kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-01--Stourport residents call out 'disgraceful' lockdown 'flouting' at Memorial Park

STOURPORT residents have shared their frustration after rubbish was left in a park by a large group reportedly seen 'flouting ' social distancing rules .
Photographs of barbecue equipment and nitrous oxide canisters left at the Memorial Park have been shared on social media .
Residents called the police to report the mess , with one person saying they saw around 19 youngsters stood close together yesterday evening ( Sunday , May 31 ) .
The resident said : `` The mess that was surrounding them was ridiculous , several people rang the police and were waiting for them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media to share their 'disgust , ' with one user saying : `` What is wrong with people ?
So selfish and ignorant '' .
Another said : `` This is disgusting .
No respect whatsoever . ''
One called it `` shocking '' but they said they were `` not surprised '' .
Responding to the reports , Inspector Dave King said : “ I really appreciate the support that the communities across Stourport have shown during the Covid-19 lockdown for the last ten weeks and continue to show as we move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s been great to see the vast majority of people abiding by the guidance to minimise the spread of infection .
“ Now we are able to spend more time outdoors , there is an opportunity to see more friends and family .
`` It ’ s still really important though that each of us needs to take responsibility for doing so sensibly , safely and within the parameters set out by the Government .
“ We will continue to engage with the public where required just as we did yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large number of young people gathered in Memorial Park in the evening .
“ If you are meeting friends or family in the park or in the countryside , please remember to do so safely , dispose of all litter and any reports of criminal or ant-social behaviour will continue to be thoroughly investigated .
”

Photographs of barbecue equipment and nitrous oxide canisters left at the Memorial Park have been shared on social media.
Residents called the police to report the mess, with one person saying they saw around 19 youngsters stood close together yesterday evening (Sunday, May 31).
The resident said: "The mess that was surrounding them was ridiculous, several people rang the police and were waiting for them to arrive."
Others took to social media to share their 'disgust,' with one user saying: "What is wrong with people? So selfish and ignorant".
Another said: "This is disgusting. No respect whatsoever." One called it "shocking" but they said they were "not surprised".
Another called the actions "disgraceful".
Responding to the reports, Inspector Dave King said: “I really appreciate the support that the communities across Stourport have shown during the Covid-19 lockdown for the last ten weeks and continue to show as we move forward into the new guidelines.
"It’s been great to see the vast majority of people abiding by the guidance to minimise the spread of infection.
“Now we are able to spend more time outdoors, there is an opportunity to see more friends and family.
"It’s still really important though that each of us needs to take responsibility for doing so sensibly, safely and within the parameters set out by the Government.
“We will continue to engage with the public where required just as we did yesterday when we did attended reports of a large number of young people gathered in Memorial Park in the evening.
“If you are meeting friends or family in the park or in the countryside, please remember to do so safely, dispose of all litter and any reports of criminal or ant-social behaviour will continue to be thoroughly investigated.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-01--Man wanted in connection with sexual offence remains at large

POLICE have renewed their appeal to find a wanted man in connection with a sexual offence .
John Patrick , @ @ @ @ @ fixed address , has links throughout the country and police have been following several enquiries @ @ @ @ @ with information are urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously @ @ @ @

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kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-02--Summer events cancelled in Wyre Forest due to coronavirus

A PROGRAMME of summer events in Wyre Forest has been cancelled over concerns social distancing would be `` impossible '' .
The annual events programme , which includes the Country and Western Festival and the Play Day in Stourport plus stage performances at Bewdley Museum , will not take place as planned this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
Wyre Forest District Council said it decided to cancel the events due to the `` impossibility of maintaining social distancing '' , as well as the `` financial viability '' of the events if they were to proceed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dyke , Wyre Forest District Council ’ s cabinet member for culture , leisure and community protection , said “ With regret , we have reached the conclusion that it is not possible for the events to go ahead safely in light of current guidance on social distancing .
`` Many other similar events across the country have already been cancelled for the summer months , from rock concerts and theatre performances to flower shows and arts festivals .
`` It would not be responsible for the council to go ahead with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of spreading the disease for local residents and others who attend.
” The announcement affects the Country and Western Festival on August 1 , the Play Day on August 5 , a programme of activities for young people in the summer holidays , and performances of The Great Gatsby , Mr Stink and Boogaloo Babes at Bewdley Museum - two of which have been rearranged for summer 2021 .
This year was set to be the final time Wyre Forest District Council funded summer events .
The council announced last year in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding to the department by 2021 if town councils or community groups did not volunteer to take them over .
Councillor Dyke said : “ Unfortunately , 2020 is the final year that the district council will be able to fund the summer activities programme including events such as the Country and Western Festival .
`` If town councils or other sponsors come forward to take on responsibility for funding the events in 2021 , they will return next year .
This was made clear in the medium term financial strategy that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of time for new funders and organisers to come forward in time for summer 2021 .
`` Work is also progressing on establishing Bewdley Museum as an independent charitable trust by spring 2021 and it will be responsible for the programme of events after it assumes responsibility for running the museum from the district council.
” Will you be affected by the cancellations ?
We want to hear from you .
Email your thoughts to editorial @ kidderminstershuttle.co.uk .

The annual events programme, which includes the Country and Western Festival and the Play Day in Stourport plus stage performances at Bewdley Museum, will not take place as planned this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Wyre Forest District Council said it decided to cancel the events due to the "impossibility of maintaining social distancing", as well as the "financial viability" of the events if they were to proceed with restrictions in place.
Councillor Helen Dyke, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, said “With regret, we have reached the conclusion that it is not possible for the events to go ahead safely in light of current guidance on social distancing.
"Many other similar events across the country have already been cancelled for the summer months, from rock concerts and theatre performances to flower shows and arts festivals.
"It would not be responsible for the council to go ahead with its own programme of events and increase the risk of spreading the disease for local residents and others who attend.”
The announcement affects the Country and Western Festival on August 1, the Play Day on August 5, a programme of activities for young people in the summer holidays, and performances of The Great Gatsby, Mr Stink and Boogaloo Babes at Bewdley Museum - two of which have been rearranged for summer 2021.
This year was set to be the final time Wyre Forest District Council funded summer events. The council announced last year in its budget proposals it would cut all funding to the department by 2021 if town councils or community groups did not volunteer to take them over.
Councillor Dyke said: “Unfortunately, 2020 is the final year that the district council will be able to fund the summer activities programme including events such as the Country and Western Festival.
"If town councils or other sponsors come forward to take on responsibility for funding the events in 2021, they will return next year. This was made clear in the medium term financial strategy that was published in December 2019 and there is plenty of time for new funders and organisers to come forward in time for summer 2021.
"Work is also progressing on establishing Bewdley Museum as an independent charitable trust by spring 2021 and it will be responsible for the programme of events after it assumes responsibility for running the museum from the district council.”
Will you be affected by the cancellations? We want to hear from you. Email your thoughts to editorial@kidderminstershuttle.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-02--Queen's Award for Bewdley St George's Hall volunteers

VOLUNTEERS behind the community cafe and cinema at St George 's Hall in Bewdley have received royal recognition for their hard work .
The St George 's Hall Volunteers is one of just 230 charitable groups announced today to receive a Queen 's Award for Voluntary Service - the highest honour for voluntary groups in the UK .
Around 100 volunteers make up the St George 's Hall Group - most of whom are retired - with roles ranging from customer service in the busy cafe , running the weekly cinema , stewarding and serving behind the bar .
Jenny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : “ We are absolutely delighted that our volunteers ’ enthusiasm , commitment and sheer hard work has been recognised with this prestigious award .
`` This award is well deserved , and we are so incredibly proud of all of them . ''
The Queen ’ s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities .
Representatives of St George ’ s Hall Volunteers will receive the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire later this summer , and two volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021 .
Before the coronavirus lockdown , the cafe was open six days a week - Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm .
The cinema has been held weekly every Thursday since 2014 and there has also been a monthly music event , supported by volunteers .
The majority of the volunteers work in the busy cafe , working one or more shifts per week and serving mainly drinks and cakes .
Some volunteers organise the art exhibitions in the cafe which change every four to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Bewdley WI , Bewdley Civic Society , Transition Bewdley and Bewdley Festival meet and hold events at the hall .
Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire , Lt Col Patrick Holcroft , said : “ I am delighted that this group ’ s work has been recognised in this way .
`` During our assessment visit , we were impressed by the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the diverse roles they take on ; from planning large extension projects , to serving in the café and hosting film evenings .
`` The St George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a community coming together to improve the lives of local people .
`` The volunteers have created a vibrant , safe and accessible focal point for the local community and their Queen ’ s Award is very well deserved .
”

The St George's Hall Volunteers is one of just 230 charitable groups announced today to receive a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - the highest honour for voluntary groups in the UK.
Around 100 volunteers make up the St George's Hall Group - most of whom are retired - with roles ranging from customer service in the busy cafe, running the weekly cinema, stewarding and serving behind the bar.
Jenny Paddock, on behalf of the trustees, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our volunteers’ enthusiasm, commitment and sheer hard work has been recognised with this prestigious award.
"This award is well deserved, and we are so incredibly proud of all of them."
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.
Representatives of St George’s Hall Volunteers will receive the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire later this summer, and two volunteers from the group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021.
Before the coronavirus lockdown, the cafe was open six days a week - Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
The cinema has been held weekly every Thursday since 2014 and there has also been a monthly music event, supported by volunteers.
The majority of the volunteers work in the busy cafe, working one or more shifts per week and serving mainly drinks and cakes. Some volunteers organise the art exhibitions in the cafe which change every four to six weeks.
Many other groups such as Bewdley WI, Bewdley Civic Society, Transition Bewdley and Bewdley Festival meet and hold events at the hall.
Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, said: “I am delighted that this group’s work has been recognised in this way.
"During our assessment visit, we were impressed by the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the diverse roles they take on; from planning large extension projects, to serving in the café and hosting film evenings.
"The St George’s Hall is a perfect example of a community coming together to improve the lives of local people.
"The volunteers have created a vibrant, safe and accessible focal point for the local community and their Queen’s Award is very well deserved.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-02--'Beware the Nottingham Knockers' operating in Kidderminster

A PERSISTENT gang of cold callers known as the Nottingham Knockers have been reported in Kidderminster and Stourport .
Police are advising residents to take precautionary measures , such as using a door chain , following reports of unwanted door-to-door sales of cleaning products in the area over the last few days .
A spokesman for Kidderminster Safer Neighbourhood Team said : `` Please be aware door-to-door sales group known as the Nottingham Knockers have been reported in the Kidderminster and Stourport areas over the recent days , which means they will visiting your areas too .
`` This group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for cleaning products .
`` If any sales person comes to your door selling any products , do not be persuaded to part with money or for products you do n't need or of poor quality .
`` Residents are also advised to use precautionary measures such as a door chain and to ignore callers if they are unsure who it may be .
`` To sell on the doorstep a valid pedlars certificate is required - not just ID with the person 's photo on . ''
Officers are advising residents not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traders as any sales could encourage them to return to the area .
Police are also asking people to look out for any vulnerable neighbours that may be considered an easy target .
Any sightings of the Nottingham Knockers should be reported to West Mercia Police on 101 .

Police are advising residents to take precautionary measures, such as using a door chain, following reports of unwanted door-to-door sales of cleaning products in the area over the last few days.
A spokesman for Kidderminster Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Please be aware door-to-door sales group known as the Nottingham Knockers have been reported in the Kidderminster and Stourport areas over the recent days, which means they will visiting your areas too.
"This group are persistent, using pressurised selling methods for cleaning products.
"If any sales person comes to your door selling any products, do not be persuaded to part with money or for products you don't need or of poor quality.
"Residents are also advised to use precautionary measures such as a door chain and to ignore callers if they are unsure who it may be.
"To sell on the doorstep a valid pedlars certificate is required - not just ID with the person's photo on."
Officers are advising residents not to answer the door to unwanted doorstep traders as any sales could encourage them to return to the area.
Police are also asking people to look out for any vulnerable neighbours that may be considered an easy target.
Any sightings of the Nottingham Knockers should be reported to West Mercia Police on 101.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-02--Vandals pour oil over Kidderminster skate park

WYRE Forest District Council has issued an appeal for information after vandals pour oil over the skate park in Brinton Park , Kidderminster .
Vandals targeted the skate park on Sunday ( May 31 ) , climbing an eight foot fence to pour oil all over the equipment in the skate park .
All of the council ’ s skate parks and play areas are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The council is asking anyone who may have seen or heard any illegal activity taking place at the skate park in Brinton Park to contact West Mercia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councillor John Thomas , Wyre Forest District Council ’ s cabinet member for operational services said : “ This dangerous act of vandalism is not acceptable and could easily have endangered someone ’ s life .
“ At a time when our teams are already stretched , it ’ s disgraceful that time and resources are going into a complicated clear up operation .
“ Our landscape team has assessed the damage and we may need expert help to make sure the oil is properly cleared up .
“ We have spoken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what ’ s going on .
They are understandably upset .
“ If anyone saw or heard anything on Sunday , May 31 which could help West Mercia Police with their investigation please let them know .
”

Vandals targeted the skate park on Sunday (May 31), climbing an eight foot fence to pour oil all over the equipment in the skate park.
All of the council’s skate parks and play areas are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The council is asking anyone who may have seen or heard any illegal activity taking place at the skate park in Brinton Park to contact West Mercia Police by calling 0800 555 111.
Councillor John Thomas, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for operational services said: “This dangerous act of vandalism is not acceptable and could easily have endangered someone’s life.
“At a time when our teams are already stretched, it’s disgraceful that time and resources are going into a complicated clear up operation.
“Our landscape team has assessed the damage and we may need expert help to make sure the oil is properly cleared up.
“We have spoken to the skating community to make them aware of what’s going on. They are understandably upset.
“If anyone saw or heard anything on Sunday, May 31 which could help West Mercia Police with their investigation please let them know.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-02--Kidderminster to Worcester 303 Diamond Bus route saved

TWO withdrawn Diamond Bus services have been saved and will be reinstated next week .
The Shuttle reported last week how the 303 Kidderminster to Worcester bus had been suspended after operators Diamond Bus said it had been running at a financial loss for a year .
The decision raised concerns from the local community as the route is well-used by people visiting Worcestershire Royal Hospital , and by students attending college in the city .
Worcestershire County Council has now confirmed that the 303 and 302 services will be back on the roads from Monday , June 8 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to subsidise the routes .
Councillor Alan Amos said : `` We have been working very hard to reprieve these services .
`` I know they provide a vital link between Worcester and Kidderminster as well as serve a large number of smaller towns and villages .
Students from the Sixth Form College and local and elderly people in particular depend on them to get about .
`` So , we have allocated funds to subsidise the routes and Diamond Bus will be reinstating them from Monday , June 8 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the next few months , looking at passenger numbers and the potential effect of social distancing on the situation .
`` We will be working with the bus operator to establish a longer-term solution for these services .
`` This is a good example of our new Passenger Transport Strategy in which the county council is looking to provide a wide and reliable bus network throughout the county to meet the various needs of its residents and businesses .
`` Despite the temporary problems following Covid-19 , we see buses as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why , in this year ’ s budget , we put in the biggest-ever increase to the bus subsidy .
”

The Shuttle reported last week how the 303 Kidderminster to Worcester bus had been suspended after operators Diamond Bus said it had been running at a financial loss for a year.
The decision raised concerns from the local community as the route is well-used by people visiting Worcestershire Royal Hospital, and by students attending college in the city.
Worcestershire County Council has now confirmed that the 303 and 302 services will be back on the roads from Monday, June 8, after the council's Highways department stepped in to subsidise the routes.
Councillor Alan Amos said: "We have been working very hard to reprieve these services.
"I know they provide a vital link between Worcester and Kidderminster as well as serve a large number of smaller towns and villages. Students from the Sixth Form College and local and elderly people in particular depend on them to get about.
"So, we have allocated funds to subsidise the routes and Diamond Bus will be reinstating them from Monday, June 8.
"We will continue to monitor the services over the next few months, looking at passenger numbers and the potential effect of social distancing on the situation.
"We will be working with the bus operator to establish a longer-term solution for these services.
"This is a good example of our new Passenger Transport Strategy in which the county council is looking to provide a wide and reliable bus network throughout the county to meet the various needs of its residents and businesses.
"Despite the temporary problems following Covid-19, we see buses as the only meaningful alternative to the car which is why, in this year’s budget, we put in the biggest-ever increase to the bus subsidy.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-02--Four more Covid-19 deaths recorded in Worcestershire hospitals

THERE have been four more coronavirus related deaths in Worcestershire hospitals , bringing the total to 286 .
The latest figures , announced by the NHS today ( June 2 ) , show the four more deaths were at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust hospitals , bringing its total to 259 .
There were no further deaths recorded at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust , which runs community hospitals , so it remains at a total of 27 .
The latest figures relate to new deaths being announced ( the deaths did not all happen on the same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who tested positive for coronavirus have died , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals nationally to 26,865 .
Patients were aged between 36 and 100 years old .
Eight of the 143 patients - aged between 48 and 91 - had no known underlying health condition .
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital .
The health and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards , including Worcester City Impatient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Community Hospital , Pershore Community Hospital , the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove , Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward .
The government releases a daily figure for deaths outside of hospitals which stands at 324 , bringing the overall total number of deaths to 39,369 .
But Using Office of National Statistics data up to May 22 , added with hospital deaths since , reveals the number of Covid-19 related deaths in the county is at least 488 across all settings .

The latest figures, announced by the NHS today (June 2), show the four more deaths were at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust hospitals, bringing its total to 259.
There were no further deaths recorded at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs community hospitals, so it remains at a total of 27.
The latest figures relate to new deaths being announced (the deaths did not all happen on the same day).
In England a further 143 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals nationally to 26,865. Patients were aged between 36 and 100 years old.
Eight of the 143 patients - aged between 48 and 91 - had no known underlying health condition.
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital.
The health and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards, including Worcester City Impatient Unit, Malvern Community Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, Pershore Community Hospital, the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward.
The government releases a daily figure for deaths outside of hospitals which stands at 324, bringing the overall total number of deaths to 39,369.
Public Health England does not release a regional breakdown.
But Using Office of National Statistics data up to May 22, added with hospital deaths since, reveals the number of Covid-19 related deaths in the county is at least 488 across all settings.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-02--Download Festival 2020 will head online - here's the line-up and how to watch

Rock music event Download Festival is moving it 's 2020 event online - and organisers have promised 'something special ' for fans .
Download TV , a virtual festival available via Download Festival ’ s official social channels and YouTube , will run from June 12 to 14 .
While Downloaders might not be on the sacred grounds of Donington Park , Leicestershire , the weekend will not be lost as Download Festival brings hours of music , special interviews , unseen performances , exclusive footage and so much more to screens of any size .
The weekend will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day will be everything that celebrates the spirit of Download Festival , and the evening brings two to three hours of tailor-made programming where Downloaders can tune in and rock out .
Who are the headliners ?
Headlining YouTube on the Friday night will be Kiss , giving Downloaders a replay of standout moments from their mammoth 2015 set .
On the Saturday , Iron Maiden promise something very special , with nostalgic performances , Legacy Of The Beast snippets , and something just for Download TV .
Finally , on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of A Down ’ s history at Download Festival with performances from 2005 , 2011 , and 2017 , proving why they ’ re one of the best metal bands in history .
Who else will perform ?
Other performances across the weekend that will be shown exclusively via YouTube will come from Korn , Deftones , Babymetal , Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes , Creeper , The Offspring , Blues Pills , Alter Bridge , The Pretty Reckless , Funeral For A Friend , Volbeat , The Darkness and Bowling For Soup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans to be as interactive as they can be , from cookalongs with MasterChef Simon Wood , vegan superstars BOSH , live artist Q & As , lockdown performances , tutorials , mindfulness session and more .
Downloaders are encouraged to put tents up in the garden , wear Download merchandise , dress as their favourite heroes and send in photos and videos .
Head over to youtube.com/user/downloadfestivaluk and downloadfestival.co.uk for more details .

Download TV, a virtual festival available via Download Festival’s official social channels and YouTube, will run from June 12 to 14.
While Downloaders might not be on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, Leicestershire, the weekend will not be lost as Download Festival brings hours of music, special interviews, unseen performances, exclusive footage and so much more to screens of any size.
The weekend will be split into day and evening, where the day will be everything that celebrates the spirit of Download Festival, and the evening brings two to three hours of tailor-made programming where Downloaders can tune in and rock out.
Who are the headliners?
Headlining YouTube on the Friday night will be Kiss, giving Downloaders a replay of standout moments from their mammoth 2015 set.
On the Saturday, Iron Maiden promise something very special, with nostalgic performances, Legacy Of The Beast snippets, and something just for Download TV.
Finally, on the Sunday night, audiences can explore System Of A Down’s history at Download Festival with performances from 2005, 2011, and 2017, proving why they’re one of the best metal bands in history.
Who else will perform?
Other performances across the weekend that will be shown exclusively via YouTube will come from Korn, Deftones, Babymetal, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Creeper, The Offspring, Blues Pills, Alter Bridge, The Pretty Reckless, Funeral For A Friend, Volbeat, The Darkness and Bowling For Soup.
Day time activities are for the fans to be as interactive as they can be, from cookalongs with MasterChef Simon Wood, vegan superstars BOSH, live artist Q&As, lockdown performances, tutorials, mindfulness session and more.
Downloaders are encouraged to put tents up in the garden, wear Download merchandise, dress as their favourite heroes and send in photos and videos.
How can I watch?
Head over to youtube.com/user/downloadfestivaluk and downloadfestival.co.uk for more details.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-02--Full list: All the McDonald's branches reopening across the UK on June 2

McDonald 's have revealed the latest branches to reopen across the UK .
The fast-food chain is gradually reopening nationwide this week , starting with 168 locations from 11am today ( Tuesday , June 2 ) .
The company says a further 22 restaurants will also open for McDelivery from today .
A McDonald 's spokesman said : `` We are glad to be back but it will look a little different and may take a little longer , so please bear with us .
`` We have fewer employees in our kitchens to enable our teams to social distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a limited menu ( no breakfast or Shakes for now ) and will open for reduced hours ( 11am-10pm ) .
`` We encourage you to use contactless payment methods and cap your spend at £25 .
`` For those visiting our Drive Thrus , you can browse the menu , order and pay ahead using the My McDonald ’ s App - we ’ ll start preparing your order when you ’ re near the restaurant .
`` We ’ re delighted to be returning to communities across the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support and patience .
We look forward to seeing you soon . ''
Here are all the McDonald 's branches reopening on June 2 ( List of McDelivery locations is below ) : Here are all the locations opening for McDelivery from today ( June 2 ) :

The fast-food chain is gradually reopening nationwide this week, starting with 168 locations from 11am today (Tuesday, June 2).
The company says a further 22 restaurants will also open for McDelivery from today.
A McDonald's spokesman said: "We are glad to be back but it will look a little different and may take a little longer, so please bear with us.
"We have fewer employees in our kitchens to enable our teams to social distance and work safely.
"We will have a limited menu (no breakfast or Shakes for now) and will open for reduced hours (11am-10pm).
"We encourage you to use contactless payment methods and cap your spend at £25.
"For those visiting our Drive Thrus, you can browse the menu, order and pay ahead using the My McDonald’s App - we’ll start preparing your order when you’re near the restaurant.
"We’re delighted to be returning to communities across the UK and Ireland, thank you for your continued support and patience. We look forward to seeing you soon."
Here are all the McDonald's branches reopening on June 2 (List of McDelivery locations is below):
Aberdeen - Kittybrewster, Kittybrewster Retail Park
Bucksburn, Inverurie Road
Bridge of Don, Broadfold Road
Peterhead, Ring Road Industrial Estate
Portlethen - Asda, Muir End Road
Forfar, Halfpenny Burn
Monifieth - Arbroath Road, Ethiebeaton Park
Arbroath Dt, Westway Retail Park
Leighton Buzzard, Billington Road
Bridgend - Pantruthin Farm, Pencoed Business Park
Burnley-Asda, Princess Way
Congleton, Clayton by Pass A34
Lymm, Poplar 2000 Services
Markham Vale Plot 7, M1 Commerce Park
Forth Road Bridge, 6 Builyeon Road
Edinburgh - Newbridge, Newbridge Industrial Estate
Maryhill, 1200 Maryhill Road
Springburn, 1325 Springburn Road
Pollokshaws, 489 Pollokshaws Road
Finnieston, The Clydeway Centre & Skypark
Crow Road, West End Retail Park
Glasgow - Easterhouse, Shandwick Square
Drogheda, The Waterfront
Dundalk Drive Thru, Dundalk Shopping Centre
Fraddon, Fraddon Services - A30
Penzance, Long Rock
Falmouth Fs, Dracaena Avenue
Newquay, Treloggan Road
Redruth, Trevenson Road
St Austell, Cattlemarket
Hayle, Carwin Rise
Truro - Maidens Green, Treliske
Bangor-bloomfield Shopping Centre, Bloomfield Shopping Centre
Newtownards, 5 Ards Shopping Centre
Balbriggan Drive Thru, Millfield Centre
Darlington - Morton Park, Morton Park Way
Newton Aycliffe, Newton Park Services
West Auckland, Abraham Enterprise Park
Darlington - Meynell Road, North Road Industrial Estate
Crayford, 1 Tower Retail Park
Chesterfield D/t, Alma Leisure Park
Claycross - Derby Road, Derby Road
Newton Abbot, Torquay Road
Exeter 2 Unit 8, Stone Lane Retail Park
Torquay - Hele Road, Bridge Retail Park
Paignton, Yalberton Road
Thorne, Thorne Retail Park
Doncaster - Centurion Retail Park, Centurion Retail Park
Dumfries, Lochside Road
Morrisons - Beverley, Wingfield Way
Hull St Andrews Quay, St Andrews Quay Retail Park
Clifton Moor, Clifton Moor Centre
Bilbrough Top, Tadcaster Road
Willerby, Willerby Shopping Park
Goole Dt, Rawcliffe Road
Ennerdale, Roebank Roundabout
Hull - Holderness Road, The Kingston Centre
Bridlington - Bessingby Road, Bessingby Industrial Estate
West Thurrock Fs-dt, Lakeside Retail Park
Dagenham Fs-dt, Whalebone Lane South
Dagenham Ii F/s, Ballards Road
Braintreem Cressing Road
Newbury Park, Eastern Avenue/horns Road
Dagenham 3, Dagenham Leisure Park
Marks Gate, Marks Gate
Stansted, A120
Glenrothes 1, Queensway Industrial Estate
Kirkcaldy 2, Fife Central Retail Park
Dunfermline 2 - Fife Leisure Park, Fife Leisure Park
Bankhead Park - Glenrothes, Bankhead Park
Robroyston Glasgow, Glasgow North Retail Park
Thornton Heath, 935/943 London Road
Target Public House, A40, 256 Church Road
Erith, Avenue Road
Croydon Valley Park, Croydon Valley Leisure Park
Peggy Bedford, 400 Bath Road
Southall the Broadway, 170 the Broadway
South Harrow - Shaftesbury, Shaftesbury Circle
Denham D/t, 37 Oxford Road
Andover - Weyhill, Joule Road
Andover - New Street, New Street
Ower, West Wellow Service Area
Hereford 2, Belmont Road
Potters Bar - Metropolitan House, Metropolitan House
Fort William, An Aird
Donaghmede F/s, Donaghmede Shopping Centre
Swords Drive Thru, Airside Retail Park,
Kilkenny Dt, Hebron Road
Dublin Airport Dt, Corballis Road North
Dover - Whitfield, Sandwich Road
Swanley, Swanley Service Area
Chestfield D/t, Old Thanet Way
Folkestone Sainsburys, West Park Farm South Retail Park
Tunbridge Wells 3, Tunbridge Wells Business Park
Isle of Sheppey, Bridge Road
Dartford - Princes Road, 474 Princes Road
Tonbridge - Cannon Lane, 7-9 Cannon Lane
Bolton - Astley Bridge, Waters Meeting Road
China Garden, 93 Derby Street
Middlebrook, Middlebrook Retail Park
Burnley - Burnham Gate, 1 Burnham Gate
Bolton - Delph Hill, 1011 Chorley Old Road
Leven - Riverside Road, Riverside Road
Gainsborough, 50 Trinity Street
Colindale F/s, 157 Colindeep Lane
Deptford F/s, Bestwood Retail Park
Forest Gate F/s, 322/326 Romford Road
Old Kent Road Dt, 518 Old Kent Road Retail Park
Wandsworth Dt, 1 Marl Road
Alperton, Quill Street
Streatham Place, 2/22 Streatham Place
Finchley Lido, Great North Leisure Park
Charlton, Peninsular Retail Park
Chingford Fountain Ph, 51 Sewardstone Road
Catford 2 D/t, Catford Island
Friern Barnet, Friern Bridge Retail Park
Wandsworth Road, 368/370 Wandsworth Road
Thamesmead, 1 Twin Tumps Way
Bow - Payne Road, Bow Flyover
Gallions Reach Beckton, Gallions Reach Retail Park
Sydenham, Bell Green Retail Park
Woolwich - Church Street, Ruston Road
Neasden Fs-dt, Neasden Lane
Bridgend Cowbridge Road, Picton Court Retail Park
Elgin, Linkwood Place
Nairn, Unit 3
Irvine, Riverway Retail Park
Stevenston - Hawkhill Retail Park, Hawkhill Retail Park
Catterick - Garrison, Richmondshire Walk
Scarborough Fayre, Dunslow Road
Leeming Bar Services, Leeming Bar Services
Selby, Three Lakes Retail Park
Markham Moor, Markham Moor Roundabout
Witney, Ducklington Lane
Banbury - Beaumont Rd, Beaumont Road
Banbury Gateway, Unit 18 Banbury Gateway
Perth, 91 Dunkeld Road
Perth - Broxden, Broxden Roundabout
Rotherham - Parkgate, Unit 1 Stonerow Way
Bathgate, Whitburn Road
Inverness - Inshes Retail Park
Weston-super-mare 2, Western Links
Worle - Weston-super-mare, Queensway
Rotherham 2, Aldwarke Lane
Doncaster Dome, Dome Leisure Park
Doncaster - Thorne Road, Thorne Road Retail Park
Rotherham Bawtry Road, Bawtry Road
Doncaster Factory Outlet, Lakeside Village
Rotherham Canklow, Canklow Roundabout
Balby - Sandford Road, Balby Retail Park
Redhouse Interchange, Redhouse Interchange
Sudbury - Retail Park, Chilton Industrial Estate
Cameron Park, Metro Retail Park, Gateshead
Rugby - Leicester Road, Junction One Retail Park
Alcester, Birmingham Road
Dunchurch, London Road
Stratford Upon Avon, Western Road
Livingston - Almondvale Avenue, Almondvale Avenue Drive Thru
Wakefield 2, Dewsbury Road
Pontefract, Racecourse Retail Park
Wakefield - Cathedral Retail Park, Cathedral Retail Park
Glasshoughton, Colorado Way
Wakefield - Snowhill, Snowhill Retail Park
Amesbury, Solstice Park
Salisbury - Southampton Road, Petersfinger
Redditch - Oakenshaw, Clews Road/coldfield Drive
Redditch - Moons Moat, Black Soils Road
Carlow Msa Dt, Rathcrouge
Here are all the locations opening for McDelivery from today (June 2):


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-03--This is when upgraded Kidderminster Station will open

THE new and improved Kidderminster Station building will open to rail users this weekend .
Worcestershire County Council has announced that the brand new glass-fronted train station - which is double the size of the old building - will be open on Sunday , June 7 .
Along with the new building , there have been a number of changes made to the forecourt on Comberton Hill in an effort to make it safer for pedestrians accessing the station .
The brand new Kidderminster Railway Station building will open to the public this weekend The new forecourt lay-out is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and disabled parking system .
Councillor Ken Pollock , Worcestershire County Council ’ s cabinet member for economy and in infrastructure , said : “ It ’ s great news that the new station building which is a huge asset to the area , will be open and ready for when the current restrictions begin to ease .
“ The customer experience at the station will be vastly improved and the changes to the forecourt layout will make it much easier for pedestrians to access the building safely .
I look forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the not too distant future.
” The final stage of the development , which was originally due for completion last autumn , saw the station building fitted with a new indoor waiting area and toilets .
Brenda Lawrence , head of stations for West Midlands Railway , said : “ The new bigger and brighter Kidderminster station is a fantastic addition to the town and will offer our customers a much-improved travelling experience .
“ At the moment , with government advice on social distancing still in place and limited capacity on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our customers to only use the train for essential journeys where they have no other means of transport .
”

Worcestershire County Council has announced that the brand new glass-fronted train station - which is double the size of the old building - will be open on Sunday, June 7.
Along with the new building, there have been a number of changes made to the forecourt on Comberton Hill in an effort to make it safer for pedestrians accessing the station.
The brand new Kidderminster Railway Station building will open to the public this weekend
The new forecourt lay-out is also designed to improve the drop-off, taxi and disabled parking system.
The entire redevelopment cost £5m to complete.
Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and in infrastructure, said: “It’s great news that the new station building which is a huge asset to the area, will be open and ready for when the current restrictions begin to ease.
“The customer experience at the station will be vastly improved and the changes to the forecourt layout will make it much easier for pedestrians to access the building safely. I look forward to being part of a more official opening in the not too distant future.”
Read more:
The final stage of the development, which was originally due for completion last autumn, saw the station building fitted with a new indoor waiting area and toilets.
Brenda Lawrence, head of stations for West Midlands Railway, said: “The new bigger and brighter Kidderminster station is a fantastic addition to the town and will offer our customers a much-improved travelling experience.
“At the moment, with government advice on social distancing still in place and limited capacity on board our services, we are asking our customers to only use the train for essential journeys where they have no other means of transport.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-03--Neighbours' frustration as crowds flock to Trimpley Reservoir

FRUSTRATED residents are calling for stricter controls at Trimpley Reservoir as lockdown sun-seekers flock to the area - leaving piles of litter behind them .
Neighbours surrounding the beauty spot , near Bewdley , say there has been an influx of visitors to the reservoir and nearby Eymore Wood since lockdown restrictions were eased .
Trimpley Reservoir has seen a huge influx of visitors since lockdown restrictions were eased They say the stream of visitors is causing traffic congestion on the roads , while safety concerns have been raised over a lack of social distancing at the site and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having parties and lighting barbecues .
One neighbour , who asked not to be named , told The Shuttle : `` It 's horrendous what ’ s been going on – the lack of management , too much traffic - the infrastructure is not prepared for this number of visitors .
`` Then there 's the lack of social distancing - people parking all over the place , having picnics and barbecues and leaving their rubbish behind them .
People have been swimming in the reservoir , prompting a warning from Severn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Jayne Greene '' It 's all been since the Covid-19 crisis and the easing of lockdown – I know people are furloughed and we 've had nice weather and bank holidays and I don ’ t want to stop people enjoying the area because it 's absolutely lovely , but it needs some management .
`` Barbecues are not a good idea around dried grass .
Swimming in the reservoir too is very dangerous .
`` I ride my mountain bike through the area and it ’ s like living by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everywhere .
It 's very frustrating . ''
Residents say the rise in visitors is causing congestion on nearby roads Another resident , who asked to remain anonymous , said : `` There are no bins on site so people need to take their rubbish home with them and dispose of it there .
`` Also , it needs to be made clear part of the site is not available for members of the public - you are not allowed to walk completely round the reservoir .
There are gates clearly stating this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verbal abuse to the people that live on the site when they are told . ''
Neighbours counted 300 cars visiting the reservoir in a four-hour period over the weekend .
Severn Trent , which reopened the reservoir a fortnight ago , is now asking visitors to park responsibly and show extra care for the local community .
The reservoir has seen an increase in littering during the warm weather .
Photo by Jayne Greene The company is urging visitors travelling by car to either use the on-site car park or turn back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trent says the advice is to protect social distancing at the reservoir and prevent nearby verge parking , which is overwhelming some roads within the local community .
Dominic Robinson , from Severn Trent , said : “ It ’ s been great to welcome back so many visitors to Trimpley Reservoir recently , but we ’ re asking everyone travelling by car to either use the on-site car park or turn back if it ’ s full .
Residents are urging visitors to take their rubbish home with them .
Photo by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors has overwhelmed roads in and around the local village , where parked cars have blocked access for nearby residents .
`` This is understandably frustrating for them , so we ’ re asking everyone to be more considerate and drive away if there are no spaces in our car park .
“ We ’ d be extremely grateful for everyone ’ s cooperation , which will help us to maintain safe distancing between visitors and protect the needs of the local community.
” Dominic added : “ We ’ d also like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water when they are here .
`` Our reservoirs look tempting and the ideal way to cool down , but the fact is they ’ re extremely dangerous .
Some visitors have been leaving litter behind at the site .
Photo by Jayne Greene '' On the surface they look calm and steady , but underneath the water is extremely deep with incredibly strong currents that even the most experienced swimmer would struggle to swim in.
” Police Inspector Dave King added : “ It ’ s been great to see the vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance to minimise the spread of infection .
We will continue to engage with the public where required and this includes at popular areas such as Trimpley Reservoir .
`` I would however remind visitors to our rivers , lakes and reservoirs that while the water may look inviting , water temperature , currents and underwater hazards pose a very real risk to life and I would urge everyone to remain safe by not entering the water .
“ If you are meeting friends or family in the park or in the countryside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , socially distanced , dispose of all litter properly and any reports of criminal or anti-social behaviour will continue to be thoroughly investigated .
”

Neighbours surrounding the beauty spot, near Bewdley, say there has been an influx of visitors to the reservoir and nearby Eymore Wood since lockdown restrictions were eased.
Trimpley Reservoir has seen a huge influx of visitors since lockdown restrictions were eased
They say the stream of visitors is causing traffic congestion on the roads, while safety concerns have been raised over a lack of social distancing at the site and the number of people swimming in the reservoir, having parties and lighting barbecues.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, told The Shuttle: "It's horrendous what’s been going on – the lack of management, too much traffic - the infrastructure is not prepared for this number of visitors.
"Then there's the lack of social distancing - people parking all over the place, having picnics and barbecues and leaving their rubbish behind them.
People have been swimming in the reservoir, prompting a warning from Severn Trent over the potential dangers. Photo by Jayne Greene
"It's all been since the Covid-19 crisis and the easing of lockdown – I know people are furloughed and we've had nice weather and bank holidays and I don’t want to stop people enjoying the area because it's absolutely lovely, but it needs some management.
"Barbecues are not a good idea around dried grass. Swimming in the reservoir too is very dangerous.
"I ride my mountain bike through the area and it’s like living by a beach - there's people and litter everywhere. It's very frustrating."
Residents say the rise in visitors is causing congestion on nearby roads
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "There are no bins on site so people need to take their rubbish home with them and dispose of it there.
"Also, it needs to be made clear part of the site is not available for members of the public - you are not allowed to walk completely round the reservoir. There are gates clearly stating this, but people ignore them and give verbal abuse to the people that live on the site when they are told."
Neighbours counted 300 cars visiting the reservoir in a four-hour period over the weekend.
Severn Trent, which reopened the reservoir a fortnight ago, is now asking visitors to park responsibly and show extra care for the local community.
The reservoir has seen an increase in littering during the warm weather. Photo by Jayne Greene
The company is urging visitors travelling by car to either use the on-site car park or turn back if it’s full.
Severn Trent says the advice is to protect social distancing at the reservoir and prevent nearby verge parking, which is overwhelming some roads within the local community.
Dominic Robinson, from Severn Trent, said: “It’s been great to welcome back so many visitors to Trimpley Reservoir recently, but we’re asking everyone travelling by car to either use the on-site car park or turn back if it’s full.
Residents are urging visitors to take their rubbish home with them. Photo by Jayne Greene
“The sudden increase in visitors has overwhelmed roads in and around the local village, where parked cars have blocked access for nearby residents.
"This is understandably frustrating for them, so we’re asking everyone to be more considerate and drive away if there are no spaces in our car park.
“We’d be extremely grateful for everyone’s cooperation, which will help us to maintain safe distancing between visitors and protect the needs of the local community.”
Dominic added: “We’d also like to remind people not to enter the water when they are here.
"Our reservoirs look tempting and the ideal way to cool down, but the fact is they’re extremely dangerous.
Some visitors have been leaving litter behind at the site. Photo by Jayne Greene
"On the surface they look calm and steady, but underneath the water is extremely deep with incredibly strong currents that even the most experienced swimmer would struggle to swim in.”
Police Inspector Dave King added: “It’s been great to see the vast majority of people abiding by the new guidance to minimise the spread of infection. We will continue to engage with the public where required and this includes at popular areas such as Trimpley Reservoir.
"I would however remind visitors to our rivers, lakes and reservoirs that while the water may look inviting, water temperature, currents and underwater hazards pose a very real risk to life and I would urge everyone to remain safe by not entering the water.
“If you are meeting friends or family in the park or in the countryside, please remember to do so safely, socially distanced, dispose of all litter properly and any reports of criminal or anti-social behaviour will continue to be thoroughly investigated.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-03--MP Mark Garnier on 'extraordinary' events in Hong Kong and US

I rarely use this column to comment on international affairs , but watching the world over the last few days and weeks has been extraordinary .
In Hong Kong , the last few years has seen increasing tensions in the former British colony .
The history of HK is important .
In the 19th century , Britain bought the freehold for Hong Kong Island and Kowloon .
But in 1898 , it bought a 99-year lease on the New Territories , that came up for review in 1997 .
Negotiations by Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s resulted in the 1984 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HK community would go back to China ’ s control on a 50 year transition period , known as One Country : Two Systems .
All worked well until the Chinese started doing things we in the West consider unacceptable .
The response , the Umbrella Movement , sought improved democratic processes in HK .
Last week , the Chinese People ’ s National Congress imposed on HK a national security law , removing many freedoms HK enjoys .
This is important for us in the UK for two reasons .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , lodged with the UN , that the Chinese appear to be breaking .
How should we respond ?
The second is that there are around 2.9 million British National ( Overseas ) citizens in HK .
Part of our response will be to offer sanctuary and a path to UK citizenship for these citizens seeking escape from HK .
We find China ’ s behaviour completely wrong at many levels .
Yet facing to the West , we see another set of international concerns .
Our biggest ally , the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests against the killing of George Floyd by a police officer ( who sat with his knee on Floyd ’ s neck until he was fatally injured ) engulf the country .
40 US cities have imposed curfews , and a further 35 have seen riots .
Even in the UK , we saw protest marches against the US inertia to this appalling killing , over the weekend .
The US is a country of immigrants , this being the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing at Plymouth Rock .
Yet in 21st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some immigrants are still more equal than others ( to paraphrase George Orwell ) .
In a few months ’ time , we leave the EU and our foreign policy will be entirely our own .
A crucial part of Brexit , indeed a prize of independence , will be our own foreign policy .
There ’ s a lot to think about .

In Hong Kong, the last few years has seen increasing tensions in the former British colony. The history of HK is important.
In the 19th century, Britain bought the freehold for Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
But in 1898, it bought a 99-year lease on the New Territories, that came up for review in 1997.
Negotiations by Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s resulted in the 1984 Sino British Joint Declaration. The entire HK community would go back to China’s control on a 50 year transition period, known as One Country: Two Systems.
All worked well until the Chinese started doing things we in the West consider unacceptable.
The response, the Umbrella Movement, sought improved democratic processes in HK.
Last week, the Chinese People’s National Congress imposed on HK a national security law, removing many freedoms HK enjoys.
This is important for us in the UK for two reasons.
The first is that we signed a treaty with China, lodged with the UN, that the Chinese appear to be breaking. How should we respond?
The second is that there are around 2.9 million British National (Overseas) citizens in HK. Part of our response will be to offer sanctuary and a path to UK citizenship for these citizens seeking escape from HK.
We find China’s behaviour completely wrong at many levels. Yet facing to the West, we see another set of international concerns.
Our biggest ally, the US, is embroiled in hideous riots as protests against the killing of George Floyd by a police officer (who sat with his knee on Floyd’s neck until he was fatally injured) engulf the country.
40 US cities have imposed curfews, and a further 35 have seen riots. Even in the UK, we saw protest marches against the US inertia to this appalling killing, over the weekend.
The US is a country of immigrants, this being the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing at Plymouth Rock.
Yet in 21st century America, its citizens recognise that some immigrants are still more equal than others (to paraphrase George Orwell).
In a few months’ time, we leave the EU and our foreign policy will be entirely our own.
A crucial part of Brexit, indeed a prize of independence, will be our own foreign policy. There’s a lot to think about.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-03--Downing Street confirms why weekend press briefings are being scrapped

The daily Downing Street press conferences will no longer take place at weekends - Number 10 has confirmed .
The briefings have been held on all but two days since March 16 , but the UK Government has decided to scrap them on Saturdays and Sundays .
starting from this week .
How many appearances has the PM made since they started ?
Boris Johnson has appeared at 12 press conferences so far .
From now on , Number 10 says he will lead at least one briefing a week , alongside scientific and medical experts .
The Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing : “ From this week , the press conferences will be on weekdays only , so no longer on Saturdays and Sundays .
“ The PM will take a press conference every week alongside… the scientific and medical experts .
“ Others will be led by secretaries of state , alongside scientific and medical experts where relevant.
” Why are the weekend briefings being scrapped ?
Asked why the change was being made , the spokesman said : “ It is just a fact that the numbers who are viewing at weekends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Number 10 insisted the Government was “ absolutely committed to keeping people updated ” .
Who has led the most Downing Street press conferences so far ?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has led the most Downing Street press conferences so far , totalling 17 as of Tuesday , June 2 , while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has taken 11 .

The briefings have been held on all but two days since March 16, but the UK Government has decided to scrap them on Saturdays and Sundays. starting from this week.
How many appearances has the PM made since they started?
Boris Johnson has appeared at 12 press conferences so far. From now on, Number 10 says he will lead at least one briefing a week, alongside scientific and medical experts.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: “From this week, the press conferences will be on weekdays only, so no longer on Saturdays and Sundays.
“The PM will take a press conference every week alongside… the scientific and medical experts.
“Others will be led by secretaries of state, alongside scientific and medical experts where relevant.”
Why are the weekend briefings being scrapped?
Asked why the change was being made, the spokesman said: “It is just a fact that the numbers who are viewing at weekends do tend to be significantly lower.”
Number 10 insisted the Government was “absolutely committed to keeping people updated”.
Who has led the most Downing Street press conferences so far?
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has led the most Downing Street press conferences so far, totalling 17 as of Tuesday, June 2, while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has taken 11.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-03--Stourport woman sold her house to help rescued bears

A GENEROUS homeowner has sold her house in Stourport and donated the proceeds to help protect rescued moon bears in Asia .
Chris Coldrick had already raised more than £7,000 for Animals Asia through a skydive and street collections around Worcestershire before she decided to donate a six-figure sum from the sale of her three-bed semi to the cause .
The retired teacher is the regional co-ordinator for the charity - which protects bears in China and Vietnam - and had planned to leave her second Stourport property to support the sanctuary in her will .
But when coronavirus hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be cancelled - just when Animals Asia was preparing to build another sanctuary in Vietnam - she decided to act .
Chris said : `` I was planning to leave the house to the charity in my will , but there were several things prior to coronavirus that they needed the money for .
`` The charity has to build another sanctuary in Vietnam as they 're being allowed to have all bears on farms by 2022 , which requires a colossal amount of money .
`` There are bears in China that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being run by Animals Asia , so they want to move them to a sanctuary as the environment is n't suitable .
`` This was already going to cost a lot of money and then coronavirus hit , so they needed even more .
`` I said I have n't got any plans to die soon , so I best sell it now while they need it . ''
Chris is urging others to take part in Animals Asia ’ s latest fundraising campaign , where an anonymous benefactor has pledged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said : `` I have supported Animals Asia for many years and have been proud to be part of an amazing organisation determined to put an end to bear bile farming in Asia .
“ Having had the privilege to visit the charity ’ s award winning sanctuaries in China and Vietnam , I have seen first-hand the incredible work they do . ''
The campaign runs until 30 June .
Visit animalsasia.org/matchmygift .

Chris Coldrick had already raised more than £7,000 for Animals Asia through a skydive and street collections around Worcestershire before she decided to donate a six-figure sum from the sale of her three-bed semi to the cause.
The retired teacher is the regional co-ordinator for the charity - which protects bears in China and Vietnam - and had planned to leave her second Stourport property to support the sanctuary in her will.
But when coronavirus hit and Chris' planned collections had to be cancelled - just when Animals Asia was preparing to build another sanctuary in Vietnam - she decided to act.
Chris said: "I was planning to leave the house to the charity in my will, but there were several things prior to coronavirus that they needed the money for.
"The charity has to build another sanctuary in Vietnam as they're being allowed to have all bears on farms by 2022, which requires a colossal amount of money.
"There are bears in China that are still on a farm but this is being run by Animals Asia, so they want to move them to a sanctuary as the environment isn't suitable.
"This was already going to cost a lot of money and then coronavirus hit, so they needed even more.
"I said I haven't got any plans to die soon, so I best sell it now while they need it."
Chris is urging others to take part in Animals Asia’s latest fundraising campaign, where an anonymous benefactor has pledged to match donations made to the charity.
She said: "I have supported Animals Asia for many years and have been proud to be part of an amazing organisation determined to put an end to bear bile farming in Asia.
“Having had the privilege to visit the charity’s award winning sanctuaries in China and Vietnam, I have seen first-hand the incredible work they do."
The campaign runs until 30 June. Visit animalsasia.org/matchmygift.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-03--Offer accepted to sell Stourport Midcounties Co-op

OWNERS of the Midcounties Co-operative Food store in Stourport have confirmed the shop will be sold following a strategic review .
In January , Co-op Midcounties announced it had identified a small number of stores which did not fit its long-term strategy , which included the Lombard Street branch , but bosses said no decision had been made on the shop 's future .
Since then , the board has approved an offer to sell the site to an undisclosed buyer , and owners say the legal process to progress the sale is now under way .
A spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full strategic review of its food retail business , Co-op Midcounties identified a small number of stores which in their current format do not fit with the long-term strategy of the society .
`` The Co-op Midcounties board have now approved an offer to sell the site to new owners and the legal process to progress the sale is now underway .
The store continues to trade as normal at the current time . ''
The Stourport store was reopened in 2016 following a £1.2m renovation , which saw the introduction of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village under one roof '' .
The 17-week renovation project welcomed a Post Office , Coffee Republic cafe , Co-operative Healthcare and Co-operative Travel to the site .
A Co-op Midcounties spokesman added : “ We intend to continue to operate the existing Post Office and Travel store , either at the current site or relocated to an alternative site in Stourport .
`` Healthcare will also remain , however this will in future be operated by a new owner .
`` We will continue to provide colleagues , members and customers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @

In January, Co-op Midcounties announced it had identified a small number of stores which did not fit its long-term strategy, which included the Lombard Street branch, but bosses said no decision had been made on the shop's future.
Since then, the board has approved an offer to sell the site to an undisclosed buyer, and owners say the legal process to progress the sale is now under way.
A spokesman for Co-op Midcounties said: “Following a full strategic review of its food retail business, Co-op Midcounties identified a small number of stores which in their current format do not fit with the long-term strategy of the society.
"This includes the Stourport store.
"The Co-op Midcounties board have now approved an offer to sell the site to new owners and the legal process to progress the sale is now underway. The store continues to trade as normal at the current time."
The Stourport store was reopened in 2016 following a £1.2m renovation, which saw the introduction of new facilities and services to create a "village under one roof".
The 17-week renovation project welcomed a Post Office, Coffee Republic cafe, Co-operative Healthcare and Co-operative Travel to the site.
A Co-op Midcounties spokesman added: “We intend to continue to operate the existing Post Office and Travel store, either at the current site or relocated to an alternative site in Stourport.
"Healthcare will also remain, however this will in future be operated by a new owner.
"We will continue to provide colleagues, members and customers with updates as this moves forwards.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-03--Council confirms 'challenges' with reopening Kidderminster tip

THE potential for queues at Kidderminster 's recycling centre is one of the reasons the site is yet to reopen , the council has confirmed .
Two more household recycling centres in Droitwich and Worcester reopened last week , bringing the number operating across the county to nine out of 11 .
Only Kidderminster and Upton-upon-Severn tips remain closed , and the council is yet to confirm when the Worcester Road site will reopen .
Councillor Tony Miller , cabinet member for environment , said : “ Following the opening of seven of the household recycling centres in Worcestershire as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand how the new operating arrangements would work .
`` We have continued to work with our contractor to reopen more household recycling centres , thereby increasing the total capacity available for residents to dispose of their household waste .
`` This should assist in relieving pressure on both the sites already operational and also the highways network .
To reopen more sites - beyond the initial seven - requires additional resourcing recognising the new social distancing and operating measures at each of the locations .
`` The sites in Droitwich and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off road queuing , longer opening hours and size , which combined provides for safer operations and greater capacity , alleviating some of the pressure on the other centres that have already been reopened .
`` As regards the site in Kidderminster , there are particular challenges in relation to the new operating procedures and potential for queuing that we continue to work with our contractor and colleagues to resolve.
” Cars queued to access the Bonemill recycling centre in Stourport when it reopened with strict social distancing measures and visitor restrictions last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reopened recycling centres are currently operating a one in , one out policy and staff are not assisting visitors with unloading .
For information on the restrictions in place , visit the council website .

Two more household recycling centres in Droitwich and Worcester reopened last week, bringing the number operating across the county to nine out of 11.
Only Kidderminster and Upton-upon-Severn tips remain closed, and the council is yet to confirm when the Worcester Road site will reopen.
Councillor Tony Miller, cabinet member for environment, said: “Following the opening of seven of the household recycling centres in Worcestershire as of May 11, it was important to understand how the new operating arrangements would work.
"We have continued to work with our contractor to reopen more household recycling centres, thereby increasing the total capacity available for residents to dispose of their household waste.
"This should assist in relieving pressure on both the sites already operational and also the highways network. To reopen more sites - beyond the initial seven - requires additional resourcing recognising the new social distancing and operating measures at each of the locations.
"The sites in Droitwich and Worcester West have a combination of reasonable off road queuing, longer opening hours and size, which combined provides for safer operations and greater capacity, alleviating some of the pressure on the other centres that have already been reopened.
"As regards the site in Kidderminster, there are particular challenges in relation to the new operating procedures and potential for queuing that we continue to work with our contractor and colleagues to resolve.”
Cars queued to access the Bonemill recycling centre in Stourport when it reopened with strict social distancing measures and visitor restrictions last month.
Under new social distancing measures, reopened recycling centres are currently operating a one in, one out policy and staff are not assisting visitors with unloading.
For information on the restrictions in place, visit the council website.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-04--McDonald's drive-thrus in Kidderminster reopen

McDONALD 'S restaurants in Kidderminster are among the last in the UK to reopen today to drive-thru customers .
Branches in Worcester Road and Weavers Wharf reopened at 11am today ( June 4 ) for drive-thru orders as the chain gradually reopens nationwide this week .
Fans eager to get their fix after the chain closed in March can expect reduced opening times and limited menus , including no breakfasts , to keep staff safe .
A McDonald 's spokesman said : `` We are glad to be back but it will look a little different and may take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
`` We have fewer employees in our kitchens to enable our teams to social distance and work safely .
`` We will have a limited menu - no breakfast or shakes for now - and will open for reduced hours - 11am to 10pm .
`` We encourage you to use contactless payment methods and cap your spend at £25 .
`` For those visiting our drive-thrus , you can browse the menu , order and pay ahead using the My McDonald ’ s app - we ’ ll start preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant . ''
High demand is anticipated and McDonald 's has warned it could determine that it is necessary to close drive-thru lanes if queues cause disruption or put employees or customers at risk .
Social distancing has been introduced in the kitchen and service area , perspex screens have been put in place at drive-thru windows and employees are wearing protective equipment .
All McDonald ’ s employees will be asked to confirm they are fit and able to work and contactless thermometers will be used to take employee temperatures on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fast food chain is also encouraging a capped spend for drive-thru and McDelivery at £25 per order , while customers are being encouraged to pay by contactless payment methods .

Branches in Worcester Road and Weavers Wharf reopened at 11am today (June 4) for drive-thru orders as the chain gradually reopens nationwide this week.
Fans eager to get their fix after the chain closed in March can expect reduced opening times and limited menus, including no breakfasts, to keep staff safe.
A McDonald's spokesman said: "We are glad to be back but it will look a little different and may take a little longer, so please bear with us.
"We have fewer employees in our kitchens to enable our teams to social distance and work safely.
"We will have a limited menu - no breakfast or shakes for now - and will open for reduced hours - 11am to 10pm.
"We encourage you to use contactless payment methods and cap your spend at £25.
"For those visiting our drive-thrus, you can browse the menu, order and pay ahead using the My McDonald’s app - we’ll start preparing your order when you’re near the restaurant."
High demand is anticipated and McDonald's has warned it could determine that it is necessary to close drive-thru lanes if queues cause disruption or put employees or customers at risk.
Social distancing has been introduced in the kitchen and service area, perspex screens have been put in place at drive-thru windows and employees are wearing protective equipment.
All McDonald’s employees will be asked to confirm they are fit and able to work and contactless thermometers will be used to take employee temperatures on arrival at work for every shift.
The fast food chain is also encouraging a capped spend for drive-thru and McDelivery at £25 per order, while customers are being encouraged to pay by contactless payment methods.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-04--Update from Wyre Forest heads as children return to school

SCHOOLS across Wyre Forest have reported a good start to the return of more pupils this week , with stringent social distancing and hygiene rules in place .
Headteachers say parents are “ cautiously ” sending children back and say their schools are as Covid-19 safe and secure as they can possibly be - with staggered starts , home times and breaks , and PPE available for staff if required .
The Severn Academy Educational Trust ( SAET ) primary schools , which includes Stourport Primary Academy , St Bartholomew ’ s CE , Wilden All Saints ' CE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Far Forest Lea Memorial CE , have all welcomed more pupils back into their classrooms this week .
St Bartholomew ’ s CE Primary in Areley Kings welcomed 40 children on Monday from year one and six , plus children of critical workers and vulnerable children from years two to five , and greeted a further 22 children into nursery and reception on Tuesday .
Headteacher Ian James said : “ All pupils have responded brilliantly to the procedures in place and were delighted to see others from their year group .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks have been for everyone and recognise the need to focus on pupils ’ emotional wellbeing as well as their return to learning.
” Most SAET schools are seeing an attendance of around 50 to 60 children each day .
The schools say they have worked hard to ensure government guidelines are being followed for those returning , as well as for the vulnerable pupils and children of key workers they have continued to admit since the March lockdown , with children in small groups - or `` pods '' - rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Academy headteacher Jacqui Elwis said : “ On Monday , all families were greeted individually at the gate and socially distanced .
`` The children then joined their new family pod – which will be a maximum of 15 – but is currently averaging seven or eight.
” She added : “ Everyone was very grateful to have a cleaner on site , keeping banisters , door handles , toilets etc exceptionally hygienic .
“ The feedback from staff , pupils and their parents has been positive , which means all the planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting head of school at Wilden All Saints ' , praised staff , children and parents for how well they are dealing with the new arrangements .
She said : “ We currently have a maximum of 11 children with two adults and we are confident that we are following government guidelines to the letter , in fact what our trust is working to is above and beyond.
” Caroline Unitt , executive headteacher at Hartlebury , said : “ We have had a lovely start to the week , everyone has followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Parents are taking a very measured approach .
Our offer was explicit and parents appreciated that - we then respected their decisions .
`` I expect numbers to rise , although we are not considering creating another pod until at least June 22 , and we will not add more children to the existing pods.
” Shelley Reeves-Walters , executive head of Wolverley Sebright and Far Forest Lea Memorial , took the decision to return reception and year one next Tuesday , to allow time for year six to become used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been open to its own and Far Forest ’ s children of key workers and vulnerable pupils during the last 10 weeks .
Mrs Reeves-Walters said : “ I really feel for the parents making the decision as to whether to return their children to school .
`` Some also have children in other year groups , and don ’ t want to send just one back .
`` We have pregnant mums and families with babies , so there is lot for them to consider.
” Chris King , SAET chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked tirelessly to design and implement even more new ways of working with health and safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff being the overriding priority , whilst also maintaining crucial home learning for those pupils not going to school.
” Worcestershire County Council reports 202 schools in the county are affected by the wider reopening for nursery , reception , year 1 and year 6 pupils .
Of the 202 , 94 are local authority maintained schools and the authority says 71 of these will be `` fully opening '' to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
The other 23 are said to be undertaking a wider reopening after June 5 .
The county council last month said risk assessments were being carried out at individual schools before they reopen .
But Stephen Baker , joint secretary of the state education branch of Worcestershire 's National Education Union , said more children going to school would create a “ hotbed of infection ” and cause a second spike in Covid-19 cases .
Mr Baker said the test and trace system , which was in part the reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools reopening this week , was not fit for purpose , adding `` the track record of the government on getting things ready leads us to doubt its effectiveness . ''

Headteachers say parents are “cautiously” sending children back and say their schools are as Covid-19 safe and secure as they can possibly be - with staggered starts, home times and breaks, and PPE available for staff if required.
The Severn Academy Educational Trust (SAET) primary schools, which includes Stourport Primary Academy, St Bartholomew’s CE, Wilden All Saints' CE, Hartlebury CE, Wolverley Sebright, and Far Forest Lea Memorial CE, have all welcomed more pupils back into their classrooms this week.
St Bartholomew’s CE Primary in Areley Kings welcomed 40 children on Monday from year one and six, plus children of critical workers and vulnerable children from years two to five, and greeted a further 22 children into nursery and reception on Tuesday.
Headteacher Ian James said: “All pupils have responded brilliantly to the procedures in place and were delighted to see others from their year group.
“We do not underestimate how difficult the recent weeks have been for everyone and recognise the need to focus on pupils’ emotional wellbeing as well as their return to learning.”
Most SAET schools are seeing an attendance of around 50 to 60 children each day.
The schools say they have worked hard to ensure government guidelines are being followed for those returning, as well as for the vulnerable pupils and children of key workers they have continued to admit since the March lockdown, with children in small groups - or "pods" - rather than their usual classes.
Stourport Primary Academy headteacher Jacqui Elwis said: “On Monday, all families were greeted individually at the gate and socially distanced.
"The children then joined their new family pod – which will be a maximum of 15 – but is currently averaging seven or eight.”
She added: “Everyone was very grateful to have a cleaner on site, keeping banisters, door handles, toilets etc exceptionally hygienic.
“The feedback from staff, pupils and their parents has been positive, which means all the planning was worth it.”
Charlotte McDonald, acting head of school at Wilden All Saints', praised staff, children and parents for how well they are dealing with the new arrangements.
She said: “We currently have a maximum of 11 children with two adults and we are confident that we are following government guidelines to the letter, in fact what our trust is working to is above and beyond.”
Caroline Unitt, executive headteacher at Hartlebury, said: “We have had a lovely start to the week, everyone has followed the rules and all has been great.
“Parents are taking a very measured approach. Our offer was explicit and parents appreciated that - we then respected their decisions.
"I expect numbers to rise, although we are not considering creating another pod until at least June 22, and we will not add more children to the existing pods.”
Shelley Reeves-Walters, executive head of Wolverley Sebright and Far Forest Lea Memorial, took the decision to return reception and year one next Tuesday, to allow time for year six to become used to the new norm.
Wolverley has been open to its own and Far Forest’s children of key workers and vulnerable pupils during the last 10 weeks.
Mrs Reeves-Walters said: “I really feel for the parents making the decision as to whether to return their children to school.
"Some also have children in other year groups, and don’t want to send just one back.
"We have pregnant mums and families with babies, so there is lot for them to consider.”
Chris King, SAET chief executive, said: “Our staff have worked tirelessly to design and implement even more new ways of working with health and safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff being the overriding priority, whilst also maintaining crucial home learning for those pupils not going to school.”
Worcestershire County Council reports 202 schools in the county are affected by the wider reopening for nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6 pupils.
Of the 202, 94 are local authority maintained schools and the authority says 71 of these will be "fully opening" to all affected year groups by the end of this week.
The other 23 are said to be undertaking a wider reopening after June 5.
The county council last month said risk assessments were being carried out at individual schools before they reopen.
But Stephen Baker, joint secretary of the state education branch of Worcestershire's National Education Union, said more children going to school would create a “hotbed of infection” and cause a second spike in Covid-19 cases.
Mr Baker said the test and trace system, which was in part the reason for the easing of the lockdown and schools reopening this week, was not fit for purpose, adding "the track record of the government on getting things ready leads us to doubt its effectiveness."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-04--DVLA announces important changes on driving licences set to expire

The DVLA has confirmed that drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between February 1 and August 31 , 2020 will be granted a seven-month extension from the date of expiry .
The announcement , made today ( June 4 , 2020 ) , aims to help drivers to make necessary journeys without having to get a new photograph to renew their licence .
Normally , drivers are required to renew their photocard licence every ten years , and bus and lorry drivers every five years .
A new EU regulation has now been introduced which means photocards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 , 2020 will be automatically extended for a further seven months from the date of expiry .
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their seven-month extension ends .
This extension applies to the photocard .
If a driver ’ s entitlement to drive is due to expire and they wish to continue to hold a valid licence , they will need to renew this entitlement in the normal way .
What have the DVLA said ?
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said : “ This extension will make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their photocard licence with a new photograph .
`` This means as long as they have a valid licence , drivers will be able to continue to make essential journeys .
“ The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to do anything and will be sent a reminder to renew their photocard before the extension ends.
” The DVLA ’ s online services to renew your driving licence and replace a driving licence are available for those drivers who need to renew their entitlement to drive or replace a lost or @ @ @

The announcement, made today (June 4, 2020), aims to help drivers to make necessary journeys without having to get a new photograph to renew their licence.
Normally, drivers are required to renew their photocard licence every ten years, and bus and lorry drivers every five years.
A new EU regulation has now been introduced which means photocards that expire between February 1 and August 31, 2020 will be automatically extended for a further seven months from the date of expiry.
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their seven-month extension ends.
This extension applies to the photocard. If a driver’s entitlement to drive is due to expire and they wish to continue to hold a valid licence, they will need to renew this entitlement in the normal way.
What have the DVLA said?
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: “This extension will make it easier for drivers who need to update their photocard licence with a new photograph.
"This means as long as they have a valid licence, drivers will be able to continue to make essential journeys.
“The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to do anything and will be sent a reminder to renew their photocard before the extension ends.”
The DVLA’s online services to renew your driving licence and replace a driving licence are available for those drivers who need to renew their entitlement to drive or replace a lost or stolen licence.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-04--Camera Club's photographers show off best shots from north Worcestershire

Here are the stunning snaps from this week 's Advertiser and Shuttle Camera Club

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--2020-06-04--New West Midland Safari Park boss disappointed at law change

WEST Midland Safari Park 's new managing director says he is `` disappointed '' by government rule changes which prohibit the attraction from reopening this month .
The park has announced the appointment of its former accommodation and venues director Chris Kelly to the top role - replacing Darren Chorley , who had worked at the park for more than 25 years .
Chris joined the company in January 2020 and will now be in charge of leading the attraction and overseeing the build of luxury new Safari Lodges , which includes upgrades to cheetah and Elephant facilities .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short breaks director at Port Lympne Hotel for seven years .
On his appointment , Chris said : “ I am excited to be taking the helm here at West Midland Safari Park .
`` I grew up in the Midlands and the park has always been a favourite place to visit .
`` I am hugely passionate about the attraction industry , and even though the pandemic sees us in some challenging times , I have a great team here and I ’ m confident we can bounce back and work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the staff would like to thank Darren for being such an integral part of the park .
`` His contribution and dedication over the years have helped develop it as one of the region ’ s most popular and well-loved family attractions .
`` We wish him a well-deserved break and every success for the future.
” Speaking to The Shuttle , Chris said new government legislation enforcing the closure of animal attractions - which has put Chester Zoo at risk of an indefinite shutdown - was `` disappointing '' .
Lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite thousands of people being allowed to head to beaches , parks and small private gardens .
Chris said : `` The passing of the new government legislation prohibiting all animal attractions from reopening this month is disappointing .
`` We will continue to work through our reopening plan to ensure we are ready to welcome our guests back safely and hopefully this will be in the very near future .
`` We ’ d like to thank our guests for their patience and understanding at this time . ''
West Midland Safari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 in response to the coronavirus outbreak , but now says it is working on plans to reopen `` when it is safe to do so '' .

The park has announced the appointment of its former accommodation and venues director Chris Kelly to the top role - replacing Darren Chorley, who had worked at the park for more than 25 years.
Chris joined the company in January 2020 and will now be in charge of leading the attraction and overseeing the build of luxury new Safari Lodges, which includes upgrades to cheetah and Elephant facilities.
In his previous post, Chris worked as short breaks director at Port Lympne Hotel for seven years.
On his appointment, Chris said: “I am excited to be taking the helm here at West Midland Safari Park.
"I grew up in the Midlands and the park has always been a favourite place to visit.
"I am hugely passionate about the attraction industry, and even though the pandemic sees us in some challenging times, I have a great team here and I’m confident we can bounce back and work to a new normal.
“Myself and all the staff would like to thank Darren for being such an integral part of the park.
"His contribution and dedication over the years have helped develop it as one of the region’s most popular and well-loved family attractions.
"We wish him a well-deserved break and every success for the future.”
Speaking to The Shuttle, Chris said new government legislation enforcing the closure of animal attractions - which has put Chester Zoo at risk of an indefinite shutdown - was "disappointing".
Lockdown restrictions on outdoor zoos remain in force despite thousands of people being allowed to head to beaches, parks and small private gardens.
Chris said: "The passing of the new government legislation prohibiting all animal attractions from reopening this month is disappointing.
"We will continue to work through our reopening plan to ensure we are ready to welcome our guests back safely and hopefully this will be in the very near future.
"We’d like to thank our guests for their patience and understanding at this time."
West Midland Safari Park has been temporally closed since March 19 in response to the coronavirus outbreak, but now says it is working on plans to reopen "when it is safe to do so".


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-04--Council to accept cash again in Wyre Forest car parks

TICKET machines will be back up and running in Wyre Forest Council-run car parks after criticism app and online-only payments were `` bordering on discrimination '' .
Wyre Forest District Council reinstated car parking charges this week for all except on-duty NHS and social care staff , but took the decision not to accept cash payments in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus by people touching pay and display machines .
Announcing the move last month , cabinet member for operational services Councillor John Thomas said `` it would simply not be safe '' to allow the machines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from residents and Conservative councillors who said the decision had been made `` without any consideration '' for people who do n't own a smart phone , and was `` bordering on discrimination '' .
Councillors in Bewdley and Stourport also criticised the Progressive Alliance-led council for not offering some free parking to attract shoppers back to the towns .
Now , Wyre Forest Council has confirmed drivers will have the option to pay with cash again from Monday , June 8 .
Cllr Thomas said : “ We announced on May 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 because of greater usage of car parks , particularly by visitors to Bewdley and Stourport from outside the district .
`` Visitors from elsewhere don ’ t pay any council tax to the district council and it ’ s right that they should contribute to the cost of services we have to provide such as emptying litter bins .
“ The council rightly acted to protect car park users from the risk of transmission of Covid-19 by not accepting cash payments for car parking initially .
`` With the Government now authorising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is based on scientific advice about spread of the disease , the council has reviewed the arrangements that were drawn up a fortnight ago .
“ We need to prepare for a larger number of users expected in car parks as a result .
`` After careful consideration I am pleased to confirm that the ticket machines in car parks will be operational again from Monday , June 8 , although we would strongly recommend visitors use our cashless payments options such as paying by phone , pre-booking their space or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to thank car park users for their understanding during the temporary arrangements that were implemented for their safety and I can confirm that we will have a rigorous cleaning regime in place and our staff will be fully protected with the appropriate PPE.
” New signage will remind people to observe social distancing if there is a queue at a machine and to wash their hands or use sanitising gel regularly , including after touching surfaces that may have been touched by others .
Cllr Thomas added “ We are conscious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bewdley has no significant free car parking provided for users of supermarkets and other shopping developments .
`` We are therefore looking at special temporary measures that would apply only in Bewdley as part of the recovery from the Covid-19 lockdown to support its shops as they begin trading again . ''

Wyre Forest District Council reinstated car parking charges this week for all except on-duty NHS and social care staff, but took the decision not to accept cash payments in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus by people touching pay and display machines.
Announcing the move last month, cabinet member for operational services Councillor John Thomas said "it would simply not be safe" to allow the machines to be used, prompting a backlash from residents and Conservative councillors who said the decision had been made "without any consideration" for people who don't own a smart phone, and was "bordering on discrimination".
Councillors in Bewdley and Stourport also criticised the Progressive Alliance-led council for not offering some free parking to attract shoppers back to the towns.
Now, Wyre Forest Council has confirmed drivers will have the option to pay with cash again from Monday, June 8.
Cllr Thomas said: “We announced on May 22 that charging would start again on June 1 because of greater usage of car parks, particularly by visitors to Bewdley and Stourport from outside the district.
"Visitors from elsewhere don’t pay any council tax to the district council and it’s right that they should contribute to the cost of services we have to provide such as emptying litter bins.
“The council rightly acted to protect car park users from the risk of transmission of Covid-19 by not accepting cash payments for car parking initially.
"With the Government now authorising more shops to open from 15 June, which is based on scientific advice about spread of the disease, the council has reviewed the arrangements that were drawn up a fortnight ago.
“We need to prepare for a larger number of users expected in car parks as a result.
"After careful consideration I am pleased to confirm that the ticket machines in car parks will be operational again from Monday, June 8, although we would strongly recommend visitors use our cashless payments options such as paying by phone, pre-booking their space or purchasing a season ticket.
“I would like to thank car park users for their understanding during the temporary arrangements that were implemented for their safety and I can confirm that we will have a rigorous cleaning regime in place and our staff will be fully protected with the appropriate PPE.”
New signage will remind people to observe social distancing if there is a queue at a machine and to wash their hands or use sanitising gel regularly, including after touching surfaces that may have been touched by others.
Cllr Thomas added “We are conscious that, unlike Kidderminster and Stourport, Bewdley has no significant free car parking provided for users of supermarkets and other shopping developments.
"We are therefore looking at special temporary measures that would apply only in Bewdley as part of the recovery from the Covid-19 lockdown to support its shops as they begin trading again."