kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-04--Kidderminster drugs plot foiled by police

A JUDGE has condemned the knife violence used by drug dealers following a foiled plot to ferry heroin and crack cocaine into Kidderminster .
Artouros Kotsinian acted as a courier bringing heroin and crack cocaine into Kidderminster and Stourbridge and was the last conspirator from the gang to be jailed at Worcester Crown Court on Monday .
The 33-year-old addict worked for bosses Mark and Ryan Barnett , who are already behind bars , and was paid for driving drugs into the county .
Kotsinian , of no fixed address , had two knives in the car with him when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicolas Cartwright said : “ Drug dealing carries a risk of violence between rival dealers or couriers or the risk of a dispute with customers .
`` The very fact that you took two knives on a trip to deliver class A drugs demonstrates that you foresaw that risk.
” Kotsinian was not sentenced at the same time as the other conspirators because he absconded to Cyprus in breach of his police bail and was missing for two years before handing himself in in September .
Simon Phillips , prosecuting , said police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2018 and seized lock knives from Kotsinian and co-defendant , Leon Arnold , who has already been jailed for four years .
Arnold claimed he was meeting a girlfriend while Kotsinian also gave an `` innocent reason for their presence '' .
Judge Nicolas Cartwright spoke of the dangers of the knife culture of drug dealers like Artouros Kotsinian ( left ) Mr Phillips added : “ They were released on bail .
Six nights later , on January 17 , both were stopped again in Kidderminster.
” Mr Arnold had two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a kitchen knife in his coat .
From his trousers , police recovered 100 wraps of crack cocaine worth £1,000 and 67 wraps of heroin worth £670 .
Both men were arrested and their mobile phones seized .
They showed repeated contact with drug line operator Mark Barnett .
Both men answered no comment in police interview .
Abigail Nixon , for Kotsinian , said : “ He was the driver only .
He wishes to stress to your Honour that he was being paid in drugs for his involvement on these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his two young children , live in Cyprus , Miss Nixon said .
Judge Nicolas Cartwright said it was an aggravating feature that Kotsinian had been on bail at the time but balanced that against the fact he had no previous convictions .
The judge jailed him for 39 months - 33 months for the drugs offences and a further six months for possession of the knives .
Nine of Kotsinian 's co-defendants were sentenced last year for their role in the conspiracies .
The men appeared at Worcester Crown Court last September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a two-week trial for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs .
• West Mercia Police struggle to cope with calls as staff self-isolate In November 2017 , officers from Kidderminster ’ s Integrated Offender Management ( IOM ) team responded to intelligence that men from Bilston , Smethwick , Wednesbury and Oldbury were involved in county lines drug dealing in the Wyre Forest area .
The intelligence gathered suggested the group had been operating in the Wyre Forest area for some time and had been conspiring together to form a commercial enterprise whereby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , distributing and selling heroin and crack cocaine .
Among those jailed last year was Scott Winfield , 43 , of Queensway , Bewdley , who was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs .

Artouros Kotsinian acted as a courier bringing heroin and crack cocaine into Kidderminster and Stourbridge and was the last conspirator from the gang to be jailed at Worcester Crown Court on Monday.
The 33-year-old addict worked for bosses Mark and Ryan Barnett, who are already behind bars, and was paid for driving drugs into the county.
Jailed last year: Mark Barnett, Ryan Barnett, Terrelle White, Gordon Deen, Tyrone Crowley, Scott Winfield, Callum Hill, Jamal Pottinger, Rennell Smith
Kotsinian, of no fixed address, had two knives in the car with him when he was stopped in 2018.
Judge Nicolas Cartwright said: “Drug dealing carries a risk of violence between rival dealers or couriers or the risk of a dispute with customers.
"The very fact that you took two knives on a trip to deliver class A drugs demonstrates that you foresaw that risk.”
Kotsinian was not sentenced at the same time as the other conspirators because he absconded to Cyprus in breach of his police bail and was missing for two years before handing himself in in September.
Simon Phillips, prosecuting, said police stopped a Volkswagen Golf on January 11, 2018 and seized lock knives from Kotsinian and co-defendant, Leon Arnold, who has already been jailed for four years.
Arnold claimed he was meeting a girlfriend while Kotsinian also gave an "innocent reason for their presence".
Judge Nicolas Cartwright spoke of the dangers of the knife culture of drug dealers like Artouros Kotsinian (left)
Mr Phillips added: “They were released on bail. Six nights later, on January 17, both were stopped again in Kidderminster.”
Mr Arnold had two wraps of crack cocaine in his pocket and a kitchen knife in his coat. From his trousers, police recovered 100 wraps of crack cocaine worth £1,000 and 67 wraps of heroin worth £670.
Both men were arrested and their mobile phones seized.
They showed repeated contact with drug line operator Mark Barnett. Both men answered no comment in police interview.
Abigail Nixon, for Kotsinian, said: “He was the driver only. He wishes to stress to your Honour that he was being paid in drugs for his involvement on these two occasions.
"He's terrified of the inevitable custodial sentence."
His family, including his two young children, live in Cyprus, Miss Nixon said.
Judge Nicolas Cartwright said it was an aggravating feature that Kotsinian had been on bail at the time but balanced that against the fact he had no previous convictions.
The judge jailed him for 39 months - 33 months for the drugs offences and a further six months for possession of the knives.
Nine of Kotsinian's co-defendants were sentenced last year for their role in the conspiracies. The men appeared at Worcester Crown Court last September for sentencing after being found guilty following a two-week trial for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Read more:
In November 2017, officers from Kidderminster’s Integrated Offender Management (IOM) team responded to intelligence that men from Bilston, Smethwick, Wednesbury and Oldbury were involved in county lines drug dealing in the Wyre Forest area.
County lines drug dealing involves gangs transporting drugs from bigger cities into smaller towns.
The intelligence gathered suggested the group had been operating in the Wyre Forest area for some time and had been conspiring together to form a commercial enterprise whereby they played their respective parts in sourcing, distributing and selling heroin and crack cocaine.
Among those jailed last year was Scott Winfield, 43, of Queensway, Bewdley, who was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-03--Wyre Forest Council unveils radical cost-cutting plans as Covid hits budget

RADICAL plans to close Wyre Forest District Council 's budget gap could see its council house in Kidderminster sold and the number of councillors reduced to cut costs .
A proposal to decrease the overall size of the council will be discussed by Cabinet members next week .
The plans include reducing the council 's workforce by around 20 per cent , or by 70 posts , and sharing services such as waste collection and civil enforcement with other councils or outsourcing them to the private sector .
The Progressive Alliance-led council says its financial position has been made worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the authority with a funding gap of £2.7 million a year .
It says coronavirus has resulted in a significant drop in income , while the impacts have not been fully covered by the government .
Grants to the council have been reduced from £1.02 million in 2010 to nothing in 2020 .
Councillor Graham Ballinger , leader of Wyre Forest District Council , said : “ Once again we are faced with very difficult decisions .
`` The council ’ s financial position is getting worse and we need to implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Cost-cutting proposals up for discussion on Tuesday , November 10 include commissioning a business case to look at the financial impact of disposing of some or all of the council 's headquarters , Wyre Forest House .
Services like waste collection could be shared with other councils or outsourced to the private sector Members will also consider ending the Community Leadership Fund , which gives each councillor £1,000 a year to support local organisations .
Councillor numbers could also be reduced , and the council may ask the Boundary Commission for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillors further from 2027 .
The council says it plans to protect frontline services , but will be discussing how all services can be delivered differently .
This could include more shared services with other councils , transferring local assets and services to town councils , and joint ventures with the private sector .
It is now calling on the government to give authorities more flexibility to increase council taxes to help plug the gap .
Councillor Ballinger said : `` Wyre Forest District Council collects council tax but the majority goes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 per cent of it .
This helps to fund providing our services .
`` Our proportion of council tax has gone up by only 11 per cent in the past decade .
This is well below the rate of inflation , and in real terms it has fallen .
“ We hope that the government will recognise the financial plight facing this authority and virtually all other councils .
`` We would like greater choice about council tax increases in the future .
If we are given more flexibility we would consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Band D , which would be about 40p to 50p a week .
`` For most people it would be a lot less than this because most households fall into Band B .
We will be asking residents ’ views on whether they would be willing to pay this small extra amount to keep essential local services going.
” Opposition councillors have criticised the Progressive Alliance 's cost-cutting proposal , describing it as a `` plan to close more services '' .
Conservative Group leader Councillor Marcus Hart said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Progressive Alliance ’ s proposals when they say 'ambitious plans to close the gap ’ .
It looks clearly like a plan to close more services .
`` We fully appreciate that Covid-19 has changed local government finances this financial year and will do so next , especially when it comes to income generation but our government have given substantial financial support to plug the gap in the sum of £1.8 million .
This is not an insignificant amount .
`` We want to know what this administration ’ s ambition is post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s budget spokesman , said : “ When we left office , this council was in a healthy position with over £4.5 million in reserves and a solid plan for transformation and achieving our savings .
`` The position is now that Wyre Forest District Council will run out of money in three years time if action is not taken . ''
Cllr Desmond added : `` Covid has undoubtedly accentuated the financial problem but is not the sole cause and the Progressive Alliance need a detailed plan that doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the local town councils ” Residents and businesses will be able to have their say on the cost-cutting plans during a public consultation , launching later this month .

A proposal to decrease the overall size of the council will be discussed by Cabinet members next week.
The plans include reducing the council's workforce by around 20 per cent, or by 70 posts, and sharing services such as waste collection and civil enforcement with other councils or outsourcing them to the private sector.
The Progressive Alliance-led council says its financial position has been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has left the authority with a funding gap of £2.7 million a year.
It says coronavirus has resulted in a significant drop in income, while the impacts have not been fully covered by the government. Grants to the council have been reduced from £1.02 million in 2010 to nothing in 2020.
Councillor Graham Ballinger, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: “Once again we are faced with very difficult decisions.
"The council’s financial position is getting worse and we need to implement big changes to close the budget gap."
Cost-cutting proposals up for discussion on Tuesday, November 10 include commissioning a business case to look at the financial impact of disposing of some or all of the council's headquarters, Wyre Forest House.
Services like waste collection could be shared with other councils or outsourced to the private sector
Members will also consider ending the Community Leadership Fund, which gives each councillor £1,000 a year to support local organisations.
Councillor numbers could also be reduced, and the council may ask the Boundary Commission for a review to reduce the number of councillors further from 2027.
The council says it plans to protect frontline services, but will be discussing how all services can be delivered differently. This could include more shared services with other councils, transferring local assets and services to town councils, and joint ventures with the private sector.
It is now calling on the government to give authorities more flexibility to increase council taxes to help plug the gap.
Councillor Ballinger said: "Wyre Forest District Council collects council tax but the majority goes to other organisations. We keep only around 12 per cent of it. This helps to fund providing our services.
"Our proportion of council tax has gone up by only 11 per cent in the past decade. This is well below the rate of inflation, and in real terms it has fallen.
“We hope that the government will recognise the financial plight facing this authority and virtually all other councils.
"We would like greater choice about council tax increases in the future. If we are given more flexibility we would consider increasing our proportion by £8 or £10 at Band D, which would be about 40p to 50p a week.
"For most people it would be a lot less than this because most households fall into Band B. We will be asking residents’ views on whether they would be willing to pay this small extra amount to keep essential local services going.”
Opposition councillors have criticised the Progressive Alliance's cost-cutting proposal, describing it as a "plan to close more services".
Conservative Group leader Councillor Marcus Hart said: "We will be looking very carefully at the Progressive Alliance’s proposals when they say 'ambitious plans to close the gap’. It looks clearly like a plan to close more services.
"We fully appreciate that Covid-19 has changed local government finances this financial year and will do so next, especially when it comes to income generation but our government have given substantial financial support to plug the gap in the sum of £1.8 million. This is not an insignificant amount.
Read more:
"We want to know what this administration’s ambition is post Covid 19.”
Cllr Nathan Desmond, the group’s budget spokesman, said: “When we left office, this council was in a healthy position with over £4.5 million in reserves and a solid plan for transformation and achieving our savings.
"The position is now that Wyre Forest District Council will run out of money in three years time if action is not taken."
Cllr Desmond added: "Covid has undoubtedly accentuated the financial problem but is not the sole cause and the Progressive Alliance need a detailed plan that doesn’t just include dumping services on to the local town councils”
Residents and businesses will be able to have their say on the cost-cutting plans during a public consultation, launching later this month.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-04--Severn Valley Railway prepares for second lockdown

THE Severn Valley Railway in Kidderminster is preparing to shut down its services tomorrow for the second lockdown of the year .
All attractions , pubs , restaurants and shops classed as non-essential will be forced to close their doors on Thursday until December 2 as the government attempts to slow the spread of coronavirus .
At Kidderminster 's heritage railway , services had just got back on track in August following a four-month lockdown .
The SVR was hit hard by a loss of income during the first lockdown and was forced to launch a Fight Back fundraising appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday 's announcement , the SVR predicted a loss of around £2.5 million in revenue this year .
Now , the Severn Valley Railway is preparing to halt its services once again and close down its pubs , cafes and shops from Thursday this week .
Helen Smith , the SVR ’ s general manager , said : `` It ’ s always a tough call when we have to disappoint people , and we ’ re very sad that we won ’ t be able to run services until December 3 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new restrictions and fully support the government ’ s measures to reduce Covid-19 transmission levels .
`` We ’ re very much hoping that we ’ ll see the situation where we can run services in December , and will be busy making preparations for our Christmas services throughout the next month .
`` The Christmas season is crucial to our revenue , as it ’ s the time of year when we welcome the biggest numbers of passengers , and we very much want to be able to go ahead with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' All customers who have tickets booked during the lockdown period will be offered the chance to rebook during December .
The railway has confirmed that tickets booked for its festive events from December 3 onwards are not affected and these will still go ahead .
Helen added : “ Customers who have booked tickets during November , which includes the first weekend of our Santa and Steam in Light services , won ’ t be able to travel on their assigned dates .
`` We are sorry about this , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close the railway for this period .
“ I want to reassure all customers who are affected , that they will hear directly from us in the coming days and we ’ ll offer them an alternative booking in December or if we can ’ t accommodate them , a refund .
`` Please don ’ t try and call us , because you may face a long queue to speak to someone .
We promise we ’ ll contact you soon , on either the phone number or email address you provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must close the railway to the public during the coming weeks , we will still be busy making preparations for our Santa , Steam in Lights and other festive services , which will run from December 3 onwards .
`` We know how much our visitors are looking forward to these , and we want to make sure you can enjoy a truly magical experience with the Severn Valley Railway .
“ The carriages we ’ ll be using for these services have private compartments , so each group has its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve received hugely positive feedback from passengers about our Covid-secure arrangements , and many comments about how safe people have felt travelling with us.
” During the lockdown , the railway will continue to operate maintenance vehicles in order to carry out essential works .

All attractions, pubs, restaurants and shops classed as non-essential will be forced to close their doors on Thursday until December 2 as the government attempts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
At Kidderminster's heritage railway, services had just got back on track in August following a four-month lockdown. The SVR was hit hard by a loss of income during the first lockdown and was forced to launch a Fight Back fundraising appeal to help it survive.
Prior to Saturday's announcement, the SVR predicted a loss of around £2.5 million in revenue this year.
Now, the Severn Valley Railway is preparing to halt its services once again and close down its pubs, cafes and shops from Thursday this week.
Helen Smith, the SVR’s general manager, said: "It’s always a tough call when we have to disappoint people, and we’re very sad that we won’t be able to run services until December 3.
"We completely understand the reasons for the new restrictions and fully support the government’s measures to reduce Covid-19 transmission levels.
"We’re very much hoping that we’ll see the situation where we can run services in December, and will be busy making preparations for our Christmas services throughout the next month.
"The Christmas season is crucial to our revenue, as it’s the time of year when we welcome the biggest numbers of passengers, and we very much want to be able to go ahead with giving people a magical festive experience."
All customers who have tickets booked during the lockdown period will be offered the chance to rebook during December.
The railway has confirmed that tickets booked for its festive events from December 3 onwards are not affected and these will still go ahead.
Helen added: “Customers who have booked tickets during November, which includes the first weekend of our Santa and Steam in Light services, won’t be able to travel on their assigned dates.
"We are sorry about this, but in line with the government announcement we must close the railway for this period.
“I want to reassure all customers who are affected, that they will hear directly from us in the coming days and we’ll offer them an alternative booking in December or if we can’t accommodate them, a refund.
"Please don’t try and call us, because you may face a long queue to speak to someone. We promise we’ll contact you soon, on either the phone number or email address you provided when you booked.
“Even though we must close the railway to the public during the coming weeks, we will still be busy making preparations for our Santa, Steam in Lights and other festive services, which will run from December 3 onwards.
"We know how much our visitors are looking forward to these, and we want to make sure you can enjoy a truly magical experience with the Severn Valley Railway.
“The carriages we’ll be using for these services have private compartments, so each group has its own exclusive space to travel in.
"We’ve received hugely positive feedback from passengers about our Covid-secure arrangements, and many comments about how safe people have felt travelling with us.”
During the lockdown, the railway will continue to operate maintenance vehicles in order to carry out essential works.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-04--West Mercia Police struggle to cope with calls as staff self-isolate

WEST Mercia Police call handlers can not cope with high demand of calls due to a number of staff from the control room self-isolating .
As a result , the public is being urged to report non-urgent matters online instead of using 101 .
Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones : “ As with everyone , our staff are not immune to coronavirus and its consequences .
`` We currently have a number of staff from our control room self-isolating and we are experiencing high levels of demand .
`` As a result , there may be a delay in answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) as we prioritise 999 emergency calls .
`` We are therefore asking for the public ’ s help in reducing 101 calls by reporting non-emergency matters online , via our website , wherever possible .
“ We have a dedicated team triaging all online reports and they are serviced in the exact same way as they would be if made via 101 .
The 999 service continues as usual .
“ We are prepared for a proportion of our workforce becoming ill or self-isolating and are taking precautions to minimise the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robust contingency plans have been prepared to ensure that , no matter what , we are able to carry on providing critical policing services to all of our communities across Herefordshire , Worcestershire and Shropshire .
“ As part of this we are currently working with Public Health England to ensure that we have all the right measures in place to protect our staff and to reduce the need for people to self-isolate .
“ Throughout the country ’ s response to the global pandemic , police officers and staff have remained steadfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing our part in minimising the spread of the virus through positive engagement and , where needed , enforcement of the regulations.
” Via the West Mercis Police website you can report :

As a result, the public is being urged to report non-urgent matters online instead of using 101.
Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones: “As with everyone, our staff are not immune to coronavirus and its consequences.
"We currently have a number of staff from our control room self-isolating and we are experiencing high levels of demand.
"As a result, there may be a delay in answering calls to 101 (our non-emergency number) as we prioritise 999 emergency calls.
"We are therefore asking for the public’s help in reducing 101 calls by reporting non-emergency matters online, via our website, wherever possible.
“We have a dedicated team triaging all online reports and they are serviced in the exact same way as they would be if made via 101. The 999 service continues as usual.
“We are prepared for a proportion of our workforce becoming ill or self-isolating and are taking precautions to minimise the spread of infection within the organisation.
"Robust contingency plans have been prepared to ensure that, no matter what, we are able to carry on providing critical policing services to all of our communities across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.
“As part of this we are currently working with Public Health England to ensure that we have all the right measures in place to protect our staff and to reduce the need for people to self-isolate.
“Throughout the country’s response to the global pandemic, police officers and staff have remained steadfast and dedicated to serving our communities, playing our part in minimising the spread of the virus through positive engagement and, where needed, enforcement of the regulations.”
Via the West Mercis Police website you can report:
• Anti-social behaviour
• Crimes such as stolen property/criminal damage
• Covid-19 breaches
• Lost/found property
• Road traffic incidents


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-04--Mark Garnier MP backs our campaign

Mark Garnier MP backs our campaign

AS the Wyre Forest heads into a second lockdown , there has never been a more important time to support local businesses .
Last week The Shuttle launched our Love Local Business campaign to encourage people to spend their money locally in the run up to Christmas , to help businesses as they struggle with the impact of coronavirus .
Love Local Business this Christmas follows on from the successful campaign , of the same name , which we ran in The Shuttle this summer .
The aim is to promote all the fantastic traders we have in the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their custom at this key time of the year .
Now Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier has given his backing to our campaign .
`` It is brilliant to see the Kidderminster Shuttle do what a local newspaper should do : support its local community. ''
With the Shuttle getting behind our local businesses , we can together get through this Covid crisis in as best shape as we can .
`` Businesses across the whole of Wyre Forest need our help , so please support the Shuttle 's campaign to support our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Newsquest publishing group , The Shuttle reaches a huge percentage of the local population across our well-established regional brands including print publications , record online audiences and social media .
Sales director for the Shuttle , Dale Godliman said : “ I am delighted that we are running a sustained campaign outlining the importance of using local business , at what is a crucial time for so many SMEs .
“ We reach a huge percentage of the local population across our well-established regional brands and , through a combination of combining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audiences and market leading engagement via our social media channels , we are really confident that we can be the marketing partner of choice for local businesses during this crucial period .
l Any business which wants to be featured in the Shuttle campaign call 01905 742372 or email

Last week The Shuttle launched our Love Local Business campaign to encourage people to spend their money locally in the run up to Christmas, to help businesses as they struggle with the impact of coronavirus.
Love Local Business this Christmas follows on from the successful campaign, of the same name, which we ran in The Shuttle this summer.
The aim is to promote all the fantastic traders we have in the town and urge our readers to give them their custom at this key time of the year.
Now Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier has given his backing to our campaign.
"It is brilliant to see the Kidderminster Shuttle do what a local newspaper should do: support its local community.
" With the Shuttle getting behind our local businesses, we can together get through this Covid crisis in as best shape as we can.
"Businesses across the whole of Wyre Forest need our help, so please support the Shuttle's campaign to support our local economy."
As part of the Newsquest publishing group, The Shuttle reaches a huge percentage of the local population across our well-established regional brands including print publications, record online audiences and social media.
Sales director for the Shuttle, Dale Godliman said: “I am delighted that we are running a sustained campaign outlining the importance of using local business, at what is a crucial time for so many SMEs.
“We reach a huge percentage of the local population across our well-established regional brands and, through a combination of combining our loyal print publications, record online audiences and market leading engagement via our social media channels, we are really confident that we can be the marketing partner of choice for local businesses during this crucial period.
l Any business which wants to be featured in the Shuttle campaign call 01905 742372 or email
dale.godliman@localiq.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-03--Fixed penalty notices issued after quarantine rules are breached in North Worcestershire

THREE people in North Worcestershire have been issued with a fixed penalty notice after failing to self-isolate following foreign travel where quarantine rules are in place .
Working with UK Border Force , officers attended two separate addresses in Iverley on October 27 and Redditch on October 29 following reports that individuals had breached the restrictions .
Three adults were handed fixed penalty notices for breaking the rules .
Chief Inspector Ed Hancox said : “ We know the vast majority of people are adhering to the Covid-19 legislation and we appreciate their support and cooperation .
“ Unfortunately though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are breaking the laws and where there are clear breaches , as there were in this case , we will take a robust approach to enforcement .
“ I know the regulations are having an impact on all of our lives but it is important we all do our bit to stop the spread and help save lives .
`` This virus affects us all in one way or another .
My plea is that we continue to work together as effectively as we have been so far to minimise the impact on @ @ @ @

Working with UK Border Force, officers attended two separate addresses in Iverley on October 27 and Redditch on October 29 following reports that individuals had breached the restrictions.
Three adults were handed fixed penalty notices for breaking the rules.
Chief Inspector Ed Hancox said: “We know the vast majority of people are adhering to the Covid-19 legislation and we appreciate their support and cooperation.
“Unfortunately though there is a very small minority who are breaking the laws and where there are clear breaches, as there were in this case, we will take a robust approach to enforcement.
“I know the regulations are having an impact on all of our lives but it is important we all do our bit to stop the spread and help save lives.
"This virus affects us all in one way or another. My plea is that we continue to work together as effectively as we have been so far to minimise the impact on us all."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-03--Ban on beer takeaways 'will deprive Wyre Forest pubs of income'

PUBS in Wyre Forest `` may not survive '' if the government 's plans to ban alcohol takeaways during the lockdown go ahead .
That 's the warning from Wyre Forest 's Campaign for Real Ale ( CAMRA ) as a new `` draconian '' government policy means pubs and breweries across the district may be forced to throw hundreds of pints of good beer down the drain .
As well as ordering pubs to close their doors from Thursday this week , the government has also said it will prohibit them from offering takeaway sales of alcohol , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the industry during the first lockdown .
Pubs will be among the businesses forced to close during the second lockdown from November 5 to December 2 Nick Rubery , chairman of Wyre Forest Campaign for Real Ale ( CAMRA ) , said : `` Wyre Forest CAMRA has been encouraged over the past months to witness how hard our local pubs and breweries have worked to welcome back customers into a safe and well managed environment .
We are now bitterly disappointed to hear that not only will pubs be asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be prohibited from offering beer and cider to take away .
`` Not only will this deprive them of much needed income , but it will drive customers to large supermarkets instead of supporting local businesses , and limiting their choice .
`` CAMRA has blasted this proposed ban on takeaway sales and many of its members have written to their MPs objecting to this clearly unfair ruling .
Unfortunately many pubs and breweries may not survive this latest draconian legislation unless additional financial support is provided by the treasury .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a time when we all have to pull together and Wyre Forest CAMRA are committed to securing the long term future of our many cherished alehouses and local breweries . ''
Wyre Forest CAMRA has encouraged its members to send letters to MP Mark Garnier calling for a continuation of the furlough scheme for the pubs sector , a more sustainable round of grants for businesses to meet costs during the lockdown , and compensation for breweries for unsold beer and returned stock .
Colin Faulkner , who runs The Station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry is being punished despite most pubs implementing strict social distancing rules .
`` Our hands are tied , '' said Colin .
`` We 're not happy about the lockdown but there 's nothing we can do .
`` We 've done as we 've been told since March - we put everything in place from face masks to sanitiser and making everyone clock in and clock out , and but still we 're being punished .
`` The Eat Out to Help Out was a crazy time for us - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciated it .
`` Hopefully if it 's just a month being closed , we 'll be okay .
We 'll get a bit of a grant and all our staff will be furloughed .
`` But to be honest I do n't think the lockdown will end in December .
I think they need to close schools to really see a difference in the number of cases .
`` It all seemed to spike when the schools and colleges reopened , but again , hospitality has been hit the hardest . ''

That's the warning from Wyre Forest's Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) as a new "draconian" government policy means pubs and breweries across the district may be forced to throw hundreds of pints of good beer down the drain.
As well as ordering pubs to close their doors from Thursday this week, the government has also said it will prohibit them from offering takeaway sales of alcohol, which were seen as a lifeline for many in the industry during the first lockdown.
Pubs will be among the businesses forced to close during the second lockdown from November 5 to December 2
Nick Rubery, chairman of Wyre Forest Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said: "Wyre Forest CAMRA has been encouraged over the past months to witness how hard our local pubs and breweries have worked to welcome back customers into a safe and well managed environment. We are now bitterly disappointed to hear that not only will pubs be asked to close their doors again but that they will be prohibited from offering beer and cider to take away.
"Not only will this deprive them of much needed income, but it will drive customers to large supermarkets instead of supporting local businesses, and limiting their choice.
"CAMRA has blasted this proposed ban on takeaway sales and many of its members have written to their MPs objecting to this clearly unfair ruling. Unfortunately many pubs and breweries may not survive this latest draconian legislation unless additional financial support is provided by the treasury.
"As we emphasised back in March, this is a time when we all have to pull together and Wyre Forest CAMRA are committed to securing the long term future of our many cherished alehouses and local breweries."
Wyre Forest CAMRA has encouraged its members to send letters to MP Mark Garnier calling for a continuation of the furlough scheme for the pubs sector, a more sustainable round of grants for businesses to meet costs during the lockdown, and compensation for breweries for unsold beer and returned stock.
Colin Faulkner, who runs The Station Inn in Kidderminster, said the hospitality industry is being punished despite most pubs implementing strict social distancing rules.
"Our hands are tied," said Colin. "We're not happy about the lockdown but there's nothing we can do.
Read more:
"We've done as we've been told since March - we put everything in place from face masks to sanitiser and making everyone clock in and clock out, and but still we're being punished.
"The Eat Out to Help Out was a crazy time for us - it was a great scheme and we really appreciated it.
"Hopefully if it's just a month being closed, we'll be okay. We'll get a bit of a grant and all our staff will be furloughed.
"But to be honest I don't think the lockdown will end in December. I think they need to close schools to really see a difference in the number of cases.
"It all seemed to spike when the schools and colleges reopened, but again, hospitality has been hit the hardest."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-03--Gritters out in Worcestershire for first time this season tonight

GRITTERS will be out in Worcestershire for the first time this season as road temperatures drop tonight ( Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ is set to be dry , clear and fairly cold this evening , with road @ @ @ @ @ zero .
On Twitter , Worcestershire County Council posted : `` As we 're expecting @ @ @ @ @ gritters will be making their first appearance of the season tonight from 8pm .
`` @ @ @ @ @ about this evening , please take extra care .
`` For more highways updates , @ @ @ @ @ account '' .

It is set to be dry, clear and fairly cold this evening, with road temperatures around or just below zero.
On Twitter, Worcestershire County Council posted: "As we're expecting a chilly night, our gritters will be making their first appearance of the season tonight from 8pm.
"If you're out and about this evening, please take extra care.
"For more highways updates, follow our Highways & Travel account".


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-03--England lockdown: Full list of essential shops that can stay open after November 5

England is set to enter a second month-long national lockdown from Thursday , November 5 .
In address to the nation on Saturday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the lockdown will last until December 2 , and will be followed by a return to the tiered system of local restrictions .
Which businesses will have to close for the national lockdown - and which can stay open ?
To reduce social contact , the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close .
The businesses that will have to close during the national lockdown include : All non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to : The following indoor and outdoor leisure facilities will also have to close : The following entertainment venues will also have to close : Which personal care facilities will have to shut ?
Which businesses will be able to remain open across England ?
The following will be allowed to stay open during the national lockdown : • Plus , certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open .
Essential retail should follow Covid-secure guidelines to protect customers , visitors and workers .
Non-essential retail can remain open for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues like restaurants , bars and pubs must close , but can still provide takeaway and delivery services .
However , takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed .
Hotels , hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions which will be set out in law .
At the time of writing , a full list of the business closures will be published and set out in law later this week .
What other venues are allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues will be allowed to remain open for specific exempt activities , like childcare and support groups .
Support groups that are essential to deliver in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid , therapy or any other form of support .
This includes support to victims of crime , people in drug and alcohol recovery , new parents and guardians , people with long-term illnesses , people facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender , and those who have suffered bereavement .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open and you will be able to leave home to visit them .
• The NHS and medical services like GPs : They are allowed to stay open to safely carry out urgent and non-urgent services .
The government have stressed that 'it is vital anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help ' .

In address to the nation on Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the lockdown will last until December 2, and will be followed by a return to the tiered system of local restrictions.
Which businesses will have to close for the national lockdown - and which can stay open?
To reduce social contact, the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close.
The businesses that will have to close during the national lockdown include:
All non-essential retail, including, but not limited to:
Clothing and electronics stores
Vehicle showrooms
Travel agents
Betting shops
Auction houses
Tailors
Car washes
Tobacco and vape shops
The following indoor and outdoor leisure facilities will also have to close:
Bowling alleys
Leisure centres and gyms
Sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios
Stables and riding centres
Soft play facilities
Climbing walls and climbing centres
Archery and shooting ranges
Water and theme parks
The following entertainment venues will also have to close:
Theatres
Concert halls
Cinemas
Museums and galleries
Casinos
Adult gaming centres and arcades
Bingo halls
Concert halls
Zoos and other animal attractions
Botanical gardens
Which personal care facilities will have to shut?
Hair, beauty and nail salons
Tattoo parlours
Spas
Massage parlours
Body and skin piercing services
Non-medical acupuncture
Tanning salons
Which businesses will be able to remain open across England?
The following will be allowed to stay open during the national lockdown:
Food shops
Supermarkets
Garden centres
Plus, certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open.
Essential retail should follow Covid-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers.
Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.
Playgrounds can also remain open.
What about hospitality venues?
Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed.
What about hotels?
Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions which will be set out in law.
At the time of writing, a full list of the business closures will be published and set out in law later this week.
What other venues are allowed to stay open across England?
Some venues will be allowed to remain open for specific exempt activities, like childcare and support groups.
Support groups that are essential to deliver in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support.
This includes support to victims of crime, people in drug and alcohol recovery, new parents and guardians, people with long-term illnesses, people facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender, and those who have suffered bereavement.
A number of public services will also stay open and you will be able to leave home to visit them.
These include:


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-05--'Life or death' appeal to get Kidderminster woman to US for treatment

THE family of a 26-year-old former carer from Kidderminster has launched an urgent appeal to fly her to America for life-saving cancer treatment before it 's too late .
Megan Smith 's family needs to raise £150,000 by the end of the month to pay for her to undergo a brand new type of treatment in Los Angeles , which is currently being used for clinical trials .
After being diagnosed with advanced stage four rectal cancer in 2019 , Megan has defied doctors ' predictions and , after being referred for end of life care , an inoperable tumour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 26-year-old 's only hope is a new cancer drug in LA However , Megan 's cancer continues to progress , despite ongoing chemotherapy , and has spread to her lung and liver .
Doctors have now told her she 's exhausted all of her options for treatment in the UK .
Her sister Terri told The Shuttle : `` It ’ s been a complete rollercoaster .
We had a meeting with the hospital today and they basically said she 's stopped responding to treatment .
`` Even if we looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing in this country because Megan 's mutation is really rare .
`` We 've been researching so many different things and finally found this new drug in America .
It 's being used in clinical trials at the moment and has been fast tracked by the FDA for approval and it 's had a really high success rate .
`` It 's been difficult but they eventually agreed to look at my sister 's case .
`` Thankfully Megan ’ s oncologist here in the UK has been so helpful and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this treatment because he knows this is her best option .
Megan was diagnosed with advanced stage four bowel cancer at the age of 24 '' Unfortunately , we have to fund it all ourselves .
We need to raise £150,000 but we need to get her out there as quick as we can . ''
Megan 's family has described the situation as `` life or death '' and have set up a new Go Fund Me page to help reach their fundraising goal .
Terri added : `` Megan never moans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current situation .
She always helping others and tries to give back so much to everyone that continues to support her .
`` She has recently gone back to work after having two years of trauma to try and fund some of the treatment .
This is make for break for my sister .
`` She desperately needs this drug to save her life . ''

Megan Smith's family needs to raise £150,000 by the end of the month to pay for her to undergo a brand new type of treatment in Los Angeles, which is currently being used for clinical trials.
After being diagnosed with advanced stage four rectal cancer in 2019, Megan has defied doctors' predictions and, after being referred for end of life care, an inoperable tumour on her bowel was removed last August.
The 26-year-old's only hope is a new cancer drug in LA
However, Megan's cancer continues to progress, despite ongoing chemotherapy, and has spread to her lung and liver.
Doctors have now told her she's exhausted all of her options for treatment in the UK.
Her sister Terri told The Shuttle: "It’s been a complete rollercoaster. We had a meeting with the hospital today and they basically said she's stopped responding to treatment.
"Even if we looked outside of the NHS, there's nothing in this country because Megan's mutation is really rare.
"We've been researching so many different things and finally found this new drug in America. It's being used in clinical trials at the moment and has been fast tracked by the FDA for approval and it's had a really high success rate.
"It's been difficult but they eventually agreed to look at my sister's case.
"Thankfully Megan’s oncologist here in the UK has been so helpful and is willing to send her to America for this treatment because he knows this is her best option.
Megan was diagnosed with advanced stage four bowel cancer at the age of 24
"Unfortunately, we have to fund it all ourselves. We need to raise £150,000 but we need to get her out there as quick as we can."
Megan's family has described the situation as "life or death" and have set up a new Go Fund Me page to help reach their fundraising goal.
Terri added: "Megan never moans and is always happy regardless of her current situation. She always helping others and tries to give back so much to everyone that continues to support her.
"She has recently gone back to work after having two years of trauma to try and fund some of the treatment. This is make for break for my sister.
"She desperately needs this drug to save her life."
To make donation, visit gofundme.com/f/please-help-save-my-26-year-old-sisters-life.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-05--Grab 20 tickets for the EuroMillions jackpot for just £2* + get free scratchcards

The EuroMillions is a favourite with UK punters , with multi-million-pound jackpots up for grabs every Tuesday and Friday .
But did you know you could have a chance on Europe ’ s richest lottery for as little as £2* PLUS get a special bonus thanks to a bargain online offer .
Well-known lottery website LottoGo.com is giving players the opportunity to maximise their chances on the EuroMillions with 20 tickets for just £2* .
The popular website , who have over 1,000,000 members worldwide , allows Brits to join forces with other EuroMillions fans online .
Players pay a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more tickets than they normally would as a single player with this offer , therefore boosting everyone ’ s chances of winning a prize .
If your numbers are drawn , the prize is shared equally , meaning lots of people could win at one time .
And you can do all this from the comfort of your home .
Plus , being totally online means you ’ ll never have to worry about losing a paper copy of those lucky numbers .
But it doesn ’ t stop there !
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer will also get FREE Elephant scratchcards .
Could a jumbo win be on the cards for you ?
You won ’ t find this deal in the shops .
Grab this cracking offer today .
Get 20 tickets for £2* for the next EuroMillions jackpot + free scratchcards by clicking here LottoGo.com is licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the UK Gambling Commission under account number 51692 ( For further details of LottoGo.com ’ s Regulatory Bodies please see T & Cs . )
Gamble Responsibly .
www.gambleaware.co.uk The amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets purchased .
*18+ .
LottoGo.com T & Cs apply .
Offer available to new players only .
Winnings will be divided proportionally between the syndicate group .
Each ticket is a 1/50th share .

The popular website, who have over 2,000,000 members worldwide, allows Brits to join forces with other EuroMillions fans online.
Players pay a much lower price to own a share of more tickets than they normally would as a single player with this offer, therefore boosting everyone’s chances of winning a prize.
If your numbers are drawn, the prize is shared equally, meaning lots of people could win at one time.
And you can do all this from the comfort of your home. Plus, being totally online means you’ll never have to worry about losing a paper copy of those lucky numbers.
But it doesn’t stop there!
New players who take up this fantastic £2 offer will also get FREE Elephant scratchcards. Could a jumbo win be on the cards for you?
You won’t find this deal in the shops.
Get 20 chances to win a share of the next EuroMillions jackpot for £2 + free scratchcards by clicking here
LottoGo.com is licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the UK Gambling Commission under account number 51692 (For further details of LottoGo.com’s Regulatory Bodies please see T&Cs). Gamble Responsibly. www.gambleaware.co.uk
The amount of Free Scratchcards depends on the amount of tickets purchased.
*18+. LottoGo.com T&Cs apply. Offer available to new players only. Winnings will be divided proportionally between the syndicate group. Each ticket is a 1/50th share. New Players Only. Scratchcard value £0.05, 40x Wager, Max Bet £5, Max Win £500. Full T&Cs Apply.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--Survey launched to shape future of Kidderminster town centre

RESIDENTS and businesses are being asked for their views as part of a major consultation to shape the future of Kidderminster town centre .
A 10-minute survey has gone live on Wyre Forest District Council 's website to find out how people living , working or visiting Kidderminster want to see the town centre change over the next 20 years .
The questions are designed to get a better picture of people 's views on the town and their shopping habits before and during the coronavirus pandemic .
Councillor Fran Oborski , Wyre Forest District Council ’ s deputy leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ We have seen massive changes in shopping habits , global trends and what attracts people to town centres .
`` Like most of our towns , Kidderminster had already been changing before the pandemic , but those challenges are even greater now due to the effect of Covid-19 .
“ This short survey is a great way to let us know what you think about the town currently and what you ’ d like to see in the future .
`` Your responses will be taken into consideration when drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other town centres to help them tackle the unprecedented market changes . ''
Appointed by Wyre Forest District Council , Hemingway Design , founded by Red or Dead designer Wayne Hemingway , and New Masterplanning will draw together feedback from local residents and businesses , feasibility studies and other key statistics to inform their new vision for the town centre .
Mr Hemingway , who won a bid to head the Kidderminster 2040 project , said : “ Town centre woes have been in the national news for a few years now and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are taking place .
But not all town centres are suffering as much as the media make out .
`` Between us all , we are capable of coming up with ideas and plans that will help Kidderminster town centre to be a vibrant focal point of communities , businesses and visitors for generations to come .
`` You don ’ t need to be a designer to have ideas .
We want to understand what you need to make your town centre a better place . ''
To fill out the survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 26 , visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/towncentresurvey .

A 10-minute survey has gone live on Wyre Forest District Council's website to find out how people living, working or visiting Kidderminster want to see the town centre change over the next 20 years.
The questions are designed to get a better picture of people's views on the town and their shopping habits before and during the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillor Fran Oborski, Wyre Forest District Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We have seen massive changes in shopping habits, global trends and what attracts people to town centres.
"Like most of our towns, Kidderminster had already been changing before the pandemic, but those challenges are even greater now due to the effect of Covid-19.
“This short survey is a great way to let us know what you think about the town currently and what you’d like to see in the future.
"Your responses will be taken into consideration when drawing up the blueprint for Kidderminster and our other town centres to help them tackle the unprecedented market changes."
Appointed by Wyre Forest District Council, Hemingway Design, founded by Red or Dead designer Wayne Hemingway, and New Masterplanning will draw together feedback from local residents and businesses, feasibility studies and other key statistics to inform their new vision for the town centre.
Mr Hemingway, who won a bid to head the Kidderminster 2040 project, said: “Town centre woes have been in the national news for a few years now and Covid-19 is speeding up the changes that are taking place. But not all town centres are suffering as much as the media make out.
"Between us all, we are capable of coming up with ideas and plans that will help Kidderminster town centre to be a vibrant focal point of communities, businesses and visitors for generations to come.
"You don’t need to be a designer to have ideas. We want to understand what you need to make your town centre a better place."
To fill out the survey before the 5pm deadline on Thursday, November 26, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/towncentresurvey.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--Stourport teen's lockdown challenge to run 300 miles

A 16-YEAR-OLD student from Stourport has taken on a challenge to run 300 miles in 30 days to help youngsters suffering with mental health problems during lockdown .
Max Collins , who attends the Royal Grammar School in Worcester , is hoping to raise £1,300 for charity Young Minds UK .
After his 5th day and with more than 50 miles under his belt , Max is hoping to inspire others his age during the second nationwide lockdown and show people that `` anything is possible when you put your mind to it . ''
Max said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets for something good – I ’ ll just keep thinking of the children I ’ m helping when things get tough . ''
Due to the lockdown , Max will no longer be able to get his sporting fix from playing rugby and golf or going rowing , so he was keen to use his new-found spare time to accomplish something meaningful .
He added : `` I feel it is vital in these unprecedented times to support as much as we can the children who are suffering from mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show people that anything is possible when you put your mind to it .
`` This will be a massive challenge mentally and physically for me but I feel it is nothing compared to what some go through on a day to day basis . ''
Max is set to complete his 300-mile challenge throughout November .
People can follow his journey on Instagram @ collinsm2004 or donate via his Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/300bymax .

Max Collins, who attends the Royal Grammar School in Worcester, is hoping to raise £1,300 for charity Young Minds UK.
After his 5th day and with more than 50 miles under his belt, Max is hoping to inspire others his age during the second nationwide lockdown and show people that "anything is possible when you put your mind to it."
Max said: "I’m glad to be outside pounding the streets for something good – I’ll just keep thinking of the children I’m helping when things get tough."
Due to the lockdown, Max will no longer be able to get his sporting fix from playing rugby and golf or going rowing, so he was keen to use his new-found spare time to accomplish something meaningful.
He added: "I feel it is vital in these unprecedented times to support as much as we can the children who are suffering from mental health issues.
"I feel this will show people that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.
"This will be a massive challenge mentally and physically for me but I feel it is nothing compared to what some go through on a day to day basis."
Max is set to complete his 300-mile challenge throughout November.
People can follow his journey on Instagram @collinsm2004 or donate via his Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/300bymax.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--Worcestershire’s most luxurious staycation accommodation

THE nation is back in lockdown which means our regular travel and holiday plans have been disrupted .
As it stands , the lockdown is expected to end on December 2- but it could be extended if infection rates remain the same .
However , it ’ s not all doom and gloom as we can start planning our next luxury weekend break as something to look forward to after lockdown .
From top-rated hotels to luxury treehouse homes , there is a staycation accommodation to suit everyone ’ s preferences on this list .
Best of all , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes from Worcester Here are five unique and luxurious accommodation to consider staying at in Worcestershire : If you ’ re looking for luxury accommodation that ’ s also a little bit different , then you should consider this Lilla Stugan , or ‘ little cottage ’ , in Worcester .
The cottage itself is filled with Swedish memorabilia , such as Moomin books and vintage ABBA records .
The cottage is ideal for the colder month as there is a huge fire pit outdoors , complete with a cooking pot to boil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is also a wood-fired hot tub to sink into .
Discover more on the Canopy and Stars website .
Worcester Bank Hotel ( Photo : Facebook/Worcester Bank Hotel and Spa ) We know that Worcestershire is home to some luxurious hotels- but if you still want luxury without straying far from home , then Worcester Bank House Hotel and Spa is the ideal place to book The four-star hotel features a luxury spa and an 18-hole Florida style golf course .
There are 66 tastefully decorated rooms in the hotel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ en-suite bathrooms .
For a truly luxurious stay , consider renting a superior room or even the hotel ’ s Penthouse Suite .
This room boasts views of the Malvern Hills and beyond- it also has a double bedroom and a master bedroom .
There is also a private kitchenette , lounge and separate dining area for six people .
Find out more about this suite on the Bank House website .
Have you ever dreamed about spending the night in a treehouse ?
In Worcestershire , that dream is entirely possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pine tree in the grounds of a medieval Manor house .
Inside , you will find a kingsize double bed and two single cabin beds to sink into .
The cleverly designed space has plenty of secret nooks and corners to explore and also has a spiral staircase leading up to the bath .
Best of all , there is also a private hot tub to have a soak in with at the end of a long day .
Prices to rent this treehouse start from £260 per night- book your own adventure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults only retreat ?
There are three luxury log cabins to choose from at Forest View Retreat- all of them are 4 Star Gold Award rated by Quality in Tourism .
All of the cabins have their own hot tubs to soak in after a day of exploring .
Best of all , you will be surrounded by wildlife during your stay ; deer roam the surrounding fields and you might be able to spot one while relaxing on the balcony of your cabin .
Prices start from £480 based on a three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in located on the banks of the River Avon .
The cottage can accommodate up to eight guests and there are three bedrooms to choose from .
Ideal for the colder months , there is an indoor fireplace at this cottage to huddle up next to .
There is also an outdoor hot tub to take a dip in .
The cottage is based on a working marina and you can even hire out a boat if you wanted to explore the River Avon .
As it stands , prices to rent this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
Find out more about this cottage on Airbnb .

As it stands, the lockdown is expected to end on December 2- but it could be extended if infection rates remain the same.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom as we can start planning our next luxury weekend break as something to look forward to after lockdown.
From top-rated hotels to luxury treehouse homes, there is a staycation accommodation to suit everyone’s preferences on this list.
Best of all, all of these places are less than 40 minutes from Worcester
Here are five unique and luxurious accommodation to consider staying at in Worcestershire:
A Swedish Cottage, Worcester
Lillia Stugan (Photo: Canopy and Stars)
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation that’s also a little bit different, then you should consider this Lilla Stugan, or ‘little cottage’, in Worcester.
The cottage itself is filled with Swedish memorabilia, such as Moomin books and vintage ABBA records.
The cottage is ideal for the colder month as there is a huge fire pit outdoors, complete with a cooking pot to boil hearty stews in.
Best of all, there is also a wood-fired hot tub to sink into.
Prices start from £120 per night.
Discover more on the Canopy and Stars website.
Worcester Bank House Hotel and Spa, Worcester
Worcester Bank Hotel (Photo: Facebook/Worcester Bank Hotel and Spa)
We know that Worcestershire is home to some luxurious hotels- but if you still want luxury without straying far from home, then Worcester Bank House Hotel and Spa is the ideal place to book
The four-star hotel features a luxury spa and an 18-hole Florida style golf course.
There are 66 tastefully decorated rooms in the hotel, all of which have modern facilities and en-suite bathrooms.
The Penthouse Suite (Photo: Facebook/ Worcester Bank House Hotel and Spa)
For a truly luxurious stay, consider renting a superior room or even the hotel’s Penthouse Suite.
This room boasts views of the Malvern Hills and beyond- it also has a double bedroom and a master bedroom.
There is also a private kitchenette, lounge and separate dining area for six people.
Find out more about this suite on the Bank House website.
Orchard Treehouse, Little Comberton
Orchard Treehouse (Photo: Canopy and Stars)
Have you ever dreamed about spending the night in a treehouse? In Worcestershire, that dream is entirely possible.
This magnificent accommodation is wrapped around a pine tree in the grounds of a medieval Manor house.
Inside, you will find a kingsize double bed and two single cabin beds to sink into.
Inside the treehouse (Photo: Canopy and Stars)
The cleverly designed space has plenty of secret nooks and corners to explore and also has a spiral staircase leading up to the bath.
Best of all, there is also a private hot tub to have a soak in with at the end of a long day.
Prices to rent this treehouse start from £260 per night- book your own adventure at Canopy and Stars.
Forest View Retreat, Kidderminster
Bluebell Lodge (Photo: Forest View Retreat)
Fancy an adults only retreat?
There are three luxury log cabins to choose from at Forest View Retreat- all of them are 4 Star Gold Award rated by Quality in Tourism.
All of the cabins have their own hot tubs to soak in after a day of exploring.
Best of all, you will be surrounded by wildlife during your stay; deer roam the surrounding fields and you might be able to spot one while relaxing on the balcony of your cabin.
Prices start from £480 based on a three night weekend stay.
Riverside Cottage, Pershore
Riverside Cottage (Photo: Airbnb)
This picturesque cottage in located on the banks of the River Avon.
The cottage can accommodate up to eight guests and there are three bedrooms to choose from.
Ideal for the colder months, there is an indoor fireplace at this cottage to huddle up next to.
There is also an outdoor hot tub to take a dip in.
The cottage is based on a working marina and you can even hire out a boat if you wanted to explore the River Avon.
As it stands, prices to rent this cottage in December start from £175 per night.
Find out more about this cottage on Airbnb.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--Premier League set to scrap 'controversial' pay-per-view football games until 2021

The Premier League ’ s controversial pay-per-view model is set to be scrapped after this weekend ’ s matches - the PA news agency has reported .
Here 's everything we know so far .
Why will the Premier League do instead ?
According to the PA news agency , it is understood the league is most likely to revert to the model which was in place at the start of the current season , where all matches were screened by one of the competition ’ s broadcast partners .
Further discussions must still take place with broadcast partners before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is therefore not completely off the table .
When was the pay-per-view model introduced ?
The pay-per-view model was introduced for the games which followed the October international break , with fans needing to pay £14.95 to watch matches not selected for regular television broadcast in the UK .
The move drew immediate criticism from supporters who in many cases opted to give the money to charitable causes such as food banks instead .
When will the chance begin ?
The PA news agency said they understood any change would take effect from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a review of arrangements set to take place in mid-January .
The Premier League ’ s chief executive Richard Masters said last month the £14.95 price was “ defensible ” , while BT also defended it , saying it was only covering its costs in screening the matches .
The pay-per-view model came in at a time when the October 1 return of fans had been indefinitely delayed but when the English professional game continued to lobby Government to allow them back in .
The country faces different circumstances now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Thursday until at least December 2 .
The model Premier League clubs are understood to be edging towards after their shareholders ’ meeting on Thursday ( November 5 ) would most closely resemble the arrangement which was in place when the 2020-21 season started in September .
All 28 matches in that month were shown live , with all broadcast partners – Sky Sports , BT Sport , the BBC and Amazon Prime – screening matches .
Of the 11 games that had not been selected for regular broadcast , six were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one each on the BBC and Amazon .
If this model is adopted , it will represent a success for the Football Supporters ’ Association , which had lobbied for the Premier League to reconsider the model owing to the changed circumstances in the country .
What has the reaction been ?
One Premier League club told PA on Wednesday that they supported the PPV model , albeit with a reduced price of £10 per match .
The clubs also discussed an improved financial offer to the EFL , with the top-flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
EFL board member Steve Curwood said on Wednesday that he and his fellow directors would consider the new offer – which he said was a £30million emergency loan facility for Championship clubs – at a board meeting on Thursday .
That followed an initial £50million offer from the Premier League which the EFL rejected .
Curwood said that even adding in the new money , it still “ barely touched the sides ” of what was needed .
EFL chairman Rick Parry has repeatedly stated that clubs need £250million to cover matchday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term .
It is understood clubs also received an update on talks between the Premier League and the Football Association on overseas player numbers post-Brexit .
They were told talks were progressing well , but no definite position has been reached .
The FA ’ s position had been to reduce the number of non-homegrown players in a squad from 17 to 13 .
Leeds director of football Victor Orta said on Thursday he felt the existing system was the best one , and that young English talent would flourish by playing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What is better , the quantity or the quality ?
” he said .
“ When the high level of the league gives quality , a lot of English players develop .
That helped with Spain .
What was the reason Spain won the World Cup ?
Because a lot of young talent developed abroad and improved its level .
“ In other countries like Russia where I worked , they reduced the number of work permits – what has happened with the national team ?
It is better with the quality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quality of players , we have invested in our youth facilities but we need to be careful not to take decisions which could be worse for the future .
Please don ’ t use a political situation to say it improves things , because it ’ s going to be worse in my opinion .
”

Here's everything we know so far.
Why will the Premier League do instead?
According to the PA news agency, it is understood the league is most likely to revert to the model which was in place at the start of the current season, where all matches were screened by one of the competition’s broadcast partners.
Further discussions must still take place with broadcast partners before plans can be confirmed, and pay-per-view is therefore not completely off the table.
When was the pay-per-view model introduced?
The pay-per-view model was introduced for the games which followed the October international break, with fans needing to pay £14.95 to watch matches not selected for regular television broadcast in the UK.
The move drew immediate criticism from supporters who in many cases opted to give the money to charitable causes such as food banks instead.
When will the chance begin?
The PA news agency said they understood any change would take effect from the round of matches on November 21, with a review of arrangements set to take place in mid-January.
The Premier League’s chief executive Richard Masters said last month the £14.95 price was “defensible”, while BT also defended it, saying it was only covering its costs in screening the matches.
The pay-per-view model came in at a time when the October 1 return of fans had been indefinitely delayed but when the English professional game continued to lobby Government to allow them back in.
The country faces different circumstances now, with a new national lockdown in place from Thursday until at least December 2.
The model Premier League clubs are understood to be edging towards after their shareholders’ meeting on Thursday (November 5) would most closely resemble the arrangement which was in place when the 2020-21 season started in September.
All 28 matches in that month were shown live, with all broadcast partners – Sky Sports, BT Sport, the BBC and Amazon Prime – screening matches.
Of the 11 games that had not been selected for regular broadcast, six were shown on Sky, three on BT and one each on the BBC and Amazon.
If this model is adopted, it will represent a success for the Football Supporters’ Association, which had lobbied for the Premier League to reconsider the model owing to the changed circumstances in the country.
What has the reaction been?
One Premier League club told PA on Wednesday that they supported the PPV model, albeit with a reduced price of £10 per match.
The clubs also discussed an improved financial offer to the EFL, with the top-flight competition set to issue a statement later.
EFL board member Steve Curwood said on Wednesday that he and his fellow directors would consider the new offer – which he said was a £30million emergency loan facility for Championship clubs – at a board meeting on Thursday.
That followed an initial £50million offer from the Premier League which the EFL rejected. Curwood said that even adding in the new money, it still “barely touched the sides” of what was needed.
EFL chairman Rick Parry has repeatedly stated that clubs need £250million to cover matchday revenue shortfalls from last season and this term.
It is understood clubs also received an update on talks between the Premier League and the Football Association on overseas player numbers post-Brexit.
They were told talks were progressing well, but no definite position has been reached.
The FA’s position had been to reduce the number of non-homegrown players in a squad from 17 to 13.
Leeds director of football Victor Orta said on Thursday he felt the existing system was the best one, and that young English talent would flourish by playing with the highest-quality players from overseas.
“What is better, the quantity or the quality?” he said.
“When the high level of the league gives quality, a lot of English players develop. That helped with Spain. What was the reason Spain won the World Cup? Because a lot of young talent developed abroad and improved its level.
“In other countries like Russia where I worked, they reduced the number of work permits – what has happened with the national team? It is better with the quality.
“We have the responsibility to improve the quality of players, we have invested in our youth facilities but we need to be careful not to take decisions which could be worse for the future. Please don’t use a political situation to say it improves things, because it’s going to be worse in my opinion.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--Death notices from this week's Kidderminster Shuttle

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

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--King’s Worcester leads the way with Hybrid Learning Model

Now more than ever , education needs focus , momentum and continuity to ensure that pupils not only survive the effects of lockdown , but thrive .
During the last lockdown , King ’ s Worcester delivered more 10,000 remote lessons , 20 virtual assemblies , 30 virtual music concerts and two virtual art exhibitions for its Senior and Sixth Form pupils .
The school is now leading the way in delivering a hybrid model of learning ensuring that educational continuity is at the heart of the King ’ s education .
During a year of change and uncertainty the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way it operates and although at times it has been challenging , teachers are excellent at innovating and adapting to change .
Many teachers at King ’ s Worcester have become digital champions , and the latest technology has been implemented across the foundation of schools to ensure that learning can be continued online at the switch of a button .
While King ’ s Worcester reopened in September and welcomed all pupils back to school it had to ensure that it could respond rapidly to changing guidance .
Like many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate .
Katie Beever , deputy head academic , said : “ We ’ ve worked hard to ensure that no child misses a day of their education .
Whilst the majority of pupils are learning in the classroom with their peers , thanks to the blended service the school is offering , teachers are able to offer remote learning for those who can ’ t be there in person .
`` In addition to this we have a raft of King ’ s Alumni who have also been recruited to supervise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into lessons from home and our digital infrastructure is set up and ready to switch over seamlessly to online teaching in the event that a group of pupils is advised to stay home.
” Over the last six months , schools have had to act as a consistent support for pupils and their families , providing comfort and reassurance when needed , as well as delivering the same high levels of education and pastoral care .
During the remote learning period , The King ’ s Foundation has carefully monitored every year group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained a high standard of work , with many even ahead of where they were expected to be .
Although the future remains unclear with new safety regulations being implemented daily , the one thing that will remain constant is the adaptability and commitment of care The King ’ s Foundation provides for all pupils to ensure they continue to be inspired , energised , and truly unstoppable .

During a year of change and uncertainty the education sector has had to rapidly overhaul the way it operates and although at times it has been challenging, teachers are excellent at innovating and adapting to change. Many teachers at King’s Worcester have become digital champions, and the latest technology has been implemented across the foundation of schools to ensure that learning can be continued online at the switch of a button.
While King’s Worcester reopened in September and welcomed all pupils back to school it had to ensure that it could respond rapidly to changing guidance. Like many other schools, pupils and teachers had to self-isolate.
Katie Beever, deputy head academic, said: “We’ve worked hard to ensure that no child misses a day of their education. Whilst the majority of pupils are learning in the classroom with their peers, thanks to the blended service the school is offering, teachers are able to offer remote learning for those who can’t be there in person.
"In addition to this we have a raft of King’s Alumni who have also been recruited to supervise the classroom to enable teachers to be beamed into lessons from home and our digital infrastructure is set up and ready to switch over seamlessly to online teaching in the event that a group of pupils is advised to stay home.”
Over the last six months, schools have had to act as a consistent support for pupils and their families, providing comfort and reassurance when needed, as well as delivering the same high levels of education and pastoral care.
During the remote learning period, The King’s Foundation has carefully monitored every year group and were thrilled to discover that pupils maintained a high standard of work, with many even ahead of where they were expected to be.
Although the future remains unclear with new safety regulations being implemented daily, the one thing that will remain constant is the adaptability and commitment of care The King’s Foundation provides for all pupils to ensure they continue to be inspired, energised, and truly unstoppable.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--Wyre Forest has highest coronavirus rate in Worcestershire

WYRE Forest now has the highest coronavirus infection rate in Worcestershire , according to the latest data from Public Health England .
The district overtook Bromsgrove for the highest rate of infections per 100,000 people in the seven days up to November 2 .
During this period , the rolling infection rate in Wyre Forest was 237.9 , compared to 128.3 a week earlier .
While cases have risen in most areas of England , the latest data suggests that the rate of increase may be slowing .
Photo from PA There were 241 positive cases in the district in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 130 in the week up to October 26 .
Wyre Forest is now one of three districts in Worcestershire with an infection rate over 200 , while all six areas saw their infection rates rise compared to the week before .
Redditch also overtook Bromsgrove with an infection rate of 220.5 , with 188 confirmed cases that week , compared to a rate of 185.3 and 158 cases the week before .
Bromsgrove 's infection rate was 219.3 with 219 positive cases , compared to a rate of 182.2 and 182 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection rate was 189.7 per 100,000 people and 192 confirmed cases , compared to a rate of 160 with 162 cases in the week up to October 26 .
Wychavon had a rate of 150.7 with 195 confirmed cases that week , compared to a rate of 119 and 154 cases a week earlier .
Malvern Hills had the lowest infection rate in the county at 119.4 with 94 confirmed cases .
A week earlier , it had an infection rate of 104.2 and 82 positive cases .
In comparison , Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,495 confirmed cases in the week up to November 2 , compared to a rate of 277.5 and 3,169 confirmed cases in the week up to October 26 .
Oldham continues to have the highest rate in England , with 1,852 new cases - the equivalent of 781.1 cases per 100,000 people .
This is up from 704.3 cases per 100,000 in the seven days to October 26 .
A majority of areas in England ( 185 out of 315 ) saw a rise in case rates .
But while the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of increase is less steep compared with previous weeks '' , the Office of National Statistics ( ONS ) said .
• New rules for Wyre Forest students to wear face masks in school In its latest update , the ONS said new infections in England had stabilised at around 50,000 a day , suggesting a levelling off in a recent steep rise in cases .
The figures are based on tests carried out in laboratories and in the wider community .
They were published by Public Health England on the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 .
Data for the most recent four days , November 3 to November 6 , has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases .

The district overtook Bromsgrove for the highest rate of infections per 100,000 people in the seven days up to November 2.
During this period, the rolling infection rate in Wyre Forest was 237.9, compared to 128.3 a week earlier.
While cases have risen in most areas of England, the latest data suggests that the rate of increase may be slowing. Photo from PA
There were 241 positive cases in the district in the most recent seven-day period, compared to 130 in the week up to October 26.
Wyre Forest is now one of three districts in Worcestershire with an infection rate over 200, while all six areas saw their infection rates rise compared to the week before.
Redditch also overtook Bromsgrove with an infection rate of 220.5, with 188 confirmed cases that week, compared to a rate of 185.3 and 158 cases the week before.
Bromsgrove's infection rate was 219.3 with 219 positive cases, compared to a rate of 182.2 and 182 cases a week earlier.
In Worcester, the infection rate was 189.7 per 100,000 people and 192 confirmed cases, compared to a rate of 160 with 162 cases in the week up to October 26.
Wychavon had a rate of 150.7 with 195 confirmed cases that week, compared to a rate of 119 and 154 cases a week earlier.
Malvern Hills had the lowest infection rate in the county at 119.4 with 94 confirmed cases. A week earlier, it had an infection rate of 104.2 and 82 positive cases.
In comparison, Birmingham had an infection rate of 306.1 with 3,495 confirmed cases in the week up to November 2, compared to a rate of 277.5 and 3,169 confirmed cases in the week up to October 26.
Oldham continues to have the highest rate in England, with 1,852 new cases - the equivalent of 781.1 cases per 100,000 people. This is up from 704.3 cases per 100,000 in the seven days to October 26.
A majority of areas in England (185 out of 315) saw a rise in case rates. But while the number of infections has still increased, "the rate of increase is less steep compared with previous weeks", the Office of National Statistics (ONS) said.
Read more:
In its latest update, the ONS said new infections in England had stabilised at around 50,000 a day, suggesting a levelling off in a recent steep rise in cases.
The figures are based on tests carried out in laboratories and in the wider community. They were published by Public Health England on the government's coronavirus dashboard on Friday, November 6.
Data for the most recent four days, November 3 to November 6, has been excluded as it is incomplete and does not reflect the true number of cases.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--New rules for Wyre Forest students to wear face masks in school

NEW guidance has been issued in Wyre Forest regarding students wearing face coverings while at school .
Worcestershire County Council has been working with schools to implement the new government guidance across the county by Monday , November 9 .
As part of the new rules , face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in year seven and above when moving around school .
Face coverings are not required to be worn in the classroom .
Masks should be worn outside of classrooms , in corridors and communal areas where social distancing can not easily be maintained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ education and skills , said : “ Coming together and wearing a face covering and keeping to the Hands , Face , Space guidance is a vital way we can all play our part in reducing the number of cases in the county .
`` Our schools , pupils , staff and students have adapted well and work exceptionally hard rising to every challenge put in front of them , adapting to changes at home , in the community and at school .
`` We acknowledge that some children and young people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect schools to be sensitive to those needs.
” The county council says schools will have a supply of face coverings for those pupils who do not have one .

Worcestershire County Council has been working with schools to implement the new government guidance across the county by Monday, November 9.
As part of the new rules, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in year seven and above when moving around school.
Face coverings are not required to be worn in the classroom.
Masks should be worn outside of classrooms, in corridors and communal areas where social distancing cannot easily be maintained.
Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Coming together and wearing a face covering and keeping to the Hands, Face, Space guidance is a vital way we can all play our part in reducing the number of cases in the county.
"Our schools, pupils, staff and students have adapted well and work exceptionally hard rising to every challenge put in front of them, adapting to changes at home, in the community and at school.
"We acknowledge that some children and young people are exempt from wearing face coverings and we expect schools to be sensitive to those needs.”
The county council says schools will have a supply of face coverings for those pupils who do not have one.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--Coronavirus: Deaths and cases on rise again in Wyre Forest

DEATHS from coronavirus have begun to creep up again in Wyre Forest - with the area 's toll in the past month tripling the number of fatalities in the rest of the county combined .
During the most recent four weeks on record - September 26 to October 23 - there were nine Covid-related deaths in Wyre Forest .
That marks a significant increase on the preceding months - there were only two deaths in the previous 12 weeks combined .
Six of the autumn deaths occurred in hospital , with two at care homes and one in a location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of National Statistics figures .
The nine Wyre Forest deaths during that period make up 75 % of the Worcestershire toll , with only three other fatalities recorded across the county in that time .
There was one Covid-related death in Wychavon , one in Worcester and one in Redditch , with none at all in Bromsgrove or Malvern Hills .
Altogether , since the outbreak of the pandemic , there have been 123 coronavirus-related deaths in Wyre Forest , the second highest figure in the county , behind Bromsgrove ( 133 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spiked heavily in the area in the final week before the second national lockdown began yesterday ( Thursday ) .
In the week ending November 1 , there were 212 positive tests in Wyre Forest , well above the previous week 's tally of 126 .
That figure could shoot up again this week with 49 confirmed cases on Monday alone .

During the most recent four weeks on record - September 26 to October 23 - there were nine Covid-related deaths in Wyre Forest.
That marks a significant increase on the preceding months - there were only two deaths in the previous 12 weeks combined.
Six of the autumn deaths occurred in hospital, with two at care homes and one in a location classed as 'elsewhere' by the Office of National Statistics figures.
The nine Wyre Forest deaths during that period make up 75% of the Worcestershire toll, with only three other fatalities recorded across the county in that time.
There was one Covid-related death in Wychavon, one in Worcester and one in Redditch, with none at all in Bromsgrove or Malvern Hills.
Altogether, since the outbreak of the pandemic, there have been 123 coronavirus-related deaths in Wyre Forest, the second highest figure in the county, behind Bromsgrove (133).
Confirmed cases of the illness also spiked heavily in the area in the final week before the second national lockdown began yesterday (Thursday).
In the week ending November 1, there were 212 positive tests in Wyre Forest, well above the previous week's tally of 126.
That figure could shoot up again this week with 49 confirmed cases on Monday alone.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-11-06--Kidderminster among hotspots for facemask fines, figures show

KIDDERMINSTER , Bromsgrove and Redditch are among the region 's hotspots for fines for people refusing to wear facemasks since they have been made mandatory , we can reveal .
Figures seen by the Shuttle show that more £200 fines have been levied for the offence in North Worcestershire than anywhere else in the West Mercia region .
Altogether , up to November 5 , there have been 51 such fines dished out to people found to be failing to wear a facemask in a place where they should be wearing one .
That makes up 37 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Hereford ( 50 ) just behind .
There have been 29 such offences in Shropshire and only three each in South Worcester and Telford .
However , residents of Kidderminster , Bromsgrove and Redditch have been much more rule-abiding when it comes to the 'Rule of Six ' during the coronavirus pandemic .
There have been just two incidences of groups of more than six people gathering recorded in North Worcestershire , an offence which is again punishable by a £200 fine .
By contrast , there have been a whopping 71 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being infringed in Telford and 49 in South Worcester .
Altogether , of 292 enforcement activities carried out in regards to coronavirus restrictions across West Mercia , North Worcestershire has been responsible for 56 - around 20 per cent .
The other three offences - in addition to the 51 facemask fines and two 'Rule of Six ' breaches - relate to a person arriving in England from a non-exempt country and failing to self-isolate .

Figures seen by the Shuttle show that more £200 fines have been levied for the offence in North Worcestershire than anywhere else in the West Mercia region.
Altogether, up to November 5, there have been 51 such fines dished out to people found to be failing to wear a facemask in a place where they should be wearing one.
That makes up 37% of the West Mercia total of 136 offences, with Hereford (50) just behind.
There have been 29 such offences in Shropshire and only three each in South Worcester and Telford.
However, residents of Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Redditch have been much more rule-abiding when it comes to the 'Rule of Six' during the coronavirus pandemic.
There have been just two incidences of groups of more than six people gathering recorded in North Worcestershire, an offence which is again punishable by a £200 fine.
By contrast, there have been a whopping 71 cases of the 'Rule of Six' being infringed in Telford and 49 in South Worcester.
Altogether, of 292 enforcement activities carried out in regards to coronavirus restrictions across West Mercia, North Worcestershire has been responsible for 56 - around 20 per cent.
The other three offences - in addition to the 51 facemask fines and two 'Rule of Six' breaches - relate to a person arriving in England from a non-exempt country and failing to self-isolate.