kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-07--TV celebrities line up for Farming Awards

THREE TV celebrities have been announced in the line up of special guests taking part in this years Three Counties Farming Awardsw ceremony .
Stu Deeley , winner of MasterChef : The Professionals , Great British Bake-off contestant Michael Chakraverty , and adventurer and presenter Ben Fogle will all be joining the online live broadcast with special messages for the contestants .
The host for the evening has already been announced as Adam Henson , the presenter of BBC TV 's Countryfile farming programme , who farms in the Cotswolds .
Ben Fogle , first came to fame when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Castaway 2000 with a group of 36 marooned on the Scottish island of Taransay for a year .
As a TV presenter he has worked for the BBC , ITV , Channel 5 , Sky , Discovery and the National Geographic channels and has hosted Crufts , One Man and His Dog , Countryfile .
He is also an activist .
The 27-year-old from Brimingham was voted the 13th professional chef to be awarded the title after wowing judges Marcus Wareing , Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace .
He trained at Halesowen College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant when he won the title and announced he planned to open his own restaurant .
Michael Chakraverty , a 26 year old theatre manager and fitness instructor , was a finalist in the 2019 Great British Bake Off He learned to bake from his mum , who passed down reciped from his great-grandparents .
Despite being born in Newcastle , Michael considers himself Scottish after moving there age seven .
The Three Counties Farming Awards recognise best practice , quality and outstanding dedication in the agriculture sector across Herefordshire , Worcestershire and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Covid and the uncertainties thrown up by Brexit , they have attracted record entries this year .
But there is still time to nominate someone you think deserves recognition .
Just go to https : //www.herefordtimes.com/awards/tcf/ and fill in the online form .
Entries close on September 18 .

Stu Deeley, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, Great British Bake-off contestant Michael Chakraverty, and adventurer and presenter Ben Fogle will all be joining the online live broadcast with special messages for the contestants.
The host for the evening has already been announced as Adam Henson, the presenter of BBC TV's Countryfile farming programme, who farms in the Cotswolds.
Ben Fogle, first came to fame when he took part in the BBC reality show Castaway 2000 with a group of 36 marooned on the Scottish island of Taransay for a year.
As a TV presenter he has worked for the BBC, ITV, Channel 5, Sky, Discovery and the National Geographic channels and has hosted Crufts, One Man and His Dog, Countryfile. He is also an activist.
Stu Deeley was crowned MasterChef: The Professionals' 2019 champion.
The 27-year-old from Brimingham was voted the 13th professional chef to be awarded the title after wowing judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace.
He trained at Halesowen College and was head chef of the Wilderness restaurant when he won the title and announced he planned to open his own restaurant.
Michael Chakraverty, a 26 year old theatre manager and fitness instructor, was a finalist in the 2019 Great British Bake Off
He learned to bake from his mum, who passed down reciped from his great-grandparents.
Despite being born in Newcastle, Michael considers himself Scottish after moving there age seven.
The Three Counties Farming Awards recognise best practice, quality and outstanding dedication in the agriculture sector across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucesterhsire.
Despite the industry being hard-hit by Covid and the uncertainties thrown up by Brexit, they have attracted record entries this year.
But there is still time to nominate someone you think deserves recognition.
Just go to https://www.herefordtimes.com/awards/tcf/ and fill in the online form. Entries close on September 18.
Categories are: Sheep Farmer Award; Farm Conservation; Cattle Farmer; Family Run Farm; Pig Farmer; Young Farmer (under 25); Poultry Farmer; Farming Hero; Arable Farmer; Farming Contractor; Fruit/Hop Farmer; Outstanding Achievement.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-07--VIDEO: Kidderminster girl rings end of cancer treatment bell

A HEART-WARMING video captured the moment a 10-year-old girl from Kidderminster rang the bell to mark the end of two tough years of cancer treatment .
Hunnie Morris was diagnosed with leukaemia two and a half years ago and celebrated the end of her treatment last month .
The touching moment Hunnie rang the end of treatment bell at Worcestershire Royal Hospital was captured on camera and was shared online by the trust that treated her to mark the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September .
The video shows young Hunnie smiling as she rings the bell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
Hunnie 's mum Lucy described the hospital team as `` like a second family '' .
She said : `` We are relieved that Hunnie ’ s treatment has now finished .
We can ’ t thank Dr Kamalarajan , Dawn Forbes and the whole team for their care over the last two and a half years .
`` They have become like a second family to us and we will be forever grateful.
” Children 's nurse specialist Dawn Forbes said : `` We are delighted that Hunnie has finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what the future holds .
`` Her progress is a huge morale boost for our staff who are working day in day out to provide the best possible care for our patients .
”

Hunnie Morris was diagnosed with leukaemia two and a half years ago and celebrated the end of her treatment last month.
The touching moment Hunnie rang the end of treatment bell at Worcestershire Royal Hospital was captured on camera and was shared online by the trust that treated her to mark the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
The video shows young Hunnie smiling as she rings the bell, surrounded by applause from relatives and hospital staff.
Hunnie's mum Lucy described the hospital team as "like a second family".
She said: "We are relieved that Hunnie’s treatment has now finished. We can’t thank Dr Kamalarajan, Dawn Forbes and the whole team for their care over the last two and a half years.
"They have become like a second family to us and we will be forever grateful.”
Children's nurse specialist Dawn Forbes said: "We are delighted that Hunnie has finished her treatment and can now look forward to what the future holds.
"Her progress is a huge morale boost for our staff who are working day in day out to provide the best possible care for our patients.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-07--West Midland Safari Park: 'Excessive movement' caused boat to flip

A WATER ride has reopened at West Midland Safari Park after four people were injured when a boat overturned at the weekend .
Witnesses described seeing a boat with a family inside it `` turn upside down '' on the popular Wild River Rafting ride on Sunday afternoon .
West Midland Safari Park now says the incident was caused by `` excessive movement '' inside the boat , and has concluded following an investigation that the safety of the ride has not been compromised .
A spokesman said : `` On Sunday , September 6 at approximately 2.45pm , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ River Rafting ride which resulted in four guests being treated by the emergency services for minor injuries .
“ Upon entering the final section of the ride , a water vessel containing the four passengers overturned in the shallow water trough due to excessive movement inside the boat .
“ Our staff reacted immediately by bringing the ride to a stop and safely removed the four guests , following the strict protocols we have in place .
All four people were checked over straight away by our First Aid responders and the emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ One of the four guests was later transported to Worcestershire Royal Hospital , while the other three guests were able to leave the park at their own accord to travel home .
The water ride has reopened following an investigation of CCTV footage '' We remain in contact with all four guests to check on their wellbeing .
“ Following the incident , and after investigating CCTV footage and speaking with our health and safety team , we can confirm that the safety of the ride has not been compromised in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guests to use .
`` All our rides operate with clear health and safety signage and our staff are given regular training in operational management on a routine basis .
“ We would like to extend our thanks to the emergency services for their assistance on Sunday , and to our staff who reacted calmly and quickly to the situation at hand .
The park remains open as normal to the public .
”

Witnesses described seeing a boat with a family inside it "turn upside down" on the popular Wild River Rafting ride on Sunday afternoon.
West Midland Safari Park now says the incident was caused by "excessive movement" inside the boat, and has concluded following an investigation that the safety of the ride has not been compromised.
Read more:
A spokesman said: "On Sunday, September 6 at approximately 2.45pm, an incident took place on our popular Wild River Rafting ride which resulted in four guests being treated by the emergency services for minor injuries.
“Upon entering the final section of the ride, a water vessel containing the four passengers overturned in the shallow water trough due to excessive movement inside the boat.
“Our staff reacted immediately by bringing the ride to a stop and safely removed the four guests, following the strict protocols we have in place. All four people were checked over straight away by our First Aid responders and the emergency services were contacted for further review.
“One of the four guests was later transported to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, while the other three guests were able to leave the park at their own accord to travel home.
The water ride has reopened following an investigation of CCTV footage
"We remain in contact with all four guests to check on their wellbeing.
“Following the incident, and after investigating CCTV footage and speaking with our health and safety team, we can confirm that the safety of the ride has not been compromised in any way and it will remain open for guests to use.
"All our rides operate with clear health and safety signage and our staff are given regular training in operational management on a routine basis.
“We would like to extend our thanks to the emergency services for their assistance on Sunday, and to our staff who reacted calmly and quickly to the situation at hand. The park remains open as normal to the public.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-07--Police in Kidderminster after man threatened to hurt himself

POLICE were called to Kidderminster town centre after a man threatened to hurt himself .
Emergency services were called at @ @ @ @ @ 7 with concerns from members of the public about the welfare of a man who @ @ @ @ @ .
Witnesses reported seeing a large police presence , including officers with shields and others @ @ @ @ @ locations around the town centre .
A search was conducted to find the man and @ @ @ @ @ New Road at 10.40am .
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said : `` At @ @ @ @ @ to concerns that a man had threatened to harm himself .
`` He was located @ @ @ @ @ New Road in Kidderminster . ''

Emergency services were called at 9.45am on Monday, September 7 with concerns from members of the public about the welfare of a man who had threatened to harm himself.
Witnesses reported seeing a large police presence, including officers with shields and others with dogs, at various locations around the town centre.
A search was conducted to find the man and he was eventually located in New Road at 10.40am.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "At 9.45am this morning we called to concerns that a man had threatened to harm himself.
"He was located safe at around 10.40am on New Road in Kidderminster."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-07--CORONAVIRUS: No new deaths in Worcestershire hospitals

THERE have been no coronavirus related deaths recorded at Worcestershire hospitals according to official statistics .
The latest NHS England daily figures ( September 7 ) show there have been no new deaths recorded in the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust , which remains at 279 deaths , with the number of deaths in the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust remaining at 28 deaths .
In total there have been 307 Covid-19 deaths in county hospital and in all settings there have been at least 530 Worcestershire deaths .
Last Thursday ( September 3 ) we revealed there had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county hospitals in over a month .
Across the country , a further four people , who tested positive for the Coronavirus have died , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,611 .
Patients were aged between 76 and 95 years old .
All had known underlying health conditions .
Date of deaths were all on 5 September 2020 .
Their families have been informed .
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards , including Worcester City Impatient Unit , Malvern Community Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital , Pershore Community Hospital , the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove , Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward .
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19 .
They do not include deaths outside hospital , such as those in care homes , prisons , ambulances or in the community .
The statistics relate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessarily deaths to happen on that day .

The latest NHS England daily figures (September 7) show there have been no new deaths recorded in the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, which remains at 279 deaths, with the number of deaths in the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust remaining at 28 deaths.
In total there have been 307 Covid-19 deaths in county hospital and in all settings there have been at least 530 Worcestershire deaths.
Last Thursday (September 3) we revealed there had been a Covid-19 death - the first in county hospitals in over a month.
Across the country, a further four people, who tested positive for the Coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,611.
Patients were aged between 76 and 95 years old. All had known underlying health conditions.
Date of deaths were all on 5 September 2020.
Their families have been informed.
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital.
The health and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards, including Worcester City Impatient Unit, Malvern Community Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, Pershore Community Hospital, the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward.
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19. They do not include deaths outside hospital, such as those in care homes, prisons, ambulances or in the community.
The statistics relate to deaths recorded on that day, not necessarily deaths to happen on that day.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-07--Travellers arriving in England from seven Greek islands will need to self-isolate for 14 days

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that travellers from seven Greek islands will need to self-isolate when they return to England from 4am on Wednesday , September 9 .
It comes after Mr Shapps said that some islands will be removed from quarantine restrictions separately to countries as a whole .
He said : “ The JBC ( joint biosecurity centre ) and this Government are therefore at present unable to introduce regional travel corridors from within the geographical boundaries of a nation-state .
“ However , when a region has natural boundaries like an island , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presents us with a real opportunity .
Our passenger locator form , combined with NHS Test and Trace , will give us a clear picture , and has been starting to give us a clear picture , of exactly where infections are coming from .
“ For the first time we have the data and the capacity to add and remove specific islands from quarantine while still providing maximum protection to the UK public.
” Which Greek islands will travellers need to self-isolate when then they return to the UK ?
Mr Shapps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed from the UK ’ s travel corridor list at 4am on Wednesday , September 9 .
The full list of islands are : He told MPs : “ However , it is worth noting that the policy will not necessarily open up additional islands immediately .
“ For example , when we removed Spain from the travel corridor list there were 24 cases per 100,000 .
Today there are 127 cases and it remains too high in the Balearic and Canary Islands as well .
“ On the other hand , Greece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but our new analysis shows that some of the islands are well outside of the parameters.
” Mr Shapps added : “ However , using our newly-acquired JBC data we are now in a position to remove Greek islands where holidaymakers are at risk of spreading the new infection back home , and seven Greek islands will therefore be removed from the travel list at 4am on Wednesday 9 September , whilst maintaining mainland Greece.
” What has the reaction been to the announcement ?
A Heathrow Airport spokeswoman said : “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that testing to shorten quarantine is under active consideration by the Government and that air bridges to islands will now be instated where appropriate .
“ If introduced , these vital policy changes would show the Government understands how critical the restoration of air travel is to this country ’ s economic recovery .
`` The Government needs to build on these developments and show global leadership to establish Common International Standards for testing before flight .
”

It comes after Mr Shapps said that some islands will be removed from quarantine restrictions separately to countries as a whole.
England to create 'regional travel corridoors'
He said: “The JBC (joint biosecurity centre) and this Government are therefore at present unable to introduce regional travel corridors from within the geographical boundaries of a nation-state.
“However, when a region has natural boundaries like an island, for example, the risk diminishes significantly.
“That presents us with a real opportunity. Our passenger locator form, combined with NHS Test and Trace, will give us a clear picture, and has been starting to give us a clear picture, of exactly where infections are coming from.
“As a result, I can today announce a new islands policy.
“For the first time we have the data and the capacity to add and remove specific islands from quarantine while still providing maximum protection to the UK public.”
Which Greek islands will travellers need to self-isolate when then they return to the UK?
Mr Shapps added that seven Greek islands will be removed from the UK’s travel corridor list at 4am on Wednesday, September 9.
The full list of islands are:
Crete
Santorini
Mykonos
Zakynthos (Zante)
Lesvos
Tinos
Serifos
What has Mr Shapps told MPs?
He told MPs: “However, it is worth noting that the policy will not necessarily open up additional islands immediately.
“For example, when we removed Spain from the travel corridor list there were 24 cases per 100,000. Today there are 127 cases and it remains too high in the Balearic and Canary Islands as well.
“On the other hand, Greece remains within our travel corridor programme, but our new analysis shows that some of the islands are well outside of the parameters.”
Mr Shapps added: “However, using our newly-acquired JBC data we are now in a position to remove Greek islands where holidaymakers are at risk of spreading the new infection back home, and seven Greek islands will therefore be removed from the travel list at 4am on Wednesday 9 September, whilst maintaining mainland Greece.”
What has the reaction been to the announcement?
A Heathrow Airport spokeswoman said: “We welcome the Transport Secretary’s announcement that testing to shorten quarantine is under active consideration by the Government and that air bridges to islands will now be instated where appropriate.
“If introduced, these vital policy changes would show the Government understands how critical the restoration of air travel is to this country’s economic recovery.
"The Government needs to build on these developments and show global leadership to establish Common International Standards for testing before flight.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-08--Police appeal after men seen with air rifles in Stourport

TWO men have been seen carrying and using air rifles in areas of Stourport .
Police have launched an appeal @ @ @ @ @ of two males with air rifles in Britannia Gardens over the last few days .
@ @ @ @ @ of men firing the rifles on the bridge by Stourport Marina .
Stourport Neighbourhood Team @ @ @ @ @ `` Two males seen in Britannia Gardens with air rifles over the last few days @ @ @ @ @ reported to be using them on the bridge by the marina .
`` If you @ @ @ @ @ further details then please call 101 to report . ''

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after receiving reports of two males with air rifles in Britannia Gardens over the last few days.
There have also been reports of men firing the rifles on the bridge by Stourport Marina.
Stourport Neighbourhood Team posted on social media: "Two males seen in Britannia Gardens with air rifles over the last few days.
"They were also reported to be using them on the bridge by the marina.
"If you have any information or any further details then please call 101 to report."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-08--Tribute to Kidderminster Carolians 'linchpin'

THE ground chairman at Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Football Club has died after suffering a fatal heart attack while sailing with family .
Mark Blakeway passed away last weekend , aged 57 , the club has confirmed .
Described as a 'linchpin ' of the club , Mark joined the Carolians as a colt but suffered a bad injury which put a temporary stop to his rugby career .
But through his determination , Mark was able to recover and become a mainstay of the first team in the backs .
Due to serious knee problems , Mark had to curtail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have liked , but then dedicated several years of his life to coaching the Colts , building the team into a very good squad with a good playing record .
Paying tribute to Mark , who was from Kidderminster , a spokesman for the club said : `` To see the positive effect Mark had on the club , you only have to look around the Marlpool Lane ground .
`` The quality of our pitches are due to his careful care over many years .
He was a key member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clubhouse and changing rooms .
`` This year , Mark was elected club senior vice president and was due to succeed Wallace Boyd as president in due course .
`` Mark farmed locally and was well known for his work with the NFU and Chaddesley Farmers .
`` His sporting passion was rugby but he also excelled at racquet sports and country pursuits and his latest hobby sailing .
`` His premature passing is a great loss to the club and he will be greatly missed for his comradeship and wise council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condolences to his wife Cheryl and their children , Tom , Beccy and Elly . ''

Mark Blakeway passed away last weekend, aged 57, the club has confirmed.
Described as a 'linchpin' of the club, Mark joined the Carolians as a colt but suffered a bad injury which put a temporary stop to his rugby career.
But through his determination, Mark was able to recover and become a mainstay of the first team in the backs.
Due to serious knee problems, Mark had to curtail his playing career earlier than he would have liked, but then dedicated several years of his life to coaching the Colts, building the team into a very good squad with a good playing record.
Paying tribute to Mark, who was from Kidderminster, a spokesman for the club said: "To see the positive effect Mark had on the club, you only have to look around the Marlpool Lane ground.
"The quality of our pitches are due to his careful care over many years. He was a key member of the Development Committee which oversaw the building of the clubhouse and changing rooms.
"This year, Mark was elected club senior vice president and was due to succeed Wallace Boyd as president in due course.
"Mark farmed locally and was well known for his work with the NFU and Chaddesley Farmers.
"His sporting passion was rugby but he also excelled at racquet sports and country pursuits and his latest hobby sailing.
"His premature passing is a great loss to the club and he will be greatly missed for his comradeship and wise council.
"The club sends its sincerest condolences to his wife Cheryl and their children, Tom, Beccy and Elly."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-08--When will a coronavirus vaccine be ready in the UK?

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed when a coronavirus vaccine is likely to be ready for use across the UK .
The comments were made as Mr Hancock suggested that mass testing could see people given a 24-hour Covid-free “ pass ” to enable them to get back into theatres and sporting events where they may need to be in close contact .
What has Matt Hancock said ?
Speaking on LBC radio on Monday ( September 7 ) , Mr Hancock said younger people could still have serious illness and could pass on disease to more vulnerable people – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the number of cases we have seen in the last few days is concerning , ” he said .
“ It is concerning because we have seen a rise in cases in France , in Spain , in some other countries across Europe – nobody wants to see a second wave here .
“ It just reinforces the point that people must follow the social distancing rules , they are so important .
“ The rise in the number of cases we have seen over the last few days is largely among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 17 and 21 – and the message to all your younger listeners is that even though you are at lower risk of dying from Covid if you ’ re under 25 , you can still have really serious symptoms and consequences .
“ Long Covid – where people six months on are still ill – is prevalent among younger people .
“ Also , that you can infect other people – this argument that we have seen that some people come out with saying ‘ you don ’ t need to worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is younger people and they don ’ t die ’ – firstly they can get very , very ill. “ And secondly it inevitably leads to older people catching it from them – don ’ t infect your grandparents.
” He added : “ We will take action if people go to big social events that are completely inappropriate , sadly , in a time of coronavirus.
” Downing Street later reiterated the comments , with the Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman warning : “ Generally a rise in cases among younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population as a whole.
” Meanwhile , Mr Hancock said the rise in coronavirus cases was not restricted to poorer areas .
He added : “ Over the summer we had particular problems in some of the areas that are most deprived .
“ Actually , the recent increase we have seen in the last few days is more broadly spread .
“ It ’ s actually among more affluent younger people where we have seen the rise.
” Mr Hancock set out more detail for mass testing plans , which could give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are not infectious for at least 24 hours .
When could the UK get a coronavirus vaccine ?
He also said that should the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine be successful , it could be rolled out by the end of this year in a “ best case scenario ” – but the beginning of next year was “ most likely ” .
What about theatres in the UK ?
When asked about people getting back into theatres to go to pantomimes , Mr Hancock added : “ That is the hope that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can get things going even if there isn ’ t a vaccine , that we can use mass testing so people can check whether they have the virus today , if they don ’ t then ( they can ) go and do things , even if it means being in close confinement .
“ We need to use the next design of tests which don ’ t require you to send the swab off to the lab and get the result back .
“ There ’ s a new technology that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test where you can have the turn around essentially on the spot and so you can imagine being able to go to something like the theatre , or a sports event , or to work , and you have the test , you get the result back and then they can go into the theatre .
“ That is what we ’ re working on , that is the hope , and I also hope that will allow us to have a merry Christmas.
” Asked about mass testing to reduce quarantines for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock said current rapid tests show people are not infectious only “ at that moment ” .
“ For somebody coming in from Heathrow , we need to know also that they ’ re not incubating it , ” he said .
“ Under the mass-testing proposal you ’ d essentially get a pass to say ‘ for the next 24 hours we are confident that you ’ re not infectious ’ .
You might still be incubating it and get ill a week later .
“ The challenge with people coming in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that they ’ re not going to go out and about and infect everybody.
” What about the Covid-19 vaccine candidate ?
When asked about the Covid-19 vaccine candidate by AstraZeneca , Mr Hancock added : “ We have got 30 million doses already contracted with AstraZeneca , in fact they are starting to manufacture those doses already , ahead of approval , so that should approval come through – and it ’ s still not certain but it is looking up – should that approval come through then we are ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario is that happens this year .
I think more likely is the early part of next year – in the first few months of next year is the most likely .
“ But we ’ ve also bought vaccine ahead of it getting approved from a whole different series of international vaccines as well.
” When asked whether he had “ lost control ” of the coronavirus pandemic , Mr Hancock said : “ No , but the whole country needs to following social distancing .
“ We can only do this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a role to play.
” But he admitted that there have been “ operational issues ” over testing when probed about people being asked to travel long distances for tests .
Mr Hancock pledged that no one would be asked to travel for more than 75 miles to get a test , even though this could be a “ quite a hike ” for some .

The comments were made as Mr Hancock suggested that mass testing could see people given a 24-hour Covid-free “pass” to enable them to get back into theatres and sporting events where they may need to be in close contact.
What has Matt Hancock said?
Speaking on LBC radio on Monday (September 7), Mr Hancock said younger people could still have serious illness and could pass on disease to more vulnerable people – including their grandparents.
“The rise in the number of cases we have seen in the last few days is concerning,” he said.
“It is concerning because we have seen a rise in cases in France, in Spain, in some other countries across Europe – nobody wants to see a second wave here.
“It just reinforces the point that people must follow the social distancing rules, they are so important.
“The rise in the number of cases we have seen over the last few days is largely among younger people – under 25s, especially between 17 and 21 – and the message to all your younger listeners is that even though you are at lower risk of dying from Covid if you’re under 25, you can still have really serious symptoms and consequences.
“Long Covid – where people six months on are still ill – is prevalent among younger people.
“Also, that you can infect other people – this argument that we have seen that some people come out with saying ‘you don’t need to worry about a rise in cases because it is younger people and they don’t die’ – firstly they can get very, very ill.
“And secondly it inevitably leads to older people catching it from them – don’t infect your grandparents.”
He added: “We will take action if people go to big social events that are completely inappropriate, sadly, in a time of coronavirus.”
Downing Street later reiterated the comments, with the Prime Minister’s official spokesman warning: “Generally a rise in cases among younger people leads to a rise across the population as a whole.”
Meanwhile, Mr Hancock said the rise in coronavirus cases was not restricted to poorer areas.
He added: “Over the summer we had particular problems in some of the areas that are most deprived.
“Actually, the recent increase we have seen in the last few days is more broadly spread.
“It’s actually among more affluent younger people where we have seen the rise.”
Mr Hancock set out more detail for mass testing plans, which could give someone a “pass” to know they are not infectious for at least 24 hours.
When could the UK get a coronavirus vaccine?
He also said that should the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine be successful, it could be rolled out by the end of this year in a “best case scenario” – but the beginning of next year was “most likely”.
What about theatres in the UK?
When asked about people getting back into theatres to go to pantomimes, Mr Hancock added: “That is the hope that we hold out for the nation, that we can get things going even if there isn’t a vaccine, that we can use mass testing so people can check whether they have the virus today, if they don’t then (they can) go and do things, even if it means being in close confinement.
“We need to use the next design of tests which don’t require you to send the swab off to the lab and get the result back.
“There’s a new technology that we’re backing to get a test where you can have the turn around essentially on the spot and so you can imagine being able to go to something like the theatre, or a sports event, or to work, and you have the test, you get the result back and then they can go into the theatre.
“That is what we’re working on, that is the hope, and I also hope that will allow us to have a merry Christmas.”
Asked about mass testing to reduce quarantines for travellers arriving in the UK, Mr Hancock said current rapid tests show people are not infectious only “at that moment”.
“For somebody coming in from Heathrow, we need to know also that they’re not incubating it,” he said.
“Under the mass-testing proposal you’d essentially get a pass to say ‘for the next 24 hours we are confident that you’re not infectious’. You might still be incubating it and get ill a week later.
“The challenge with people coming in from abroad is that we need to know that they’re not going to go out and about and infect everybody.”
What about the Covid-19 vaccine candidate?
When asked about the Covid-19 vaccine candidate by AstraZeneca, Mr Hancock added: “We have got 30 million doses already contracted with AstraZeneca, in fact they are starting to manufacture those doses already, ahead of approval, so that should approval come through – and it’s still not certain but it is looking up – should that approval come through then we are ready to roll out.
“The best-case scenario is that happens this year. I think more likely is the early part of next year – in the first few months of next year is the most likely.
“But we’ve also bought vaccine ahead of it getting approved from a whole different series of international vaccines as well.”
When asked whether he had “lost control” of the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Hancock said: “No, but the whole country needs to following social distancing.
“We can only do this as a whole society – everybody has a role to play.”
But he admitted that there have been “operational issues” over testing when probed about people being asked to travel long distances for tests.
Mr Hancock pledged that no one would be asked to travel for more than 75 miles to get a test, even though this could be a “quite a hike” for some.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-08--Macmillan Coffee Morning 2020: When does it take place - and how to donate?

A major fundraising drive has been launched by a cancer charity as it faces a huge income drop due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Macmillan Cancer Support ’ s coffee morning , one of the UK ’ s longest-running fundraising events , is usually held at cafes , shops , schools , offices and hospitals every September , with an average of 200,000 people registering to take part .
However , in response to coronavirus , Macmillan has changed the format for the first time in 30 years and is encouraging people to take part differently .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The charity has instead suggestted that fundraisers should host a socially-distanced coffee morning safely from their doorstep , or take on a challenge such as doing a sponsored run , walk or cycle .
People could also set up a virtual coffee morning or make a donation online .
How much did Macmillan Coffee Morning 2019 raise ?
Last year , the coffee morning raised £27.5 million for the cancer support charity and early estimations show it is currently on track to raise less than a third ( 29 per cent ) of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 11 years .
Sign-ups are also expected to be down by more than two-thirds ( 68 per cent ) as Macmillan says there are concerns the event later this month may be at risk due to assumptions that people can not take part this year .
How much does the charity rely on donations ?
The national cancer charity , which relies on donations for 98 per cent of its income , said it is “ facing the hardest year in its 109-year existence ” as it juggles the delivery of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an estimated shortfall of a third of its fundraised income .
This is largely due to the charity ’ s other fundraising events being mostly cancelled or postponed , including the London Marathon .
Macmillan said a loss of £20 million represents about nine per cent of its total fundraised income for 2019 and could pay for the cost of more than 350 Macmillan specialist cancer nurses in England for a full year .
The charity said many of its free support services – largely possible due to income from events like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak of the pandemic as many people living with cancer saw their treatments changed , postponed or even cancelled due to coronavirus .
The charity is already preparing its support services for a predicted influx of demand later this year as the consequences of the pandemic continue to be felt by people with cancer .
What have Macmillan Cancer Support said ?
Claire Rowney , executive director of fundraising , marketing and communications at Macmillan Cancer Support , said : “ Macmillan relies on donations to provide care and support for 1.9 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sadly this support could be at risk without income from events like Coffee Morning .
People with cancer need us more than ever .
“ There has never been a more terrifying time in recent history to receive a diagnosis as people face potential disruption or delays to treatment , amid an increased risk of infection to the coronavirus .
“ Coffee Morning has thrived for 30 years thanks to the enormous generosity of our supporters – and we need to act now to ensure it can continue to raise vital funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come.
” What is the official date for the Macmillan Coffee Morning 2020 ?
The official date for the coffee morning is Friday , September 25 , but the charity said people can do it whenever they like .
The website says : “ Small or big , tea or coffee , socially distanced or virtual – Coffee Morning is what you make it .
”

Macmillan Cancer Support’s coffee morning, one of the UK’s longest-running fundraising events, is usually held at cafes, shops, schools, offices and hospitals every September, with an average of 200,000 people registering to take part.
However, in response to coronavirus, Macmillan has changed the format for the first time in 30 years and is encouraging people to take part differently.
How is it changing for 2020?
The charity has instead suggestted that fundraisers should host a socially-distanced coffee morning safely from their doorstep, or take on a challenge such as doing a sponsored run, walk or cycle.
People could also set up a virtual coffee morning or make a donation online.
How much did Macmillan Coffee Morning 2019 raise?
Last year, the coffee morning raised £27.5 million for the cancer support charity and early estimations show it is currently on track to raise less than a third (29 per cent) of that this year – the lowest amount in 11 years.
Sign-ups are also expected to be down by more than two-thirds (68 per cent) as Macmillan says there are concerns the event later this month may be at risk due to assumptions that people cannot take part this year.
How much does the charity rely on donations?
The national cancer charity, which relies on donations for 98 per cent of its income, said it is “facing the hardest year in its 109-year existence” as it juggles the delivery of its critical support for people with cancer and an estimated shortfall of a third of its fundraised income.
This is largely due to the charity’s other fundraising events being mostly cancelled or postponed, including the London Marathon.
Macmillan said a loss of £20 million represents about nine per cent of its total fundraised income for 2019 and could pay for the cost of more than 350 Macmillan specialist cancer nurses in England for a full year.
The charity said many of its free support services – largely possible due to income from events like the coffee morning – were inundated at the peak of the pandemic as many people living with cancer saw their treatments changed, postponed or even cancelled due to coronavirus.
The charity is already preparing its support services for a predicted influx of demand later this year as the consequences of the pandemic continue to be felt by people with cancer.
What have Macmillan Cancer Support said?
Claire Rowney, executive director of fundraising, marketing and communications at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Macmillan relies on donations to provide care and support for 1.9 million people affected by cancer every year – and sadly this support could be at risk without income from events like Coffee Morning. People with cancer need us more than ever.
“There has never been a more terrifying time in recent history to receive a diagnosis as people face potential disruption or delays to treatment, amid an increased risk of infection to the coronavirus.
“Coffee Morning has thrived for 30 years thanks to the enormous generosity of our supporters – and we need to act now to ensure it can continue to raise vital funds for people living with cancer for years to come.”
What is the official date for the Macmillan Coffee Morning 2020?
The official date for the coffee morning is Friday, September 25, but the charity said people can do it whenever they like.
The website says: “Small or big, tea or coffee, socially distanced or virtual – Coffee Morning is what you make it.”
To sign up, visit: https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-08--Kidderminster Young Gloves Karate's run in aid of Smile for Joel

MEMBERS of Young Gloves Karate and Boxercise in Kidderminster and Stourport joined together for a fundraising walk to support the families of murder victims .
The 5k walk on August 28 was led by Young Gloves ' instructor Samantha Thomas , who went to university with Joel Richards , a victim of the 2015 Tunisia terrorist attack .
Joel 's mum Suzanne set up the Smile for Joel charity in his memory , and has since raised over £100,000 to help families that have lost relatives in similar tragedies .
Samantha said : `` Throughout 2020 , the martial arts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many activities in the hope of raising £5,000 .
Young Gloves Karate and Boxercise members on the 5k fundraising walk '' To date , even though many planned events have been cancelled , the club has still managed £3,000 with the latest 5k event adding £150 . ''
Young Gloves has raised more than £60,000 over the last 20 years for various charitable causes , and intends to continue its fundraising for Smile for Joel into 2021 .
Samantha added : `` I met Joel whilst studying at University of Worcester and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll always remember .
`` I was absolutely horrified and to this day still feel like Joel was cheated out of his wonderful future which I know he would have had . ''
For more information on the club 's fundraising efforts for Smile for Joel , go to younggloves.co.uk .

The 5k walk on August 28 was led by Young Gloves' instructor Samantha Thomas, who went to university with Joel Richards, a victim of the 2015 Tunisia terrorist attack.
Joel's mum Suzanne set up the Smile for Joel charity in his memory, and has since raised over £100,000 to help families that have lost relatives in similar tragedies.
Samantha said: "Throughout 2020, the martial arts club planned on supporting Smile for Joel with many activities in the hope of raising £5,000.
Young Gloves Karate and Boxercise members on the 5k fundraising walk
"To date, even though many planned events have been cancelled, the club has still managed £3,000 with the latest 5k event adding £150."
Young Gloves has raised more than £60,000 over the last 20 years for various charitable causes, and intends to continue its fundraising for Smile for Joel into 2021.
Samantha added: "I met Joel whilst studying at University of Worcester and he became a wonderful friend who I’ll always remember.
"I was absolutely horrified and to this day still feel like Joel was cheated out of his wonderful future which I know he would have had."
For more information on the club's fundraising efforts for Smile for Joel, go to younggloves.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-08--Eight arrests across Wyre Forest as 120 drugs wraps seized

`` So a year in now as your district policing inspector for the Wyre Forest ... As I reflect back over that time , from the flooding in Bewdley to Covid-19 , mixed in with all the day to day challenges that face our three towns and our villages , I can honestly say that it has been tough for everyone .
`` It is clear from speaking to people across the district that the last few months in particular have been the toughest .
Everyone has felt the impact of the lockdown period and the restrictions placed upon us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions bit by bit in a bid to revive the national economy , we are all still feeling the effects of the virus on our day to day lives .
But as the measures are lifted , we must be guarded that if cases rise , as we ’ ve seen in the North West , then we risk those restrictions being placed back on us .
`` As a father myself , I ’ ve been genuinely concerned for my children .
Like all young adults , they ’ ve felt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended family .
`` Covid-19 has impacted us all in different ways and for children , the mental health implications are far reaching .
`` As children across our district return to school with new measures in place , it is important that we recognise it is an anxious time for them , in particular teenagers .
`` Feelings of stress and anxiety can trigger a range of emotions and potentially lead to substance and alcohol abuse to manage their feelings .
It is for this reason we ’ re working closely with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divisional programmes are available .
`` West Mercia Police is committed to tackling the issue of drug misuse .
The drugs business is a major revenue source for organised crime gangs , such as County Lines .
`` Many of these gangs are involved in other criminal activity such as human trafficking , sexual exploitation , firearms and labour exploitation .
`` County Lines are drug networks that operate across local authority boundaries by urban gangs whose origin is urban city locations .
These gangs establish a market in a rural town to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile phone number to facilitate drugs orders to supply within our county towns and more often than not , exploit young people and children to facilitate their business .
`` Targeting serious organised crime forms part of our force ’ s control strategy .
We have a Vulnerability Team and County Lines Team dedicated to investigating such crime and just as importantly , safeguards victims and vulnerable people .
`` My team work alongside these teams to proactively target drug use in the Wyre Forest .
In the last five weeks , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate policing operations where we ’ ve recovered 120 wraps of suspected heroin and cocaine and a quantity of cash .
`` Working with partner agencies and the district council , we will continue to target individuals and send a clear message that drugs won ’ t be tolerated in our district .
`` We all have a part to play in the fight against drug misuse and I encourage residents to report such criminality .
`` My officers will be going into our schools to educate our children of the consequences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being exploited and how to report concerns ( whether to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers ) .
Until next time , keep safe . ''

"So a year in now as your district policing inspector for the Wyre Forest... As I reflect back over that time, from the flooding in Bewdley to Covid-19, mixed in with all the day to day challenges that face our three towns and our villages, I can honestly say that it has been tough for everyone.
"It is clear from speaking to people across the district that the last few months in particular have been the toughest. Everyone has felt the impact of the lockdown period and the restrictions placed upon us.
"While the Government is lifting restrictions bit by bit in a bid to revive the national economy, we are all still feeling the effects of the virus on our day to day lives. But as the measures are lifted, we must be guarded that if cases rise, as we’ve seen in the North West, then we risk those restrictions being placed back on us.
"As a father myself, I’ve been genuinely concerned for my children. Like all young adults, they’ve felt the strain from being away from friends and extended family.
"Covid-19 has impacted us all in different ways and for children, the mental health implications are far reaching.
"As children across our district return to school with new measures in place, it is important that we recognise it is an anxious time for them, in particular teenagers.
"Feelings of stress and anxiety can trigger a range of emotions and potentially lead to substance and alcohol abuse to manage their feelings. It is for this reason we’re working closely with partner agencies to ensure support services and divisional programmes are available.
"West Mercia Police is committed to tackling the issue of drug misuse. The drugs business is a major revenue source for organised crime gangs, such as County Lines.
"Many of these gangs are involved in other criminal activity such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, firearms and labour exploitation.
"County Lines are drug networks that operate across local authority boundaries by urban gangs whose origin is urban city locations. These gangs establish a market in a rural town to supply drugs. They will utilise a mobile phone number to facilitate drugs orders to supply within our county towns and more often than not, exploit young people and children to facilitate their business.
"Targeting serious organised crime forms part of our force’s control strategy. We have a Vulnerability Team and County Lines Team dedicated to investigating such crime and just as importantly, safeguards victims and vulnerable people.
"My team work alongside these teams to proactively target drug use in the Wyre Forest. In the last five weeks, we’ve had eight arrests in four separate policing operations where we’ve recovered 120 wraps of suspected heroin and cocaine and a quantity of cash.
"Working with partner agencies and the district council, we will continue to target individuals and send a clear message that drugs won’t be tolerated in our district.
"We all have a part to play in the fight against drug misuse and I encourage residents to report such criminality.
"My officers will be going into our schools to educate our children of the consequences of drug misuse, how to identify children being exploited and how to report concerns (whether to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers). Until next time, keep safe."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-08--No change in Wyre Forest coronavirus cases as Bromsgrove sees rise

VISITS to care homes in Bromsgrove are to be banned other than for emergencies after a rise in coronavirus cases in the town .
Worcestershire County Council Public Health teams have taken the precautionary decision to close visits to care homes with immediate effect .
In the past week , Bromsgrove has seen a rise in positive cases from six to 22 .
The average area in England had 13 .
In comparison , the most recent data publicly available , which covers August 29 to September 4 , shows that Wyre Forest had seven confirmed cases - no change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 13 - a reduction of one compared to the previous week .
As part of the outbreak control plan , the county has a multitude of measures and support available to help prevent an outbreak and reduce the spread of the virus .
The decision to restrict care home visits is one of those options .
Bromsgrove District Council said it is `` considered a necessary precaution in Bromsgrove as the numbers have increased '' , adding that `` the need to protect our elderly and vulnerable residents is paramount ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health for Worcestershire , said : “ We realise lockdown separated many families and how important care home visits have been .
`` Sadly , stopping visits to care homes is a necessary measure to protect our most vulnerable in Bromsgrove .
`` We have not taken this decision lightly .
I am concerned about the rising numbers of Covid cases in Bromsgrove and have a duty to protect our most vulnerable .
`` The measure is a sensible , precautionary move while we assess the cases and look at how we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains keeping our residents safe and our care homes free of Covid .
`` Public Health teams will continue to work with our care homes to establish when it will be safe again for the re-opening for visits .
`` This is a reminder to us all that Covid remains in our communities and the places we visit .
`` It is vitally important that we wash our hands , use face coverings where necessary and keep our distance .
We must not be complacent , the virus has not gone away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ District Council , Karen May said : “ It is essential that we take the necessary action to stop Covid spreading .
`` Our most vulnerable residents must be protected from the virus and the decision to stop all but essential visits to care homes , is a sensible course of action .
`` This is a stark warning to the people of Bromsgrove that we are all still living with Covid in our community and we must not think it is someone else ’ s job to prevent outbreaks .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep everyone safe .
Please keep your distance , wash your hands and wear face coverings .
It really is simple to do and you will be saving lives .
”

Worcestershire County Council Public Health teams have taken the precautionary decision to close visits to care homes with immediate effect.
In the past week, Bromsgrove has seen a rise in positive cases from six to 22. The average area in England had 13.
In comparison, the most recent data publicly available, which covers August 29 to September 4, shows that Wyre Forest had seven confirmed cases - no change from the previous week, while Redditch had 13 - a reduction of one compared to the previous week.
As part of the outbreak control plan, the county has a multitude of measures and support available to help prevent an outbreak and reduce the spread of the virus. The decision to restrict care home visits is one of those options.
Bromsgrove District Council said it is "considered a necessary precaution in Bromsgrove as the numbers have increased", adding that "the need to protect our elderly and vulnerable residents is paramount'.
Dr. Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “We realise lockdown separated many families and how important care home visits have been.
"Sadly, stopping visits to care homes is a necessary measure to protect our most vulnerable in Bromsgrove.
"We have not taken this decision lightly. I am concerned about the rising numbers of Covid cases in Bromsgrove and have a duty to protect our most vulnerable.
"The measure is a sensible, precautionary move while we assess the cases and look at how we can reduce the figures.
"Our priority remains keeping our residents safe and our care homes free of Covid.
"Public Health teams will continue to work with our care homes to establish when it will be safe again for the re-opening for visits.
"This is a reminder to us all that Covid remains in our communities and the places we visit.
"It is vitally important that we wash our hands, use face coverings where necessary and keep our distance. We must not be complacent, the virus has not gone away. ”
County Councillor and leader of Bromsgrove District Council, Karen May said: “It is essential that we take the necessary action to stop Covid spreading.
"Our most vulnerable residents must be protected from the virus and the decision to stop all but essential visits to care homes, is a sensible course of action.
"This is a stark warning to the people of Bromsgrove that we are all still living with Covid in our community and we must not think it is someone else’s job to prevent outbreaks.
"We all have our part to play to keep everyone safe. Please keep your distance, wash your hands and wear face coverings. It really is simple to do and you will be saving lives.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-08--Pickup Artists to clear 25 miles of Kidderminster canal paths

A NATURE reserve , 25 miles of canal path and 29 locks are on the to-do list for Wyre Forest litter pickers this September .
The Pickup Artists are urging people in the community to get involved as they attempt to clean up some of the district 's worst litter hotspots as part of the Great British September Clean initiative .
Michelle Medler , founder of the Pickup Artists and an ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy , said : `` With such an increase in litter since lockdown , including face masks and plastic gloves , the litter levels are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and a 10-minute litter pick can make such a difference . ''
Staff from Wyre Forest District Council and members of the Pickup Artists ready for the Great British September Clean As part of the September Clean , which replaces the cancelled Great British Spring Clean this year , the Pickup Artists are teaming up with Wyre Forest District Council , Trolleywise and the Canal and River Trust to organise a series of events to reduce litter between September 11 and September 27 .
Organised picks will be held at the Rifle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council 's park rangers to help wildlife , as well as along 25 miles of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal path , including all 29 locks and the waterways , with help from Wyre Forest Canoe Club .
Staff from Wyre Forest District Council and members of the Pickup Artists ready for the Great British September Clean The Junior Pickup Artists will be out litter-picking to receive badges and certificates for their efforts , and local businesses have offered to provide refreshments , vouchers and prizes to those taking part .
The Pickup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all equipment will be available to buy or loan for the events .
Social distancing and a vigorous cleaning routine will be in place .
To find out more , go to thepickupartists.co.uk or search for the group on Facebook .

The Pickup Artists are urging people in the community to get involved as they attempt to clean up some of the district's worst litter hotspots as part of the Great British September Clean initiative.
Michelle Medler, founder of the Pickup Artists and an ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy, said: "With such an increase in litter since lockdown, including face masks and plastic gloves, the litter levels are the highest they have been for some time and a 10-minute litter pick can make such a difference."
Staff from Wyre Forest District Council and members of the Pickup Artists ready for the Great British September Clean
As part of the September Clean, which replaces the cancelled Great British Spring Clean this year, the Pickup Artists are teaming up with Wyre Forest District Council, Trolleywise and the Canal and River Trust to organise a series of events to reduce litter between September 11 and September 27.
Organised picks will be held at the Rifle Range in Stourport, working with the council's park rangers to help wildlife, as well as along 25 miles of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal path, including all 29 locks and the waterways, with help from Wyre Forest Canoe Club.
Staff from Wyre Forest District Council and members of the Pickup Artists ready for the Great British September Clean
The Junior Pickup Artists will be out litter-picking to receive badges and certificates for their efforts, and local businesses have offered to provide refreshments, vouchers and prizes to those taking part.
The Pickup Artists will be providing free bin bags and all equipment will be available to buy or loan for the events.
Social distancing and a vigorous cleaning routine will be in place.
To find out more, go to thepickupartists.co.uk or search for the group on Facebook.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-09--Launch date announced for first of 600 new Kidderminster homes

THE first of 600 new homes being built on the old Lea Castle Hospital site in Kidderminster are set to be completed in January .
The £137 million development wo n't be completely finished for another eight years , however national housebuilder Linden Homes has confirmed the first batch of new residents will be able to move in at the start of 2021 .
Park Gate will include a mix of two , three and four-bedroom homes and interest in the new properties is already reported to be high .
The entire development is reported to include 240 affordable homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent and 81 shared ownership , plus 360 outright sale through a joint venture with Vistry Homes .
An artist ’ s impression of the new housing development at the old Lea Castle Hospital site in Kidderminster Linda Huntington , head of sales at Linden West Midlands , said : “ We are extremely excited for our upcoming development in Kidderminster .
“ Park Gate has been carefully designed to ensure that there is a house for everyone , from first-time buyers , to people looking to upsize for more space and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
“ We are expecting a high-level of interest , so I would urge any prospective buyers to register their interest in our lovely new homes via our website.
” Lea Castle Hospital , which was previously a mental health unit , treated and assessed more than 600 people in its heyday in the 1960s and boasted facilities including a hydrotherapy pool and dental clinic .
It was used as a military camp in the Second World War and the site was occupied by the Royal Army Pay Corps until 1960 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite campaigning from groups including the Lea Castle Action Group .
The 49-hectare site was run by Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and employed 187 people before the closure was announced .
The future of Lea Castle had been uncertain for many years , with rumours circulating that it could be redeveloped as a science business park , a prison or a traveller ’ s site .
It also became a target for metal thieves .
Some of the buildings remained in use until 2014 .
The hospital buildings have since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas and natural open space will be created as part of the new development .
Homes at Park Gate will be available to purchase through the government-backed Help to Buy scheme with a five per cent deposit .
For more information , call 01562 569 447 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk/developments/worcestershire/park-gate-kidderminster .

The £137 million development won't be completely finished for another eight years, however national housebuilder Linden Homes has confirmed the first batch of new residents will be able to move in at the start of 2021.
Park Gate will include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes and interest in the new properties is already reported to be high.
The entire development is reported to include 240 affordable homes – 59 social rent, 100 affordable rent and 81 shared ownership, plus 360 outright sale through a joint venture with Vistry Homes.
An artist’s impression of the new housing development at the old Lea Castle Hospital site in Kidderminster
Linda Huntington, head of sales at Linden West Midlands, said: “We are extremely excited for our upcoming development in Kidderminster.
“Park Gate has been carefully designed to ensure that there is a house for everyone, from first-time buyers, to people looking to upsize for more space and even those planning to downsize to a smaller home.
“We are expecting a high-level of interest, so I would urge any prospective buyers to register their interest in our lovely new homes via our website.”
Lea Castle Hospital, which was previously a mental health unit, treated and assessed more than 600 people in its heyday in the 1960s and boasted facilities including a hydrotherapy pool and dental clinic.
It was used as a military camp in the Second World War and the site was occupied by the Royal Army Pay Corps until 1960.
The hospital closed its doors in 2008, despite campaigning from groups including the Lea Castle Action Group.
The 49-hectare site was run by Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and employed 187 people before the closure was announced.
The future of Lea Castle had been uncertain for many years, with rumours circulating that it could be redeveloped as a science business park, a prison or a traveller’s site.
It also became a target for metal thieves.
Some of the buildings remained in use until 2014.
The hospital buildings have since been demolished and sports grounds, play areas and natural open space will be created as part of the new development.
Homes at Park Gate will be available to purchase through the government-backed Help to Buy scheme with a five per cent deposit.
For more information, call 01562 569 447 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk/developments/worcestershire/park-gate-kidderminster.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-09--Kidderminster student's letter to government about exam fiasco

AN A-level student at a school in Kidderminster has written to the education minister to express his anger over the recent exams algorithm fiasco .
In a letter sent to Gavin Williamson , King Charles School student Liam Carroll called for the government to insist all universities reverse their offers in order to give working class students a fairer chance of securing a place .
It comes after the government reverted back to using teachers ' predicted grades when nearly 40 per cent of A-level marks were downgraded in England due to a controversial algorithm which appeared to advantage private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about next year 's GCSE and A-level students , and has asked the minister to reduce the course content to make it fairer for state school students who have struggled to learn at home during lockdown .
The 18-year-old ended his letter by saying he will not be voting Conservative at the next election .
Liam told The Shuttle : `` The government ’ s handling of the A-Level and GCSE results has been appalling .
`` They have created a flawed algorithm that ’ s increased the divide between state school students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s had a devastating impact meaning some students saw their results reduced by up to three to four grades .
“ I ’ ve written a letter to education minister Gavin Williamson to ensure that something like this does not happen next year .
`` I ’ ve expressed my view that content should be cut for next year ’ s A-Level and GCSE courses .
This is the best way forward because it will make the exams fairer - especially as state school students felt the impact of lockdown on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Liam 's letter has been backed by teacher and Wyre Forest Young Labour officer Daniel Woolley , who said : `` Like all teachers , I have worked hard to support our students during the lockdown .
Unfortunately , many students lacked the means of accessing remote learning with disadvantaged students being particularly affected .
`` The purpose of our education system is to promote a love of lifelong learning and provide our children with the tools they need to succeed once their formal education is over .
`` By being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting exams in 2021 , the government is setting a whole generation of students up to fail . ''

In a letter sent to Gavin Williamson, King Charles School student Liam Carroll called for the government to insist all universities reverse their offers in order to give working class students a fairer chance of securing a place.
It comes after the government reverted back to using teachers' predicted grades when nearly 40 per cent of A-level marks were downgraded in England due to a controversial algorithm which appeared to advantage private schools.
Liam has also raised concerns about next year's GCSE and A-level students, and has asked the minister to reduce the course content to make it fairer for state school students who have struggled to learn at home during lockdown.
The 18-year-old ended his letter by saying he will not be voting Conservative at the next election.
Liam told The Shuttle: "The government’s handling of the A-Level and GCSE results has been appalling.
"They have created a flawed algorithm that’s increased the divide between state school students and private school students.
"It’s had a devastating impact meaning some students saw their results reduced by up to three to four grades.
“I’ve written a letter to education minister Gavin Williamson to ensure that something like this does not happen next year.
"I’ve expressed my view that content should be cut for next year’s A-Level and GCSE courses. This is the best way forward because it will make the exams fairer - especially as state school students felt the impact of lockdown on their education more so than private school students."
Liam's letter has been backed by teacher and Wyre Forest Young Labour officer Daniel Woolley, who said: "Like all teachers, I have worked hard to support our students during the lockdown. Unfortunately, many students lacked the means of accessing remote learning with disadvantaged students being particularly affected.
"The purpose of our education system is to promote a love of lifelong learning and provide our children with the tools they need to succeed once their formal education is over.
"By being reluctant to reduce course content for students sitting exams in 2021, the government is setting a whole generation of students up to fail."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-09--First phase of Stourport school's new play trail complete

AN all-weather running track and fun activity frame have been installed at a school in Stourport as part of a new healthy play trail being developed for pupils .
The Wooden Spoon children ’ s charity of rugby contributed £15,000 towards the running track at St Bartholomew ’ s CE Primary School , in Areley Kings , and the Parent and Teacher Association ( PTA ) raised more than £9,000 for the Mariner space frame .
Headteacher Ian James said : “ We are so grateful to Wooden Spoon and our PTA for enabling us to provide our children with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhance their fitness levels and health whilst having fun .
“ They were buzzing with excitement when they returned to school last week to find the track and frame installed and couldn ’ t wait to have their turn.
” Seven laps of the track around the playing field equates to a mile , while strength and ball drill stations can be set up alongside for pupils as well as tag rugby and football played on the field .
The development is the first phase in the creation of a Healthy Play and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundraising is planned for phase two and three , which will include more climbing activities , a tyre step , hurdles , push up beams and pull up bars .
Mr James added : “ As well as increasing fitness and introducing our children to athletics and sports like rugby , this also offers active learning opportunities , for example , using maths to work out best running times for a leader board and enjoying imaginative play on the space frame.
” St Bartholomew ’ s is part of the Severn Academies Educational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ An amazing outdoor facility is being created at St Bart ’ s , with support from Wooden Spoon and their own community , which will enrich children ’ s play , fun , fitness and enjoyment of sport for years to come .
”

The Wooden Spoon children’s charity of rugby contributed £15,000 towards the running track at St Bartholomew’s CE Primary School, in Areley Kings, and the Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) raised more than £9,000 for the Mariner space frame.
Headteacher Ian James said: “We are so grateful to Wooden Spoon and our PTA for enabling us to provide our children with such fantastic outdoor equipment to challenge and enhance their fitness levels and health whilst having fun.
“They were buzzing with excitement when they returned to school last week to find the track and frame installed and couldn’t wait to have their turn.”
Seven laps of the track around the playing field equates to a mile, while strength and ball drill stations can be set up alongside for pupils as well as tag rugby and football played on the field.
The development is the first phase in the creation of a Healthy Play and Wellbeing Trail at the school.
Further fundraising is planned for phase two and three, which will include more climbing activities, a tyre step, hurdles, push up beams and pull up bars.
Mr James added: “As well as increasing fitness and introducing our children to athletics and sports like rugby, this also offers active learning opportunities, for example, using maths to work out best running times for a leader board and enjoying imaginative play on the space frame.”
St Bartholomew’s is part of the Severn Academies Educational Trust and chief executive Chris King said: “An amazing outdoor facility is being created at St Bart’s, with support from Wooden Spoon and their own community, which will enrich children’s play, fun, fitness and enjoyment of sport for years to come.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-09--Covid-19: Gatherings of more than 6 people to be made illegal in England

Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal across England from Monday ( September 14 ) as the Government tackles the rise in coronavirus cases .
We 've put together everything you need to know about the upcoming changes .
What is the current legal limit on social gatherings ?
Currently , the legal limit on social gatherings is 30 people .
When and where will the new law apply ?
From Monday , September 14 , this will be reduced from 30 people to just six .
It will apply to gatherings indoors and outdoors – including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pubs and restaurants .
Gatherings of more than six people will be allowed where the household or support bubble is larger than six , or where the gathering is for work or education purposes .
Are there any exemptions to the new law ?
Exemptions relating to household and support bubbles will also apply for weddings , funerals and organised team sports in a Covid-secure way .
What will the PM say on Wednesday , September 9 ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use a press conference on Wednesday to announce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of daily positive Covid-19 cases in the UK rose to almost 3,000 .
Mr Johnson is expected to tell the press conference : “ We need to act now to stop the virus spreading .
So we are simplifying and strengthening the rules on social contact – making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce .
“ It is absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics – washing your hands , covering your face , keeping space from others , and getting a test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty , chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and the Government had jointly agreed that urgent action was needed after the rise in coronavirus cases .
Some 2,420 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded in Britain as of 9am on Tuesday , following the 2,988 reported in the UK on Sunday , which was the largest daily figure since May .
How much will people be fined if they break the new law on social gatherings across England ?
The Government hopes that the change to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police to identify and disperse illegal gatherings .
Failure to comply could result in a £100 fine , which will double on each repeat offence up to £3,200 .
Number 10 said Mr Johnson held a virtual roundtable with police forces last week where officers expressed their desire for rules on social contact to be simplified .

We've put together everything you need to know about the upcoming changes.
What is the current legal limit on social gatherings?
Currently, the legal limit on social gatherings is 30 people.
When and where will the new law apply?
From Monday, September 14, this will be reduced from 30 people to just six.
It will apply to gatherings indoors and outdoors – including private homes, as well as parks, pubs and restaurants.
Gatherings of more than six people will be allowed where the household or support bubble is larger than six, or where the gathering is for work or education purposes.
Are there any exemptions to the new law?
Exemptions relating to household and support bubbles will also apply for weddings, funerals and organised team sports in a Covid-secure way.
What will the PM say on Wednesday, September 9?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use a press conference on Wednesday to announce the change in the law after the number of daily positive Covid-19 cases in the UK rose to almost 3,000.
Mr Johnson is expected to tell the press conference: “We need to act now to stop the virus spreading. So we are simplifying and strengthening the rules on social contact – making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce.
“It is absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics – washing your hands, covering your face, keeping space from others, and getting a test if you have symptoms.”
'Urgent action required after rise in Covid cases'
Downing Street said chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and the Government had jointly agreed that urgent action was needed after the rise in coronavirus cases.
Some 2,420 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded in Britain as of 9am on Tuesday, following the 2,988 reported in the UK on Sunday, which was the largest daily figure since May.
How much will people be fined if they break the new law on social gatherings across England?
The Government hopes that the change to the law will make it easier for the police to identify and disperse illegal gatherings. Failure to comply could result in a £100 fine, which will double on each repeat offence up to £3,200.
Number 10 said Mr Johnson held a virtual roundtable with police forces last week where officers expressed their desire for rules on social contact to be simplified.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-09--Iceland are hiring hundreds more jobs after surge in demand

Supermarket Iceland are on the lookout for hundreds more staff to join the company due to a surge in demand from shoppers .
The recruitment drive comes after the chain announced on Tuesday that about 3,000 jobs had been created to cope with the 'huge extra demand ' for online groceries since the lockdown in March .
Bosses revealed online orders surged by more than 300 per cent since April as shoppers rushed to book delivery slots and all non-essential retailers shut their doors .
What jobs are Iceland hiring for now - and where ?
According to the Iceland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are currently up for grabs ( at the time of writing on September 9 ) .
The roles feature in their head office , Iceland stores , store management , home delivery driving and at sister chain The Food Warehouse , with vacancies right across the country .
The jobs range from retail assistants to cleaners to delivery drivers .
Visit https : //icelandcareers.co.uk for further details of the roles available where you are .
What else have Iceland been upto this year ?
A trial with food delivery platform Uber Eats has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for a larger rollout , if successful .
Iceland ’ s job announcement follows similar moves from rivals , hoping to benefit from the accelerated move to online shopping .
Before lockdown the grocer had a minor online operation , compared with some of its competitors .
But since then orders soared four-fold .
Ramping up changes , Iceland revealed it now has the ability to handle 750,000 orders every week .
Grocers are keen to increase their online capacity because many hope the extra costs involved in each order can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Iceland added its delivery fleet is increasing by 30 per cent and a trial in Hackney , North London , with UberEats will allow customers to place and receive orders in 20 minutes .
What have Iceland said ?
David Devany , chief customer and digital officer at Iceland , said : “ We ’ ve been blown away by the demand for deliveries over the past six months with a four-fold increase in online orders since the beginning of lockdown .
“ We see no sign of a slowdown in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Christmas , so a recruitment drive for more permanent staff was essential .
“ Our store and delivery colleagues have gone above and beyond during lockdown introducing incredible measures to help their local communities , and I ’ m proud that our business has been able to adapt to the changing needs of our customer.
” What are other supermarket chains doing ?
The move comes after Morrisons said it would hire thousands more staff to increase its own online capabilities .
Bosses revealed they took on 45,000 extra staff when coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in posts .
Around 6,000 have been given permanent contracts and further announcements expected this week .
Elsewhere , Tesco has announced 16,000 permanent extra positions , Amazon 7,000 roles and delivery firms DPD and Hermes have also hired new recruits .

The recruitment drive comes after the chain announced on Tuesday that about 3,000 jobs had been created to cope with the 'huge extra demand' for online groceries since the lockdown in March.
Bosses revealed online orders surged by more than 300 per cent since April as shoppers rushed to book delivery slots and all non-essential retailers shut their doors.
What jobs are Iceland hiring for now - and where?
According to the Iceland Careers website, more than 560 jobs are currently up for grabs (at the time of writing on September 9).
The roles feature in their head office, Iceland stores, store management, home delivery driving and at sister chain The Food Warehouse, with vacancies right across the country.
The jobs range from retail assistants to cleaners to delivery drivers.
How to apply
Visit https://icelandcareers.co.uk for further details of the roles available where you are.
What else have Iceland been upto this year?
A trial with food delivery platform Uber Eats has also been launched in London, with plans for a larger rollout, if successful.
'Accelerated move to online shopping'
Iceland’s job announcement follows similar moves from rivals, hoping to benefit from the accelerated move to online shopping.
Before lockdown the grocer had a minor online operation, compared with some of its competitors. But since then orders soared four-fold.
Ramping up changes, Iceland revealed it now has the ability to handle 750,000 orders every week.
Grocers are keen to increase their online capacity because many hope the extra costs involved in each order can be reduced as the number of orders grows.
Iceland added its delivery fleet is increasing by 30 per cent and a trial in Hackney, North London, with UberEats will allow customers to place and receive orders in 20 minutes.
What have Iceland said?
David Devany, chief customer and digital officer at Iceland, said: “We’ve been blown away by the demand for deliveries over the past six months with a four-fold increase in online orders since the beginning of lockdown.
“We see no sign of a slowdown in the demand for deliveries in the run up to Christmas, so a recruitment drive for more permanent staff was essential.
“Our store and delivery colleagues have gone above and beyond during lockdown introducing incredible measures to help their local communities, and I’m proud that our business has been able to adapt to the changing needs of our customer.”
What are other supermarket chains doing?
The move comes after Morrisons said it would hire thousands more staff to increase its own online capabilities.
Bosses revealed they took on 45,000 extra staff when coronavirus hit the UK, with 25,000 still in posts.
Around 6,000 have been given permanent contracts and further announcements expected this week.
Elsewhere, Tesco has announced 16,000 permanent extra positions, Amazon 7,000 roles and delivery firms DPD and Hermes have also hired new recruits.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-09--Kidderminster pair sentenced after meat thefts and assault

TWO people have been sentenced for assaulting a man in Kidderminster .
Lucy Hill , 41 , and Simon Radnor , 38 , both of Westcott Road , pleaded guilty to the assault at Kidderminster Magistrates ' Court on Friday ( August 4 ) after previously denying the crime .
Hill admitted a count of assault by beating and Radnor a count of assault against the same man on January 4 this year .
Hill also pleaded guilty to stealing grocery items from Asda , plus £72 worth of meat from Tesco Express in Kidderminster and £26 worth of meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of 24 weeks in prison .
Magistrates said her crimes were made more serious because she assaulted someone doing their job while she was subject to a two-year suspended sentence and a community order .
This was her second breach of the suspended sentence .
Radnor also admitted stealing seven joints of lamb and two legs of lamb from Asda in Kidderminster between January 4 and January 27 this year .
Magistrates said Radnor 's thefts showed persistent criminal behaviour , aggravated by an encounter with a security guard .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended for 12 months .

Lucy Hill, 41, and Simon Radnor, 38, both of Westcott Road, pleaded guilty to the assault at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Friday (August 4) after previously denying the crime.
Hill admitted a count of assault by beating and Radnor a count of assault against the same man on January 4 this year.
Hill also pleaded guilty to stealing grocery items from Asda, plus £72 worth of meat from Tesco Express in Kidderminster and £26 worth of meat from Spar.
She was sentenced to a total of 24 weeks in prison.
Magistrates said her crimes were made more serious because she assaulted someone doing their job while she was subject to a two-year suspended sentence and a community order.
This was her second breach of the suspended sentence.
Radnor also admitted stealing seven joints of lamb and two legs of lamb from Asda in Kidderminster between January 4 and January 27 this year.
Magistrates said Radnor's thefts showed persistent criminal behaviour, aggravated by an encounter with a security guard.
He was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-09--Worcestershire residents struggle to book coronavirus tests

RESIDENTS in Worcestershire are struggling to book a coronavirus test online - even if they are showing symptoms .
Those who try to book a test through the government 's portal have been receiving messages that `` more tests should be available later '' and to `` try again in a few hours '' .
There was no option to have a test at the Sixways station in Worcester , or to drive to another station in the local area .
Visitors to the online booking system are told : `` Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This will help make sure people who need a test can get one .
`` If you have coronavirus symptoms , you need to get a test done as soon as possible .
You need to get the test done in the first five days of having symptoms . ''
When a reporter at our sister paper the Worcester News visited Sixways Stadium this afternoon ( September 9 ) , said to be a testing site for the county , it appeared that testing was taking place , with two cars going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after stopping briefly .
A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said : “ We are aware that some residents are struggling to book a test for Covid in the local area .
`` There are issues nationally with access to testing , and Worcestershire is having the same difficulties as other parts of the country .
There is also a national issue in accessing home testing kits .
If you have Covid-19 symptoms and are unable to arrange a test , please don ’ t give up , keep trying , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you still self -isolate for 10 days from the first day of your symptoms.
” Have you had a problem booking a coronavirus test in Worcestershire ?
We want to hear from you .
Email emily.collis @ newsquest.co.uk .

Those who try to book a test through the government's portal have been receiving messages that "more tests should be available later" and to "try again in a few hours".
There was no option to have a test at the Sixways station in Worcester, or to drive to another station in the local area.
Visitors to the online booking system are told: "Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested. This will help make sure people who need a test can get one.
"If you have coronavirus symptoms, you need to get a test done as soon as possible. You need to get the test done in the first five days of having symptoms."
When a reporter at our sister paper the Worcester News visited Sixways Stadium this afternoon (September 9), said to be a testing site for the county, it appeared that testing was taking place, with two cars going through the cordon in under 30 minutes after stopping briefly.
A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said: “We are aware that some residents are struggling to book a test for Covid in the local area.
"There are issues nationally with access to testing, and Worcestershire is having the same difficulties as other parts of the country. There is also a national issue in accessing home testing kits.
If you have Covid-19 symptoms and are unable to arrange a test, please don’t give up, keep trying, and in the meantime it is really important that you still self -isolate for 10 days from the first day of your symptoms.”
Have you had a problem booking a coronavirus test in Worcestershire? We want to hear from you. Email emily.collis@newsquest.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-09-09--MP Mark Garnier: Northern Ireland customs border issue 'a mess'

JUST when we thought it was safe to talk about Brexit , another huge row breaks out .
And with a sense of deja-vu , it is about customs in Northern Ireland .
The problem goes back to the 1920s , when Northern Ireland separated from Eire .
The agreement allowed for a frictionless border between the two , and this was reinforced by the Good Friday Agreement .
As global rules changed , this would have become an issue had it not been that we were all part of the single market .
But coming out of the single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dry .
Countries need to secure their customs borders and you need some sort of border to do so .
Comply with the rules , you break the century old agreements .
This week , the government has tabled the UK Internal Market Bill .
Part of it addresses the as-yet-unresolved problem of how we treat Northern Ireland .
It 's fair to say this is a mess .
The previous solution was to put up what amounts to a customs border in the Irish Sea , separating NI from Great Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some departments have been working on this all year , trying to find a solution .
But this proposal comes at a time when we are running the risk of failing to achieve a deal with the EU ahead of our leaving , once and for all , on January 1 next year .
Aside from Northern Ireland , contentious issues include our fishing rights , and the amount the government can subsidise businesses investing in innovative , but commercially risky , technology .
But in getting this far , we seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access into the EU for our world-beating financial services sector .
We need to do some deal or another with the EU .
With EU trade being nearly half our total trade , the idea that we will not do a deal is a non-starter .
But if we do not do a deal by the end of this year , we may yet start again for a so-called Canada style deal .
Whilst there will , no doubt , be some big arguments , powerful speeches , and media commentary , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem .
The support at last year ’ s election for a pro-Brexit manifesto was very clear – especially here in Wyre Forest .
We just need to get it done .

The problem goes back to the 1920s, when Northern Ireland separated from Eire. The agreement allowed for a frictionless border between the two, and this was reinforced by the Good Friday Agreement.
As global rules changed, this would have become an issue had it not been that we were all part of the single market. But coming out of the single market leaves the Irish border anomaly high and dry.
Countries need to secure their customs borders and you need some sort of border to do so. Comply with the rules, you break the century old agreements.
This week, the government has tabled the UK Internal Market Bill. Part of it addresses the as-yet-unresolved problem of how we treat Northern Ireland.
It's fair to say this is a mess. The previous solution was to put up what amounts to a customs border in the Irish Sea, separating NI from Great Britain. But that breaks up the UK.
Some departments have been working on this all year, trying to find a solution. But this proposal comes at a time when we are running the risk of failing to achieve a deal with the EU ahead of our leaving, once and for all, on January 1 next year.
Aside from Northern Ireland, contentious issues include our fishing rights, and the amount the government can subsidise businesses investing in innovative, but commercially risky, technology. But in getting this far, we seem to have abandoned our efforts to secure access into the EU for our world-beating financial services sector.
We need to do some deal or another with the EU. With EU trade being nearly half our total trade, the idea that we will not do a deal is a non-starter. But if we do not do a deal by the end of this year, we may yet start again for a so-called Canada style deal.
Whilst there will, no doubt, be some big arguments, powerful speeches, and media commentary, I suspect this will pass without too much problem.
The support at last year’s election for a pro-Brexit manifesto was very clear – especially here in Wyre Forest. We just need to get it done.