kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-28--Kidderminster's Meg finds out she's going to US for treatment

AN emotional video captured the moment a Kidderminster woman and her family found out she would be flying to Jacksonville for life-saving cancer treatment .
Megan Smith got the news she had been waiting for on Wednesday after being told she had been accepted onto a clinical trial for a new drug in the US .
The 26-year-old former carer , who was told at the start of the month that she had exhausted all treatments available in the UK , went live on Facebook to announce the good news .
In the moving minute-long video , a teary Megan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've just found out I 'm definitely going , I 'm going to Jacksonville , I 'm definitely going .
I 'm allowed the treatment .
Megan was diagnosed with advanced stage four rectal cancer in 2019 '' In two weeks I should be in Jacksonville . ''
She ends the video by saying : `` I 'll be cancer free next year ! ''
After hearing that chemotherapy was no longer working , Megan 's family set about raising £150,000 to pay for the new pioneering treatment abroad .
In less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via their online Just Giving page and through various fundraising events and raffles organised by members of the community .
The money will pay for Megan to get to America and for one month 's worth of treatment - but another £100,000 is desperately needed to get her the full three to six months she 's likely to need .
Megan 's sister Terri said : `` We 're all so excited .
`` It 's been really difficult to get someone to take on Meg 's case and agree to do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told no by a couple of oncologists , which was really stressful , then we were told she could n't have it because she 's not an American citizen .
It 's been really hard .
Megan has now exhausted all cancer treatments available in the UK '' But we kept trying and finally we found someone .
We had a video consultation with the oncologist on Wednesday evening and they said they 're willing to work alongside the people at the clinical trial .
`` We 're just finalising a few things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there in two weeks . ''
She added : `` People have been brilliant with all the donations and organising fundraising events , but we need to carry on raising money to cover the rest of the treatment Megan needs .
`` Obviously it 's coming up to Christmas and people 's funds are low - it is really hard for people .
`` We do n't want to lose the momentum so we 'll keep on trying our hardest to raise what we can . ''
To make a donation to Megan @ @ @ @ @ @

Megan Smith got the news she had been waiting for on Wednesday after being told she had been accepted onto a clinical trial for a new drug in the US.
The 26-year-old former carer, who was told at the start of the month that she had exhausted all treatments available in the UK, went live on Facebook to announce the good news.
In the moving minute-long video, a teary Megan tells her Facebook followers: "We've just found out I'm definitely going, I'm going to Jacksonville, I'm definitely going. I'm allowed the treatment.
Megan was diagnosed with advanced stage four rectal cancer in 2019
"In two weeks I should be in Jacksonville."
She ends the video by saying: "I'll be cancer free next year!"
After hearing that chemotherapy was no longer working, Megan's family set about raising £150,000 to pay for the new pioneering treatment abroad.
In less than a month, they've raised £50,000 via their online Just Giving page and through various fundraising events and raffles organised by members of the community.
The money will pay for Megan to get to America and for one month's worth of treatment - but another £100,000 is desperately needed to get her the full three to six months she's likely to need.
Megan's sister Terri said: "We're all so excited.
"It's been really difficult to get someone to take on Meg's case and agree to do it through compassionate care.
"We were told no by a couple of oncologists, which was really stressful, then we were told she couldn't have it because she's not an American citizen. It's been really hard.
Megan has now exhausted all cancer treatments available in the UK
"But we kept trying and finally we found someone. We had a video consultation with the oncologist on Wednesday evening and they said they're willing to work alongside the people at the clinical trial.
"We're just finalising a few things now and then she should be out there in two weeks."
She added: "People have been brilliant with all the donations and organising fundraising events, but we need to carry on raising money to cover the rest of the treatment Megan needs.
"Obviously it's coming up to Christmas and people's funds are low - it is really hard for people.
"We don't want to lose the momentum so we'll keep on trying our hardest to raise what we can."
To make a donation to Megan's appeal, click here.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-28--Bewdley cottage with its own pool and tennis court up for sale

A STUNNING cottage with its own heated indoor swimming pool has gone on the market in Bewdley .
Wynn Cottage , in Habberley Road , boasts five bedrooms , two living rooms and three bathrooms and is on sale with a guide price of £795,000 .
The impressive detached home was built around 1920 and is set in mature gardens and grounds totalling 1.43 acres .
It features a sun room with beautiful views over the garden , a drawing room with open fire , an outdoor tennis court and heated indoor swimming pool which stands within a detached pool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The cottage has its own heated indoor swimming pool .
Photos from Andrew Grant website The home also has its own tennis court .
Photos from Andrew Grant website The home is accessed through a remotely operated electric sliding gate .
Wynn Cottage is being sold by estate agents Andrew Grant and the property listing reads : `` The superb accommodation on offer includes a reception hall , a study , a wet room , a breakfast kitchen , a pantry , a drawing room , a dining room , a sun room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cloakroom , a utility , a master bedroom , three further bedrooms and two bathrooms .
The kitchen at Wynn Cottage .
Photos from Andrew Grant website The home has five bedrooms .
Photos from Andrew Grant website '' There are mature gardens and grounds , a tennis court and a heated indoor swimming pool within the detached pool houses . ''
It goes on to say : `` This wonderful family home is complemented by beautiful gardens and grounds amounting to some 1.43 acres . ''
To see the full property listing @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Wynn Cottage, in Habberley Road, boasts five bedrooms, two living rooms and three bathrooms and is on sale with a guide price of £795,000.
Stunning countryside views from Wynn Cottage. Photos from Andrew Grant website
The impressive detached home was built around 1920 and is set in mature gardens and grounds totalling 1.43 acres.
It features a sun room with beautiful views over the garden, a drawing room with open fire, an outdoor tennis court and heated indoor swimming pool which stands within a detached pool house close to the main residence.
The cottage has its own heated indoor swimming pool. Photos from Andrew Grant website
The home also has its own tennis court. Photos from Andrew Grant website
The home is accessed through a remotely operated electric sliding gate.
Wynn Cottage is being sold by estate agents Andrew Grant and the property listing reads: "The superb accommodation on offer includes a reception hall, a study, a wet room, a breakfast kitchen, a pantry, a drawing room, a dining room, a sun room, a sitting room, a second cloakroom, a utility, a master bedroom, three further bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The kitchen at Wynn Cottage. Photos from Andrew Grant website
The home has five bedrooms. Photos from Andrew Grant website
"There are mature gardens and grounds, a tennis court and a heated indoor swimming pool within the detached pool houses."
It goes on to say: "This wonderful family home is complemented by beautiful gardens and grounds amounting to some 1.43 acres."
To see the full property listing, visit the Andrew Grant website.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-28--SOLD! Worcestershire tops for fast house sales

HOUSES sales are completing faster in Worcestershire than anywhere else in the country – good news if you ’ re in a mad rush to beat the stamp duty deadline .
But you need to get a move on , because the average time in the county from offer to competition is 164 days , which would take you well beyond the end of March , when the stamp duty cuts come to an end .
In fact if you made an offer on a house today it would be approaching mid May , on average , before you completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something of a rush because of the stamp duty ‘ holiday ’ , with families rushing to complete .
New research into the fastest and slowest moving property markets shows Worcestershire as the quickest place to complete a sale .
Its 164 days compares with the most sluggish market in the City of London , at 208 days .
Mind you , at an average asking price of £922,835 , the City is a pretty unusual market .
Instead Worcestershire ’ s average asking price is £269,667 .
The Midlands average is 168 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price of £211,678 .
In fact the top five fast-moving counties are all in the Midlands with an average asking price of £222,311 and 166 days from offer to completion .
Worcestershire is number one , followed by Nottinghamshire , Leicestershire , Staffordshire and the West Midlands .
The research was carried out by online estate agent Emoov using four years of property transaction data .
The firm believe the pandemic will slow the housing market down .
They foresee houses staying on the market longer and conveyancing times growing as people work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a quick sale ?
Competitive pricing and great marketing photos .
“ Overpriced homes will sit on the market , and may end up having to be discounted , and the longer you are on the market the less attractive you are to buyers .
”

But you need to get a move on, because the average time in the county from offer to competition is 164 days, which would take you well beyond the end of March, when the stamp duty cuts come to an end.
In fact if you made an offer on a house today it would be approaching mid May, on average, before you completed.
The property market has been in something of a rush because of the stamp duty ‘holiday’, with families rushing to complete.
New research into the fastest and slowest moving property markets shows Worcestershire as the quickest place to complete a sale.
Its 164 days compares with the most sluggish market in the City of London, at 208 days. Mind you, at an average asking price of £922,835, the City is a pretty unusual market.
Instead Worcestershire’s average asking price is £269,667.
The Midlands average is 168 days to sell, with an asking price of £211,678.
In fact the top five fast-moving counties are all in the Midlands with an average asking price of £222,311 and 166 days from offer to completion.
Worcestershire is number one, followed by Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
The research was carried out by online estate agent Emoov using four years of property transaction data.
The firm believe the pandemic will slow the housing market down.
They foresee houses staying on the market longer and conveyancing times growing as people work for home.
And their top tips for a quick sale? Competitive pricing and great marketing photos.
“Overpriced homes will sit on the market, and may end up having to be discounted, and the longer you are on the market the less attractive you are to buyers.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-28--Premier League TV schedule confirmed for December

The Premier League ’ s December TV schedule has been confirmed ahead of the festive season .
The most congested @ @ @ @ @ see each Premier League side play a minimum of six fixtures over the course of @ @ @ @ @ remains one of the first fixtures football fans look out for each season although some @ @ @ @ @ December 27 this year .
The period between Christmas and New Year will – December @ @ @ @ @ see 10 fixtures shown on Amazon Prime .
In the middle of December Amazon will @ @ @ @ @ fixtures between December 15,16 and 17 .
Aston Villa ’ s home tie with Crystal @ @ @ @ @ be shown live on free-to-air-TV , the only game of the entire December schedule chosen @ @ @ @ @ non-subscription channel .

The most congested part of the season will see each Premier League side play a minimum of six fixtures over the course of the month.
Boxing Day remains one of the first fixtures football fans look out for each season although some fixtures will be moved to December 27 this year.
The period between Christmas and New Year will – December 28,29 and 30 – will see 10 fixtures shown on Amazon Prime.
In the middle of December Amazon will broadcast a full round of fixtures between December 15,16 and 17.
Aston Villa’s home tie with Crystal Palace on Boxing Day will be shown live on free-to-air-TV, the only game of the entire December schedule chosen to be shown on a non-subscription channel.
Every Premier League fixture in December.
Friday 4 December
20:00 Aston Villa v Newcastle Utd (Sky Sports)
Saturday 5 December
12:30 Burnley v Everton (BT Sport)
15:00 Man City v Fulham (BT Sport)
17:30 West Ham v Man Utd (Sky Sports)
20:00 Chelsea v Leeds Utd (Sky Sports)
Sunday 6 December
12:00 West Brom v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)
14:15 Sheffield Utd v Leicester City (Sky Sports)
16:30 Spurs v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
19:15 Liverpool v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)
Monday 7 December
20:00 Brighton v Southampton (Sky Sports)
Friday 11 December
20:00 Leeds Utd v West Ham (Sky Sports)
Saturday 12 December
12:30 Wolves v Aston Villa (BT Sport)
15:00 Newcastle Utd v West Brom (Sky Sports)
17:30 Man Utd v Man City (Sky Sports)
20:00 Everton v Chelsea (BT Sport)
Sunday 13 December
12:00 Southampton v Sheff Utd (Sky Sports)
14:15 Crystal Palace v Spurs (Sky Sports)
16:30 Fulham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)
19:15 Arsenal v Burnley (Sky Sports)
19:15 Leicester City v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)
Tuesday 15 December
18:00 Wolves v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)
20:00 Man City v West Brom (Amazon Prime Video)
Wednesday 16 December
18:00 Arsenal v Southampton (Amazon Prime Video)
18:00 Leeds Utd v Newcastle Utd (Amazon Prime Video)
18:00 Leicester City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)
20:00 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)
20:00 Liverpool v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)
20:00 West Ham v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)
Thursday 17 December
18:00 Aston Villa v Burnley (Amazon Prime Video)
20:00 Sheffield Utd v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)
Saturday 19 December
12:30 Crystal Palace v Liverpool (BT Sport)
15:00 Southampton v Man City (Amazon Prime Video)
17:30 Everton v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
20:00 Newcastle Utd v Fulham (Sky Sports)
Sunday 20 December
12:00 Brighton v Sheffield Utd (Sky Sports)
14:15 Spurs v Leicester City (Sky Sports)
16:30 Man Utd v Leeds Utd (Sky Sports)
19:15 West Brom v Aston Villa (BT Sport)
Monday 21 December
17:30 Burnley v Wolves (Sky Sports)
20:00 Chelsea v West Ham (Sky Sports)
Saturday 26 December
12:30 Leicester City v Man Utd (BT Sport)
15:00 Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (BBC)
15:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)
17:30 Arsenal v Chelsea (Sky Sports)
20:00 Man City v Newcastle Utd (BT Sport)
20:00 Sheffield Utd v Everton (BT Sport)
Sunday 27 December
12:00 Leeds Utd v Burnley (Sky Sports)
14:15 West Ham v Brighton (Sky Sports)
16:30 Liverpool v West Brom (Sky Sports)
19:15 Wolves v Spurs (Sky Sports)
Monday 28 December
15:00 Crystal Palace v Leicester City (Amazon Prime Video)
17:30 Chelsea v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)
20:00 Everton v Man City (Amazon Prime Video)
Tuesday 29 December
18:00 Brighton v Arsenal (Amazon Prime Video)
18:00 Burnley v Sheffield Utd (Amazon Prime Video)
18:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)
18:00 West Brom v Leeds Utd (Amazon Prime Video)
20:00 Man Utd v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)
Wednesday 30 December


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-28--PS5 scam: eBay send warning to PlayStation 5 fans

Online retail giant eBay has condemned opportunistic scammers as gamers try to get their hands on a PlayStation 5 in time for Christmas Fans will be feeling frustrated with the next-gen console completely sold out across all major retailers across the UK .
Resellers selling the PS5 for profit will further infuriate shoppers trying to buy a solitary console for the fair retail price .
Demand for the gaming console has been sky high in the first week since its launch and the company took to Twitter to reassure fans that more will be available soon .
Playstation tweeted : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for making the PS5 launch our biggest console launch ever .
`` Demand for PS5 is unprecedented , so we wanted to confirm that more PS5 inventory will be coming to retailers before the end of the year - please stay in touch with your local retailers . ''
Despite this , people are still heading to websites such as eBay to get their hands on a PS5 but the online retailer has warned people to “ exercise caution ” .
Some sellers are listing PS5 ‘ photos ’ in an attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-earned cash , with some selling for £550 .
But eBay have said they are in the process of removing such items to protect their buyers .
“ We condemn these opportunistic sellers who are attempting to mislead other users , ” an eBay spokesperson said .
We are in the process of removing all listings for photos of PS5s from our marketplace and will be taking appropriate action against the sellers .
For any purchase , but especially highly priced or in-demand items , buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly read the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ item which is not as described are entitled to a refund via our eBay Money Back Guarantee , provided they completed the transaction on the eBay platform ” .

Fans will be feeling frustrated with the next-gen console completely sold out across all major retailers across the UK.
Resellers selling the PS5 for profit will further infuriate shoppers trying to buy a solitary console for the fair retail price.
Demand for the gaming console has been sky high in the first week since its launch and the company took to Twitter to reassure fans that more will be available soon.
Playstation tweeted: "We want to thank gamers everywhere for making the PS5 launch our biggest console launch ever.
"Demand for PS5 is unprecedented, so we wanted to confirm that more PS5 inventory will be coming to retailers before the end of the year - please stay in touch with your local retailers."
Despite this, people are still heading to websites such as eBay to get their hands on a PS5 but the online retailer has warned people to “exercise caution”.
Some sellers are listing PS5 ‘photos’ in an attempt to mislead eager buyers to part with their hard-earned cash, with some selling for £550.
eBay have condemned opportunistic sellers. Picture: eBay
But eBay have said they are in the process of removing such items to protect their buyers.
“We condemn these opportunistic sellers who are attempting to mislead other users,” an eBay spokesperson said.
We are in the process of removing all listings for photos of PS5s from our marketplace and will be taking appropriate action against the sellers.
For any purchase, but especially highly priced or in-demand items, buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly read the listing description.
Buyers who receive an item which is not as described are entitled to a refund via our eBay Money Back Guarantee, provided they completed the transaction on the eBay platform”.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-28--Primark reopens next week and some stores will be open ALL NIGHT

Primark has announced stores in England will be re-opening when national lockdown ends next week with extended opening hours for shoppers ahead of the festive season .
Primark will re-open its 153 stores in England on Wednesday 2 December with extended trading hours in all stores , to cater for the anticipated higher customer demand ahead of the festive season and to help safely reduce queues .
Stores located in major shopping centres and retail parks will extend opening hours until 10pm at a minimum with some stores opening as late as midnight .
All other stores across England will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 23 December .
11 stores have been selected for 24-hour trading and will open from 7am on December 2 straight through until normal closing time on December 3 .
Which stores will be open for 24-hour trading ?
All stores will have strict safety measures in place amid the coronavirus pandemic.This includes strict social distancing protocols , limits on the number of customers allowed in store , hand sanitisation stations on entry , Perspex screens or cubicles at tills , the use of face masks in-store and increased in-store cleaning .
Primark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We are delighted to re-open our stores in England on 2 December , with longer shopping hours to give our customers more time to safely do their festive shopping .
“ We have everything this season that our customers expect from Primark , including our famous Christmas jumpers , festive pyjamas and much , much more .
“ All of our extensive safety measures remain in place to help ensure shopping at Primark is an enjoyable , safe experience for everyone .
”

Primark will re-open its 153 stores in England on Wednesday 2 December with extended trading hours in all stores, to cater for the anticipated higher customer demand ahead of the festive season and to help safely reduce queues.
Stores located in major shopping centres and retail parks will extend opening hours until 10pm at a minimum with some stores opening as late as midnight. All other stores across England will trade until at least 8pm on weekdays until 23 December.
11 stores have been selected for 24-hour trading and will open from 7am on December 2 straight through until normal closing time on December 3.
Which stores will be open for 24-hour trading?
Trafford
York Monks Cross
Leeds White Rose
Bluewater
Lakeside
Birmingham Fort
Meadowhall
Stratford
White City
Charlton
Gateshead Metrocentre
All stores will have strict safety measures in place amid the coronavirus pandemic.This includes strict social distancing protocols, limits on the number of customers allowed in store, hand sanitisation stations on entry, Perspex screens or cubicles at tills, the use of face masks in-store and increased in-store cleaning.
Primark CEO, Paul Marchant, said: “We are delighted to re-open our stores in England on 2 December, with longer shopping hours to give our customers more time to safely do their festive shopping.
“We have everything this season that our customers expect from Primark, including our famous Christmas jumpers, festive pyjamas and much, much more.
“All of our extensive safety measures remain in place to help ensure shopping at Primark is an enjoyable, safe experience for everyone.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--Bewdley church's Christmas dinner hampers for families in need

CHURCH members in Bewdley are ensuring poorer families in Wyre Forest can still tuck into a roast dinner on Christmas day .
Volunteers at Riverside Elim Church have received a £5,000 grant from Wyre Forest District Council and will be contributing £3,000 from the church 's fund to help them put together Christmas food hampers for vulnerable families in the area .
Church minister Steve Robinson said : `` We usually throw a big Christmas party alongside our partners Sure Start and they refer families to us that are struggling .
`` We wo n't be able to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hampers to them instead to make sure they 've got everything they need to have a great Christmas dinner .
`` There are so many people in need at this time so hopefully this can go some way to making Christmas a bit easier for them . ''
The hampers will include more than £80 worth of food , including a roast chicken , all the trimmings such as pigs in blankets and fresh vegetables , and a week 's worth of food for the festive period .
They will then be distributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forest Food Bank .
Some will also be handed out by church members to families they know who are in financial difficulties , have been impacted by Covid-19 , are suffering from bereavement or have serious health conditions .

Volunteers at Riverside Elim Church have received a £5,000 grant from Wyre Forest District Council and will be contributing £3,000 from the church's fund to help them put together Christmas food hampers for vulnerable families in the area.
Church minister Steve Robinson said: "We usually throw a big Christmas party alongside our partners Sure Start and they refer families to us that are struggling.
"We won't be able to do that this year so we decided to send hampers to them instead to make sure they've got everything they need to have a great Christmas dinner.
"There are so many people in need at this time so hopefully this can go some way to making Christmas a bit easier for them."
The hampers will include more than £80 worth of food, including a roast chicken, all the trimmings such as pigs in blankets and fresh vegetables, and a week's worth of food for the festive period.
They will then be distributed by Sure Start and volunteers at Wyre Forest Food Bank.
Some will also be handed out by church members to families they know who are in financial difficulties, have been impacted by Covid-19, are suffering from bereavement or have serious health conditions.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--Before the court: Hartlebury woman's dog ordered to be put down

A WOMAN from Hartlebury must pay £1,600 in compensation after her dog injured two men .
Gemma Hambly , 41 , of Southall Drive , appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates ' Court on Tuesday ( November 24 ) in relation to the incident in Old Worcester Road on May 26 .
The court heard how Miss Hambly 's dog , a Staffordshire bull terrier named Bentley , was `` dangerously out of control '' .
Miss Hambly pleaded guilty to two counts under the Dangerous Dogs Act of being the owner of the dog when it injured each of the men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be put to sleep unless an appeal is lodged within the next 21 days , and ordered the owner to pay compensation of £1,400 to one of the victims and £200 to the other .
A note has been added to the court register , stating that an appeal has been made against the sentence .
In another case at Kidderminster Magistrates ' Court on Tuesday , a man from Dudley has been ordered to pay back the cost of fuel he stole from a Kidderminster company .
Mark Banks , of Lodge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to stealing £279.61 worth of fuel .
The fuel was stolen from the Kidderminster branch of company Movianto some time between November 10 and December 5 last year .
The 59-year-old also admitted wilfully obstructing a police officer in the execution of her duty in Kidderminster between April 17 and May 23 this year , for which he was given a 12-month conditional discharge .
Magistrates ordered Banks to pay compensation equalling the cost of the fuel he stole , on top of the fine , a £32 victim surcharge and £185 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , a Birmingham woman was banned from driving after she was caught driving in Kidderminster while more than double the legal alcohol limit .
Fiona Fitzgibbons , 37 , of Alvechurch Road , pleaded guilty to driving a Nissan Juke in Comberton Road on November 8 while being over the drink drive limit .
The level of alcohol in her breath was 73 micrograms .
The legal limit is 35 .
Magistrates fined Fitzgibbons £576 and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of £58 plus £135 to the Crown Prosecution Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 17 months .

Gemma Hambly, 41, of Southall Drive, appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (November 24) in relation to the incident in Old Worcester Road on May 26.
The court heard how Miss Hambly's dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier named Bentley, was "dangerously out of control".
Miss Hambly pleaded guilty to two counts under the Dangerous Dogs Act of being the owner of the dog when it injured each of the men.
Magistrates ordered that Bentley the dog be put to sleep unless an appeal is lodged within the next 21 days, and ordered the owner to pay compensation of £1,400 to one of the victims and £200 to the other.
A note has been added to the court register, stating that an appeal has been made against the sentence.
In another case at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, a man from Dudley has been ordered to pay back the cost of fuel he stole from a Kidderminster company.
Mark Banks, of Lodge Crescent, was fined £120 after pleading guilty to stealing £279.61 worth of fuel.
The fuel was stolen from the Kidderminster branch of company Movianto some time between November 10 and December 5 last year.
The 59-year-old also admitted wilfully obstructing a police officer in the execution of her duty in Kidderminster between April 17 and May 23 this year, for which he was given a 12-month conditional discharge.
Magistrates ordered Banks to pay compensation equalling the cost of the fuel he stole, on top of the fine, a £32 victim surcharge and £185 in court costs.
In a separate case, a Birmingham woman was banned from driving after she was caught driving in Kidderminster while more than double the legal alcohol limit.
Fiona Fitzgibbons, 37, of Alvechurch Road, pleaded guilty to driving a Nissan Juke in Comberton Road on November 8 while being over the drink drive limit.
The level of alcohol in her breath was 73 micrograms. The legal limit is 35.
Magistrates fined Fitzgibbons £576 and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of £58 plus £135 to the Crown Prosecution Service.
She was also banned from driving for 17 months.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--Get 15 bottle of wine for free - Martin Lewis Explains

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has explained how you could get fourteen bottles of wine for free ahead of the festive season .
The MoneySavingExpert.com founder was speaking on his ITV show , The Martin Lewis Money show – and if you ’ re quick , you could get your delivery in time for Christmas .
Everyone ’ s favourite finance expert highlighted the deal from Virgin Money in an attempt to entice customers to move to them .
Generally speaking , banks will offer a cash incentive for moving banks but they often offer freebies as opposed to money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Virgin Money will give you 15 bottles of wine that it values at £180 , if you switch to its bank account , ” Martin Lewis told viewers .
“ If you get it right now , you may – no guarantees – get it in time for Christmas , ” he said .
“ If you want the wine , 15 bottles of wine , why not ?
As long as you drink sensibly.
” You can take a look at the wines included here , with an option for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £75 for 15 bottles .
But there is a catch , you ’ ll need to qualify for the current account and complete a full bank account switch using the current account switch service .
In addition , you are only eligible for the offer if you switch current accounts , you can ’ t just open a new one – and you can ’ t have had accounts with Virgin Money , B , Yorkshire Bank or Clydesdale Bank since September 30 .
All payments , direct debits and standing orders will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you .
Once everything is up and running you will need to deposit at least £1000 into the easy-access savings account and register for the Virgin Money mobile banking app within the first 31 days .
You will then get a voucher via email that you can redeem on the Virgin Wines website and the case should arrive within five working days of placing your order .

The MoneySavingExpert.com founder was speaking on his ITV show, The Martin Lewis Money show – and if you’re quick, you could get your delivery in time for Christmas.
Everyone’s favourite finance expert highlighted the deal from Virgin Money in an attempt to entice customers to move to them.
Generally speaking, banks will offer a cash incentive for moving banks but they often offer freebies as opposed to money, the latest being Virgin Money.
“Virgin Money will give you 15 bottles of wine that it values at £180, if you switch to its bank account,” Martin Lewis told viewers.
“If you get it right now, you may – no guarantees – get it in time for Christmas,” he said.
“If you want the wine, 15 bottles of wine, why not? As long as you drink sensibly.”
You can take a look at the wines included here, with an option for a non-alcoholic version which Virgin says is worth £75 for 15 bottles.
But there is a catch, you’ll need to qualify for the current account and complete a full bank account switch using the current account switch service.
In addition, you are only eligible for the offer if you switch current accounts, you can’t just open a new one – and you can’t have had accounts with Virgin Money, B, Yorkshire Bank or Clydesdale Bank since September 30.
All payments, direct debits and standing orders will automatically be switched to you new account for you.
Once everything is up and running you will need to deposit at least £1000 into the easy-access savings account and register for the Virgin Money mobile banking app within the first 31 days.
You will then get a voucher via email that you can redeem on the Virgin Wines website and the case should arrive within five working days of placing your order.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--This is how drivers could earn up to £550 a month

A new car finance scheme could earn motorists up to £550 a month , according to its creators .
The new initiative , developed by Karshare , is offering motorists the opportunity to rent their car out to other drivers , when it would normally be sitting idle .
Figures reveal that more than a third of drivers regret taking out car finance due to the pressure on household budgets , the lease and share finance deal claims to offer them a way to balance the books by joining a car-sharing programme .
Most car finance agreements include a clause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone else but the new deal being trialled by Karshare allows the agreement holder to hire out their vehicle to other approved drivers .
The scheme works in a similar way to traditional community car sharing schemes but rather than using vehicles controlled by a single fleet operator , it uses customers ’ cars and makes them available to other vetted drivers .
Karshare says the industry-first agreement created with its leasing partner could help drivers to reduce the burden of their finance payments by putting the car to use when it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million cars a year are purchased via some form of finance , with 12.5 per cent of those leased .
According to Karshare research , car finance is among the biggest financial concerns for 61 per cent of drivers , with four in 10 losing sleep over money worries and a similar proportion reporting a drop in their income since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Graeme Banister , partnerships director at Karshare , said : “ The pandemic has galvanised consumers into becoming laser focused on their finances .
Cars present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car finance , fuel , maintenance – it ’ s an expense that is being called into question , particularly at a time when people are working from home more , and are likely to be for the foreseeable future .
“ The fact 600,000 consumers chose to freeze their car finance payments during the pandemic only adds further weight to the call for action to help consumers offset these costs in some way - and avoid unnecessary vehicle repossessions.
” Banister concludes : “ Shared vehicles are also part of the solution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up roads with yet more cars that sit idle for 96 per cent of the time makes no sense .
Sharing vehicles with others , so they can access a car as and when needed , is far better for the environment.
” The scheme , which allows drivers to rent and book cars online and access them with keyless technology , is currently being trialled in Bristol ahead of a nationwide roll-out in early 2021 .

The new initiative, developed by Karshare, is offering motorists the opportunity to rent their car out to other drivers, when it would normally be sitting idle.
Figures reveal that more than a third of drivers regret taking out car finance due to the pressure on household budgets, the lease and share finance deal claims to offer them a way to balance the books by joining a car-sharing programme.
Most car finance agreements include a clause banning customers from sub-hiring the vehicle to anyone else but the new deal being trialled by Karshare allows the agreement holder to hire out their vehicle to other approved drivers.
The scheme works in a similar way to traditional community car sharing schemes but rather than using vehicles controlled by a single fleet operator, it uses customers’ cars and makes them available to other vetted drivers.
Read more: New plans for six-month car finance payment holiday
Karshare says the industry-first agreement created with its leasing partner could help drivers to reduce the burden of their finance payments by putting the car to use when it would otherwise be sitting idle.
Around a million cars a year are purchased via some form of finance, with 12.5 per cent of those leased. According to Karshare research, car finance is among the biggest financial concerns for 61 per cent of drivers, with four in 10 losing sleep over money worries and a similar proportion reporting a drop in their income since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Graeme Banister, partnerships director at Karshare, said: “The pandemic has galvanised consumers into becoming laser focused on their finances. Cars present significant costs for many; the monthly car finance, fuel, maintenance – it’s an expense that is being called into question, particularly at a time when people are working from home more, and are likely to be for the foreseeable future.
“The fact 600,000 consumers chose to freeze their car finance payments during the pandemic only adds further weight to the call for action to help consumers offset these costs in some way - and avoid unnecessary vehicle repossessions.”
Banister concludes: “Shared vehicles are also part of the solution to a more sustainable future. Clogging up roads with yet more cars that sit idle for 96 per cent of the time makes no sense. Sharing vehicles with others, so they can access a car as and when needed, is far better for the environment.”
The scheme, which allows drivers to rent and book cars online and access them with keyless technology, is currently being trialled in Bristol ahead of a nationwide roll-out in early 2021.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--Job worries spur increase in fostering enquiries in Worcestershire

LOCKDOWN has brought a surge in interest from people thinking of fostering in Worcestershire .
Orange Grove Fostercare , whose office in Bromsgrove organises support for families across the county , are reporting a 7 % increase in enquiries between March and August .
And there has been a particular growth in younger people , with a 38 % increase in those aged 25-34 .
There had been concerns that Covid would reduce enquiries , but the opposite has happened .
They put it down to Covid ’ s impact on jobs , with many people worried about job security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who does switch will have to undergo rigorous evaluation .
The agency say : “ Fostering is a way of life , it is not an immediate solution for those who are out of work , it requires training , dedication , compassion and most of all patience.
” It is a lengthy process , but the agency also it requires no prior experience , ‘ allowing individuals to upskill and retrain in a new area that will be hugely beneficial to young people ’ s lives.
’ “ Choosing fostering as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in a field where they can help make life-changing impact on young people ’ s futures daily .
“ The need for foster carers is growing .
Recent figures showed 56,160 children in care and just 44,450 foster parents available .
Sue Purtill , Registered Manager at Orange Grove Fostercare , commented : “ We ’ re thrilled to see a rise in the number of people applying .
“ We know a lot of people are seeing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic , especially with the increase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d like to remind people that fostering is a fully paid , professional role , and could be an ideal route for many to explore.
“

Orange Grove Fostercare, whose office in Bromsgrove organises support for families across the county, are reporting a 7% increase in enquiries between March and August.
And there has been a particular growth in younger people, with a 38% increase in those aged 25-34.
There had been concerns that Covid would reduce enquiries, but the opposite has happened.
They put it down to Covid’s impact on jobs, with many people worried about job security and looking at new careers.
Anyone who does switch will have to undergo rigorous evaluation.
The agency say: “Fostering is a way of life, it is not an immediate solution for those who are out of work, it requires training, dedication, compassion and most of all patience.”
It is a lengthy process, but the agency also it requires no prior experience, ‘allowing individuals to upskill and retrain in a new area that will be hugely beneficial to young people’s lives.’
“Choosing fostering as a potential career path can allow individuals to work in a field where they can help make life-changing impact on young people’s futures daily. “
The need for foster carers is growing. Recent figures showed 56,160 children in care and just 44,450 foster parents available.
Sue Purtill, Registered Manager at Orange Grove Fostercare, commented: “We’re thrilled to see a rise in the number of people applying.
“We know a lot of people are seeing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, especially with the increase of redundancies across the UK, so we’d like to remind people that fostering is a fully paid, professional role, and could be an ideal route for many to explore.“
Visit www.orangegrovefostercare.co.uk for more details


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--Road closure after serious collision near Kidderminster

THE A449 has been closed at the Black Bridge junction following a serious crash near Kidderminster .
Drivers have been @ @ @ @ @ if possible .
West Mercia Police tweeted : `` Please be advised A449 closed at @ @ @ @ @ including A450 Worcester Road towards Shenstone due to a serious RTC .
Delays likely .
@ @ @ @ @ & Travel tweeted : `` A449/A450 near # Kidderminster closed due to serious accident .
@ @ @ @ @ . ''
⚠ A449/A450 near # Kidderminster closed due to serious accident Please avoid area @ @ @ @ @ WyreForestDC # WorcestershireHour https : //t.co/NTNIt1n2EY — Worcs Highways & Travel ( @ WorcsTravel ) @ @ @ @

Drivers have been asked to avoid the area if possible.
West Mercia Police tweeted: "Please be advised A449 closed at Black Bridges Junction all directions including A450 Worcester Road towards Shenstone due to a serious RTC. Delays likely."
Worcestershire County Council Highways & Travel tweeted: "A449/A450 near #Kidderminster closed due to serious accident. Please avoid area if possible."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--Death notices from this week's Kidderminster Shuttle

The following death notices were published in the Kidderminster Shuttle this week : For more information or to leave your @ @ @ @ @

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kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--Christmas rules make ‘mockery’ of pub restrictions

The government ’ s plans to allow households to mix over Christmas make a “ mockery ” out of pub restrictions , The British Beer and Pub Association has said .
It was announced up to three households can mix at home during the festive period on Tuesday as the government announced a five-day loosening of coronavirus restrictions .
According to the latest Government guidance , Christmas bubbles will still not be able to mix in pubs or restaurants where rules will still depend on which tier each venue is in .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system when the national lockdown ends on December 2 .
From next Wednesday ( December 2 ) , people will once again be able to leave their home provided , they stick to the rule of six , with the level of restrictions dependent on which tier an area falls into .
But the latest news concerning the relaxing of the rules at Christmas has angered the hospitality sector with many businesses concerned about how they will get through the winter months .
Emma McClarkin , chief executive of the trade association representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These plans for Christmas make a mockery of the extra restrictions being placed on pubs and the economic devastation they are facing this Christmas .
“ How can it be that pubs can not properly open while households can mix in private settings ?
The Government data has consistently shown that house-to-house transmission is one of the highest , whereas hospitality has accounted for as little as 2 % of Covid incidences when open .
“ Pubs are a controlled , safe and regulated environment to socialise in – following all Government guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are part of the solution for a safe and enjoyable Christmas , not the problem.
” Ms McClarkin warned that Christmas was “ the most important time of the year ” for the pub sector and “ thousands will not survive the winter ” without financial support from the Government .
“ It seems the Government has chosen to inflict unnecessary pain and irreversible damage on our sector without publishing evidence alongside these decisions.
” She added : “ We all need some festive cheer after this tough year – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy a beer in their local pub with family and friends this Christmas , safely .
After all , Christmas just won ’ t be the same if we can ’ t go to the local .
”

It was announced up to three households can mix at home during the festive period on Tuesday as the government announced a five-day loosening of coronavirus restrictions.
According to the latest Government guidance, Christmas bubbles will still not be able to mix in pubs or restaurants where rules will still depend on which tier each venue is in.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that the country will return to a three-tier system when the national lockdown ends on December 2.
From next Wednesday (December 2), people will once again be able to leave their home provided, they stick to the rule of six, with the level of restrictions dependent on which tier an area falls into.
But the latest news concerning the relaxing of the rules at Christmas has angered the hospitality sector with many businesses concerned about how they will get through the winter months.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the trade association representing brewers and pubs, said: “These plans for Christmas make a mockery of the extra restrictions being placed on pubs and the economic devastation they are facing this Christmas.
“How can it be that pubs cannot properly open while households can mix in private settings? The Government data has consistently shown that house-to-house transmission is one of the highest, whereas hospitality has accounted for as little as 2% of Covid incidences when open.
“Pubs are a controlled, safe and regulated environment to socialise in – following all Government guidelines and working with NHS Track and Trace. They are part of the solution for a safe and enjoyable Christmas, not the problem.”
🚨BREAKING🚨
The Christmas plans make a mockery of extra restrictions being placed on pubs.
How can it be that pubs, which are following safety guidelines, cannot properly open while households can mix in private settings?
Our full response: https://t.co/uXB2KsTsO2 — British Beer & Pub Association (@beerandpub) November 24, 2020
Ms McClarkin warned that Christmas was “the most important time of the year” for the pub sector and “thousands will not survive the winter” without financial support from the Government.
“It seems the Government has chosen to inflict unnecessary pain and irreversible damage on our sector without publishing evidence alongside these decisions.”
She added: “We all need some festive cheer after this tough year – and we want everyone to be able to enjoy a beer in their local pub with family and friends this Christmas, safely. After all, Christmas just won’t be the same if we can’t go to the local.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-29--The price of our 'greener' new homes

The price of our 'greener' new homes

THE price of new homes in Worcestershire is set to rise by between £1,000 and £4,000 as part of the government ’ s drive to tackle climate change .
But the good news is that energy bills will go down as gas boilers are replaced by more efficient heat pumps .
And it should also lead to a boost in construction jobs , as the new heating systems take longer to fit .
The move to ban gas boiler installation in new homes after 2023 is part of the ‘ green industrial revolution.
’ Heat pumps operate by extracting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air in the atmosphere outside the home and then transferring it through the house .
They can work even when outside is freezing , and they are far more efficient than gas , which uses energy to generate the heat .
According to Libby Jones , of heating , ventilation and air conditioning company aircon.co.uk , the down side for someone who wants a new home is that the cost is forecast to rise between £1,000 to £4,000 , depending on size .
And you may have to wait longer as construction takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also potential maintenance issues , as the systems are more complex if something goes wrong .
But because the technology is more efficient , the price of heating the home will fall significantly .
And , of course , its part of the strategy of tackling climate change .

But the good news is that energy bills will go down as gas boilers are replaced by more efficient heat pumps.
And it should also lead to a boost in construction jobs, as the new heating systems take longer to fit.
The move to ban gas boiler installation in new homes after 2023 is part of the ‘green industrial revolution.’
Heat pumps operate by extracting the heat from the ground, water or air in the atmosphere outside the home and then transferring it through the house.
They can work even when outside is freezing, and they are far more efficient than gas, which uses energy to generate the heat.
According to Libby Jones, of heating, ventilation and air conditioning company aircon.co.uk, the down side for someone who wants a new home is that the cost is forecast to rise between £1,000 to £4,000, depending on size.
And you may have to wait longer as construction takes longer with heat pump equipment.
There are also potential maintenance issues, as the systems are more complex if something goes wrong.
But because the technology is more efficient, the price of heating the home will fall significantly.
And, of course, its part of the strategy of tackling climate change.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--Man rushed to hospital with serious injuries after Kidderminster crash

A MAN was rushed to hospital with serious injuries following a three car crash at Black Bridge near Kidderminster .
@ @ @ @ @ the junction of the A449 and A450 just after 3pm yesterday ( Sunday , November @ @ @ @ @ from West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` An ambulance , paramedic officer , a @ @ @ @ @ critical care paramedics attended .
`` One occupant , a man , suffered serious injuries @ @ @ @ @ trauma care by the team of medics at the scene before being transported on blue @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham for further emergency treatment . ''
The road was closed following the accident and @ @ @ @ @ the area .

Ambulance crews were called to the junction of the A449 and A450 just after 3pm yesterday (Sunday, November 29).
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "An ambulance, paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and two critical care paramedics attended.
"One occupant, a man, suffered serious injuries in the collision and received trauma care by the team of medics at the scene before being transported on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency treatment."
The road was closed following the accident and drivers were urged to avoid the area.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--Sponsorship boost for Kidderminster youth team

YOUTH football in Kidderminster has been given a shot in the arm at a time when Covid has hit grassroots sport hard .
Kidderminster-based Severn Mortgage Solutions has become one of the kit sponsors for Kidderminster Athletic Hawks under-11s .
Manager Jon Maskell , said : “ Youth football needs as much support as possible at the best of times , but due to Covid-19 we need backing now more than ever .
The new training and matchday kits look brilliant as we travel across the region to play our matches.
” This season , the Hawks have stepped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Midlands Junior Premier League where they are playing teams from the Black Country , Warwickshire and as far afield as Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire .
Although the 2019/20 season was cut short due to Covid-19 , the boys won 27 of their games , losing only three and scoring 166 goals .
The deal will see the mortgage advice company ’ s branding appearing on the boy ’ s training and matchday warm-up kits .
Mark Stebbings from Severn Mortgage Solutions said : “ I have watched the team ’ s progress closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do something to support them .
They are making a real impact on grassroots football across the West Midlands so I am delighted we can be associated with the Hawks .
”

Kidderminster-based Severn Mortgage Solutions has become one of the kit sponsors for Kidderminster Athletic Hawks under-11s.
Manager Jon Maskell, said: “Youth football needs as much support as possible at the best of times, but due to Covid-19 we need backing now more than ever. The new training and matchday kits look brilliant as we travel across the region to play our matches.”
This season, the Hawks have stepped up from the Stourport and District League to the Midlands Junior Premier League where they are playing teams from the Black Country, Warwickshire and as far afield as Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.
Although the 2019/20 season was cut short due to Covid-19, the boys won 27 of their games, losing only three and scoring 166 goals.
The deal will see the mortgage advice company’s branding appearing on the boy’s training and matchday warm-up kits.
Mark Stebbings from Severn Mortgage Solutions said: “I have watched the team’s progress closely over the past few years and wanted to do something to support them. They are making a real impact on grassroots football across the West Midlands so I am delighted we can be associated with the Hawks.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--Wyre Forest District Council backs campaign against domestic violence

WYRE Forest District Council is backing a global campaign to raise awareness of male violence against women and girls .
Each year thousands of people stand up , speak out and say no to violence and abuse .
This year is more important than ever with a significant increase in violence , harassment and abuse during the Coronavirus pandemic .
The Sixteen Days of Action started on Wednesday , November , 25 the International Day for the elimination of violence against Women , and will run through until Human Rights Day on Thursday , December 10 .
During the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White Ribbon Status , is encouraging residents to sign the White Ribbon pledge and speak out against violence and abuse .
Wyre Forest District Council has pledged its support to the campaign and its Safer Wyre Forest team is coordinating local plans that will involve working with schools and organisations to raise awareness of what domestic abuse is and what help is available .
Anyone over the age of 14 can pledge their support by making the promise online at www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise .
During the campaign there will be regular updates on Twitter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to parents of local schoolchildren .
Men can be victims too , although in lower numbers .
In Worcestershire the campaign is saying no to domestic abuse of all kinds .
There ’ s a dedicated number for women ( 24 hr ) , 0800 980 3331 and another for men 0800 014 9082 .
Councillor Helen Dyke , Cabinet Member for Culture , Leisure and Community Protection said : “ This year ’ s White Ribbon campaign is a little bit different due to COVID-19 .
We have seen cases of domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would encourage everyone to take the pledge .
“ We want to reach as many people as possible to highlight what domestic abuse is and how people who may be suffering in silence can get the help they need .
For more information about Safer Wyre Forest please visit www.nwcsp.org or follow them on Twitter @ saferwyreforest and Facebook .
”

Each year thousands of people stand up, speak out and say no to violence and abuse.
This year is more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Sixteen Days of Action started on Wednesday, November, 25 the International Day for the elimination of violence against Women, and will run through until Human Rights Day on Thursday, December 10.
During the campaign the council, which has been awarded White Ribbon Status, is encouraging residents to sign the White Ribbon pledge and speak out against violence and abuse.
Wyre Forest District Council has pledged its support to the campaign and its Safer Wyre Forest team is coordinating local plans that will involve working with schools and organisations to raise awareness of what domestic abuse is and what help is available.
Anyone over the age of 14 can pledge their support by making the promise online at www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise.
During the campaign there will be regular updates on Twitter and Facebook, information will also be sent to parents of local schoolchildren.
Men can be victims too, although in lower numbers. In Worcestershire the campaign is saying no to domestic abuse of all kinds. There’s a dedicated number for women (24 hr), 0800 980 3331 and another for men 0800 014 9082.
Councillor Helen Dyke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Protection said: “This year’s White Ribbon campaign is a little bit different due to COVID-19. We have seen cases of domestic violence increase during the Coronavirus pandemic so I would encourage everyone to take the pledge.
“We want to reach as many people as possible to highlight what domestic abuse is and how people who may be suffering in silence can get the help they need. For more information about Safer Wyre Forest please visit www.nwcsp.org or follow them on Twitter @saferwyreforest and Facebook.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--Kidderminster Harriers 1 Curzon Ashton 0 - report, reaction & ratings

SAM Austin ’ s stupendous lob handed Harriers a win that halved the gap to three points at the National North summit .
The 25-yard-plus chip was the sole bright spot in a 1-0 win over Curzon Ashton that was largely as dull as the foggy weather but the success – a sixth in eight unbeaten outings – put Kidderminster within touching distance of leaders Gloucester City who lost at home to Farsley Celtic .
The slender advantage made for a tense finish but chances were few and far between throughout as Curzon sat back and looked to spring on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ striker Dominic Knowles got his feet in a muddle when presented with an open goal from a yard out late on but that apart , Harriers looked comfortable enough , providing the most pleasing element for assistant manager Jimmy O'Connor .
“ They came here with a game plan and executed it really well , they made it difficult for us and in the end it was a moment of magic that gave us the win , '' he said .
“ But it was not just that .
It was about us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an absolute desire not to concede a goal which was great to see and that says a lot about the character of this group .
“ It is not just about the clean sheet , it is about limiting chances on our goal and defending properly when the ball is around our goal .
“ It was symbolised by Amari Morgan-Smith up front , he was absolutely different class again and set the tone for the team .
It goes right through .
“ It was one of those scrappy 1-0s , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they would have appreciated the effort of the players , I am sure .
“ Teams at this level are always going to offer different problems for you to solve and it is up to us to come up with the answers .
“ Some teams are going to show us that respect , others are going to get right after us , we just have to deal with it .
The most pleasing thing was that we didn ’ t get frustrated or to the point where we started making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Curzon broke with purpose and had the better openings early on with Jude Oyibo ’ s deflected effort dropping kindly for keeper Luke Simpson to comfortably catch before Connor Hughes narrowly cleared the bar from 20 yards .
There were penalty appeals at either end with Curzon defender Marcus Poscha claiming he was held at a corner and Harriers wide man Ashley Hemmings being bumped to the floor after Matty Waters had got caught under a high ball but referee Ricard Aspinall waved away both .
Hughes had a 21st-minute shot charged down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from there and Kidderminster ’ s dominance of possession gradually began to tell in the territory stakes .
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Hemmings cut inside and fed the tightly-marked Austin who swivelled , appeared to lose control but then stretched to chip the ball with perfect weight to make it over Cam Mason ’ s stray glove .
Curzon ’ s Noah Stokes walked a tightrope on the stroke of half-time , slapping away the ball with his hand as he fell trying to shackle Amari Morgan-Smith who would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indiscretion .
The distance from goal meant Stokes escaped with a caution .
There was little change after the interval with Harriers right-back Cliff Moyo the first to seriously test the water with a rising 20-yard drive across goal that was narrowly high and wide .
In a rare foray forward for Curzon Waters got down the left and nudged inside to Knowles whose first-time shot swerved wide of the far post on the hour .
That buoyed the visitors and somewhat swung the pendulum after what had been a flat half an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harriers were disciplined .
Curzon ’ s big chance arrived with 12 minutes to go when a quick passage of play ended with Oyibo ’ s shot ricocheting out to substitute Alex Curran on the right .
His cut back across goal found Knowles a yard out from an open goal but the ball slipped between his feet , hit the back of his heel and squirmed wide of the far post .
Austin gets the nod not only for his goal but for providing the legs in the final third with Harriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was tough against deep-lying opponents but a brisker tempo from the hosts , the kind Curzon showed in flashes on the break , might have opened up the game a little more .

The 25-yard-plus chip was the sole bright spot in a 1-0 win over Curzon Ashton that was largely as dull as the foggy weather but the success – a sixth in eight unbeaten outings – put Kidderminster within touching distance of leaders Gloucester City who lost at home to Farsley Celtic.
The slender advantage made for a tense finish but chances were few and far between throughout as Curzon sat back and looked to spring on the break from minute one.
Visiting striker Dominic Knowles got his feet in a muddle when presented with an open goal from a yard out late on but that apart, Harriers looked comfortable enough, providing the most pleasing element for assistant manager Jimmy O'Connor.
“They came here with a game plan and executed it really well, they made it difficult for us and in the end it was a moment of magic that gave us the win," he said.
“But it was not just that. It was about us defending properly, being organised and showing an absolute desire not to concede a goal which was great to see and that says a lot about the character of this group.
“It is not just about the clean sheet, it is about limiting chances on our goal and defending properly when the ball is around our goal.
“It was symbolised by Amari Morgan-Smith up front, he was absolutely different class again and set the tone for the team. It goes right through.
“It was one of those scrappy 1-0s, not the supporters’ favourite type of game, but they would have appreciated the effort of the players, I am sure.
“Teams at this level are always going to offer different problems for you to solve and it is up to us to come up with the answers.
“Some teams are going to show us that respect, others are going to get right after us, we just have to deal with it. The most pleasing thing was that we didn’t get frustrated or to the point where we started making silly decisions.”
Despite sitting deep, Curzon broke with purpose and had the better openings early on with Jude Oyibo’s deflected effort dropping kindly for keeper Luke Simpson to comfortably catch before Connor Hughes narrowly cleared the bar from 20 yards.
There were penalty appeals at either end with Curzon defender Marcus Poscha claiming he was held at a corner and Harriers wide man Ashley Hemmings being bumped to the floor after Matty Waters had got caught under a high ball but referee Ricard Aspinall waved away both.
Hughes had a 21st-minute shot charged down by Max Taylor but chances dried up from there and Kidderminster’s dominance of possession gradually began to tell in the territory stakes.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Hemmings cut inside and fed the tightly-marked Austin who swivelled, appeared to lose control but then stretched to chip the ball with perfect weight to make it over Cam Mason’s stray glove.
Curzon’s Noah Stokes walked a tightrope on the stroke of half-time, slapping away the ball with his hand as he fell trying to shackle Amari Morgan-Smith who would have been clean through but for the indiscretion. The distance from goal meant Stokes escaped with a caution.
There was little change after the interval with Harriers right-back Cliff Moyo the first to seriously test the water with a rising 20-yard drive across goal that was narrowly high and wide.
In a rare foray forward for Curzon Waters got down the left and nudged inside to Knowles whose first-time shot swerved wide of the far post on the hour.
That buoyed the visitors and somewhat swung the pendulum after what had been a flat half an hour but while far from perfect, Harriers were disciplined.
Curzon’s big chance arrived with 12 minutes to go when a quick passage of play ended with Oyibo’s shot ricocheting out to substitute Alex Curran on the right.
His cut back across goal found Knowles a yard out from an open goal but the ball slipped between his feet, hit the back of his heel and squirmed wide of the far post.
HARRIERS STAR MAN – Sam Austin
Austin gets the nod not only for his goal but for providing the legs in the final third with Harriers looking a little pedestrian at times.
It was tough against deep-lying opponents but a brisker tempo from the hosts, the kind Curzon showed in flashes on the break, might have opened up the game a little more.
Harriers: Simpson 6, Moyo 7, Lowe 7, Taylor 7, Richards 6, Montrose 6, Maxwell 6, Hemmings 6 (Kellermann, 77, 7), Austin 7 (Arthur, 88), Sterling 6 (Prosser, 64, 6), Morgan-Smith 6.
Unused subs: White, Palmer (g/k).
Curzon: Mason 7, Hanson 6, Poscha 7, Tharme 7, Stokes 6 (Whitham, 66, 7), Waters 7, Evans 6 (Curran, 77, 6), Walker 6, Hughes 7 (Mahon, 66, 7), Knowles 5, Oyibo 6.
Unused sub: Southern.
Referee: Richard Aspinall, 6.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--Infection rate is still falling in Worcestershire in latest Covid data

THE county ’ s coronavirus infection rate has continued to fall according to the latest data .
Worcester ’ s infection rate was 151.2 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to November 22 , according to the latest Public Health England figures .
The rate dropped from 238.1 cases per 100,000 people in the previous seven days up to November 15 .
Worcester ’ s infection rate has now returned to the numbers last seen on October 22 when the rate was also 151.2 cases per 100,000 people .
Worcestershire ’ s infection rate in the week up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 people – which was the same rate last seen at the end of October .
It was announced last Thursday ( November 26 ) that Worcestershire will be placed under stricter tier 2 rules when the national lockdown ends on December 2 and the country returns to a regional three-tier system .
The government has said each region will be reviewed fortnightly with the infection rate one of several things to be taken into consideration .
If the infection rate continues to fall , Worcestershire could drop into the less restrictive tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stricter rules in tier 3 if cases start to rise again .
Worcestershire ’ s director of Public Health Dr Kathryn Cobain reiterated that it was important for the county to continue following the rules so the infection rate carries on falling .
Redditch continues to have the highest infection rate in Worcestershire despite the rate dropping in the latest figures .
The infection rate in Redditch was 235.7 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to November 21 which was the highest rate in the county .
Wyre Forest which had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 people during the same week .
Bromsgrove ’ s infection rate during the same week was 189.2 cases per 100,000 people .
Wychavon ’ s infection rate dropped to 112 cases per 100,000 people with 145 positive cases recorded in the week .
The infection rate in Wychavon in the week up to November 15 was 159.9 cases per 100,000 people .
Malvern ’ s infection rate also dropped to 83.9 cases per 100,000 people with 66 cases recorded in the week .
The infection rate in Malvern in the week up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 people .

Worcester’s infection rate was 151.2 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to November 22, according to the latest Public Health England figures.
The rate dropped from 238.1 cases per 100,000 people in the previous seven days up to November 15.
Worcester’s infection rate has now returned to the numbers last seen on October 22 when the rate was also 151.2 cases per 100,000 people.
Worcestershire’s infection rate in the week up to November 22 was 165.3 cases per 100,000 people – which was the same rate last seen at the end of October.
It was announced last Thursday (November 26) that Worcestershire will be placed under stricter tier 2 rules when the national lockdown ends on December 2 and the country returns to a regional three-tier system.
The government has said each region will be reviewed fortnightly with the infection rate one of several things to be taken into consideration.
If the infection rate continues to fall, Worcestershire could drop into the less restrictive tier 1 but equally be placed under even stricter rules in tier 3 if cases start to rise again.
Worcestershire’s director of Public Health Dr Kathryn Cobain reiterated that it was important for the county to continue following the rules so the infection rate carries on falling.
Redditch continues to have the highest infection rate in Worcestershire despite the rate dropping in the latest figures.
The infection rate in Redditch was 235.7 cases per 100,000 people in the week up to November 21 which was the highest rate in the county.
Wyre Forest which had an infection rate of 228.1 cases per 100,000 people during the same week.
Bromsgrove’s infection rate during the same week was 189.2 cases per 100,000 people.
Wychavon’s infection rate dropped to 112 cases per 100,000 people with 145 positive cases recorded in the week.
The infection rate in Wychavon in the week up to November 15 was 159.9 cases per 100,000 people.
Malvern’s infection rate also dropped to 83.9 cases per 100,000 people with 66 cases recorded in the week.
The infection rate in Malvern in the week up to November 15 was 111.8 cases per 100,000 people.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--Universal Credit claimants set to lose £3000 in benefits

Thousands of Universal Credit claimants will see thier benefits capped in the new year and those affected will be informed in the lead-up to Christmas .
The cap could leave thousands of struggling families and individuals worse off by thousands of pounds a year , and risks pushing some into destitution .
Many people who lost their jobs earlier this year and have n't been able to find work since will be informed next month by the Department for Work and Pensions that their payments will be cut unless they find work .
If capped , the losses will average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For those in higher-cost areas like London , the losses will be even greater .
The anticipated surge in benefit caps comes after a nine month `` grace period '' in which some claimants were protected from a cap at the start of the pandemic .
For people who claimed in April , a further surge in benefits caps is expected at the end of January , when their `` grace period '' ends .
Figures published last week showed that 170,000 British households - most with children - had their benefits capped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent of these households including children under five .
Separate research suggested that the financial shock of this cap increased the risks of poor mental health among claimants .
The study by the London School of Economics said : “ [ The cap ] may actually push people further away from the labour market because it undermines their wellbeing.
” Housing charity Shelter has urged government minsters to scrap the planned cap .
The charity 's chief executive Polly Neate commented : “ It limits families ’ basic incomes to the point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their rent or feeding their children .
And too many get to the point where they have no choice , and homelessness becomes unavoidable . ''
Benefits caps - limiting the total amount of benefit people can receive - were first introduced in 2013 as an `` incentive '' for jobless people to find work .
It has since been made even less generous , in spite of evidence that those who had their benefits capped were actually less likely to find work .

The cap could leave thousands of struggling families and individuals worse off by thousands of pounds a year, and risks pushing some into destitution.
Many people who lost their jobs earlier this year and haven't been able to find work since will be informed next month by the Department for Work and Pensions that their payments will be cut unless they find work.
Average loss of £250 a month
If capped, the losses will average around £250 per month from January. For those in higher-cost areas like London, the losses will be even greater.
The anticipated surge in benefit caps comes after a nine month "grace period" in which some claimants were protected from a cap at the start of the pandemic.
For people who claimed in April, a further surge in benefits caps is expected at the end of January, when their "grace period" ends.
Figures published last week showed that 170,000 British households - most with children - had their benefits capped in April, with more than 40 per cent of these households including children under five.
Separate research suggested that the financial shock of this cap increased the risks of poor mental health among claimants.
Cap 'undermines wellbeing'


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--Fire service issues urgent warning to home workers

Despite national lockdown ending on December 2 , thousands of UK workers will continue to work from home amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Most people have now been working from home for more than eight months , after the UK was first plunged into lockdown back in March .
The ongoing restrictions means many workers won ’ t be heading back to the office any time soon , with the shift forcing thousands to adpart to a new working environment .
While home working does come with certain comforts , it has several downsides too - including a possible fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning to home workers on social media about the dangers of overloading plug sockets .
Many households are likely to have more than one person working from home , which means more plugs will be in use to power computers , laptops and charge phones .
But despite plugs having space for more than one appliance , using all of the sockets is not always safe .
If overloaded , wall sockets could start to overheat and potentially start a fire .
UK charity Electrical Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger signs of overheating : • a smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket • sparks or smoke coming from a plug or appliance • blackness or scorch marks around a socket or plug , or on an appliance damaged or frayed leads • coloured wire inside leads showing at the plug or anywhere else • fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that operate for no obvious reason The fire service has advised that people use the socket calculator from Electrical Safety First to help minimise the risk of fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-way bar adapters to increase the number of appliances which can be plugged into a wall socket .
To ensure your safety while home working , be mindful of these simple tips : • Check the current rating of the extension lead before plugging in your appliances .
Most are rated at 13 A , but some are only rated at only 10 A or less .
The rating should be clearly marked on the back or underside of the extension lead , or in the manufacturer ’ s instructions .
• Never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the lead .
Doing so could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire .
• Use an overload calculator to check if you are exceeding the maximum load .
• Only use one socket extension lead per socket and never plug an extension lead into another extension lead .
• Use a multiway bar extension lead rather than a block adaptor , as this will put less strain on the wall socket .
Some block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which increases the risk of overloading and fire .
• Consider having additional sockets installed if you regularly rely on extension leads and adaptors .
Be sure to use a registered electrician to carry out the installation .

Most people have now been working from home for more than eight months, after the UK was first plunged into lockdown back in March.
The ongoing restrictions means many workers won’t be heading back to the office any time soon, with the shift forcing thousands to adpart to a new working environment.
While home working does come with certain comforts, it has several downsides too - including a possible fire risk from overloading sockets.
Warning from fire service
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning to home workers on social media about the dangers of overloading plug sockets.
Many households are likely to have more than one person working from home, which means more plugs will be in use to power computers, laptops and charge phones.
But despite plugs having space for more than one appliance, using all of the sockets is not always safe. If overloaded, wall sockets could start to overheat and potentially start a fire.
UK charity Electrical Safety First recommends looking regularly for the following danger signs of overheating:
a smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket
sparks or smoke coming from a plug or appliance
blackness or scorch marks around a socket or plug, or on an appliance
damaged or frayed leads
damaged or frayed leads coloured wire inside leads showing at the plug or anywhere else
melted plastic on appliance casings or leads
fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that operate for no obvious reason
How to stay safe
The fire service has advised that people use the socket calculator from Electrical Safety First to help minimise the risk of fire in homes.
The charity recommends using four-way bar adapters to increase the number of appliances which can be plugged into a wall socket.
To ensure your safety while home working, be mindful of these simple tips:


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--18-year-old seriously injured after A449 crash in Kidderminster

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a Kidderminster crash which has left an 18-year-old with `` potentially life changing injuries @ @ @ @ @ which happened at just after 3pm on Sunday ( November 29 ) on the A449 @ @ @ @ @ with the A450 , involved a black Renault Clio and a blue Mitsubishi Colt .
@ @ @ @ @ with serious injuries after Kidderminster crash A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said : `` @ @ @ @ @ Renault Clio , an 18-year-old man , suffered serious potentially life changing , injuries .
@ @ @ @ @ Clio , an 18-year-old man from Birmingham , was arrested on suspicion of causing serious @ @ @ @ @ drug driving .
He was released under investigation while enquiries continue .
`` Any witnesses @ @ @ @ @ ’ t yet spoken to officers or anyone with dashcam footage is asked to report @ @ @ @ @ Mercia Police website under the section tell us about or via 101 quoting incident 326i @ @ @ @ @

The collision, which happened at just after 3pm on Sunday (November 29) on the A449 Worcester Road at its junction with the A450, involved a black Renault Clio and a blue Mitsubishi Colt.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "The rear passenger in the Renault Clio, an 18-year-old man, suffered serious potentially life changing, injuries.
"The driver of the Clio, an 18-year-old man from Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drug driving. He was released under investigation while enquiries continue.
"Any witnesses to the collision that haven’t yet spoken to officers or anyone with dashcam footage is asked to report the details on the West Mercia Police website under the section tell us about or via 101 quoting incident 326i of 29 November."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-30--Wyre Forest pub bosses react to tier two restrictions

WYRE Forest pub bosses have shared their frustrations before Worcestershire moves into tier two of the government 's new stricter tier system this week .
The county had previously been in the lowest tier , meaning residents had to obey the Rule of Six and pubs and restaurants had to close by 10pm , but groups of less than six people from different households could still mix indoors , unlike in the higher tiers .
In tier two of the new stricter system , pubs and restaurants will only be permitted to stay open if they serve “ substantial ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food .
The Loom & Shuttle on Stourport Road is set to reopen its doors on Wednesday ( December 2 ) following the lockdown .
Gill Conway , who runs the pub , said she was `` not thrilled '' about the move into tier two .
`` For some , it will be a very difficult tier to be in , '' she told The Shuttle .
`` My main concern is that not everybody who goes to the pub wants to eat or has the funds to eat .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
We have had some feedback from the regulars .
`` I really feel for people that have got wet-led pubs that do n't do food .
It would be much easier if we were in tier one .
Tier two is quite grey .
We are not thrilled .
`` It is what it is and all we can do is try our best and see what happens . ''
However , Maria Gooding who runs the Black Star pub in Stourport , says her business will not be opening for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal ' expectation as an `` absolute nightmare '' She said : `` We 're not opening because we do n't think it 's right .
It means we would have to have the kitchen open ten hours a day .
I do n't think it 's fair on staff and ourselves .
`` I 'm absolutely devastated .
We bought the Black Star 18 months ago .
Luckily we have been able to access government grants .
`` It 's very unfair for the hospitality industry .
It 's going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some ways as we are not a brewery owned pub .
`` We get to choose whether we open or not .
It 's not the right thing to do at the moment . ''
Previously , Wyre Forest Campaign for Real Ale ( CAMRA ) said tier two restrictions could be `` devastating '' to many local pubs and even leave some at risk of closure .
Branch chairman Nick Rubery said : `` This could be devastating to many small wet trade-led community pubs and licensees may be forced to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
`` These added restrictions , which single out our small pubs , are unsupported by any published evidence and , be in no doubt , they will further threaten the future of our beloved locals . ''

The county had previously been in the lowest tier, meaning residents had to obey the Rule of Six and pubs and restaurants had to close by 10pm, but groups of less than six people from different households could still mix indoors, unlike in the higher tiers.
In tier two of the new stricter system, pubs and restaurants will only be permitted to stay open if they serve “substantial” meals and must only serve alcohol with food.
The Loom & Shuttle on Stourport Road is set to reopen its doors on Wednesday (December 2) following the lockdown.
Gill Conway, who runs the pub, said she was "not thrilled" about the move into tier two.
"For some, it will be a very difficult tier to be in," she told The Shuttle.
"My main concern is that not everybody who goes to the pub wants to eat or has the funds to eat.
"We have no idea whether people will come in. We have had some feedback from the regulars.
"I really feel for people that have got wet-led pubs that don't do food. It would be much easier if we were in tier one. Tier two is quite grey. We are not thrilled.
"It is what it is and all we can do is try our best and see what happens."
However, Maria Gooding who runs the Black Star pub in Stourport, says her business will not be opening for the festive season, describing the 'substantial meal' expectation as an "absolute nightmare"
She said: "We're not opening because we don't think it's right. It means we would have to have the kitchen open ten hours a day. I don't think it's fair on staff and ourselves.
"I'm absolutely devastated. We bought the Black Star 18 months ago. Luckily we have been able to access government grants.
"It's very unfair for the hospitality industry. It's going to be so difficult. We are lucky in some ways as we are not a brewery owned pub.
"We get to choose whether we open or not. It's not the right thing to do at the moment."
Previously, Wyre Forest Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said tier two restrictions could be "devastating" to many local pubs and even leave some at risk of closure.
Branch chairman Nick Rubery said: "This could be devastating to many small wet trade-led community pubs and licensees may be forced to make decisions on the future survival of their businesses.
"These added restrictions, which single out our small pubs, are unsupported by any published evidence and, be in no doubt, they will further threaten the future of our beloved locals."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-01--18,000 trees to be planted at former Burlish Park Golf Club in Kidderminster

WYRE Forest District Council ’ s rangers will be busy planting more than 18,000 trees at the former Burlish Park golf course this month .
The tree planting project is a key part of a joint plan between the council and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to create a 600-acre nature reserve in the heart of the district between the towns of Kidderminster , Stourport and Bewdley .
It is hoped the locally sourced trees will boost air quality and benefit the wide range of wildlife species in the area .
The Woodland Trust has provided the trees to the council free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils from Stourport High School will help the rangers with planting on Friday 4 December .
Councillor Helen Dyke , cabinet member for culture , leisure and community protection said : “ We are very excited the tree planting project is going ahead from Thursday 3 December .
In 2018 , we took on the management of the site after Burlish Park golf club folded .
Our rangers have worked really hard over the past two years to turn the golf course into a nature reserve .
“ Our latest tree planting project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by creating a woodland while improving air quality and giving wildlife a new habitat to thrive in for years to come .
This work also goes hand-in-hand with the commitment the council made in May 2019 when we declared a climate emergency.
” For regular updates and pictures of the work the rangers are involved in please visit ‘ Wyre Forest Rangers ’ on Facebook .

The tree planting project is a key part of a joint plan between the council and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to create a 600-acre nature reserve in the heart of the district between the towns of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley.
It is hoped the locally sourced trees will boost air quality and benefit the wide range of wildlife species in the area.
The Woodland Trust has provided the trees to the council free of charge. A small number of pupils from Stourport High School will help the rangers with planting on Friday 4 December.
Councillor Helen Dyke, cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection said: “We are very excited the tree planting project is going ahead from Thursday 3 December. In 2018, we took on the management of the site after Burlish Park golf club folded. Our rangers have worked really hard over the past two years to turn the golf course into a nature reserve.
“Our latest tree planting project is another opportunity to enhance the site by creating a woodland while improving air quality and giving wildlife a new habitat to thrive in for years to come. This work also goes hand-in-hand with the commitment the council made in May 2019 when we declared a climate emergency.”
For regular updates and pictures of the work the rangers are involved in please visit ‘Wyre Forest Rangers’ on Facebook.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-01--Which areas of England could see Covid tiers change before Christmas?

England will be coming out of a second national lockdown on December 2 and falling back into a revised tier syetem ahead of the government 's 'winter plan . '
The tiers decided for each are of England are going to revised every 14 days and Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that 99 per cent of England is initially slated to be in Tier 2 or Tier 3 .
But this could change prior to Christmas , according to a graph released by Public Health England , showing which areas are nearest the thresholds which would allow them to either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are five main factors which determine the restrictions in place in each area .
These are : • the rate cases are rising or falling • percentage of tests taken which are positive Going by the above criteria , the following areas are most likely to change tiers before Christmas , according to the latest data : The Isle of Wight is currently in Tier 1 , and is the closest area in that tier to the threshold for Tier 2 restrictions .
In Tier 2 , Suffolk is the lowest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tier 1 before Christmas .
Norfolk , Rutland , Buckinghamshire , Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire are also close to the Tier 2 threshold , as well as Dorset , Devon and Wiltshire .
Going the other way , there are a handful of areas currently in Tier 2 which are at risk of moving into Tier 3 .
These are Cheshire , North Yorkshire and Shropshire .
Of the areas currently in Tier 3 , those with the greatest chance of dropping down into Tier 2 are Nottinghamshire , Warwickshire and Kent , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire and Derbyshire .
The first review of the revised tier system will take place on 16 December .
Are tier changes realistic before Christmas ?
Speaking to Radio 4 ’ s Today programme , Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said that areas could well change tiers before Christmas .
He said , “ There will be a review point every 14 days - so on the 16 or 17 December there will be an opportunity for those parts of the country where the judgment was finely balanced to potentially de-escalate from Tier 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Tier 1.
” Also speaking to Today , Prof John Edmunds , a member of the SAGE advisory committee , said he thinks it is unlikely that any areas will change Tier before Christmas .
He commented , “ I think that is quite an early time to be able to see what the effect has been .
For me I think that is quite an early review stage .
I can ’ t imagine there will be huge changes at that point just simply because I don ’ t think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The tiers decided for each are of England are going to revised every 14 days and Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that 99 per cent of England is initially slated to be in Tier 2 or Tier 3.
But this could change prior to Christmas, according to a graph released by Public Health England, showing which areas are nearest the thresholds which would allow them to either move up or down a tier.
There are five main factors which determine the restrictions in place in each area. These are:
case detection rate for all ages
case detection rate for over 60s
the rate cases are rising or falling
percentage of tests taken which are positive
pressure on the NHS, primarily occupancy
Which areas could change tier?
Going by the above criteria, the following areas are most likely to change tiers before Christmas, according to the latest data:
The Isle of Wight is currently in Tier 1, and is the closest area in that tier to the threshold for Tier 2 restrictions.
In Tier 2, Suffolk is the lowest, and so mostly likely to drop into Tier 1 before Christmas. Norfolk, Rutland, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire are also close to the Tier 2 threshold, as well as Dorset, Devon and Wiltshire.
Going the other way, there are a handful of areas currently in Tier 2 which are at risk of moving into Tier 3. These are Cheshire, North Yorkshire and Shropshire.
Of the areas currently in Tier 3, those with the greatest chance of dropping down into Tier 2 are Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire and Kent, though the next lowest are Lancashire, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
The first review of the revised tier system will take place on 16 December.
Are tier changes realistic before Christmas?
Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said that areas could well change tiers before Christmas.
He said, “There will be a review point every 14 days - so on the 16 or 17 December there will be an opportunity for those parts of the country where the judgment was finely balanced to potentially de-escalate from Tier 3 to Tier 2, and Tier 2 to Tier 1.”
Also speaking to Today, Prof John Edmunds, a member of the SAGE advisory committee, said he thinks it is unlikely that any areas will change Tier before Christmas.
He commented, “I think that is quite an early time to be able to see what the effect has been. For me I think that is quite an early review stage. I can’t imagine there will be huge changes at that point just simply because I don’t think we will have accumulated much data by then.”