19 had now been registered across the UK as of April 24 .
Mr Marriott expects a further 7,000 registered deaths in the following week making 33,000 in total by May 1 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jane Kirby, James Cartledge)

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More than 44,000 people have now died in England alone from Covid-19 or because of the lockdown, a statistical expert has said.
Statistician Nigel Marriott said data suggested that, on top of almost 33,000 deaths where Covid-19 has been registered on the death certificate, there were a further 11,000 deaths directly or indirectly linked to Covid-19 as of May 1.
He estimates that 44,000 people have now died as a result of Covid-19 or as a result of the lockdown across England.
He told the PA news agency: "In April, the 44,000 excess deaths over what we would normally expect for this time of year have been at record levels."
He said the 11,000 additional deaths may be from people who had actually died from coronavirus but that had not been recorded, or could be down to suicide in lockdown, unhealthy behaviours or people not seeking NHS help.
"We don't know the reason for the 11,000 additional deaths but a number of suggestions have been made," he said.
"This could be because of the lockdown, such as if people are getting depressed and committing suicide or they are drinking too much and reasons like that.
"It could be as a result of people not going to hospital with chest pain or stroke or other symptoms. The worry of course is that the campaign to protect the NHS may have been too successful.
"One possible contributor to this is that the people who would have rung their doctors or who would have gone to A&E and would have called an ambulance didn't do so."
Mr Marriott is using data from the NHS, Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics to make estimates for England.
On Tuesday, figures released by the NHS and the Office for National Statistics showed a total of 26,008 deaths involving Covid-19 had now been registered across the UK as of April 24.
Mr Marriott expects a further 7,000 registered deaths in the following week making 33,000 in total by May 1.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--Man United forced into £100m rethink amid Jack Grealish transfer claims

Manchester United are set to shelve their plans to land Jadon Sancho , with any potential move for Jack Grealish thrown into doubt .
Grealish and Sancho have consistently been mentioned as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s transfer priorities - with the Norwegian keen on building a side capable of competing for the Premier League .
Borussia Dortmund are believed to be holding out for £100m for Sancho , while Aston Villa will expect a similarly high fee for their captain .
However , according to the Mirror , United have been forced into a major rethink of their transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on finances around the world .
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has recently warned supporters that the current climate may not be conducive to spending lots of money in the window .
Speaking at a fan forum event last month , Woodward said : “ Nobody should be under any illusions about the scale of challenge facing everyone in football and it may not be ‘ business as usual ’ for any clubs , including ourselves , in the transfer market this summer .
“ On this basis , I can not help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players for hundreds of millions of pounds this summer seems to ignore the realities that face the sport.
” The report suggests that United have major reservations about spending exorbitant amounts on players in the upcoming window , not only from a financial viewpoint , but how it may be viewed by society .
Along with Grealish and Sancho , Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham is also believed to be on United ’ s radar , with the 16-year-old valued at more than £30m .

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Manchester United are set to shelve their plans to land Jadon Sancho, with any potential move for Jack Grealish thrown into doubt.
Grealish and Sancho have consistently been mentioned as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s transfer priorities - with the Norwegian keen on building a side capable of competing for the Premier League.
Borussia Dortmund are believed to be holding out for £100m for Sancho, while Aston Villa will expect a similarly high fee for their captain.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
However, according to the Mirror, United have been forced into a major rethink of their transfer plans, with the coronavirus pandemic impacting on finances around the world.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has recently warned supporters that the current climate may not be conducive to spending lots of money in the window.
Speaking at a fan forum event last month, Woodward said: “Nobody should be under any illusions about the scale of challenge facing everyone in football and it may not be ‘business as usual’ for any clubs, including ourselves, in the transfer market this summer.
“On this basis, I cannot help feeling that speculation around transfers of individual players for hundreds of millions of pounds this summer seems to ignore the realities that face the sport.”
The report suggests that United have major reservations about spending exorbitant amounts on players in the upcoming window, not only from a financial viewpoint, but how it may be viewed by society.
Along with Grealish and Sancho, Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham is also believed to be on United’s radar,with the 16-year-old valued at more than £30m.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--City's Big Iftar to bring people together with food hamper deliveries

Christian churches in Moseley are hosting a virtual iftar for their Muslim friends in a bid to eliminate prejudice and fear .
More than 100 people turned up to Moseley 's Big Iftar hosted by St Mary 's and St Anne 's Churches last year but due to lockdown , they have moved this year 's event to Zoom and are issuing food deliveries to families .
The event welcomes Muslims and non-Muslims of the community to eat together .
Vicar Duncan Straithe of St Mary 's Church in Moseley , told Birmingham Live , that coming together for religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educate people to respect differences .
He said : `` Although it is a Muslim celebration , and we respect that this is a Holy time for our Muslim friends the church will do what it can to promote community ingagement .
`` We believe that on an interfaith level , our two religions coming together like this will reduce religious prejudice and fear for our Muslim friends .
`` Last year , we hosted the iftar in St Mary 's with about 150 people in attendance with both non-Muslim and Muslim people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to read the Quran , pray together and break fast .
This year , it 's not the same but we will be having the service via Zoom and delivering food to families . ''
The Church is asking for people to register online with their address for the delivery of the food package .
The pack contains vegetarian biryani , cake , fruit and dates for the whole family .
A drawing competition will also be held for the children to enter by Friday , May 8 , 9pm .
Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference via Zoom on Friday , May 15 2020 .
To register for the event fill out the online form .

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Christian churches in Moseley are hosting a virtual iftar for their Muslim friends in a bid to eliminate prejudice and fear.
More than 100 people turned up to Moseley's Big Iftar hosted by St Mary's and St Anne's Churches last year but due to lockdown, they have moved this year's event to Zoom and are issuing food deliveries to families.
The event welcomes Muslims and non-Muslims of the community to eat together.
Vicar Duncan Straithe of St Mary's Church in Moseley, told Birmingham Live, that coming together for religious traditions regardless of your faith, helps educate people to respect differences.
He said: "Although it is a Muslim celebration, and we respect that this is a Holy time for our Muslim friends the church will do what it can to promote community ingagement.
"We believe that on an interfaith level, our two religions coming together like this will reduce religious prejudice and fear for our Muslim friends.
"Last year, we hosted the iftar in St Mary's with about 150 people in attendance with both non-Muslim and Muslim people together.
"Our Muslim friends were able to read the Quran, pray together and break fast. This year, it's not the same but we will be having the service via Zoom and delivering food to families."
The Church is asking for people to register online with their address for the delivery of the food package.
The pack contains vegetarian biryani, cake, fruit and dates for the whole family.
A drawing competition will also be held for the children to enter by Friday, May 8, 9pm.
Everyone is invited to join in the video conference via Zoom on Friday, May 15 2020.
To register for the event fill out the online form.


birminghammail--2020-05-06--More covid-19 funding possible for desperate West Midlands councils

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick says struggling West Midlands councils could receive extra funding to help them pay the extra costs imposed by the coronavirus pandemic .
But he repeated his warning that councils would only be funded for activities that the government has asked them to carry out .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference , he was asked by BBC Midlands Political Editor Patrick Burns whether Birmingham City Council would receive cash to help it with the £112m cost of dealing with the pandemic in the city .
Birmingham has so far been offered around £70m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion .
And council leader Ian Ward has said the authority 's ability to provide key services such as social care may be `` compromised '' if there is n't more funding .
Mr Jenrick said : `` In the West Midlands , local councils will receive £347m to deal with the pressures of coronavirus .
He added : `` If further resources are required to meet the covid-related costs that we have asked councils to bear then obviously we will take that into consideration in the future . ''
Mr Jenrick also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help them cope with the impact of cuts to their usual income , for example because residents ca n't afford to pay council tax .
Birmingham says its income has fallen by £149 , a totoal shortfall of more than £260m .
But his comments suggested there is no change from the position he set out earlier in the week , when he said some councils had done more than the government requested - and there would be no extra funding for that .
Mr Jenrick also indicated that Sunday 's plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let people enjoy parks and get shoppers back into high street .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to publish a `` roadmap '' for ending the lockdown on Sunday , with changes expected to be introduced in stages .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference , Mr Jenrick said the Government would work with mayors and local councils to give people `` confidence '' that they could go outside safely .
He said this includes measures to adapt workplaces , so employees were safe ; ensure passengers are safe on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or walk to work , and allow people to use parks and other outdoor areas .
Mr Jenrick said : `` In each case , guided by scientific and medical advice . ''
He added : `` Every local economy now needs a plan to restart and recover '' .
The latest figures from the Department of Health show that a total of 30,076 people had died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Tuesday , up by 649 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of deaths involving Covid-19 that have been registered across the UK currently stands at 32,898 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to make an announcement on Sunday about how the lockdown will end .
And speaking in the House of Commons today , the Prime Minister said some lockdown restrictions could be lifted as soon as Monday , Boris Johnson has revealed .
He said : `` We have to be sure that the data is going to support our ability to do this , but that data is coming in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We will want , if we possibly can , to get going with some of these measures on Monday , and I think it will be a good thing if people have an idea of what is coming the following day .
`` That is why I think Sunday - the weekend - is the best time to do it , but of course the House will be fully informed and will have the full opportunity to debate and interrogate me or the Government on that matter . ''
The Government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift all the restrictions at once , following the pattern of other countries .
It has also said that it 's very unlikely to lift restrictions on a regional or local basis .
New rules will come into force for the whole country .
But if there is an outbreak of Covid-19 in a specific town or city then the old lockdown restrictions could be re-introduced locally or regionally .
It 's thought the Government will recommend that people wear face masks , at least some of the time .
While the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 , the Prime Minister will also make a statement tomorrow - Thursday May 7 - confirming that the Government has consdiered a review of how effectively the lockdown is working .
On Tuesday more than 13 million items of personal protective equipment were delivered to 199 health trusts and organisations , Downing Street said .
After Boris Johnson said he was “ enraged ” by problems with PPE supply , the Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said : “ We have been working hard to source PPE internationally and domestically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Daily figures published by NHS England showed there had been another 331 deaths in hospitals in England , bringing the total number to 22,049 .

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Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick says struggling West Midlands councils could receive extra funding to help them pay the extra costs imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
But he repeated his warning that councils would only be funded for activities that the government has asked them to carry out.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, he was asked by BBC Midlands Political Editor Patrick Burns whether Birmingham City Council would receive cash to help it with the £112m cost of dealing with the pandemic in the city.
Birmingham has so far been offered around £70m from a national government fund of £3.2 billion. And council leader Ian Ward has said the authority's ability to provide key services such as social care may be "compromised" if there isn't more funding.
Mr Jenrick said: "In the West Midlands, local councils will receive £347m to deal with the pressures of coronavirus.
He added: "If further resources are required to meet the covid-related costs that we have asked councils to bear then obviously we will take that into consideration in the future."
Mr Jenrick also said councils could get extra funding to help them cope with the impact of cuts to their usual income, for example because residents can't afford to pay council tax. Birmingham says its income has fallen by £149, a totoal shortfall of more than £260m.
But his comments suggested there is no change from the position he set out earlier in the week, when he said some councils had done more than the government requested - and there would be no extra funding for that.
Mr Jenrick also indicated that Sunday's plan to end the lockdown will include measures to let people enjoy parks and get shoppers back into high street.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to publish a "roadmap" for ending the lockdown on Sunday, with changes expected to be introduced in stages.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Mr Jenrick said the Government would work with mayors and local councils to give people "confidence" that they could go outside safely.
He said this includes measures to adapt workplaces, so employees were safe; ensure passengers are safe on public transport networks; makeit easier to cycle or walk to work, and allow people to use parks and other outdoor areas.
Mr Jenrick said: "In each case, guided by scientific and medical advice."
He added: "Every local economy now needs a plan to restart and recover".
The latest figures from the Department of Health show that a total of 30,076 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Tuesday, up by 649 from 29,427 the day before.
But the number of deaths involving Covid-19 that have been registered across the UK currently stands at 32,898.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to make an announcement on Sunday about how the lockdown will end.
And speaking in the House of Commons today, the Prime Minister said some lockdown restrictions could be lifted as soon as Monday, Boris Johnson has revealed.
He said: "We have to be sure that the data is going to support our ability to do this, but that data is coming in continuously over the next few days.
"We will want, if we possibly can, to get going with some of these measures on Monday, and I think it will be a good thing if people have an idea of what is coming the following day.
"That is why I think Sunday - the weekend - is the best time to do it, but of course the House will be fully informed and will have the full opportunity to debate and interrogate me or the Government on that matter."
The Government has made it clear that it won't lift all the restrictions at once, following the pattern of other countries.
It has also said that it's very unlikely to lift restrictions on a regional or local basis. New rules will come into force for the whole country. But if there is an outbreak of Covid-19 in a specific town or city then the old lockdown restrictions could be re-introduced locally or regionally.
It's thought the Government will recommend that people wear face masks, at least some of the time.
While the lockdown changes will be announced on Sunday May 10, the Prime Minister will also make a statement tomorrow - Thursday May 7 - confirming that the Government has consdiered a review of how effectively the lockdown is working.
On Tuesday more than 13 million items of personal protective equipment were delivered to 199 health trusts and organisations, Downing Street said.
After Boris Johnson said he was “enraged” by problems with PPE supply, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We have been working hard to source PPE internationally and domestically, and to increase production in the UK.”
Daily figures published by NHS England showed there had been another 331 deaths in hospitals in England, bringing the total number to 22,049.
They included:
East of England 38
London 64
Midlands 66
North East & Yorkshire 51
North West 64
South East 33
South West 15