kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-22--500 coronavirus patients in Worcestershire are back at home

THE number of coronavirus patients who are back home with their families after receiving treatment at Worcestershire 's hospitals has reached 500 .
The trust which covers Kidderminster Hospital , the Alex and Worcestershire Royal , confirmed a total of 500 people had returned home after receiving treatment for covid-19 on its wards .
The acute trust confirmed earlier this month that the last of its temporary coronavirus intensive care units had closed down .
All affected patients are now being cared for at the main units at Worcestershire Royal and the Alexandra Hospital .
As of Sunday , June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus in Worcestershire - 250 of those have been in Wyre Forest , 246 in Redditch and 309 in Bromsgrove .
Worcestershire 's first confirmed coronavirus patient - retired Kidderminster Harriers announcer Roger Harris - was discharged at the start of April after he was admitted into the medical high care unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on March 10 .
Speaking on the day he was set to return home , Roger , who is also known as Captain Crazy , expressed his gratitude to the life-saving staff .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up too much about coming out .
`` My advice is to not give up hope - you must be very positive .
`` My feeling now is of great gratitude to all the staff on the medical high care ward . ''
Areley Kings mum Heather Jones admitted she had `` given up all hope of surviving '' after being rushed to hospital with a temperature of 40 degrees on April 9 and testing positive for the virus two days later .
But on Easter Sunday , the 49-year-old was given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following day .
She was reunited husband and nine-year-old daughter following 17 days apart , and thanked nurses at Worcestershire Royal for saving her life .
Heart of Worcestershire College teacher Annette Gardner shared final goodbyes with family members before being admitted to intensive care at the Alex , but after spending 17 days fighting the virus , went on to make a miraculous recovery .
The 58-year-old , from Redditch , was discharged from intensive care on Saturday , April 18 , and said : `` I really want to express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They are doing such a wonderful job and they are putting themselves at risk every day . ''
Devoted West Bromwich Albion fan Peter George received intensive care treatment at both the Alex and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals after contracting the virus .
The 65-year-old , from Redditch , was even placed into a coma after his vital organs started to fail - but made a full recovery .
Peter thanked his beloved Baggies after a compilation of music associated with the club , made by wife Teresa , prompted Peter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going into the coma .
Peter ’ s reaction to the music reached Rob Lake , director of the Albion Foundation , who organised player Chris Brunt , former player Bob Taylor and club boss Slaven Bilić to record a message of encouragement .
The recorded messages were being played by the nurses at Peter ’ s bedside .
He eventually emerged from his coma on April 13 and thanked the `` incredible '' NHS staff for helping him make his recovery .
He said : `` A lot of what happened when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t remember and it ’ s a bit hazy at times but the care that I received makes me so proud of our nurses and medical staff .
“ They are just brilliant , and I owe them everything . ''

The trust which covers Kidderminster Hospital, the Alex and Worcestershire Royal, confirmed a total of 500 people had returned home after receiving treatment for covid-19 on its wards.
The acute trust confirmed earlier this month that the last of its temporary coronavirus intensive care units had closed down. All affected patients are now being cared for at the main units at Worcestershire Royal and the Alexandra Hospital.
As of Sunday, June 21, there were 1,441 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Worcestershire - 250 of those have been in Wyre Forest, 246 in Redditch and 309 in Bromsgrove.
Worcestershire's first confirmed coronavirus patient - retired Kidderminster Harriers announcer Roger Harris - was discharged at the start of April after he was admitted into the medical high care unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on March 10.
Worcestershire's first confirmed coronavirus patient Roger Harris, aka Captain Crazy, leaves hospital
Speaking on the day he was set to return home, Roger, who is also known as Captain Crazy, expressed his gratitude to the life-saving staff.
He said: "I did not build my hopes up too much about coming out.
"My advice is to not give up hope - you must be very positive.
"My feeling now is of great gratitude to all the staff on the medical high care ward."
Areley Kings mum Heather Jones admitted she had "given up all hope of surviving" after being rushed to hospital with a temperature of 40 degrees on April 9 and testing positive for the virus two days later.
But on Easter Sunday, the 49-year-old was given the good news that she would be discharged the following day.
She was reunited husband and nine-year-old daughter following 17 days apart, and thanked nurses at Worcestershire Royal for saving her life.
Heart of Worcestershire College teacher Annette Gardner shared final goodbyes with family members before being admitted to intensive care at the Alex, but after spending 17 days fighting the virus, went on to make a miraculous recovery.
The 58-year-old, from Redditch, was discharged from intensive care on Saturday, April 18, and said: "I really want to express how grateful I am to the NHS.
"They are doing such a wonderful job and they are putting themselves at risk every day."
Devoted West Bromwich Albion fan Peter George received intensive care treatment at both the Alex and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals after contracting the virus.
The 65-year-old, from Redditch, was even placed into a coma after his vital organs started to fail - but made a full recovery.
Peter thanked his beloved Baggies after a compilation of music associated with the club, made by wife Teresa, prompted Peter to show his first signs of life since going into the coma.
Peter’s reaction to the music reached Rob Lake, director of the Albion Foundation, who organised player Chris Brunt, former player Bob Taylor and club boss Slaven Bilić to record a message of encouragement. The recorded messages were being played by the nurses at Peter’s bedside.
He eventually emerged from his coma on April 13 and thanked the "incredible" NHS staff for helping him make his recovery.
He said: "A lot of what happened when I was out of it I can’t remember and it’s a bit hazy at times but the care that I received makes me so proud of our nurses and medical staff.
“They are just brilliant, and I owe them everything."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-22--Lockdown forces Kidderminster Lee Longlands into administration

A FURNITURE shop with a branch in Kidderminster has gone into administration after 120 years in business due to the coronavirus crisis .
Family-owned furniture retailer Lee Longlands said it had been forced into administration as a result of the `` the devastating impact of the coronavirus lockdown '' .
Lee Longlands was established in 1902 and opened its flagship store in Birmingham 30 years later .
Directors say they have taken steps to place the company into administration to protect the business from the devastating impact of the lockdown .
The business operates showrooms in Birmingham , Leamington Spa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cheltenham .
The Kidderminster branch at Crossley Retail Park had undergone a refurbishment last year .
Joint administrator Matt Ingram , of Duff & Phelps , said the appointment was a director result of the coronavirus lockdown .
He said : `` Lee Longlands is a household name across the Midlands and has a fantastic reputation for quality and service .
`` It is a long-standing profitable business and the fact that the appointment of Administrators has been necessary , demonstrates the devastating financial impact that this pandemic will leave in its wake.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a firm with a sound financial proposition .
`` Being unable to trade for almost three months has severely disrupted its working capital cycle but working with management and with the support of the company ’ s suppliers , we will be focusing on restructuring its cash flow and exiting the administration period as soon as possible.
” Stores are still set to re-open and customers awaiting deliveries are being told that their orders will be fulfilled .
The company will now start booking delivery dates and will be complying with social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the fourth generation of family stewardship of Lee Longlands , said : “ For almost 120 years , our family business and our employees have put our customers at the heart of everything we do .
That will not change .
`` We are very much open for business as usual and our customers can be assured , we will continue to give them the highest levels of service as we restore our short-term finances and get back to work .
`` Now that the coronavirus restrictions are being eased and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working extremely hard , under the highest level of safety standards , to start deliveries again for all our customers and get our showrooms open so that the public can once again furnish their homes with our fantastic quality products .
”

Family-owned furniture retailer Lee Longlands said it had been forced into administration as a result of the "the devastating impact of the coronavirus lockdown".
Lee Longlands was established in 1902 and opened its flagship store in Birmingham 30 years later.
Directors say they have taken steps to place the company into administration to protect the business from the devastating impact of the lockdown.
The business operates showrooms in Birmingham, Leamington Spa, Kidderminster, Abingdon, Derby and Cheltenham.
The Kidderminster branch at Crossley Retail Park had undergone a refurbishment last year.
Joint administrator Matt Ingram, of Duff & Phelps, said the appointment was a director result of the coronavirus lockdown.
He said: "Lee Longlands is a household name across the Midlands and has a fantastic reputation for quality and service.
"It is a long-standing profitable business and the fact that the appointment of Administrators has been necessary, demonstrates the devastating financial impact that this pandemic will leave in its wake.”
Mr Ingram added: “This is a firm with a sound financial proposition.
"Being unable to trade for almost three months has severely disrupted its working capital cycle but working with management and with the support of the company’s suppliers, we will be focusing on restructuring its cash flow and exiting the administration period as soon as possible.”
Stores are still set to re-open and customers awaiting deliveries are being told that their orders will be fulfilled.
The company will now start booking delivery dates and will be complying with social distancing rules.
Robert Lee, who is the fourth generation of family stewardship of Lee Longlands, said: “For almost 120 years, our family business and our employees have put our customers at the heart of everything we do. That will not change.
"We are very much open for business as usual and our customers can be assured, we will continue to give them the highest levels of service as we restore our short-term finances and get back to work.
"Now that the coronavirus restrictions are being eased and we can begin to operate again, we are working extremely hard, under the highest level of safety standards, to start deliveries again for all our customers and get our showrooms open so that the public can once again furnish their homes with our fantastic quality products.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-22--'Very vulnerable' missing Stourport man has been found

A `` VERY vulnerable '' man who went missing in Stourport has been found .
Kyle McLeod-Finch has been found @ @ @ @ @ missing persons appeal , which saw search and rescue teams called out to the area @ @ @ @ @ Kyle is safe and well and have thanked readers for sharing their appeal .
A @ @ @ @ @ We would like to thank the public for sharing our appeal this morning for missing @ @ @ @ @ We are pleased to say that officers have located Kyle and he is safe and @ @ @ @ @ again to everyone who helped in our appeal . ''

Kyle McLeod-Finch has been found by police officers following a missing persons appeal, which saw search and rescue teams called out to the area.
West Mercia Police say Kyle is safe and well and have thanked readers for sharing their appeal.
A police spokesman said: "We would like to thank the public for sharing our appeal this morning for missing man Kyle McLeod-Finch.
"We are pleased to say that officers have located Kyle and he is safe and well.
"Thank you again to everyone who helped in our appeal."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-22--CRIME FILES: Scrapyard pair jailed for polluting stream with oil

IT is four years this month that two scrap vehicle merchants who poured waste oil into watercourses in Worcestershire , risking contaminating water supplies and killing wildlife , were jailed .
Worcester Crown Court heard in June 2016 that only emergency action by the Environment Agency stopped 250 litres of heavy and thick lubricating oil from reaching Barbourne Brook and getting into the ponds at Gheluvelt Park .
It had been allowed to drain from a site on Blackpole Trading Estate where Ronald Calder and Giles Detheridge were working on scrap vehicles .
Calder , 53 , of Hurcott Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hartle Lane , Belbroughton , started operating the site as C & D Metals in August 2011 , but failed to carry out work to seal the drainage , Judge Robert Juckes , QC , said .
Environment Agency acted to ensure the oil did not enter and contaminate the main brook , and drinking water supply .
An estimated 200 “ end-of-life ” vehicles , scrapped at the site , had oil removed from them , without making the site environmentally safe .
The legitimate business that operated at the site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the judge said .
Calder and Detheridge had been given a warning a year before , in August 2010 , when they operated in Navigation Road , Worcester , without an environmental permit .
The pair moved the operation to the larger site in Blackpole , leasing it from the Bruce Trust run by 43-year-old John Bruce , of Crabbe Yard , Crabbe Lane , Pershore – because they needed more space .
“ No steps were taken to carry out the sealing and drainage work , ” the judge said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was alerted to oil in the tributary of Barbourne Brook and “ mercifully ” took action by putting in booms and taking other measures .
The judge said : “ If that had not been done , the contamination would have got into the brook itself and into the ponds at Gheluvelt Park .
Such things have caused the death of birds and animals.
” He added there had been a “ real risk ” to wildlife .
Calder and Detheridge both pleaded guilty to operating the site without a permit between August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted knowingly allowing the oil to pour into the freshwater tributary between May 2012 and November 2012 , failing to comply with an anti-pollution order in December 2012 and failing to provide copies of notes to do with controlled waste in November 2012 .
Bruce pleaded guilty to knowingly allowing the oil to be discharged into the water between May 2012 and November 2012 and allowing the site to be used without a proper environmental permit between November 2011 and November 2012 .
The judge agreed Detheridge had ceased to be actively involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but said he had been an equal partner in the business with Calder , who “ ignored ” notices served on him .
Bruce , he said , had been jailed before for breaching environmental regulations and had leased the land knowing the nature of the work without ensuring there were proper permits .
Calder was jailed for 11 months and Detheridge for six months .
Bruce was fined £1,000 on each charge which he had to pay within two months , or face 45 days in jail .
He was given 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An Environment Agency spokesman said its officers “ acted promptly ” to contain the oil , and ensure it did not enter and contaminate the main brook and drinking water supply , from the River Severn further downstream .
The spokesman said stolen metal was also found at the site by West Mercia Constabulary , and police and agency officers worked together to investigate these activities and prevent metal being taken to the site .
Speaking after the case , Lyndon Essex , Environment Agency officer in charge of the investigation , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run a waste site is important as this sets the standards and infrastructure that is necessary to prevent harm to the environment and human health .
“ These standards were not present at this site and as a result oils ran into the ground and Barbourne Brook .
“ Calder and Detheridge also undercut other legitimate waste operators by operating this site .
“ We take waste crime very seriously and will not hesitate to take legal action to protect people and the environment and ensure a level playing field for business .
@

Worcester Crown Court heard in June 2016 that only emergency action by the Environment Agency stopped 250 litres of heavy and thick lubricating oil from reaching Barbourne Brook and getting into the ponds at Gheluvelt Park.
It had been allowed to drain from a site on Blackpole Trading Estate where Ronald Calder and Giles Detheridge were working on scrap vehicles.
Calder, 53, of Hurcott Road, Kidderminster, and 35-year-old Detheridge, of Hartle Lane, Belbroughton, started operating the site as C&D Metals in August 2011, but failed to carry out work to seal the drainage, Judge Robert Juckes, QC, said.
Environment Agency acted to ensure the oil did not enter and contaminate the main brook, and drinking water supply.
An estimated 200 “end-of-life” vehicles, scrapped at the site, had oil removed from them, without making the site environmentally safe.
The legitimate business that operated at the site had to spend £130,000 preparing it correctly, the judge said.
Calder and Detheridge had been given a warning a year before, in August 2010, when they operated in Navigation Road, Worcester, without an environmental permit.
The pair moved the operation to the larger site in Blackpole, leasing it from the Bruce Trust run by 43-year-old John Bruce, of Crabbe Yard, Crabbe Lane, Pershore – because they needed more space.
“No steps were taken to carry out the sealing and drainage work,” the judge said.
In May 2012, the Environment Agency was alerted to oil in the tributary of Barbourne Brook and “mercifully” took action by putting in booms and taking other measures.
The judge said: “If that had not been done, the contamination would have got into the brook itself and into the ponds at Gheluvelt Park. Such things have caused the death of birds and animals.”
He added there had been a “real risk” to wildlife.
Calder and Detheridge both pleaded guilty to operating the site without a permit between August 2011 and December 2012. Calder also admitted knowingly allowing the oil to pour into the freshwater tributary between May 2012 and November 2012, failing to comply with an anti-pollution order in December 2012 and failing to provide copies of notes to do with controlled waste in November 2012.
Bruce pleaded guilty to knowingly allowing the oil to be discharged into the water between May 2012 and November 2012 and allowing the site to be used without a proper environmental permit between November 2011 and November 2012.
The judge agreed Detheridge had ceased to be actively involved in the site from January 2012, but said he had been an equal partner in the business with Calder, who “ignored” notices served on him.
Bruce, he said, had been jailed before for breaching environmental regulations and had leased the land knowing the nature of the work without ensuring there were proper permits.
Calder was jailed for 11 months and Detheridge for six months. Bruce was fined £1,000 on each charge which he had to pay within two months, or face 45 days in jail. He was given 28 months to pay the £28,000 costs.
An Environment Agency spokesman said its officers “acted promptly” to contain the oil, and ensure it did not enter and contaminate the main brook and drinking water supply, from the River Severn further downstream.
The spokesman said stolen metal was also found at the site by West Mercia Constabulary, and police and agency officers worked together to investigate these activities and prevent metal being taken to the site.
Speaking after the case, Lyndon Essex, Environment Agency officer in charge of the investigation, said: “Having an environmental permit to run a waste site is important as this sets the standards and infrastructure that is necessary to prevent harm to the environment and human health.
“These standards were not present at this site and as a result oils ran into the ground and Barbourne Brook.
“Calder and Detheridge also undercut other legitimate waste operators by operating this site.
“We take waste crime very seriously and will not hesitate to take legal action to protect people and the environment and ensure a level playing field for business.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-22--Kidderminster Harriers secure partnership with Wolves FC

HARRIERS have secured an extensive partnership with Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers that will see Premier League 2 football played at Aggborough next season .
The deal is a result of hard work by Harriers CEO Neil Male , who has negotiated the start of what will be a varied and meaningful partnership between the neighbouring clubs .
As part of the agreement , Aggborough Stadium will stage a host of matches featuring the next generation of Wolves talent – including televised games on Wolves TV , with scope for more games as the season progresses .
Bosses say the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit to both Harriers and Wolves to ensure it is more than an arrangement to play football matches .
The two clubs will work closely together to help develop young talent from both Aggborough and Molineux .
It may see young Wolves players given the opportunity in senior football on loan with Harriers - similar to the loan agreement for Austin Samuels recently .
Announcing the partnership on Monday , Kidderminster Harriers CEO Neil Male said : “ This has been a major priority for us and I ’ m delighted to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel it is important for our supporters to know that this is an agreement that will have massive benefit for us as a football club at all levels.
“ The biggest pull for us was them wanting to have a partnership that works both ways and helps players , staff and stakeholders both here and for Wolves , rather than just needing a place to play matches .
`` They have been a pleasure to deal with and I am excited about the season ahead with them.
” Wolves head of academy Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been impressed with the facilities in place at Kidderminster and the direction of the club , and we ’ ve quickly established a good working relationship with them .
“ Any relationship of this kind is pivotal to the development of our young players and , in addition , it has never been more important for clubs to work together and support each other , and that ’ s what we ’ re looking forward to doing with Kidderminster next season .
”

The deal is a result of hard work by Harriers CEO Neil Male, who has negotiated the start of what will be a varied and meaningful partnership between the neighbouring clubs.
As part of the agreement, Aggborough Stadium will stage a host of matches featuring the next generation of Wolves talent – including televised games on Wolves TV, with scope for more games as the season progresses.
Bosses say the deal has been structured to ensure mutual benefit to both Harriers and Wolves to ensure it is more than an arrangement to play football matches.
The two clubs will work closely together to help develop young talent from both Aggborough and Molineux.
It may see young Wolves players given the opportunity in senior football on loan with Harriers - similar to the loan agreement for Austin Samuels recently.
Announcing the partnership on Monday, Kidderminster Harriers CEO Neil Male said: “This has been a major priority for us and I’m delighted to have things over the line.
“I feel it is important for our supporters to know that this is an agreement that will have massive benefit for us as a football club at all levels.“The biggest pull for us was them wanting to have a partnership that works both ways and helps players, staff and stakeholders both here and for Wolves, rather than just needing a place to play matches.
"They have been a pleasure to deal with and I am excited about the season ahead with them.”
Wolves head of academy Scott Sellars said: “We’ve been impressed with the facilities in place at Kidderminster and the direction of the club, and we’ve quickly established a good working relationship with them.
“Any relationship of this kind is pivotal to the development of our young players and, in addition, it has never been more important for clubs to work together and support each other, and that’s what we’re looking forward to doing with Kidderminster next season.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-22--MP: Council plan for homeless units in Stourport based on money

A SOCIETY defines itself by how it treats its most vulnerable people .
Many in our society are vulnerable for many different reasons , but some of those who need our help the most are homeless , including rough sleepers .
Here in Wyre Forest , we have our share of those who need our help .
I am pleased that Wyre Forest District Council is looking to accommodate the homeless in a purpose built temporary accommodation , adding to the existing provision we already have .
The problem is , there seems to be a lot of muddled thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , the local council compulsorily purchased a business on Bridge Street in Stourport .
Lloyds Garages had to make way for what was going to be a fantastic development , opening the glorious canal basins and enhancing Stourport ’ s tourist economy immeasurably .
The only problem was that the development proved to be too difficult to make viable .
Developer after developer looked at it and no matter how hard they tried , they couldn ’ t make the numbers add up .
The council turned the cleared site into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tourist district .
So , the council had two problems : a vacant site they owned as an under-performing asset , and a homeless issue that brought with it income opportunities if solved .
To the bean-counters , the solution was obvious – build a new homeless centre on the vacated Lloyds Garage site , generating income through delivering the important help to these in need .
Whilst the sums look excellent , the problem is that those using the new centre will be in the heart of a noisy , vibrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sleep-depriving activities this brings .
Homelessness is usually accompanied by unemployment , yet the nearest Job Centre Plus is in Kidderminster , a four-mile bus ride away .
For someone needing to go there weekly to sign on , only given financial help once a fortnight , that starts to be a challenge .
Meanwhile the local traders are dismayed .
They have been promised , for years , a major project that would boost visitor arrivals and local economic activity .
They see a complete U-turn , the council delivering something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I will say it again , and again , and again .
We need to do everything we can for the homeless who need our help .
But in doing it , we must consider their needs first .
Wyre Forest District Council has used no other consideration than one of finance when assessing delivering for this need .
This decision is not one based on compassion .

Many in our society are vulnerable for many different reasons, but some of those who need our help the most are homeless, including rough sleepers.
Here in Wyre Forest, we have our share of those who need our help. I am pleased that Wyre Forest District Council is looking to accommodate the homeless in a purpose built temporary accommodation, adding to the existing provision we already have.
The problem is, there seems to be a lot of muddled thinking behind the location.
Over a decade ago, the local council compulsorily purchased a business on Bridge Street in Stourport.
Lloyds Garages had to make way for what was going to be a fantastic development, opening the glorious canal basins and enhancing Stourport’s tourist economy immeasurably.
The only problem was that the development proved to be too difficult to make viable. Developer after developer looked at it and no matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t make the numbers add up.
The council turned the cleared site into a car park, in the heart of the tourist district.
So, the council had two problems: a vacant site they owned as an under-performing asset, and a homeless issue that brought with it income opportunities if solved.
To the bean-counters, the solution was obvious – build a new homeless centre on the vacated Lloyds Garage site, generating income through delivering the important help to these in need.
Whilst the sums look excellent, the problem is that those using the new centre will be in the heart of a noisy, vibrant tourist town, with all the late-night, sleep-depriving activities this brings.
Homelessness is usually accompanied by unemployment, yet the nearest Job Centre Plus is in Kidderminster, a four-mile bus ride away.
For someone needing to go there weekly to sign on, only given financial help once a fortnight, that starts to be a challenge.
Meanwhile the local traders are dismayed. They have been promised, for years, a major project that would boost visitor arrivals and local economic activity.
They see a complete U-turn, the council delivering something that fails to deliver everything it promised.
I will say it again, and again, and again. We need to do everything we can for the homeless who need our help. But in doing it, we must consider their needs first.
Wyre Forest District Council has used no other consideration than one of finance when assessing delivering for this need. This decision is not one based on compassion.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-22--Armed Forces flag raised in Bewdley to Vera Lynn classic

THE flag has been raised at Bewdley Museum to mark the start of Armed Forces Week on Monday , June 22 .
Wyre Forest District Council ’ s chairman , Councillor Shazu Miah , was joined by Mayor of Bewdley , Cllr Anna Coleman , and veteran Stuart Patterson in a socially-distanced ceremony .
The flag was raised to ‘ We ’ ll Meet Again ’ by Dame Vera Lynn , who died last week , aged 103 .
This year ’ s public event in Wyre Forest was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Cllr Helen Dyke , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community protection , said : “ Earlier in the year , we had to cancel all of our events including our annual flag flying ceremony due to Covid-19 .
`` It ’ s great that we were able to have a socially distanced ceremony so we could show our continued support for our armed forces .
“ This event is taking place all over the country , albeit in unprecedented circumstances , and goes a small way to remember , recognise and celebrate our brave past , present and future armed forces personnel.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community - from currently-serving troops to service families , veterans and cadets .

Wyre Forest District Council’s chairman, Councillor Shazu Miah, was joined by Mayor of Bewdley, Cllr Anna Coleman, and veteran Stuart Patterson in a socially-distanced ceremony.
The flag was raised to ‘We’ll Meet Again’ by Dame Vera Lynn, who died last week, aged 103.
This year’s public event in Wyre Forest was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Cllr Helen Dyke, cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, said: “Earlier in the year, we had to cancel all of our events including our annual flag flying ceremony due to Covid-19.
"It’s great that we were able to have a socially distanced ceremony so we could show our continued support for our armed forces.
“This event is taking place all over the country, albeit in unprecedented circumstances, and goes a small way to remember, recognise and celebrate our brave past, present and future armed forces personnel.”
Armed Forces week runs from Monday, June 22 to Sunday, June 29.
The national event is a chance for people to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community - from currently-serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-22--Car overturns in Middlefield Lane, Hagley

A female casualty was treated by paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service after the incident which happened in Middlefield Lane @ @ @ @ @ fire crews were called out to help make safe the car which was found on @ @ @ @ @ the busy cut through street between Worcester Road and Kidderminster Road .
The car has @ @ @ @ @ further details are available at this time .

A female casualty was treated by paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service after the incident which happened in Middlefield Lane at around 2.20pm.
Stourbridge fire crews were called out to help make safe the car which was found on its side - partially blocking the busy cut through street between Worcester Road and Kidderminster Road.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman, who had managed to get herself out of the car.
"She was assessed and discharged at the scene with minor injuries."
West Mercia Police also attended the incident.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--£3.5m plan to kickstart Worcestershire economy after coronavirus

A MULTI-million pound fund designed to kickstart Worcestershire 's economy after the coronavirus lockdown has been put forward .
Worcestershire County Council has proposed using £3.5m of its reserves to help support businesses get up and running again after estimates show the economy in Worcestershire could have seen as much as a 40 per cent decline as a result of the coronavirus .
The county council has said it will use the money to offer grants of £25,000 and in some cases £100,000 to businesses who need them over the next two years .
A “ limited ” number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to businesses which have been dealt several blows by the shock to the market brought on by the coronavirus .
The money will help businesses who have been hit hardest by the coronavirus lockdown as well as help businesses to expand production , employ graduates , introduce new technology and fund research and development .
Worcestershire Council said the full economic impact of pandemic is yet to be properly realised , but data collected so far had shown manufacturing and retail had taken a big hit because of the lockdown with hotels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leisure , culture and entertainment sectors also badly affected .
Estimates show the hit to the local economy in Worcestershire could be as much as 40 per cent .
Local surveys of around 1,200 people showed nearly 30 per cent of businesses had carried on as usual , a fifth were beginning to reopen , around 30 per cent of business were `` ticking over '' , a fifth were in `` survival mode '' and two per cent said they were in crisis .
The majority of businesses said profits would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fifth expecting profits to drop by at least half .
The council , along with other business partners including district councils , the Local Enterprise Partnership ( LEP ) and the Chamber of Commerce , have now devised a seven-point action plan to kickstart the economy as the lockdown eases as well as support the recovery over the next 18 months .
The county council ’ s role , it says , in kick-starting the economy includes continuing to invest and , where possible , speed up investment .
The plan will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a meeting on Thursday ( June 25 ) .

Worcestershire County Council has proposed using £3.5m of its reserves to help support businesses get up and running again after estimates show the economy in Worcestershire could have seen as much as a 40 per cent decline as a result of the coronavirus.
The county council has said it will use the money to offer grants of £25,000 and in some cases £100,000 to businesses who need them over the next two years.
A “limited” number of £100,000 capital grants will be made available to businesses which have been dealt several blows by the shock to the market brought on by the coronavirus.
The money will help businesses who have been hit hardest by the coronavirus lockdown as well as help businesses to expand production, employ graduates, introduce new technology and fund research and development.
Worcestershire Council said the full economic impact of pandemic is yet to be properly realised, but data collected so far had shown manufacturing and retail had taken a big hit because of the lockdown with hotels, pubs and restaurants as well as the leisure, culture and entertainment sectors also badly affected.
Estimates show the hit to the local economy in Worcestershire could be as much as 40 per cent.
Local surveys of around 1,200 people showed nearly 30 per cent of businesses had carried on as usual, a fifth were beginning to reopen, around 30 per cent of business were "ticking over", a fifth were in "survival mode" and two per cent said they were in crisis.
The majority of businesses said profits would take a hit because of coronavirus, with a fifth expecting profits to drop by at least half.
The council, along with other business partners including district councils, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the Chamber of Commerce, have now devised a seven-point action plan to kickstart the economy as the lockdown eases as well as support the recovery over the next 18 months.
The county council’s role, it says, in kick-starting the economy includes continuing to invest and, where possible, speed up investment.
The plan will be discussed by the county council cabinet at a meeting on Thursday (June 25).


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--Skaters and BMX riders flock to new Kidderminster pump track

BMX and skate enthusiasts can practice their skills at a new pump track in Kidderminster .
The brand new tarmac track has been opened at St George ’ s Park by Wyre Forest District Council and partly funded by the Friends of St George 's Park .
The facility is proving to be a big success with BMX riders , skateboarders , roller skaters and scooter riders , as people of all abilities and ages flock to the park to test it out .
Councillor John Thomas , Wyre Forest District Council 's cabinet member for operational services , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fantastic new facility being used by residents .
`` It 's a wonderful addition to St George ’ s Park and will provide a safe space for people of all ages to exercise , have fun and hone their skills for years to come . ''
Cllr Thomas added : `` We have signs in place reminding visitors to follow social distancing guidelines and about the importance of taking any rubbish home or using the bins available to help us keep the district a safe , clean and green living environment .
@

The brand new tarmac track has been opened at St George’s Park by Wyre Forest District Council and partly funded by the Friends of St George's Park.
The facility is proving to be a big success with BMX riders, skateboarders, roller skaters and scooter riders, as people of all abilities and ages flock to the park to test it out.
Councillor John Thomas, Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet member for operational services, said: “It's great to see this fantastic new facility being used by residents.
"It's a wonderful addition to St George’s Park and will provide a safe space for people of all ages to exercise, have fun and hone their skills for years to come."
Cllr Thomas added: "We have signs in place reminding visitors to follow social distancing guidelines and about the importance of taking any rubbish home or using the bins available to help us keep the district a safe, clean and green living environment.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--Cyclist seriously injured in crash near Stourport Lidl

ROADS remain closed in Stourport after an air ambulance was called out to a crash involving a bicycle and a car near to the Lidl supermarket .
A female cyclist was seriously injured in the crash - although her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening - and she has been taken to hospital .
The collision happened on the Gilgal/Vale Road area of Stourport at around 9.30am on Tuesday morning ( June 23 ) .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called at 9.42am to reports of a collision involving a car and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , near to Lidl .
`` We sent one ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene .
`` On arrival , we discovered one patient - a woman , who was the cyclist .
She was treated for serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening .
`` She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by land ambulance for further treatment . ''
Road closures remain in place in the area .
⚠ To confirm details of # Stourport road closures due to accident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kidderminster side ⛔ Vale Road onto Gilgal ✅ Vale Road towards Kidderminster ✅ Mitton Street for Stourport from Hartlebury side @ worcscc @ WyreForestDC # WorcestershireHour — Worcs Highways & Travel ( @ WorcsTravel ) June 23 , 2020 Drivers are being advised to avoid the area if possible .

A female cyclist was seriously injured in the crash - although her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening - and she has been taken to hospital.
The collision happened on the Gilgal/Vale Road area of Stourport at around 9.30am on Tuesday morning (June 23).
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 9.42am to reports of a collision involving a car and a cyclist on the Gilgal in Stourport, near to Lidl.
"We sent one ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.
"On arrival, we discovered one patient - a woman, who was the cyclist. She was treated for serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.
"She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by land ambulance for further treatment."
Road closures were in place in the area.
⚠ To confirm details of #Stourport road closures due to accident:
⛔ Minster Road onto Gilgal from Kidderminster side
⛔ Vale Road onto Gilgal
✅ Vale Road towards Kidderminster
✅ Mitton Street for Stourport from Hartlebury side@worcscc @WyreForestDC #WorcestershireHour — Worcs Highways & Travel (@WorcsTravel) June 23, 2020
Drivers were advised to avoid the area if possible.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--New nursery set to open in Bewdley after pre-school closure

PLANS have been announced for a new nursery in Bewdley to replace a pre-school which has been forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Community Corner Pre-School in Wyre Hill told parents earlier this month that `` obstacles preventing the pre-school from reopening suggested by the government '' meant it would have to close down for good .
St Anne 's CE Primary School , where the pre-school was based , has since announced it will be opening its own nursery from September .
• Which Wyre Forest postcodes has had the most coronavirus deaths ?
An announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am delighted to announce that St Anne ’ s CE Primary School will be opening a new Nursery setting from September 2020 .
`` We will be opening a new Nursery provision that forms part of the family of school with an emphasis on play-based , child-initiated learning with an outdoors approach .
`` This is a hugely exciting opportunity for school and I hope that our existing and future parents will be as excited by it as we are .
`` We are looking forward to getting to know and supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child ’ s development . ''
Mr Tipping said he had met with governors , who voted in favour of opening the nursery , and with the owners of Community Corner , who he said had been `` very supportive '' of the plans .

Community Corner Pre-School in Wyre Hill told parents earlier this month that "obstacles preventing the pre-school from reopening suggested by the government" meant it would have to close down for good.
St Anne's CE Primary School, where the pre-school was based, has since announced it will be opening its own nursery from September.
Read more:
An announcement from headteacher Mr Tipping said: "I am delighted to announce that St Anne’s CE Primary School will be opening a new Nursery setting from September 2020.
"We will be opening a new Nursery provision that forms part of the family of school with an emphasis on play-based, child-initiated learning with an outdoors approach.
"This is a hugely exciting opportunity for school and I hope that our existing and future parents will be as excited by it as we are.
"We are looking forward to getting to know and supporting parents from an earlier point in their child’s development."
Mr Tipping said he had met with governors, who voted in favour of opening the nursery, and with the owners of Community Corner, who he said had been "very supportive" of the plans.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--Stourport coronavirus survivor set to donate blood plasma

A CORONAVIRUS survivor from Stourport will donate her blood plasma to help other people fighting the illness .
Mum-of-one Heather Jones was reunited with her husband and nine-year-old daughter in April following a near death battle with the virus at Worcestershire Royal Hospital .
The 49-year-old said she had `` given up all hope of surviving '' after being rushed to hospital with a temperature of 40 degrees and testing positive for coronavirus two days later .
Read the full story here .
Now , Heather is answering the government 's calls for Covid-19 survivors to donate blood to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Heather said : `` I 'm fully recovered now and I heard about people needing to donate blood plasma .
Only Covid-recovered patients can do it so I feel quite honoured that I 'm able to .
`` It was bad luck me getting it - I lost someone close to me to the virus too - but this is a way I can give something back . ''
Heather is set to give blood at Birmingham Blood Donor Centre on July 1 .
• Which Wyre Forest postcodes have had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients in Worcestershire back home with their families Her donated blood will then go through a manufacturing process that will extract plasma – the yellowish liquid compound that holds blood cells in suspension and contains antibodies .
It is hoped that plasma from recovered patients will give sick people the right antibodies to fight it off .
Since her recovery , Heather has raised £900 for NHS Charities Together and has even written her own book .
She has also been selling her own t-shirts and wristbands to raise money .

Mum-of-one Heather Jones was reunited with her husband and nine-year-old daughter in April following a near death battle with the virus at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
The 49-year-old said she had "given up all hope of surviving" after being rushed to hospital with a temperature of 40 degrees and testing positive for coronavirus two days later. Read the full story here.
Heather Jones fighting coronavirus in hospital
Now, Heather is answering the government's calls for Covid-19 survivors to donate blood to help treat those seriously ill with the virus.
Heather said: "I'm fully recovered now and I heard about people needing to donate blood plasma. Only Covid-recovered patients can do it so I feel quite honoured that I'm able to.
"It was bad luck me getting it - I lost someone close to me to the virus too - but this is a way I can give something back."
Heather is set to give blood at Birmingham Blood Donor Centre on July 1.
Read more:
Her donated blood will then go through a manufacturing process that will extract plasma – the yellowish liquid compound that holds blood cells in suspension and contains antibodies.
It is hoped that plasma from recovered patients will give sick people the right antibodies to fight it off.
Since her recovery, Heather has raised £900 for NHS Charities Together and has even written her own book. She has also been selling her own t-shirts and wristbands to raise money.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/heatherjones-heroes to donate.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--Temperatures to reach 30C as heatwave hits Worcestershire

SUMMER has arrived in Worcestershire with temperatures set to reach a scorching 30C this week .
The Met Office forecast @ @ @ @ @ maximum temperatures for Worcestershire : Tuesday to Thursday is forecast to be sunny but rain @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
Met Office Chief Meteorologist , Dan Suri said : “ Temperatures will continue @ @ @ @ @ with a hot spell developing across much of England and Wales .
From Wednesday temperatures @ @ @ @ @ high 20s Celsius and it ’ ll be hot across much of the UK , @ @ @ @ @ where we could see highs of 30 to 34 Celsius .
`` This hot weather @ @ @ @ @ at least Friday and so heatwave conditions are likely to develop for some areas this @ @ @ @ @ to the warm days we are going to see some warm nights this week as @ @ @ @ @ mid-high teens across England and Wales .
”

The Met Office forecast has the following minimum and maximum temperatures for Worcestershire:
Tuesday: (June 23): min 13.0C / max 27.0C
Wednesday: min 15.0C / max 30.0C
Thursday: min 18.0C / max 29.0C
Friday: min 17.0C / max 26.0C
Tuesday to Thursday is forecast to be sunny but rain is predicted on Friday and Saturday.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Dan Suri said: “Temperatures will continue to climb through the week with a hot spell developing across much of England and Wales. From Wednesday temperatures will widely reach into the high 20s Celsius and it’ll be hot across much of the UK, especially central and southern England where we could see highs of 30 to 34 Celsius.
"This hot weather is expected to last until at least Friday and so heatwave conditions are likely to develop for some areas this week.”
“In addition to the warm days we are going to see some warm nights this week as temperatures overnight remain in the mid-high teens across England and Wales.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--Emergency grant to help Stourport Hockey Club during lockdown

A GRANT from Sport England will help a Stourport club to cover its costs during lockdown .
Stourport Hockey Club says its finances have been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic , which forced sporting clubs to stop activities in March .
Club chairman Jonathon Symonds said : `` The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic affect on Stourport Hockey Club , as it has with all other sports , all our activities were stopped overnight .
`` The absence of the income from match fees and the very popular Easter training camps for our juniors has badly affected our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has secured a £6,800 grant from Sport England 's Community Emergency Fund to help cover its running costs during the lockdown .
The money will allow Stourport Hockey Club to cover the costs for three months of payments for their membership to Stourport Sports Club .
Jonathon said : `` The generous grant from Sport England will enable us to meet our facility fee to Stourport Sports Centre through to the start of the new season in September , when we are hopeful that we will be able to restart some of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complying with government social distancing guidelines . ''
Sandra Barlow , of Stourport Hockey Club , in action .
Photo by Sara Jennings Tim Hollingsworth , Sport England ’ s chief executive , said : “ As the body responsible for the growth of sport and physical activity participation , we want the vital grassroots organisations that make sport and physical activity happens in this country to not just to come through this crisis but to be in a position to thrive again in the future .
`` The £20m Community Emergency Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is part of a multimillion pound package of support we are providing to ease the pressure on a huge number of the organisations who are central to the nation ’ s health and wellbeing .
“ We are proud to be able to provide vital funding to Stourport Hockey Club to help it through these extremely challenging times .
”

Stourport Hockey Club says its finances have been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, which forced sporting clubs to stop activities in March.
Club chairman Jonathon Symonds said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic affect on Stourport Hockey Club, as it has with all other sports, all our activities were stopped overnight.
Di Walton, of Stourport Hockey Club. Photo by Sara Jennings
"The absence of the income from match fees and the very popular Easter training camps for our juniors has badly affected our finances."
Now, the club has secured a £6,800 grant from Sport England's Community Emergency Fund to help cover its running costs during the lockdown.
The money will allow Stourport Hockey Club to cover the costs for three months of payments for their membership to Stourport Sports Club.
Jonathon said: "The generous grant from Sport England will enable us to meet our facility fee to Stourport Sports Centre through to the start of the new season in September, when we are hopeful that we will be able to restart some of our activities albeit in a limited fashion and complying with government social distancing guidelines."
Sandra Barlow, of Stourport Hockey Club, in action. Photo by Sara Jennings
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive, said: “As the body responsible for the growth of sport and physical activity participation, we want the vital grassroots organisations that make sport and physical activity happens in this country to not just to come through this crisis but to be in a position to thrive again in the future.
"The £20m Community Emergency Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, is part of a multimillion pound package of support we are providing to ease the pressure on a huge number of the organisations who are central to the nation’s health and wellbeing.
“We are proud to be able to provide vital funding to Stourport Hockey Club to help it through these extremely challenging times.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--Coronavirus outbreaks at meat processing factories: Is meat still safe to eat?

A number of coronavirus outbreaks have begun to emerge in meat processing factories across the UK and in Europe .
Countries around the world , including France , Germany and the US , have recorded outbreaks stemming from meat processing plants .
In America , up to 25,000 meat and poultry workers are reported to have contracted coronavirus .
In the UK , three large food factories have closed in England and Wales after about 250 workers tested positive for coronavirus .
Unite the union said it was aware of further suspected outbreaks at five other UK sites .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rowan Foods in Wrexham , a site which makes food for UK supermarkets .
On Thursday , June 18 , 2 Sisters Food Group announced it would be closing its Anglesey plant for two weeks after 58 people tested positive .
The total number of infections is now reported to have reached 158 .
The Kober plant , a meat processing site owned by Asda in West Yorkshire , became the third plant to confirm a new cluster of infections after around 150 workers became ill .
The plant has now closed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why are infections emerging at meat processing factories ?
Research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine ( LSHTM ) has shown that after workers ' dormitories and ships , food processing factories have been responsible for the largest localised outbreaks of coronavirus .
According to an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , there are several reasons why these sites create an ideal environment for coronavirus to spread .
One of the first factors at play is that working practices within meat and food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to properly socially distance - especially on production lines .
Working on a production line also demands speed , something which Professor James Wood , researcher in infection dynamics and control of diseases at the University of Cambridge , believes could make infection more likely : “ If we do see outbreaks in slaughterhouses , one issue could be the challenges of avoiding close working between individuals on fast moving slaughterlines and the substantial air movement that exists in and across many slaughterhouses and meat plants , '' he told the Telegraph .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ socially distance in , and in response , some plants have set up outdoor resting areas .
The physical demands of work in a factory make it difficult to wear face coverings , and CDC observers noted that in the factories they visited , workers tended to cover just their mouths - making masks ineffective .
Factories are also noisy , meaning that people have to be shout to be heard , or stand close to each other - both making transmission of coronavirus more likely through the projection of virus particles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ further enabling the spread of the virus .
Socio-economic factors are also in play , as factory workers are more likely to live in overcrowded , multi-generational households .
Because these workers are also often on insecure contracts , they may be less likely to take sick leave if they do become ill , creating a situation where they may come to work even if infected .
One of the largest factors at play , however , is the temperature inside meat processing factories - which has to be low in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor of child health and outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool , told the Telegraph : “ If I wanted to preserve a virus I would put it in a cold , dark environment or a cool environment that doesn ’ t have any ultraviolet light – essentially a fridge or a meat processing facility '' .
Is it safe to eat meat from affected factories ?
Heat is known to kill coronavirus , so the risk of eating meat from an affected factory is generally low - so long as you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has reported that heating at 56°C for 15 minutes substantially reduces the infectivity of the virus , so any meat cooked at the recommended temperature should not have any viable trace of the virus left by the time you eat it .
Angela L. Rasmussen , PhD , a virologist in the faculty of the Center for Infection and Immunity at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health told Forbes Magazine that “ meat is probably not a big risk '' , adding that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmission '' .
Though there is evidence that coronavirus can live on packaging , Rasmussen told Forbes that the time between the packaging of the meat at the factory and the customer buying it makes it unlikely that the virus will spread through contact with packaging .
She also added that increased hand hygiene makes it even less likely that contact with packaging could be a source of infection .

Countries around the world, including France, Germany and the US, have recorded outbreaks stemming from meat processing plants.
In America, up to 25,000 meat and poultry workers are reported to have contracted coronavirus.
Which UK factories are affected?
In the UK, three large food factories have closed in England and Wales after about 250 workers tested positive for coronavirus. Unite the union said it was aware of further suspected outbreaks at five other UK sites.
At least 38 staff have tested positive at Rowan Foods in Wrexham, a site which makes food for UK supermarkets.
On Thursday, June 18, 2 Sisters Food Group announced it would be closing its Anglesey plant for two weeks after 58 people tested positive. The total number of infections is now reported to have reached 158.
The Kober plant, a meat processing site owned by Asda in West Yorkshire, became the third plant to confirm a new cluster of infections after around 150 workers became ill.
The plant has now closed and a test-and-trace programme is reportedly underway.
Why are infections emerging at meat processing factories?
Research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has shown that after workers' dormitories and ships, food processing factories have been responsible for the largest localised outbreaks of coronavirus.
According to an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several reasons why these sites create an ideal environment for coronavirus to spread.
One of the first factors at play is that working practices within meat and food processing factories make it hard for employees to properly socially distance - especially on production lines.
Working on a production line also demands speed, something which Professor James Wood, researcher in infection dynamics and control of diseases at the University of Cambridge, believes could make infection more likely:
“If we do see outbreaks in slaughterhouses, one issue could be the challenges of avoiding close working between individuals on fast moving slaughterlines and the substantial air movement that exists in and across many slaughterhouses and meat plants," he told the Telegraph.
Break rooms are also reportedly difficult to socially distance in, and in response, some plants have set up outdoor resting areas.
The physical demands of work in a factory make it difficult to wear face coverings, and CDC observers noted that in the factories they visited, workers tended to cover just their mouths - making masks ineffective.
Factories are also noisy, meaning that people have to be shout to be heard, or stand close to each other - both making transmission of coronavirus more likely through the projection of virus particles.
Employees frequently travel to work together, further enabling the spread of the virus. Socio-economic factors are also in play, as factory workers are more likely to live in overcrowded, multi-generational households.
Because these workers are also often on insecure contracts, they may be less likely to take sick leave if they do become ill, creating a situation where they may come to work even if infected.
One of the largest factors at play, however, is the temperature inside meat processing factories - which has to be low in order to keep meat fresh.
Calum Semple, professor of child health and outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool, told the Telegraph:
“If I wanted to preserve a virus I would put it in a cold, dark environment or a cool environment that doesn’t have any ultraviolet light – essentially a fridge or a meat processing facility".
Is it safe to eat meat from affected factories?
Heat is known to kill coronavirus, so the risk of eating meat from an affected factory is generally low - so long as you cook it to the correct minimum temperature.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that heating at 56°C for 15 minutes substantially reduces the infectivity of the virus, so any meat cooked at the recommended temperature should not have any viable trace of the virus left by the time you eat it.
Angela L. Rasmussen, PhD, a virologist in the faculty of the Center for Infection and Immunity at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health told Forbes Magazine that “meat is probably not a big risk", adding that “there is no evidence of food borne transmission".
Though there is evidence that coronavirus can live on packaging, Rasmussen told Forbes that the time between the packaging of the meat at the factory and the customer buying it makes it unlikely that the virus will spread through contact with packaging.
She also added that increased hand hygiene makes it even less likely that contact with packaging could be a source of infection.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--Kidderminster man threatens neighbour with machete in music row

A MAN from Kidderminster who threatened to plunge a machete into his neighbour ’ s skull in a row over excessively loud music has avoided jail .
Hayden White was involved in the argument after his neighbour , Michael Lester , from the flat downstairs , came up demanding he turn his music down as he could still hear it while wearing headphones .
White , aged 55 , appeared at Worcester Crown Court on June 22 , facing a charge of making a threat to kill Mr Lester in February this year at their block of flats in Stourport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecuting , said : “ The complainant , Mr Lester had been living at the address in Kidderminster for 10 years and the defendant was his neighbour in the flat above for about two years .
“ Initially , they got on but the defendant had been repeatedly playing loud music and had been asked several times to turn it down .
“ At around 10.30 in the evening , Mr Lester had been watching TV but even with headphones , could still hear the loud music .
He went to go upstairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , however at 11pm the music started again.
” When Mr Lester went upstairs , he knocked on White ’ s door before turning around to go back downstairs .
On his way down , he heard White ’ s door open and saw him holding the blade .
Mr Aspinall said the defendant appeared drunk and swore at him .
When this happened , Mr Lester ran back down to his own flat and locked the door behind him .
White then proceeded to come downstairs and started banging on Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I will bury this in your skull ” .
White , who the court heard has poor hearing , eventually went back to his flat , at which point Mr Lester called the police .
Officers went to White ’ s flat and found two large machetes in his kitchen , both between 11 and 12 inches long .
The court heard these were from a military memorabilia collection he owned .
White pleaded guilty to making the threat to kill , and was also sentenced for criminal damage to Mr Lester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burbidge decided not to jail White despite the offence carrying a recommended four year prison sentence .
The judge said he had significant mental health problems and had tried to get his life back on track .
He handed White a 16-month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay £100 in compensation to Mr Lester .
Judge Burbridge said : “ Mercifully , you did not get to Mr Lester .
Whether you would have used the machete or not , who knows ?
“ There had clearly been some issue between you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music , when all he wanted was to live his life in peace .
“ I accept you have hearing issues , but as you accept , you were playing your music louder than you needed to and you lost your temper .
“ You yourself have a number of mental health issues , and although you probably deserve to go to prison - it was wholly unacceptable what you did - you are going to avoid an immediate custodial sentence.
” The court also heard how White is now in supported accommodation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order was imposed as it was unlikely he and Mr Lester would come into contact .

Hayden White was involved in the argument after his neighbour, Michael Lester, from the flat downstairs, came up demanding he turn his music down as he could still hear it while wearing headphones.
White, aged 55, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on June 22, facing a charge of making a threat to kill Mr Lester in February this year at their block of flats in Stourport Road, Kidderminster.
Michael Aspinall, prosecuting, said: “The complainant, Mr Lester had been living at the address in Kidderminster for 10 years and the defendant was his neighbour in the flat above for about two years.
“Initially, they got on but the defendant had been repeatedly playing loud music and had been asked several times to turn it down.
“At around 10.30 in the evening, Mr Lester had been watching TV but even with headphones, could still hear the loud music. He went to go upstairs but the music appeared to be turned down, however at 11pm the music started again.”
When Mr Lester went upstairs, he knocked on White’s door before turning around to go back downstairs. On his way down, he heard White’s door open and saw him holding the blade.
Mr Aspinall said the defendant appeared drunk and swore at him. When this happened, Mr Lester ran back down to his own flat and locked the door behind him.
White then proceeded to come downstairs and started banging on Mr Lester’s door, shouting, “I will bury this in your skull”.
White, who the court heard has poor hearing, eventually went back to his flat, at which point Mr Lester called the police.
Officers went to White’s flat and found two large machetes in his kitchen, both between 11 and 12 inches long.
The court heard these were from a military memorabilia collection he owned.
White pleaded guilty to making the threat to kill, and was also sentenced for criminal damage to Mr Lester’s front door.
Judge James Burbidge decided not to jail White despite the offence carrying a recommended four year prison sentence.
The judge said he had significant mental health problems and had tried to get his life back on track.
He handed White a 16-month suspended sentence and ordered him to pay £100 in compensation to Mr Lester.
Judge Burbridge said: “Mercifully, you did not get to Mr Lester. Whether you would have used the machete or not, who knows?
“There had clearly been some issue between you and him over your playing of loud music, when all he wanted was to live his life in peace.
“I accept you have hearing issues, but as you accept, you were playing your music louder than you needed to and you lost your temper.
“You yourself have a number of mental health issues, and although you probably deserve to go to prison - it was wholly unacceptable what you did - you are going to avoid an immediate custodial sentence.”
The court also heard how White is now in supported accommodation in Sutton Coldfield, so no restraining order was imposed as it was unlikely he and Mr Lester would come into contact.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-23--Appeal after elderly cyclist seriously injured in Stourport crash

AN appeal for dashcam footage has been launched after an elderly cyclist was seriously injured in a crash involving a bicycle and car in Stourport .
The collision happened on the Gilgal/Vale Road area at around 9.30am on Tuesday morning ( June 23 ) .
The cyclist , a woman aged in her late 70s , was seriously injured and was rushed to hospital for treatment .
Appealing for information , PC Cadwallader from West Mercia Police said : `` The collision happened around 9.45am on the Gilgal , a one way system in Stourport .
`` It would appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it then turned right onto the Gilgal as the bicycle was approaching from the opposite direction and turning left onto the Gilgal .
`` The car , a grey Ford EcoSport and the bicycle have then reportedly collided at low speed .
`` The cyclist , a woman in her late 70s was seriously injured and is in hospital receiving medical care .
`` If you witnessed the incident or were in the area and have dashcam fitted you may have caught the incident on camera and I would ask you please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number 144s of 23 June and ask for details to be sent to PC Cadwallader . ''

The collision happened on the Gilgal/Vale Road area at around 9.30am on Tuesday morning (June 23).
The cyclist, a woman aged in her late 70s, was seriously injured and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Appealing for information, PC Cadwallader from West Mercia Police said: "The collision happened around 9.45am on the Gilgal, a one way system in Stourport.
"It would appear a car was travelling on Vale Road when it then turned right onto the Gilgal as the bicycle was approaching from the opposite direction and turning left onto the Gilgal.
"The car, a grey Ford EcoSport and the bicycle have then reportedly collided at low speed.
"The cyclist, a woman in her late 70s was seriously injured and is in hospital receiving medical care.
"If you witnessed the incident or were in the area and have dashcam fitted you may have caught the incident on camera and I would ask you please contact me on 101 and quote incident number 144s of 23 June and ask for details to be sent to PC Cadwallader."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-24--Bewdley family's 13 weeks of Joe Wicks fancy dress workouts

A BEWDLEY family has been raising people 's spirits during lockdown by joining online workout hero Joe Wicks ' Fancy Dress Friday for the past 13 weeks .
Like many families across the country , the Winterburns have taken part in the popular fitness coach 's daily workout at home to keep fit during lockdown .
Sharon and Tim Winterburn as comedy legends Laurel and Hardy In an extra twist , the family has thrown themselves into Joe 's Fancy Dress Friday workouts for 13 weeks on the bounce , wearing fun costumes made using materials at home .
Sharon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughters Grace , aged 16 , and Katy , aged 12 , have dressed up as array of characters to work out , and have shared their costumes with a growing fan base on social media .
Their costumes include Laurel and Hardy , the Peppa Pig family , Madonna , Disney favourites , characters from classic musicals Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera , and even Joe Wicks himself .
Wonder Woman , Gangsta Granny and Madonna get ready to work out Even their much-loved golden retriever Marley has joined in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the Pink Ladies from Grease and a nun from The Sound of Music .
Sharon said : `` We wanted to bring a bit of fun to lockdown , especially at the start when people were cooped up all the time .
We 've had a good giggle and hopefully made people smile .
`` Some of the costumes were quite difficult to exercise in , such as wearing a padded stomach for Laurel and Hardy and the Peppa Pig masks . ''
The Winterburn family dressed as characters from musical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Opera The family members took part in their final Fancy Dress Friday on June 19 as Joe Wicks brought his daily sessions to a close .
The Winterburns asked their social media followers to vote for their favourite costume to be recreated .
Voters asked for the return of the family 's Little Britain exercise costumes , which they recreated for the last workout session .
Sisters Grace and Katy as Joe Wicks and his daughter Indie The family then asked supporters to donate to the KEMP Hospice in tribute to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have raised £100 for the hospice and plan to raise more cash in the autumn with an open day at their business , TWS Windows in Worcester Road .

Like many families across the country, the Winterburns have taken part in the popular fitness coach's daily workout at home to keep fit during lockdown.
Sharon and Tim Winterburn as comedy legends Laurel and Hardy
In an extra twist, the family has thrown themselves into Joe's Fancy Dress Friday workouts for 13 weeks on the bounce, wearing fun costumes made using materials at home.
Sharon and Tim Winterburn, along with their daughters Grace, aged 16, and Katy, aged 12, have dressed up as array of characters to work out, and have shared their costumes with a growing fan base on social media.
Their costumes include Laurel and Hardy, the Peppa Pig family, Madonna, Disney favourites, characters from classic musicals Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, and even Joe Wicks himself.
Wonder Woman, Gangsta Granny and Madonna get ready to work out
Even their much-loved golden retriever Marley has joined in on the action by dressing up as one of the Pink Ladies from Grease and a nun from The Sound of Music.
Sharon said: "We wanted to bring a bit of fun to lockdown, especially at the start when people were cooped up all the time. We've had a good giggle and hopefully made people smile.
"Some of the costumes were quite difficult to exercise in, such as wearing a padded stomach for Laurel and Hardy and the Peppa Pig masks."
The Winterburn family dressed as characters from musical favourites Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera
The family members took part in their final Fancy Dress Friday on June 19 as Joe Wicks brought his daily sessions to a close.
The Winterburns asked their social media followers to vote for their favourite costume to be recreated. Voters asked for the return of the family's Little Britain exercise costumes, which they recreated for the last workout session.
Sisters Grace and Katy as Joe Wicks and his daughter Indie
The family then asked supporters to donate to the KEMP Hospice in tribute to a family friend who passed away last week.
They have raised £100 for the hospice and plan to raise more cash in the autumn with an open day at their business, TWS Windows in Worcester Road.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-24--Man jailed for JD Sports burglary in Kidderminster

A MAN has been sentenced to six months in prison for his role in a burglary at JD Sports in Kidderminster .
Two men , both from Kidderminster , were charged in connection with a burglary at Weavers Wharf retail park in the early hours of Thursday , June 18 .
Police say the pair forced entry into the shop at around 1.30am .
The men both appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates ' Court on Friday , June 19 .
Burglars forced entry to JD Sports at Weavers Wharf on June 18 One of the defendants , Peter Vickers , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering JD Sports as a trespasser and stealing £265 worth of sportswear from the store .
The 33-year-old was jailed for 26 weeks .
Magistrates said the offence was aggravated by the defendant 's record of previous offending .
Another man , Ryan Young , aged 25 , of Radford Avenue , pleaded not guilty to the same charge .
Mr Young also appeared in court on another theft charge - whereby he pleaded guilty to stealing five meat joints worth £24.97 from Aldi in Kidderminster .
The offence took place on February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered to pay court costs of £135 in relation to the earlier theft and was remanded on bail to face trial for the JD Sports burglary in July .

Two men, both from Kidderminster, were charged in connection with a burglary at Weavers Wharf retail park in the early hours of Thursday, June 18.
Police say the pair forced entry into the shop at around 1.30am.
The men both appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, June 19.
Burglars forced entry to JD Sports at Weavers Wharf on June 18
One of the defendants, Peter Vickers, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to entering JD Sports as a trespasser and stealing £265 worth of sportswear from the store.
The 33-year-old was jailed for 26 weeks.
Magistrates said the offence was aggravated by the defendant's record of previous offending.
Another man, Ryan Young, aged 25, of Radford Avenue, pleaded not guilty to the same charge.
Mr Young also appeared in court on another theft charge - whereby he pleaded guilty to stealing five meat joints worth £24.97 from Aldi in Kidderminster.
The offence took place on February 8 this year.
Mr Young was ordered to pay court costs of £135 in relation to the earlier theft and was remanded on bail to face trial for the JD Sports burglary in July.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-24--Hope for Kidderminster store as Go Outdoors rescued from administration

THE owner of Go Outdoors has bought back the business for £56.5 million after pushing it into administration .
JD Sports , who own the company , said the move will “ preserve as many jobs as possible ” at the troubled retailer , which sells waterproof clothing , bikes and camping products .
However , JD Sports said it will push forward with a major restructuring of Go Outdoors , which employs 2,400 staff , and intends to `` retain the majority '' of its retail stores across the country .
The retail group hired administrators from corporate finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 , after it saw sales hammered by the coronavirus crisis .
JD Sports said it reviewed potential options for the chain , which has 67 stores nationwide - including one in Kidderminster , in May .
At this point , a potential sale was considered .
However , it said it determined that the business had a potential future within the wider group “ if fundamentally restructured ” .
JD Sports added that all existing staff will be transferred as part of the pre-pack administration sale .
Peter Cowgill , executive chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Outdoors , said : “ As a consequence of Covid-19 , Go Outdoors was no longer viable as previously structured and would have absorbed capital at an unsustainable rate for the foreseeable future .
“ Having investigated all available options for the business , we firmly believe that this restructuring will provide Go Outdoors with a platform from which it can progress whilst remaining a member of the Group .
“ Most importantly , we are pleased that it will protect the maximum number of jobs possible.
” Michael Magnay , joint administrator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street retailers , Go Outdoors Ltd has been seeking to address a number of underlying business challenges in the current UK retail environment , which have been exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19 .
“ This successful sale will provide Go Outdoors with an opportunity to restructure its business to secure its future for the long term .
“ I ’ m particularly pleased that we have been able to secure the employment of all the Company ’ s workforce , and we ’ d like to thank all employees and key stakeholders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Kidderminster store , off Worcester Road , is currently open for business .

JD Sports, who own the company, said the move will “preserve as many jobs as possible” at the troubled retailer, which sells waterproof clothing, bikes and camping products.
However, JD Sports said it will push forward with a major restructuring of Go Outdoors, which employs 2,400 staff, and intends to "retain the majority" of its retail stores across the country.
The retail group hired administrators from corporate finance firm Deloitte earlier on Tuesday, June 23, after it saw sales hammered by the coronavirus crisis.
JD Sports said it reviewed potential options for the chain, which has 67 stores nationwide - including one in Kidderminster, in May. At this point, a potential sale was considered.
However, it said it determined that the business had a potential future within the wider group “if fundamentally restructured”.
JD Sports added that all existing staff will be transferred as part of the pre-pack administration sale.
Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD Sports - who own Go Outdoors, said: “As a consequence of Covid-19, Go Outdoors was no longer viable as previously structured and would have absorbed capital at an unsustainable rate for the foreseeable future.
“Having investigated all available options for the business, we firmly believe that this restructuring will provide Go Outdoors with a platform from which it can progress whilst remaining a member of the Group.
“Most importantly, we are pleased that it will protect the maximum number of jobs possible.”
Michael Magnay, joint administrator, added: “Like many high street retailers, Go Outdoors Ltd has been seeking to address a number of underlying business challenges in the current UK retail environment, which have been exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19.
“This successful sale will provide Go Outdoors with an opportunity to restructure its business to secure its future for the long term.
“I’m particularly pleased that we have been able to secure the employment of all the Company’s workforce, and we’d like to thank all employees and key stakeholders for their support throughout this process.”
The Kidderminster store, off Worcester Road, is currently open for business.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-24--Rooms filled with cannabis found in Kidderminster flats

POLICE seized around 160 cannabis plants during a raid at a flat in Kidderminster .
Officers from Kidderminster Safer Neighbourhood Team executed a drugs warrant at a property in Audley Drive on Monday morning ( June 22 ) .
The raid was in response to several reports from members of the local community regarding a suspicious smell coming from the flats .
Once inside , officers discovered around 160 plants of varying stages of growth .
The flats had been converted to form large cultivation rooms .
Neighbours had complained of a suspicious smell coming from the flats Flogert Canaj @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was arrested and charged for cannabis production and was remanded to appear in court .
PC Derya Mustafa , who organised and led the operation , said : “ When speaking with some of the local residents they were very happy that we had taken action as they had reported suspicious activity to us and concerns over the smell from the property .
`` They were extremely pleased with the result of the operation and that we were working to keep them and their families safe.
” “ I would like to reassure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we listen .
Drug use and the cultivation of drugs harm so many people and often our vulnerable and young people are caught up in the culture of use and distribution .
Inspector Dave King said : “ Kidderminster is a safe place to live and work but we know threats and risks exist from serious and organised crime .
`` Therefore we are committed to raising awareness and doing everything possible to prevent people becoming victims .
`` We will continue to remain committed to tackling organised criminal activity and all other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this a safe and pleasant place for our communities.
” Suspected drug dealing or selling can be reported to West Mercia Police on 101 , or by calling Crimestoppers on anonymously on 0800 555111 .

Officers from Kidderminster Safer Neighbourhood Team executed a drugs warrant at a property in Audley Drive on Monday morning (June 22).
The raid was in response to several reports from members of the local community regarding a suspicious smell coming from the flats.
Once inside, officers discovered around 160 plants of varying stages of growth. The flats had been converted to form large cultivation rooms.
Neighbours had complained of a suspicious smell coming from the flats
Flogert Canaj, aged 30 and from Albania, was arrested and charged for cannabis production and was remanded to appear in court.
PC Derya Mustafa, who organised and led the operation, said: “When speaking with some of the local residents they were very happy that we had taken action as they had reported suspicious activity to us and concerns over the smell from the property.
"They were extremely pleased with the result of the operation and that we were working to keep them and their families safe.”
“I would like to reassure our community that when they speak, we listen. Drug use and the cultivation of drugs harm so many people and often our vulnerable and young people are caught up in the culture of use and distribution.
Inspector Dave King said: “Kidderminster is a safe place to live and work but we know threats and risks exist from serious and organised crime.
"Therefore we are committed to raising awareness and doing everything possible to prevent people becoming victims.
"We will continue to remain committed to tackling organised criminal activity and all other forms of crime in Kidderminster, keeping this a safe and pleasant place for our communities.”
Suspected drug dealing or selling can be reported to West Mercia Police on 101, or by calling Crimestoppers on anonymously on 0800 555111.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-25--Kidderminster pub to reopen with street food extravaganza

A PUB in Kidderminster town centre will host a street food event to mark its reopening for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown next week .
The King and Castle , off Comberton Hill , will welcome customers back on Saturday , July 4 as relaxed government restrictions allow pubs and restaurants to reopen with social distancing rules in place .
To mark the occasion , the Severn Valley Railway pub has partnered with Michelin Star chef Richard Stuart , who will be serving up a range of handmade street food throughout the day .
Head of sales and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve put careful consideration into the reopening of The King and Castle , with socially distancing seating , table service and a deep clean of the premises .
“ We wanted to come back with something unique and are delighted to be working with Richard to create hand-prepared street food , alongside children ’ s activities and our traditional variety of locally-sourced ales and ciders .
`` There ’ s something for everybody and we can ’ t wait to see you all !
” The venue , which was named Wyre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will open at 11am , with a selection of local real ales , lagers , ciders and spirits on sale .
Pre-booking is strongly advised at svr.co.uk to ensure a table .
To keep youngsters amused , the Coalyard Miniature Railway will be in service and there will be a traditional sweet shop .
Each child who visits will receive a free activity pack .
The railway ’ s glass-covered concourse will accommodate extended seating , laid out in accordance with social distancing measures , and table service will ensure customers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The SVR is making plans to reopen its passenger train services in August on a pre-booked ticket basis only .

The King and Castle, off Comberton Hill, will welcome customers back on Saturday, July 4 as relaxed government restrictions allow pubs and restaurants to reopen with social distancing rules in place.
To mark the occasion, the Severn Valley Railway pub has partnered with Michelin Star chef Richard Stuart, who will be serving up a range of handmade street food throughout the day.
Head of sales and marketing Lisa Palmer said: “We’ve put careful consideration into the reopening of The King and Castle, with socially distancing seating, table service and a deep clean of the premises.
“We wanted to come back with something unique and are delighted to be working with Richard to create hand-prepared street food, alongside children’s activities and our traditional variety of locally-sourced ales and ciders.
"There’s something for everybody and we can’t wait to see you all!”
The venue, which was named Wyre Forest Pub of the Year in 2019, will open at 11am, with a selection of local real ales, lagers, ciders and spirits on sale.
Richard Stuart’s street food menu will include succulent beef brisket bonbons, tikka-battered chicken goujons and dirty fries.
Main dishes cost £8 and sides are £2.50.
Pre-booking is strongly advised at svr.co.uk to ensure a table.
To keep youngsters amused, the Coalyard Miniature Railway will be in service and there will be a traditional sweet shop.
Each child who visits will receive a free activity pack.
The railway’s glass-covered concourse will accommodate extended seating, laid out in accordance with social distancing measures, and table service will ensure customers can order drinks without the need to queue.
The SVR is making plans to reopen its passenger train services in August on a pre-booked ticket basis only.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-06-25--Kidderminster woman collapses in court before being jailed for 'lies'

THERE were dramatic scenes at Worcester Crown Court as a Kidderminster woman , who went on to be jailed on four counts of perverting the course of justice , collapsed in the dock .
At the beginning of Joanne Darling ’ s sentencing hearing on Tuesday Judge James Burbidge said he had read the medical history of the 52-year-old and said he was willing to grant an adjournment , given she was facing an immediate custodial sentence during the pandemic .
Abigail Nixon , defending Darling , said her client had already had the virus , but would speak to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break , Miss Nixon said Darling was happy for the case to continue .
Andrew Davidson , prosecuting , said Darling had told a “ pack of lies and falsehoods ” to police - over a five year period up to March 2018 - about her ex-partner including that he raped her , stalked her , had tried to kill her , had a gun , and lied to his employer 's HR that he had slept with the employer ’ s wife .
While Mr Davison was prosecuting there was a sudden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass out , and court staff helped her while she lay flat on the floor .
The case was adjourned and after an ambulance arrived 30 minutes after being called , paramedics treated her so that the case could resume .
During an afternoon hearing Miss Nixon said Darling was a diabetic and suffered from mental health issues , adding “ it is quite clear her physical condition will make a custodial sentence difficult '' .
Miss Nixon added Darling , of Rochester Walk , Kidderminster , was realistic she was would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be kept to the shortest length possible .
Judge Burbridge said what Darling did over a long period had been `` extremely serious '' and wasted police resources in Bedfordshire and Kidderminster investigating the false complaints .
He jailed Darling for 20 months , and granted a restraining order for her partner .

At the beginning of Joanne Darling’s sentencing hearing on Tuesday Judge James Burbidge said he had read the medical history of the 52-year-old and said he was willing to grant an adjournment, given she was facing an immediate custodial sentence during the pandemic.
Abigail Nixon, defending Darling, said her client had already had the virus, but would speak to her about this.
After a short break, Miss Nixon said Darling was happy for the case to continue.
Andrew Davidson, prosecuting, said Darling had told a “pack of lies and falsehoods” to police - over a five year period up to March 2018 - about her ex-partner including that he raped her, stalked her, had tried to kill her, had a gun, and lied to his employer's HR that he had slept with the employer’s wife.
While Mr Davison was prosecuting there was a sudden commotion in the dock as Darling appeared to pass out, and court staff helped her while she lay flat on the floor.
The case was adjourned and after an ambulance arrived 30 minutes after being called, paramedics treated her so that the case could resume.
During an afternoon hearing Miss Nixon said Darling was a diabetic and suffered from mental health issues, adding “it is quite clear her physical condition will make a custodial sentence difficult".
Miss Nixon added Darling, of Rochester Walk, Kidderminster, was realistic she was would face immediate custody but asked for it to be kept to the shortest length possible.
Judge Burbridge said what Darling did over a long period had been "extremely serious" and wasted police resources in Bedfordshire and Kidderminster investigating the false complaints.
He jailed Darling for 20 months, and granted a restraining order for her partner.