kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-12--Why are Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 being prioritised - and when could schools open in England?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed changes to the coronavirus lockdown rules in England - including for schools .
The new set of rules , which begin this week , include the re-opening of garden centres , the right to exercise as much as you like outdoors and changes in rules around working .
The rules do not apply to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , which have the power to determine their own set of rules .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that schools in Scotland are unlikely to be open as early as June 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson also outlined his ‘ roadmap ’ for lifting restrictions in the future , including giving word on when schools might reopen in England .
If ministers are convinced that infection rates are falling , schools will begin to reopen from June 1 “ at the earliest ” .
It would begin with primary pupils in reception , Year 1 and Year 6 classes .
However , this date is tentative , and subject to a lot of targets being hit in regards to the tackling of coronavirus ; Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't start until the earliest on June 1 - subject to conditions.
” '' If we ca n't do it by those dates , and if the alert level wo n't allow it , we will simply wait and go on until we have got it right , '' said Mr Johnson in his address .
Why are Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 being prioritised ?
Dominic Raab said on BBC Breakfast there will be a `` phased '' approach to reopening primary schools , starting with Reception , Year 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that ?
Those particular years group together the oldest and some of the youngest in primary schools ; Year 6 who would soon be moving to secondary school and the Reception class and Year 1 .
Pupils in Year 6 would normally be preparing to undertake their Key Stage 2 assessments were schools still open right now , so the focus on them could be designed to aid them in getting back on track with exams .
Mr Johnson spoke of the ambition of secondary pupils with exams next year getting “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the holidays ” .
No official reasoning behind the prioritisation of those particular years , but it could be argued that Reception and Year 1 pupils , being some of the youngest in schools – are the ones most in need of childcare .
Allowing them to go back to school would free up parents to return to their day jobs , something that will be particularly attractive to Boris Johnson as he looks to reopen the economy .
One headteacher expressed concerns about how social distancing could be managed , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headteacher of Kempsey Primary School , told Metro : “ How on earth are we to manage social distancing between reception and year one pupils when most of them are aged four and five ?
” Will it be safe to reopen schools ?
Raab told BBC Breakfast the Government “ will make sure that we would have clear guidance about how [ schools can be reopened ] with social distancing , with hygiene .
`` The evidence suggests that there 's very little , there 's much lower risk for young children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that you get transmission through children between households ... so what we want to do is make sure , and we 'll obviously have more evidence by the time we get to June 1 , which will be at the earliest , subject to conditions , the point at which we start in a very phased controlled way proceeding.
” However , not everybody is convinced , and the general secretary of teachers ' union NASUWT said the profession has `` very serious concerns '' about children returning to school on June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The Government has n't come forward with a plan about how schools will ensure that they 're safe for pupils and safe for staff to be in from June 1.
” He said there is strong evidence schools are lacking personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , adding : `` If you 're dealing with five and six-year-olds and 11-year-olds , how to ensure stringent social distancing in that context is a big challenge and Government simply have n't answered that challenge .
`` Just in terms of risk assessments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to be hygienic , they 're going to be safe for their children to be in .
And we still do n't have any clear standards about what safe cleaning routines would be like within a school context and we need to have that . ''
Mary Bousted , National Education Union joint general secretary , said : “ A study published last week by the University of East Anglia suggested that school closures are the single most effective way of suppressing the spread of the virus .
“ We think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools may reopen from June 1 with Reception and Years 1 and 6 is nothing short of reckless . ''

The new set of rules, which begin this week, include the re-opening of garden centres, the right to exercise as much as you like outdoors and changes in rules around working.
The rules do not apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which have the power to determine their own set of rules.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that schools in Scotland are unlikely to be open as early as June 1.
Alongside new altered lockdown measures, Mr. Johnson also outlined his ‘roadmap’ for lifting restrictions in the future, including giving word on when schools might reopen in England.
When will schools reopen?
If ministers are convinced that infection rates are falling, schools will begin to reopen from June 1 “at the earliest”. It would begin with primary pupils in reception, Year 1 and Year 6 classes.
However, this date is tentative, and subject to a lot of targets being hit in regards to the tackling of coronavirus; Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News primary schools ”won't start until the earliest on June 1 - subject to conditions.”
"If we can't do it by those dates, and if the alert level won't allow it, we will simply wait and go on until we have got it right," said Mr Johnson in his address.
Why are Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 being prioritised?
Dominic Raab said on BBC Breakfast there will be a "phased" approach to reopening primary schools, starting with Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils.
But why is that?
Those particular years group together the oldest and some of the youngest in primary schools; Year 6 who would soon be moving to secondary school and the Reception class and Year 1.
Pupils in Year 6 would normally be preparing to undertake their Key Stage 2 assessments were schools still open right now, so the focus on them could be designed to aid them in getting back on track with exams.
Mr Johnson spoke of the ambition of secondary pupils with exams next year getting “at least some time with their teachers before the holidays”.
No official reasoning behind the prioritisation of those particular years, but it could be argued that Reception and Year 1 pupils, being some of the youngest in schools – are the ones most in need of childcare.
Allowing them to go back to school would free up parents to return to their day jobs, something that will be particularly attractive to Boris Johnson as he looks to reopen the economy.
One headteacher expressed concerns about how social distancing could be managed, particularly with younger children.
Bryony Baynes, headteacher of Kempsey Primary School, told Metro: “How on earth are we to manage social distancing between reception and year one pupils when most of them are aged four and five?”
Will it be safe to reopen schools?
Raab told BBC Breakfast the Government “will make sure that we would have clear guidance about how [schools can be reopened] with social distancing, with hygiene.
"The evidence suggests that there's very little, there's much lower risk for young children getting this virus.
"The risk is that you get transmission through children between households... so what we want to do is make sure, and we'll obviously have more evidence by the time we get to June 1, which will be at the earliest, subject to conditions, the point at which we start in a very phased controlled way proceeding.”
However, not everybody is convinced, and the general secretary of teachers' union NASUWT said the profession has "very serious concerns" about children returning to school on June 1.
Patrick Roach told BBC Breakfast: “The Government hasn't come forward with a plan about how schools will ensure that they're safe for pupils and safe for staff to be in from June 1.”
He said there is strong evidence schools are lacking personal protective equipment (PPE), adding: "If you're dealing with five and six-year-olds and 11-year-olds, how to ensure stringent social distancing in that context is a big challenge and Government simply haven't answered that challenge.
"Just in terms of risk assessments, parents will want to know that schools are going to be hygienic, they're going to be safe for their children to be in. And we still don't have any clear standards about what safe cleaning routines would be like within a school context and we need to have that."
Mary Bousted, National Education Union joint general secretary, said: “A study published last week by the University of East Anglia suggested that school closures are the single most effective way of suppressing the spread of the virus.
“We think that the announcement by the government that schools may reopen from June 1 with Reception and Years 1 and 6 is nothing short of reckless."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-12--Lockdown fines will increase to £100 in England from May 13 - full details

Lockdown fines are set to rise to £100 in England from Wednesday , May 13 .
The first fine someone receives if police believe they are flouting restrictions on movement amid the coronavirus outbreak will be lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days , according to the Home Office .
Fines will double for each repeat offence , up to a maximum of £3,200 .
Existing legislation known as the Health Protection ( Coronavirus , Restrictions ) ( England ) Regulations 2020 will be updated from Wednesday to reflect the changes coming into force .
It is not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be adopted in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland .
The news comes as the body that represents rank-and-file police officers warned the Prime Minister ’ s relaxed lockdown guidance still risks being a set of “ loose rules that are left open to interpretation ” and is difficult to implement .
John Apter , the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales , said : “ What we need from the Prime Minister and the Government now is clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance , explaining what exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that my colleagues can do their level best to police it .
“ Police officers will continue to do their best , but their work must be based on crystal clear guidance , not loose rules that are left open to interpretation – because that will be grossly unfair on officers whose job is already challenging.
” Mr Apter noted that Boris Johnson ’ s statement came after a week of “ mixed messages and the release of some information which , fuelled by media speculation , meant many people acted as though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : “ If the message of what is expected of the public is not clear , then it will make the job of policing this legislation almost impossible.
” It comes after the Metropolitan Police Federation ( MPF ) , which represents police officers in London , criticised the Government ’ s pandemic response as “ wishy-washy ” amid concerns that the public had begun ignoring lockdown restrictions .
MPF ’ s Ken Marsh told BBC Radio 4 : “ It ’ s been quite wishy-washy how we ’ ve gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very stringent from the off – it is painful , but it ’ s not overly painful in terms of what you ’ re actually being asked to do – then I think we would have a better result now .
”

The first fine someone receives if police believe they are flouting restrictions on movement amid the coronavirus outbreak will be lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days, according to the Home Office.
Fines will double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.
Existing legislation known as the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 will be updated from Wednesday to reflect the changes coming into force.
It is not yet clear if the same changes to fines will be adopted in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The news comes as the body that represents rank-and-file police officers warned the Prime Minister’s relaxed lockdown guidance still risks being a set of “loose rules that are left open to interpretation” and is difficult to implement.
'We need clear guidance'
John Apter, the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “What we need from the Prime Minister and the Government now is clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance, explaining what exactly is expected of the public, so that my colleagues can do their level best to police it.
“Police officers will continue to do their best, but their work must be based on crystal clear guidance, not loose rules that are left open to interpretation – because that will be grossly unfair on officers whose job is already challenging.”
Mr Apter noted that Boris Johnson’s statement came after a week of “mixed messages and the release of some information which, fuelled by media speculation, meant many people acted as though the lockdown had already ended”.
He said: “If the message of what is expected of the public is not clear, then it will make the job of policing this legislation almost impossible.”
'The Government’s pandemic response is wishy-washy'
It comes after the Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF), which represents police officers in London, criticised the Government’s pandemic response as “wishy-washy” amid concerns that the public had begun ignoring lockdown restrictions.
MPF’s Ken Marsh told BBC Radio 4: “It’s been quite wishy-washy how we’ve gone about it.
“Had we been very stringent from the off – it is painful, but it’s not overly painful in terms of what you’re actually being asked to do – then I think we would have a better result now.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: Worcestershire and national news (May 11)

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kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-12--Stourport jobs at risk as Arlington goes into administration

HUNDREDS of jobs are at risk as a car parts supplier with a factory in Stourport has gone into administration .
The UK group of Arlington Automotive counts Jaguar Land Rover , Ford and Nissan amongst its customer base and employs around 600 people across sites in Coventry , Newton Aycliffe , Reading , Stourport , Birmingham and Manchester .
Administrators , who were called in at the end of last week , say coronavirus has put a strain on existing financial issues .
The Stourport plant , which trades as Magal Cables , employs around 71 staff - according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Based in Baldwin Road , the branch manufactures control cables , valve controls and light and heavy duty cables for the automotive industry .
Allan Graham , Jimmy Saunders and Matthew Ingram , of Duff & Phelps Ltd , were appointed joint administrators on Thursday .
The administrators say it is too early to say how many staff at Stourport will be affected by the move , however Arlington 's Derby site has already commenced closure .
Mr Graham said : “ The financial issues faced by the Group have been compounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen dramatically and the complexity of supply chains in the sector have led to a sudden halt to manufacturing .
“ However , the UK Group is underpinned by its strong core operating sites and post coronavirus will with its world-class technology , engineering and manufacturing base be well positioned to take advantage of the evolving car market . ''
The UK group is a subsidiary of the Arlington International Group , which includes operations in France , Germany , Brazil , USA , China and joint ventures in India and Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK restructuring .
Arlington ’ s two divisions include manufacturing of bespoke thermostats for vehicles and the manufacture and assembly of engineered vehicle systems .
The UK Group has grown rapidly with a number of acquisitions in recent years which included a German business last year , the restructuring costs of which have recently placed strain on the UK Group ’ s cash flows .
This was against a backdrop of wider changes in the automotive sector , including Brexit uncertainty around tariffs , which led to a number of manufacturers announcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
As a consequence , a number of redundancies have already been made .
Arlington International CEO Mark Franckel said : “ The UK Group has longstanding and deep rooted relationships with its customers and I am confident that the restructured business will be a key supplier to the automotive industry moving forwards , particularly our thermostat technology which is widely used in the rapidly growing Hybrid and Electric Car markets , which utilise a greater number of thermostat products than conventional combustion engine vehicles .
`` We remain excited about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s critical position in them.
” The joint administrators are currently working with stakeholders to review options for the UK operation to ensure it can continue to trade successfully into the future .

The UK group of Arlington Automotive counts Jaguar Land Rover, Ford and Nissan amongst its customer base and employs around 600 people across sites in Coventry, Newton Aycliffe, Reading, Stourport, Birmingham and Manchester.
Administrators, who were called in at the end of last week, say coronavirus has put a strain on existing financial issues.
The Stourport plant, which trades as Magal Cables, employs around 71 staff - according to figures on the company's website.
Based in Baldwin Road, the branch manufactures control cables, valve controls and light and heavy duty cables for the automotive industry.
Allan Graham, Jimmy Saunders and Matthew Ingram, of Duff & Phelps Ltd, were appointed joint administrators on Thursday.
The administrators say it is too early to say how many staff at Stourport will be affected by the move, however Arlington's Derby site has already commenced closure.
Mr Graham said: “The financial issues faced by the Group have been compounded by coronavirus.
"New car registrations have fallen dramatically and the complexity of supply chains in the sector have led to a sudden halt to manufacturing.
“However, the UK Group is underpinned by its strong core operating sites and post coronavirus will with its world-class technology, engineering and manufacturing base be well positioned to take advantage of the evolving car market."
The UK group is a subsidiary of the Arlington International Group, which includes operations in France, Germany, Brazil, USA, China and joint ventures in India and Turkey – none of which are impacted by the UK restructuring.
Arlington’s two divisions include manufacturing of bespoke thermostats for vehicles and the manufacture and assembly of engineered vehicle systems.
The UK Group has grown rapidly with a number of acquisitions in recent years which included a German business last year, the restructuring costs of which have recently placed strain on the UK Group’s cash flows.
This was against a backdrop of wider changes in the automotive sector, including Brexit uncertainty around tariffs, which led to a number of manufacturers announcing the transfer of production away from the UK.
As a consequence, a number of redundancies have already been made.
Arlington International CEO Mark Franckel said: “The UK Group has longstanding and deep rooted relationships with its customers and I am confident that the restructured business will be a key supplier to the automotive industry moving forwards, particularly our thermostat technology which is widely used in the rapidly growing Hybrid and Electric Car markets, which utilise a greater number of thermostat products than conventional combustion engine vehicles.
"We remain excited about the growth potential of these markets and Arlington’s critical position in them.”
The joint administrators are currently working with stakeholders to review options for the UK operation to ensure it can continue to trade successfully into the future.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-12--Councillor apologises for 'I despise Conservatives' Facebook post

THE deputy leader of Wyre Forest District Council has apologised and withdrawn a comment posted on Facebook saying that she `` despised '' Conservatives .
Councillor Fran Oborski wrote the words `` I despise Conservatives '' on social media , but later amended the comment to `` I deeply dislike the current national organisation and leadership of the Conservative Party '' .
Cllr Oborski , who is cabinet member for economic regeneration , planning and capital investment , has since apologised for the statement .
Council leader Cllr Graham Ballinger said : `` I welcome that the inappropriate comment has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologised .
`` The comment would not have been acceptable at any time but is even less so in the context of a national crisis when all political parties at national and local level are working together constructively on the response to the pandemic.
” As the Progressive Alliance took over of the Wyre Forest Council from the Conservatives last May , Cllr Ballinger said the group would be putting an end to `` party political spats on social media '' , adding : `` The public are fed up of that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ described Cllr Oborski 's comment as `` offensive and unnecessary '' .
He said : “ During these unprecedented times , all councillors should be working together cross party and putting aside political differences for the common good of our residents .
`` On behalf of the Conservative group , I accept the apology for this offensive and unnecessary comment .
`` All elected members should treat each other and other political parties with respect , including over social media , and not take actions that are inappropriate and divisive at this time.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologise unreservedly for using the word despise when commenting on Facebook on how I feel about the current Conservative Government .
`` I did not mean to imply that that description applied to any member of Wyre Forest Conservative Party .
I have withdrawn the offensive word and apologise for any offence caused .
”

Councillor Fran Oborski, of the Progressive Alliance, wrote the words "I despise Conservatives" on social media, but later amended the comment to "I deeply dislike the current national organisation and leadership of the Conservative Party".
Cllr Oborski, who is cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and capital investment, has since apologised for the statement.
Council leader Cllr Graham Ballinger said: "I welcome that the inappropriate comment has been withdrawn and that Cllr Oborski has apologised.
"The comment would not have been acceptable at any time but is even less so in the context of a national crisis when all political parties at national and local level are working together constructively on the response to the pandemic.”
When the Progressive Alliance took over the Wyre Forest Council from the Conservatives last May, Cllr Ballinger said the group would be putting an end to "party political spats on social media", adding: "The public are fed up of that."
Conservative Group leader Cllr Marcus Hart described Cllr Oborski's comment as "offensive and unnecessary".
He said: “During these unprecedented times, all councillors should be working together cross party and putting aside political differences for the common good of our residents.
"On behalf of the Conservative group, I accept the apology for this offensive and unnecessary comment.
"All elected members should treat each other and other political parties with respect, including over social media, and not take actions that are inappropriate and divisive at this time.”
Cllr Oborski added: “I apologise unreservedly for using the word despise when commenting on Facebook on how I feel about the current Conservative Government.
"I did not mean to imply that that description applied to any member of Wyre Forest Conservative Party. I have withdrawn the offensive word and apologise for any offence caused.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-12--Man bailed after 400 cannabis plants found at Stourport house

A MAN has been released on bail after more than 400 cannabis plants were found during a drugs raid at a house in Stourport .
Officers from North Worcestershire policing teams executed a drugs warrant at a property in Wesley Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday morning ( May 6 ) Inside the house , officers found a large cannabis cultivation spanning almost every room in the property .
A drugs warrant was executed in Wesley Avenue on Wednesday ( May 6 ) .
Photo from Google Maps PC Sarah Francis , from West Mercia Police , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear to us it was a large and professional operation .
`` A man in his late 20s and of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and abstracting electricity and is in police custody .
“ As a result of the operation , we seized more than 400 plants and growing equipment which will now be destroyed . ''
Police confirmed the man has since been bailed with conditions .
Officers say the house was being used as part of a wider serious organised crime operation .
PC Francis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to live , work and visit 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 North Worcestershire , keeping this a safe and pleasant place to live and work .
”

Officers from North Worcestershire policing teams executed a drugs warrant at a property in Wesley Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday morning (May 6)
Inside the house, officers found a large cannabis cultivation spanning almost every room in the property.
A drugs warrant was executed in Wesley Avenue on Wednesday (May 6). Photo from Google Maps
PC Sarah Francis, from West Mercia Police, said: “Once inside the property it was clear to us it was a large and professional operation.
"A man in his late 20s and of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and abstracting electricity and is in police custody.
“As a result of the operation, we seized more than 400 plants and growing equipment which will now be destroyed."
Police confirmed the man has since been bailed with conditions.
Officers say the house was being used as part of a wider serious organised crime operation.
PC Francis added: "Stourport is a safe place to live, work and visit 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 North Worcestershire, keeping this a safe and pleasant place to live and work.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--Knitted hearts are connecting loved ones in coronavirus lockdown

A GROUP of stitchers from Wyre Forest have been knitting pairs of hearts for people who have lost or are separated from loved ones due to coronavirus .
The team of volunteers , led by Kidderminster teaching assistant Helen Hyrons , have already made more than 2,000 uniform wash bags for frontline workers .
Made from old pillow cases , the drawstring bags were delivered to staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital , West Mercia Police , supermarkets , and schools and care homes across the district .
The group have now started making knitted hearts to help people feel connected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Helen said : `` The hearts are either knitted or made out of fabric and they have a little button on them .
`` I 've got two poems I made up - one for people who ca n't be with family because they 're at home or isolating separately - and another for those who have lost somebody close .
`` At the moment a lot of people are n't able to say goodbye so this poem is about that .
`` The hearts are designed to bring a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold one and their loved one hold another and they can feel close to each other in that way . ''
A batch of the hearts have already been given to the palliative care team at Worcestershire Royal .
The hearts are also being sold at 50p a pair to local nursing homes and members of the public , with profits going to Wyre Forest Foodbank .
Helen also plans to approach funeral directors in the area .
She said : `` The hearts are for people who have lost someone or are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to end when the pandemic is over .
We can continue selling them and donating the money to the food bank . ''

The team of volunteers, led by Kidderminster teaching assistant Helen Hyrons, have already made more than 2,000 uniform wash bags for frontline workers.
Made from old pillow cases, the drawstring bags were delivered to staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, West Mercia Police, supermarkets, and schools and care homes across the district.
The group have now started making knitted hearts to help people feel connected to friends and family during the pandemic.
Helen said: "The hearts are either knitted or made out of fabric and they have a little button on them.
"I've got two poems I made up - one for people who can't be with family because they're at home or isolating separately - and another for those who have lost somebody close.
"At the moment a lot of people aren't able to say goodbye so this poem is about that.
"The hearts are designed to bring a bit of comfort to somebody. One person can hold one and their loved one hold another and they can feel close to each other in that way."
A batch of the hearts have already been given to the palliative care team at Worcestershire Royal.
The hearts are also being sold at 50p a pair to local nursing homes and members of the public, with profits going to Wyre Forest Foodbank.
Helen also plans to approach funeral directors in the area.
She said: "The hearts are for people who have lost someone or are missing somebody - so this doesn't have to end when the pandemic is over. We can continue selling them and donating the money to the food bank."
Email hyrons5@hotmail.co.uk for more information.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--Giant sign says thank you to frontline Kidderminster neighbours

A COUPLE of frontline workers from Kidderminster were overcome with emotion when a neighbour bought a giant banner to thank the pair for their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic .
Chris Ross , 44 , who lives in Puxton Drive , ordered the thank you banner for £80 online to surprise his neighbours Fiona and Adam Wyton during the Clap For Our Carers tribute on Thursday .
Fiona returned home from work at University Hospital Birmingham to see her name emblazoned on a sign on next door 's fence .
She and husband Adam , a paramedic with West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separately from their daughter for seven weeks to protect her from the virus .
Neighbour Chris said : `` I ’ m a business owner in Kidderminster who is unable to work at the moment and I 've got a 74-year-old father in lockdown with me .
`` My dad was due to have an operation but it was cancelled so we know how much stress the NHS is under .
`` On Thursday , we all go out and clap our hands but I felt I needed to do something .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're never home quite frankly , and yet they never moan .
They deserved something to say thank you especially to them . ''
Fiona told The Shuttle : `` I got home at about 7.30pm and my husband was asleep off the night shift .
I saw the banner as I was driving into the cul-de-sac .
`` I actually did n't feel embarrassed at all - just an overwhelming comfort for it .
`` The neighbours see us coming and going - we 're rarely at home .
We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dragged my husband out of bed and we went out onto the driveway .
Adam is a military man so he does n't really get emotional but he stood on the driveway and said I ca n't believe it and he welled up .
`` He 's often said he thinks it 's nice that people come out to clap but he does n't think it 's necessary because it 's our job and we get paid to do it .
`` But as a manager in the NHS , I see firsthand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how wonderful the NHS is .
`` It 's a gift to the UK - nobody else has this and we are the best at it - and seeing it recognised for its 75 years worth of service is lovely .
`` Our neighbours have been so supportive - they even baked a cake for my workforce .
If nothing else , this pandemic has really bought our community together . ''

Chris Ross, 44, who lives in Puxton Drive, ordered the thank you banner for £80 online to surprise his neighbours Fiona and Adam Wyton during the Clap For Our Carers tribute on Thursday.
Fiona returned home from work at University Hospital Birmingham to see her name emblazoned on a sign on next door's fence.
She and husband Adam, a paramedic with West Midlands Ambulance Service, have been living separately from their daughter for seven weeks to protect her from the virus.
Neighbour Chris said: "I’m a business owner in Kidderminster who is unable to work at the moment and I've got a 74-year-old father in lockdown with me.
"My dad was due to have an operation but it was cancelled so we know how much stress the NHS is under.
"On Thursday, we all go out and clap our hands but I felt I needed to do something.
"Fiona and Adam are always working - they're never home quite frankly, and yet they never moan. They deserved something to say thank you especially to them."
Fiona told The Shuttle: "I got home at about 7.30pm and my husband was asleep off the night shift. I saw the banner as I was driving into the cul-de-sac.
"I actually didn't feel embarrassed at all - just an overwhelming comfort for it.
"The neighbours see us coming and going - we're rarely at home. We've worked consistently throughout this.
"I dragged my husband out of bed and we went out onto the driveway. Adam is a military man so he doesn't really get emotional but he stood on the driveway and said I can't believe it and he welled up.
"He's often said he thinks it's nice that people come out to clap but he doesn't think it's necessary because it's our job and we get paid to do it.
"But as a manager in the NHS, I see firsthand how big this is and how important and how wonderful the NHS is.
"It's a gift to the UK - nobody else has this and we are the best at it - and seeing it recognised for its 75 years worth of service is lovely.
"Our neighbours have been so supportive - they even baked a cake for my workforce. If nothing else, this pandemic has really bought our community together."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--Primark reopening: Chain addresses rumours circulating on social media

Primark have addressed rumours that the budget fashion chain are set to reopen a number of high street stores .
It comes amid increased speculation on social media that the company would return 'within days ' .
Like other retailers , Primark closed its stores in March when the lockdown began , but unlike several other companies , Primark does n't have a website in order to keep trading .
During the closure , store managers have been working behind the scenes to prepare the shops for reopening , and carry out vital health and safety checks in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have Primark said ?
“ Nothing matters more to us than the health and wellbeing of our employees and customers .
`` That is why we will only reopen our stores in the UK once we are convinced that it is safe and right to do so .
`` We are closely following all safety advice from government and will treat this as the minimum standard across all our stores , '' a spokesman for the chain told Mirror Money .
In April , the owner of budget fashion firm Primark , George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AB Foods - said 68,000 staff have been furloughed across Europe amid the coronavirus lockdown as it revealed a £248 million hit for unsold stock as all its stores remain shut .
However , Mr Weston said the company would not launch online in a bid to shift stock it has been unable to sell .
He told PA in April : “ We will sell that stock in stores but it might take a while .
“ It might be in a year ’ s time but it ’ s not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait until we can open stores again safely .
“ I think this is the cost of Covid rather than not having online operations.
” Primark revealed last month it had agreed to pay an additional £370 million to suppliers to cover stock currently in production or yet to be delivered after facing criticism over order cancellations during the coronavirus crisis .
The fashion chain said the deal will cover products which were in production or due for shipment by April 17 , having previously committed to pay for orders which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 18 .
Mr Weston said : “ Much as I would love to be allowed to reopen Primark stores across the UK , continental Europe and the USA soon , because lockdown has so harmed our business and our supply chains , I know that we must not do so until we have suppressed this disease .
“ When we are allowed to reopen we must make our Primark stores safe for our staff and our customers , even if that means ensuring there are fewer people shopping at any one time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the remaining risk is minimal .
“ In time , we can rebuild the profits .
We can ’ t replace the people we lose .
”

It comes amid increased speculation on social media that the company would return 'within days'.
Like other retailers, Primark closed its stores in March when the lockdown began, but unlike several other companies, Primark doesn't have a website in order to keep trading.
During the closure, store managers have been working behind the scenes to prepare the shops for reopening, and carry out vital health and safety checks in order to keep staff and shoppers safe.
What have Primark said?
“Nothing matters more to us than the health and wellbeing of our employees and customers.
"That is why we will only reopen our stores in the UK once we are convinced that it is safe and right to do so.
"We are closely following all safety advice from government and will treat this as the minimum standard across all our stores," a spokesman for the chain told Mirror Money.
Primark boss: 'We won't launch online'
In April, the owner of budget fashion firm Primark, George Weston - chief executive of parent company AB Foods - said 68,000 staff have been furloughed across Europe amid the coronavirus lockdown as it revealed a £248 million hit for unsold stock as all its stores remain shut.
However, Mr Weston said the company would not launch online in a bid to shift stock it has been unable to sell.
He told PA in April: “We will sell that stock in stores but it might take a while.
“It might be in a year’s time but it’s not going to deteriorate and we will just have to wait until we can open stores again safely.
“I think this is the cost of Covid rather than not having online operations.”
Primark pays additional money to suppliers
Primark revealed last month it had agreed to pay an additional £370 million to suppliers to cover stock currently in production or yet to be delivered after facing criticism over order cancellations during the coronavirus crisis.
The fashion chain said the deal will cover products which were in production or due for shipment by April 17, having previously committed to pay for orders which were in transit or booked for delivery by March 18.
Mr Weston said: “Much as I would love to be allowed to reopen Primark stores across the UK, continental Europe and the USA soon, because lockdown has so harmed our business and our supply chains, I know that we must not do so until we have suppressed this disease.
“When we are allowed to reopen we must make our Primark stores safe for our staff and our customers, even if that means ensuring there are fewer people shopping at any one time and so accepting lower sales at least until the remaining risk is minimal.
“In time, we can rebuild the profits. We can’t replace the people we lose.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--Coronavirus-linked deaths: Rate higher among male carers, taxi drivers and chefs

Male carers , bus drivers , chefs and retail assistants have higher rates of death involving Covid-19 than other workers - new figures have suggested .
According to the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , men working in several occupations had raised rates of deaths involving the disease when compared with people of the same age and sex in England and Wales .
Security guards had one of the highest rates with 45.7 deaths per 100,000 , while taxi drivers and chauffeurs had a rate of 36.4 .
Male bus and coach drivers were found to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chefs a rate of 35.9 , and sales and retail assistants a rate of 19.8 .
The figures are based on an analysis of the 2,494 registered deaths involving coronavirus among workers aged 20 to 64 in England and Wales up to and including April 20 .
Overall researchers found that nearly two thirds of these deaths were among men ( 1,612 ) , with a rate of 9.9 deaths per 100,000 people .
This is higher than the 882 deaths among women , representing a rate of 5.2 deaths involving Covid-19 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures , which come the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should start going back to work if they can not work from home under conditional plans to ease the lockdown , were “ horrifying ” .
John Phillips , acting GMB general secretary , said : “ These figures are horrifying , and they were drawn up before the chaos of last night ’ s announcement .
“ If you are low-paid and working through the Covid-19 crisis , you are more likely to die – that ’ s how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must pause any return to work until proper guidelines , advice and enforcement are in place to keep people safe.
” 'Significantly higher death rates among those working in social care' ONS researchers also found that people working in social care , including care workers and home carers , have “ significantly ” higher death rates involving Covid-19 than the working population as a whole .
For male social care workers in England and Wales , the rate of death involving Covid-19 is estimated to be 23.4 deaths per 100,000 males , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 9.6 .
The new figures also revealed that healthcare workers , including doctors and nurses , were not found to have higher rates of death involving Covid-19 when compared with the equivalent figures for people of the same age and sex in the general population .
For female workers , the ONS did not identify any specific jobs with raised rates of death involving Covid-19 , instead highlighting only one broad group where the Covid-19 mortality rate was significantly higher than the equivalent rate among women of the same age in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other service occupations .
Prof Neil Pearce , professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , said the ONS report “ confirms that in the working-age population Covid-19 is largely an occupational disease ” .
He said the findings emphasised that “ we need to look beyond health and social care , and that there is a broad range of occupations which may be at risk from Covid-19 ” .
“ These are many of the same occupations that are now being urged to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety measures and PPE ( personal protective equipment ) being in place , ” he added .
What have the Department of Health and Social Care said ?
A Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) spokesman said : “ The death of any care or health worker is a tragedy and the whole country recognises the tremendous work of social care workers , nurses , doctors and many others on the frontline of this global outbreak.
” He said the Government was working to ensure it had a “ comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among social care workers and to provide support to affected sector providers and families .
The ONS said its analysis “ does not prove conclusively that the observed rates of death involving Covid-19 are necessarily caused by differences in occupational exposure ” .
It said the researchers had adjusted the data for age , but not for other factors such as ethnic group or place of residence .
The findings could change as more deaths are registered , the ONS added .

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), men working in several occupations had raised rates of deaths involving the disease when compared with people of the same age and sex in England and Wales.
Security guards had one of the highest rates with 45.7 deaths per 100,000, while taxi drivers and chauffeurs had a rate of 36.4.
Male bus and coach drivers were found to have a rate of 26.4 deaths per 100,000, chefs a rate of 35.9, and sales and retail assistants a rate of 19.8.
The figures are based on an analysis of the 2,494 registered deaths involving coronavirus among workers aged 20 to 64 in England and Wales up to and including April 20.
(Picture: PA Graphics)
Overall researchers found that nearly two thirds of these deaths were among men (1,612), with a rate of 9.9 deaths per 100,000 people.
This is higher than the 882 deaths among women, representing a rate of 5.2 deaths involving Covid-19 per 100,000.
Union boss reaction
One union boss said the figures, which come the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should start going back to work if they cannot work from home under conditional plans to ease the lockdown, were “horrifying”.
John Phillips, acting GMB general secretary, said: “These figures are horrifying, and they were drawn up before the chaos of last night’s announcement.
“If you are low-paid and working through the Covid-19 crisis, you are more likely to die – that’s how stark these figures are.
“Ministers must pause any return to work until proper guidelines, advice and enforcement are in place to keep people safe.”
'Significantly higher death rates among those working in social care'
ONS researchers also found that people working in social care, including care workers and home carers, have “significantly” higher death rates involving Covid-19 than the working population as a whole.
For male social care workers in England and Wales, the rate of death involving Covid-19 is estimated to be 23.4 deaths per 100,000 males, while for female social care workers the figure is 9.6.
The new figures also revealed that healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, were not found to have higher rates of death involving Covid-19 when compared with the equivalent figures for people of the same age and sex in the general population.
(Picture: PA Graphics)
For female workers, the ONS did not identify any specific jobs with raised rates of death involving Covid-19, instead highlighting only one broad group where the Covid-19 mortality rate was significantly higher than the equivalent rate among women of the same age in the general population: caring, leisure and other service occupations.
Prof Neil Pearce, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said the ONS report “confirms that in the working-age population Covid-19 is largely an occupational disease”.
He said the findings emphasised that “we need to look beyond health and social care, and that there is a broad range of occupations which may be at risk from Covid-19”.
“These are many of the same occupations that are now being urged to return to work, in some instances without proper safety measures and PPE (personal protective equipment) being in place,” he added.
What have the Department of Health and Social Care said?
A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesman said: “The death of any care or health worker is a tragedy and the whole country recognises the tremendous work of social care workers, nurses, doctors and many others on the frontline of this global outbreak.”
He said the Government was working to ensure it had a “comprehensive picture” of the number of deaths among social care workers and to provide support to affected sector providers and families.
The ONS said its analysis “does not prove conclusively that the observed rates of death involving Covid-19 are necessarily caused by differences in occupational exposure”.
It said the researchers had adjusted the data for age, but not for other factors such as ethnic group or place of residence.
The findings could change as more deaths are registered, the ONS added.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--The dinosaur keeping spirits up in Stourport during lockdown

A DINOSAUR named Dennis has been lifting spirits with his fundraising exploits in lockdown at a Stourport theme park .
The velociraptor has become something of a local celebrity in the town after residents started photographing the nine-foot-tall statue to monitor flood levels earlier in the year .
Dennis would usually be watching over the Dino Tours ride at Playland , but while the park is closed due to the pandemic , the reptile has been sinking his teeth into some charity fundraising - keeping his fans entertained with regular photos and videos on his own Facebook page , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Playland employee of 30 years and the man behind Dennis ’ social media posts , said the dinosaur has become a symbol of Stourport ’ s community spirit during the crisis .
He said : “ Dennis has been fundraising through the pandemic and just generally posing for funny photos and keeping us updated with smile-generating posts to keep the locals entertained .
“ He has received messages from lots of people , thanking him for keeping their spirits up .
“ He had one message from a lovely lady who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , but really enjoys the funny posts as it always puts a smile on her face.
” During lockdown , Dennis and Justin have dedicated their spare time to fundraising , taking on the 2.6 Challenge in aid of Comic Relief and Children in Need .
The charity challenge saw Justin and family dress up as dinosaurs to complete a series of fundraising activities , including walking 26,000 steps , balancing toilet rolls on Dennis for 26 hours and completing 26 laps of Playland ’ s go kart track , raising £380 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager said : “ Dennis ’ Facebook page started during the devastating flooding back in February .
“ As he ’ s quite visible from the surrounding area and from the bridge , he became quite a talking point with locals who were coming down to view the rising floodwater .
“ A couple of the local Facebook groups started posting members ’ photos of him with the water right up to his bottom jaw , which stands around eight feet off the floor , so I started wading through the floodwater while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park and I took some close-up photos on different days of the varying heights.
” Dennis was pictured in The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers and briefly featured on a BBC programme about the floods .
Justin said : “ Once I had started the page , I gave locals a daily flood height measurement and maybe added a prop or two to his picture , for example he was holding a Baywatch-style buoyancy aid in one photo .
With help from his wife Laura and children Libby and Toby , Justin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bunny ears for Easter , with “ Patricia the Pterodactyl ” on Mother ’ s Day and breathing fire on St George ’ s Day .
Justin said : “ Through the devastating flood , Dennis kept his head above water and really showed the true Stourport spirit of overcoming anything .
He was even asked to stand as the local mayor !
“ He carried on with his ability to put a smile on people ’ s faces throughout the current troubling times with funny music videos , a short film , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS . ''

The velociraptor has become something of a local celebrity in the town after residents started photographing the nine-foot-tall statue to monitor flood levels earlier in the year.
Dennis would usually be watching over the Dino Tours ride at Playland, but while the park is closed due to the pandemic, the reptile has been sinking his teeth into some charity fundraising - keeping his fans entertained with regular photos and videos on his own Facebook page, which has nearly 1,000 followers.
Justin Minor, a Playland employee of 30 years and the man behind Dennis’ social media posts, said the dinosaur has become a symbol of Stourport’s community spirit during the crisis.
He said: “Dennis has been fundraising through the pandemic and just generally posing for funny photos and keeping us updated with smile-generating posts to keep the locals entertained.
“He has received messages from lots of people, thanking him for keeping their spirits up.
“He had one message from a lovely lady who is stuck at home and has no family, but really enjoys the funny posts as it always puts a smile on her face.”
During lockdown, Dennis and Justin have dedicated their spare time to fundraising, taking on the 2.6 Challenge in aid of Comic Relief and Children in Need.
The charity challenge saw Justin and family dress up as dinosaurs to complete a series of fundraising activities, including walking 26,000 steps, balancing toilet rolls on Dennis for 26 hours and completing 26 laps of Playland’s go kart track, raising £380 in donations.
The 42-year-old theme park manager said: “Dennis’ Facebook page started during the devastating flooding back in February.
“As he’s quite visible from the surrounding area and from the bridge, he became quite a talking point with locals who were coming down to view the rising floodwater.
“A couple of the local Facebook groups started posting members’ photos of him with the water right up to his bottom jaw, which stands around eight feet off the floor, so I started wading through the floodwater while I was salvaging what I could of the park and I took some close-up photos on different days of the varying heights.”
Dennis was pictured in The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers and briefly featured on a BBC programme about the floods.
Justin said: “Once I had started the page, I gave locals a daily flood height measurement and maybe added a prop or two to his picture, for example he was holding a Baywatch-style buoyancy aid in one photo.
“We received lots of lovely and supportive comments.”
With help from his wife Laura and children Libby and Toby, Justin continued posting photographs of Dennis - wearing bunny ears for Easter, with “Patricia the Pterodactyl” on Mother’s Day and breathing fire on St George’s Day.
Justin said: “Through the devastating flood, Dennis kept his head above water and really showed the true Stourport spirit of overcoming anything. He was even asked to stand as the local mayor!
“He carried on with his ability to put a smile on people’s faces throughout the current troubling times with funny music videos, a short film, plenty of photos and clapping for the NHS."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--Wyre Forest Covid-19 care home deaths triple in a fortnight

DEATHS linked to coronavirus in care homes have tripled inside a fortnight in Wyre Forest as new figures show the district ’ s tragic Covid-19 toll continues to rise each week .
Figures updated on a weekly basis every Tuesday by the Office of National Statistics ( ONS ) show there were 20 coronavirus-related deaths in Wyre Forest for the week ending May 1 .
That is the largest weekly death toll from the pandemic in the district yet , an increase on the 17 people who died the previous week and 15 the week before .
Altogether , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forest since the pandemic ’ s outbreak – that is the second highest death toll in Worcestershire with only Bromsgrove ( 92 ) suffering more .
The figures also show Wyre Forest deaths are rising at a faster rate in care homes .
In the fortnight between April 17 and May 1 , there were 19 deaths with coronavirus in Wyre Forest care homes , compared to 14 in hospitals .
Before that point , there had been nine Covid deaths in the district ’ s care homes – meaning its death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 in hospitals .
Holmwood Care Centre , in Chaddesley Road , was asked by The Shuttle about the situation and it said care homes were being `` hindered '' by a lack of testing .
A spokeswoman said : “ Holmwood Care Centre like all care homes is facing up to the challenge during these unprecedented times .
“ Lack of testing for the Covid 19 virus being available has without doubt hindered our ability to identify some of the most vulnerable of residents .
“ However , we hold the attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk and have taken measures led by home manager Denise Baker to stringently follow all processes and guidelines from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England .
“ Our focus continues to be to our residents , their families and staff during these most of difficult times.
” While Covid-19 hospital admissions have fallen , figures seen by The Shuttle showed there were still 59 patients being treated for the disease across Worcestershire ’ s hospitals as of Monday ( May 11 ) .
That figure included five people in intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a quarter – 52 out of 186 – of care or nursing homes in Worcestershire have confirmed coronavirus cases .
Altogether , there have been 254 confirmed care home cases of Covid-19 in the county and 150 deaths .

Figures updated on a weekly basis every Tuesday by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show there were 20 coronavirus-related deaths in Wyre Forest for the week ending May 1.
That is the largest weekly death toll from the pandemic in the district yet, an increase on the 17 people who died the previous week and 15 the week before.
Altogether, there have been 84 Covid-related deaths in Wyre Forest since the pandemic’s outbreak – that is the second highest death toll in Worcestershire with only Bromsgrove (92) suffering more.
The figures also show Wyre Forest deaths are rising at a faster rate in care homes.
In the fortnight between April 17 and May 1, there were 19 deaths with coronavirus in Wyre Forest care homes, compared to 14 in hospitals.
Before that point, there had been nine Covid deaths in the district’s care homes – meaning its death toll tripled inside a fortnight – compared with 36 in hospitals.
Holmwood Care Centre, in Chaddesley Road, was asked by The Shuttle about the situation and it said care homes were being "hindered" by a lack of testing.
A spokeswoman said: “Holmwood Care Centre like all care homes is facing up to the challenge during these unprecedented times.
“Lack of testing for the Covid 19 virus being available has without doubt hindered our ability to identify some of the most vulnerable of residents.
“However, we hold the attitude that every resident within the home is at risk and have taken measures led by home manager Denise Baker to stringently follow all processes and guidelines from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.
“Our focus continues to be to our residents, their families and staff during these most of difficult times.”
While Covid-19 hospital admissions have fallen, figures seen by The Shuttle showed there were still 59 patients being treated for the disease across Worcestershire’s hospitals as of Monday (May 11).
That figure included five people in intensive care.
The figures also show that more than a quarter – 52 out of 186 – of care or nursing homes in Worcestershire have confirmed coronavirus cases.
Altogether, there have been 254 confirmed care home cases of Covid-19 in the county and 150 deaths.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--600 in Worcestershire part of trial to find coronavirus treatment

MORE than 600 Worcestershire patients have taken part in trials to find a treatment to beat Covid-19 .
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is participating in national studies on potential treatments and improving knowledge of the virus .
So far , over 600 patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus in the county have taken part in these trials .
The trust says trial data is being reviewed regularly so that any effective treatment can be identified quickly and made available to all patients .
New , promising drugs can quickly be added into the trial .
Emma Rowan , research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The government has been clear that it is research that offers us hope to end the pandemic and it has been critical to their response .
“ We are a crucial part of this nationally coordinated effort and are currently prioritising Covid-19 research to create the capacity to support as many of these important trials as possible .
“ I would like to thank our research and frontline colleagues across the trust for their enthusiasm and hard work in setting up and recruiting patients into studies , many of whom are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the hundreds of patients who have already taken part in Covid-19 studies across the trust.
” NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens thanked nurses earlier for all they have done during the greatest global health emergency in NHS history .
Sir Simon also called on universities to increase the number of nursing course places .
The NHS Health Careers website has seen a 220 per cent rise in people expressing an interest in becoming a nurse , since the pandemic began .
Sir Simon said : “ The biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a huge spotlight on the crucial role of nurses not just in the NHS but also in social care .
“ We have seen three generations of nurses pitching in to help , not just our current fantastic staff but also retired nurses coming back and student nurses beginning their careers early .
“ And looking out across the years ahead we know we are going to need many more nurses .
“ So this is an opportunity not just to thank our current nurses but also to invite bright and brilliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider nursing as a career .
”

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is participating in national studies on potential treatments and improving knowledge of the virus.
So far, over 600 patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus in the county have taken part in these trials.
The trust says trial data is being reviewed regularly so that any effective treatment can be identified quickly and made available to all patients. New, promising drugs can quickly be added into the trial.
Emma Rowan, research operations lead at the trust, said: “The government has been clear that it is research that offers us hope to end the pandemic and it has been critical to their response.
“We are a crucial part of this nationally coordinated effort and are currently prioritising Covid-19 research to create the capacity to support as many of these important trials as possible.
“I would like to thank our research and frontline colleagues across the trust for their enthusiasm and hard work in setting up and recruiting patients into studies, many of whom are working differently and going above and beyond, as well as the hundreds of patients who have already taken part in Covid-19 studies across the trust.”
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens thanked nurses earlier for all they have done during the greatest global health emergency in NHS history.
Sir Simon also called on universities to increase the number of nursing course places.
The NHS Health Careers website has seen a 220 per cent rise in people expressing an interest in becoming a nurse, since the pandemic began.
Sir Simon said: “The biggest global health emergency in a century has put a huge spotlight on the crucial role of nurses not just in the NHS but also in social care.
“We have seen three generations of nurses pitching in to help, not just our current fantastic staff but also retired nurses coming back and student nurses beginning their careers early.
“And looking out across the years ahead we know we are going to need many more nurses.
“So this is an opportunity not just to thank our current nurses but also to invite bright and brilliant and committed people across the country to consider nursing as a career.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--MP: 'Everyone must play a part for lockdown exit to work'

Slowly , very slowly , we are starting the move back to normal lives .
But we have barely begun the long haul to life without CV-19 .
In exactly the same way that the lockdown was less than straightforward , with support being targeted for the easy to help areas first , the releasing of the metaphorical hand-brake is just as opaque .
For example , those 450,000 people whose home moves were put on hold a couple of months ago are now allowed to go ahead with moving house .
Estate agents , conveyancers , removal firms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into someone ’ s home whilst that same person ’ s own family can not .
It seems odd .
The reason is that the government must make that almost impossible balance between the demands placed on it by CV-19 , and the demands placed by our economy .
Economists suggest that the economy could shrink by a quarter , and the housing market fall by a fifth .
Estimates of the cost to the government run to around £300 billion .
A quarter of the workforce is being paid for by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , CV-19 deaths top 40,000 , and non CV-19 excess deaths show a similar order of magnitude .
The gentle relaxing of the lockdown rules mean we have a complex set of challenges .
If a worker can only work away from home , they can go back to work , but only if their children ’ s school has reopened , and their children fit in with the year groups going back .
It is far from straightforward .
To a certain extent , the government must rely on people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to design a system that works for 100 per cent of the population – people live varied lives .
The core message is “ stay alert ” .
Despite the ridicule from the press , I get the impression most people know what that means : don ’ t be complacent , remember to self-distance , only expose yourself to other people if necessary and stay at home as much as possible .
So , these are baby steps toward a normal life .
It will last for a few months yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must play their part .
But it is worth remembering the lessons from the post WWI era .
The Spanish ‘ flu epidemic took more lives in the second spike than in the first .
That is why we must stay alert , and not let this disease get the better of us .

In exactly the same way that the lockdown was less than straightforward, with support being targeted for the easy to help areas first, the releasing of the metaphorical hand-brake is just as opaque.
For example, those 450,000 people whose home moves were put on hold a couple of months ago are now allowed to go ahead with moving house.
Estate agents, conveyancers, removal firms and house viewers are all now allowed to go into someone’s home whilst that same person’s own family cannot. It seems odd.
The reason is that the government must make that almost impossible balance between the demands placed on it by CV-19, and the demands placed by our economy.
Economists suggest that the economy could shrink by a quarter, and the housing market fall by a fifth. Estimates of the cost to the government run to around £300 billion.
A quarter of the workforce is being paid for by the government under the furlough scheme. Meanwhile, CV-19 deaths top 40,000, and non CV-19 excess deaths show a similar order of magnitude.
The gentle relaxing of the lockdown rules mean we have a complex set of challenges.
If a worker can only work away from home, they can go back to work, but only if their children’s school has reopened, and their children fit in with the year groups going back. It is far from straightforward.
To a certain extent, the government must rely on people’s common sense. It is impossible to design a system that works for 100 per cent of the population – people live varied lives.
The core message is “stay alert”. Despite the ridicule from the press, I get the impression most people know what that means: don’t be complacent, remember to self-distance, only expose yourself to other people if necessary and stay at home as much as possible.
So, these are baby steps toward a normal life. It will last for a few months yet, and for it to work, everyone must play their part.
But it is worth remembering the lessons from the post WWI era.
The Spanish ‘flu epidemic took more lives in the second spike than in the first. That is why we must stay alert, and not let this disease get the better of us.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--Haven extend closure of their holiday parks until July 2

Bosses at Haven have extended the closure of their holiday parks across the country until July .
Previously , the firm chose to keep them shut until June 1 , but on Tuesday , May 12 , they decided to change this to July 2 .
What have Haven said ?
In a statement , a spokesman from Bourne Leisure Limited , the company who own Haven , said : `` Despite recent changes to the Government ’ s lockdown restrictions , the safety of our guests and team remains our number one priority and so under the ongoing circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the right thing to do .
`` We appreciate how disappointing this decision will be for those families that were due to stay with us during this time and wish we could have offered them the Haven experience they were so excited for .
`` We ’ d like to apologise for the disruption caused by the extended closure and hope guests can understand the reason for our decision .
`` We are in the process of contacting all those affected with the new options available to them and would encourage guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social media channels for additional updates .
`` Thank you to our guests and teams for their continued patience and support during what is undoubtedly a very tough time for so many .
`` We look forward to welcoming everyone back to our parks as soon as we feel it ’ s safe to do so . ''
Full list of holiday parks that have closed Haven run 37 holiday parks across the country , and all remain shut .
They include : What to do if you have a holiday booked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a break booked at a Haven holiday park should visit haven.com for further advice and information .

Previously, the firm chose to keep them shut until June 1, but on Tuesday, May 12, they decided to change this to July 2.
What have Haven said?
In a statement, a spokesman from Bourne Leisure Limited, the company who own Haven, said: "Despite recent changes to the Government’s lockdown restrictions, the safety of our guests and team remains our number one priority and so under the ongoing circumstances, we believe keeping our parks closed is the right thing to do.
"We appreciate how disappointing this decision will be for those families that were due to stay with us during this time and wish we could have offered them the Haven experience they were so excited for.
"We’d like to apologise for the disruption caused by the extended closure and hope guests can understand the reason for our decision.
"We are in the process of contacting all those affected with the new options available to them and would encourage guests to continue to check both our website and social media channels for additional updates.
"Thank you to our guests and teams for their continued patience and support during what is undoubtedly a very tough time for so many.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone back to our parks as soon as we feel it’s safe to do so."
Full list of holiday parks that have closed
Haven run 37 holiday parks across the country, and all remain shut. They include:
Blackpool
Cala Gran
Marton Mere
Cornwall
Perran Sands
Riviere Sands
Devon
Devon Cliffs
Dorset
Littlesea
Rockley Park
Seaview
Weymouth Bay
Essex
The Orchards
Kent
Allhallows
Lake District
Lakeland, Flookburgh
Lincolnshire
Golden Sands
Thorpe Park
Norfolk
Caister-on-Sea
Hopton
Seashore
Wild Duck
Northumberland
Berwick
Haggerston Castle
North Wales
Cardigan View
Garreg Wen
Greenacres
Hafan y Môr
Presthaven
Scotland
Craig Tara
Seton Sands
Somerset
Burnham-on-Sea
Doniford Bay
South Wales
Kiln Park
Lydstep Beach
Penally Court
Quay West
Sussex
Church Farm
Combe Haven
Yorkshire
Blue Dolphin
Far Grange
Primrose Valley
Reighton Sands
Thornwick Bay
What to do if you have a holiday booked at a Haven park
Those who have a break booked at a Haven holiday park should visit haven.com for further advice and information.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-13--England lockdown rules change TODAY - here's what you can and can't do

The government 's first measures to loosen the coronavirus lockdown largely come into effect from today .
Following Boris Johnson 's address to the nation on Sunday , a detailed document was published on Monday outlining some of the specific changes that were being introduced .
A summary of these measures from the government that relate to just England rather than the whole UK are : • People are allowed to spend more time outdoors • They will be able to go to parks and beaches to sunbathe , have a picnic and go fishing • Outdoor sports courts can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as golf courses • People will also be able to see one person from another household , as long as they follow social distance guidance The change in policy follows scientific advice that the risk of infection outside is significantly lower than inside , the government said .
However , all of the new regulations are subject to social distancing rules .
From today , people in England can spend more time outdoors and enjoy a wider range of activities for any length of time , subject to social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the park , sunbathe , go for a picnic and go fishing .
They can also spend time with one member of another household , one-on-one , as long as they adhere to strict social distancing guidelines at all times , staying two metres apart .
Things you can not do still according to the government are : • Visit and stay overnight at a holiday home or second home • Visit the homes of friends and family , unless it ’ s to help a vulnerable person , for medical reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another household with whom parental responsibilities are shared Fines for people breaching the guidelines now face heightened fines .
They will now start at £100 , lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days .
Penalties will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200 .

Following Boris Johnson's address to the nation on Sunday, a detailed document was published on Monday outlining some of the specific changes that were being introduced.
A summary of these measures from the government that relate to just England rather than the whole UK are:
People are allowed to spend more time outdoors
They will be able to go to parks and beaches to sunbathe, have a picnic and go fishing
Outdoor sports courts can reopen, including tennis and basketball courts as well as golf courses
People will also be able to see one person from another household, as long as they follow social distance guidance
The change in policy follows scientific advice that the risk of infection outside is significantly lower than inside, the government said. However, all of the new regulations are subject to social distancing rules.
From today, people in England can spend more time outdoors and enjoy a wider range of activities for any length of time, subject to social distancing rules.
People and their households can relax in the park, sunbathe, go for a picnic and go fishing.
They can also spend time with one member of another household, one-on-one, as long as they adhere to strict social distancing guidelines at all times, staying two metres apart.
Things you cannot do still according to the government are:
Go on holiday
Visit and stay overnight at a holiday home or second home
Visit the homes of friends and family, unless it’s to help a vulnerable person, for medical reasons, or to take a child to another household with whom parental responsibilities are shared
Fines for people breaching the guidelines now face heightened fines.
They will now start at £100, lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days. Penalties will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: the latest updates from Worcestershire


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-14--Bewdley Farm Shop owner marks 30 years in fruit and veg trade

IT has been 30 years to the day since Bewdley Farm Shop owner Tony Thompson took a leap of faith and sold his pride and joy limited edition Mini to buy a fruit and veg business in Dog Lane .
Tony was just 17 years old when he first drove over from Wordsley - where he still lives with wife-of-25-years Sam - to help out then owner Alan Evans by taking on a few shifts over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend .
The shop was first established in 1980 , having previously being used as a blacksmith and a coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An old photograph of Bewdley Farm Shop in Dog Lane Mr Evans offered Tony a full-time job , which he accepted , but later that year made the decision to sell the business and retire .
In what started out as a joke , Mr Evans asked his assistant if he wanted to buy the shop , prompting Tony to make the difficult decision to sell his brand new jet black Mini and use the money as a deposit .
Thirty years later - as of May 14 - father-of-two Tony remains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at 2.30am most days to get to markets in Birmingham before commuting to Bewdley .
Tony Thompson with his first sign-written van The 49-year-old told The Shuttle : `` I came down to help out as a shop worker one weekend , not expecting to be here for 30 years .
`` I was a young man at the time so I did n't have a lot of money .
`` I sold my car and bought business and what started out as a one man band has grown into a team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , we 've built it up into a considerable business . ''
Bewdley Farm Shop now supplies food to shops , schools , pubs , restaurants and care homes across the area , as well as to West Midland Safari Park and the Severn Valley Railway .
`` The business has grown but we 've never diverted from what we do best and that is fruit , veg , fish , flowers and jams , '' said Tony .
`` We 've built up a big customer base through good quality products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a couple of extensions to the shop to accommodate the extra business .
`` Over the years , we 've built a rapport with residents and businesses and built up quite a portfolio with the local farmers that supply us . ''
Bewdley Farm Shop today .
The fruit and veg shop was first established in 1980 Tony and the Farm Shop team were due to celebrate the milestone with a party with family and loyal customers on May 16 , but the event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farm Shop has been forced to adapt during the pandemic , reducing its opening hours and stepping up its deliveries .
Tony said : `` We 've always delivered to the private sector so that has just extended due to people on lockdown .
We 're doing roughly 60 to 80 deliveries a day to people and businesses in the area . ''
He added : `` I still love the job .
Hopefully when this is over , we 'll be able to celebrate properly . ''
Bewdley Farm Shop is open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic .

Tony was just 17 years old when he first drove over from Wordsley - where he still lives with wife-of-25-years Sam - to help out then owner Alan Evans by taking on a few shifts over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
The shop was first established in 1980, having previously being used as a blacksmith and a coach house to the nearby George Hotel.
An old photograph of Bewdley Farm Shop in Dog Lane
Mr Evans offered Tony a full-time job, which he accepted, but later that year made the decision to sell the business and retire.
In what started out as a joke, Mr Evans asked his assistant if he wanted to buy the shop, prompting Tony to make the difficult decision to sell his brand new jet black Mini and use the money as a deposit.
Thirty years later - as of May 14 - father-of-two Tony remains in love with the job, still waking up at 2.30am most days to get to markets in Birmingham before commuting to Bewdley.
Tony Thompson with his first sign-written van
The 49-year-old told The Shuttle: "I came down to help out as a shop worker one weekend, not expecting to be here for 30 years.
"I was a young man at the time so I didn't have a lot of money.
"I sold my car and bought business and what started out as a one man band has grown into a team of 16 staff.
"Over the years, we've built it up into a considerable business."
Bewdley Farm Shop now supplies food to shops, schools, pubs, restaurants and care homes across the area, as well as to West Midland Safari Park and the Severn Valley Railway.
Bewdley Farm Shop owner Tony Thompson
"The business has grown but we've never diverted from what we do best and that is fruit, veg, fish, flowers and jams," said Tony.
"We've built up a big customer base through good quality products and our good name and we've had a couple of extensions to the shop to accommodate the extra business.
"Over the years, we've built a rapport with residents and businesses and built up quite a portfolio with the local farmers that supply us."
Bewdley Farm Shop today. The fruit and veg shop was first established in 1980
Tony and the Farm Shop team were due to celebrate the milestone with a party with family and loyal customers on May 16, but the event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Like many businesses, Bewdley Farm Shop has been forced to adapt during the pandemic, reducing its opening hours and stepping up its deliveries.
Tony said: "We've always delivered to the private sector so that has just extended due to people on lockdown. We're doing roughly 60 to 80 deliveries a day to people and businesses in the area."
Tony Thompson wearing a sprout-covered suit at Christmas
He added: "I still love the job. Hopefully when this is over, we'll be able to celebrate properly."
Bewdley Farm Shop is open from 8am to 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays during the pandemic.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Poorest Wyre Forest families see council tax reduced

SOME of the poorest families in Wyre Forest are having their council tax bills reduced in a bid to help those struggling most as a result of coronavirus .
Wyre Forest District Council has paid out £730,077 in relief to some of the district ’ s most disadvantaged residents .
The council says its staff have worked hard to process 4,887 claims from residents who qualify for its Council Tax Reduction Scheme , reducing bills by up to £150 using money from the government ’ s hardship scheme .
Council leader Councillor Graham Ballinger said : “ I am sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of our most disadvantaged residents who are struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I am immensely proud of our staff who have worked long and hard to process these claims in such a timely way , while at the same time coping with the huge demand for help from others who are in difficulties as a result of the ongoing situation .
“ I would like to say thank you on behalf of all members of the council.
” As part of its response to Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local authorities in England with £500m of new grant funding to support economically vulnerable working age people and households .
Cllr Ballinger added : “ The number of households we have already supported underlines the need for government to provide further funding to local authorities .
`` We know many more people have claimed Universal Credit in recent weeks and , if their claims are successful , they may also qualify for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme which the council will determine without the need for households to apply separately .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them as well – no one needs to claim for this extra funding .
`` But there is a real fear that the amount we have received from the government may not be sufficient , so I call on the government to guarantee that it will top up the hardship funding if necessary .
”

Wyre Forest District Council has paid out £730,077 in relief to some of the district’s most disadvantaged residents.
The council says its staff have worked hard to process 4,887 claims from residents who qualify for its Council Tax Reduction Scheme, reducing bills by up to £150 using money from the government’s hardship scheme.
Council leader Councillor Graham Ballinger said: “I am sure this will come as great comfort to many of our most disadvantaged residents who are struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am immensely proud of our staff who have worked long and hard to process these claims in such a timely way, while at the same time coping with the huge demand for help from others who are in difficulties as a result of the ongoing situation.
“I would like to say thank you on behalf of all members of the council.”
As part of its response to Covid-19, the government announced that it would provide local authorities in England with £500m of new grant funding to support economically vulnerable working age people and households.
Wyre Forest District Council received £952,367.
Cllr Ballinger added: “The number of households we have already supported underlines the need for government to provide further funding to local authorities.
"We know many more people have claimed Universal Credit in recent weeks and, if their claims are successful, they may also qualify for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme which the council will determine without the need for households to apply separately.
“We will automatically pay up to £150 relief for them as well – no one needs to claim for this extra funding.
"But there is a real fear that the amount we have received from the government may not be sufficient, so I call on the government to guarantee that it will top up the hardship funding if necessary.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-14--Giant Hogweed: How to identify and get rid of the toxic plant

A warning has been issued for walkers to be on alert for 'dangerous ' hogweed plants .
If you ’ re spending more time gardening or going for long walks , you could stumble across the plant , which is much more dangerous than you may first realise .
This is everything you need to know about Giant Hogweed , from what it looks like to why it ’ s dangerous - and what to do if you touch the toxic sap .
What is Giant Hogweed and is it dangerous ?
Giant Hogweed , also known by its Latin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Georgia .
The plant is part of the Apiaceae family , which includes well known vegetables and herbs like parsley , carrot , parsnip and coriander .
Giant Hogweed was introduced to Britain and Europe in the 19th century , from the Caucasus Mountains .
The earliest documented reference to the plant has been traced back to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Seed List of 1817 , where seeds of the plant were listed .
The plant itself can reach over 10ft in height and , according to The Royal Horticultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardeners will want to eradicate it , as it is potentially invasive and the sap can cause severe skin burns ” .
The sap contains a chemical called furocoumarin which makes the skin sensitive to the sun , which can cause bad blistering .
The blistering can even recur over the span of months , and even years .
What does Giant Hogweed look like ?
The Woodland Trust outlines the appearance of Giant Hogweed so that you can better identify the dangerous plant : • Stems : the stems are green with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The stems are hollow with ridges and a thick circle of hair at the base of each leaf stalk • Leaves : the leaves are huge , and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long , and are often divided into smaller leaflets .
The Woodland Trust compares them to rhubarb leaves , with irregular and jagged edges , with the underside of the leaf being described as hairy • Flowers : the flowers of the Giant Hogweed appear in June and July , and are small and white and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that face upwards • Seeds : the seeds are dry , flattened and an oval shape , almost 1cm long and tan in colour with brown lines You can tell the difference between Giant Hogweed and regular hogweed by looking at the leaves - regular hogweed leaves are going to be more rounded versus the jagged edges of Giant Hogweed leaves .
Similarly , you might confuse Giant Hogweed with cow parsley - cow parsley can only grow about 3-4 feet , unlike Giant Hogweed which can reach staggering heights of almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller florets and broader leaves that are , again , much more rounded than the jagged leaves of Giant Hogweed .
Where am I likely to find Giant Hogweed ?
The plant is found throughout the UK , and more specifically , by river banks where the seeds are transported via the water .
The RHS also says that areas affected by Giant Hogweed include “ gardens and allotments adjacent to infected woodland , healthland or common land ” .
You can view the distribution of Giant Hogweed reports across the UK on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoom into specific regions of the UK to see how many reports of Giant Hogweed have been made in certain areas .
How do I get rid of Giant Hogweed ?
If you find your garden or allotment being invaded by Giant Hogweed , you ’ re going to want to get it removed .
There is no statutory obligation for landowners to get rid of Giant Hogweed , but you should be aware that it is illegal to plant or grow certain invasive and non-native plants in the UK , and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website states : “ You must not import , transport , keep , breed , sell , use or exchange , grow or cultivate , or release into the environment certain invasive alien species .
“ If you do , you can be fined or sent to prison for up to two years.
” The website goes on to explain that soil or plant material contaminated with invasive non-native plants can cause ecological damage , and could be classified as controlled waste - Giant Hogweed is classified as controlled waste .
To dispose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states that you must : • Send it to an authorised or suitable disposal site - you can check with the site directly , contact your local authority or check the Environmental Agency public register Your local authority can help arrange the disposal of Giant Hogweed .
You can not compost most non-native plants because they will usually survive the composting process and can infect areas where compost is used .
When dealing with Giant Hogweed , the RHS says : “ When controlling Giant Hogweed , always wear gloves , cover your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face mask when working on or near it .
If you accidentally get Giant Hogweed sap on your skin , Healthline says that you should wash the area with mild soap and cool water as quickly as possible .
You should keep the skin covered when you ’ re outside to protect it from the sunlight .
If a rash or blister begins to form , you should seek medical attention .
Your treatment will depend on how severe your reaction is .
“ Skin irritation that ’ s caught early might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen , to relieve pain , ” Healthline explains .
“ Severe burns could require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged skin.
” Healthline also explains that the Giant Hogweed sap can damage more than just your skin - if the sap gets in your eyes , you can experience either temporary or permanent blindness .
Similarly , breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems .

If you’re spending more time gardening or going for long walks, you could stumble across the plant, which is much more dangerous than you may first realise.
This is everything you need to know about Giant Hogweed, from what it looks like to why it’s dangerous - and what to do if you touch the toxic sap.
What is Giant Hogweed and is it dangerous?
Giant Hogweed, also known by its Latin name Heracleum Mantegazzianum, originated in Southern Russia and Georgia.
The plant is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes well known vegetables and herbs like parsley, carrot, parsnip and coriander.
Giant Hogweed was introduced to Britain and Europe in the 19th century, from the Caucasus Mountains.
The earliest documented reference to the plant has been traced back to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Seed List of 1817, where seeds of the plant were listed.
The plant itself can reach over 10ft in height and, according to The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): “most gardeners will want to eradicate it, as it is potentially invasive and the sap can cause severe skin burns”.
The sap contains a chemical called furocoumarin which makes the skin sensitive to the sun, which can cause bad blistering. The blistering can even recur over the span of months, and even years.
What does Giant Hogweed look like?
The Woodland Trust outlines the appearance of Giant Hogweed so that you can better identify the dangerous plant:
Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. The stems are hollow with ridges and a thick circle of hair at the base of each leaf stalk
the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. The stems are hollow with ridges and a thick circle of hair at the base of each leaf stalk Leaves: the leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. The Woodland Trust compares them to rhubarb leaves, with irregular and jagged edges, with the underside of the leaf being described as hairy
the leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. The Woodland Trust compares them to rhubarb leaves, with irregular and jagged edges, with the underside of the leaf being described as hairy Flowers: the flowers of the Giant Hogweed appear in June and July, and are small and white and appear in clusters on “umbrella-like heads” that face upwards
the flowers of the Giant Hogweed appear in June and July, and are small and white and appear in clusters on “umbrella-like heads” that face upwards Seeds: the seeds are dry, flattened and an oval shape, almost 1cm long and tan in colour with brown lines
You can tell the difference between Giant Hogweed and regular hogweed by looking at the leaves - regular hogweed leaves are going to be more rounded versus the jagged edges of Giant Hogweed leaves.
Similarly, you might confuse Giant Hogweed with cow parsley - cow parsley can only grow about 3-4 feet, unlike Giant Hogweed which can reach staggering heights of almost 12 feet.
Cow parsley also has smaller florets and broader leaves that are, again, much more rounded than the jagged leaves of Giant Hogweed.
Where am I likely to find Giant Hogweed?
The plant is found throughout the UK, and more specifically, by river banks where the seeds are transported via the water.
The RHS also says that areas affected by Giant Hogweed include “gardens and allotments adjacent to infected woodland, healthland or common land”.
You can view the distribution of Giant Hogweed reports across the UK on the Plant Tracker website.
You can zoom into specific regions of the UK to see how many reports of Giant Hogweed have been made in certain areas.
How do I get rid of Giant Hogweed?
If you find your garden or allotment being invaded by Giant Hogweed, you’re going to want to get it removed.
There is no statutory obligation for landowners to get rid of Giant Hogweed, but you should be aware that it is illegal to plant or grow certain invasive and non-native plants in the UK, and this includes Giant Hogweed.
The UK government website states: “You must not import, transport, keep, breed, sell, use or exchange, grow or cultivate, or release into the environment certain invasive alien species.
“If you do, you can be fined or sent to prison for up to two years.”
The website goes on to explain that soil or plant material contaminated with invasive non-native plants can cause ecological damage, and could be classified as controlled waste - Giant Hogweed is classified as controlled waste.
To dispose of Giant Hogweed, the government website states that you must:
Use a registered waste carrier
Send it to an authorised or suitable disposal site - you can check with the site directly, contact your local authority or check the Environmental Agency public register
Your local authority can help arrange the disposal of Giant Hogweed.
You cannot compost most non-native plants because they will usually survive the composting process and can infect areas where compost is used.
When dealing with Giant Hogweed, the RHS says: “When controlling Giant Hogweed, always wear gloves, cover your arms and legs, and ideally wear a face mask when working on or near it.
“Cut plant debris, contaminated clothing and tools are potentially hazardous too.”
How do I treat Giant Hogweed burns?
If you accidentally get Giant Hogweed sap on your skin, Healthline says that you should wash the area with mild soap and cool water as quickly as possible. You should keep the skin covered when you’re outside to protect it from the sunlight.
If a rash or blister begins to form, you should seek medical attention. Your treatment will depend on how severe your reaction is.
“Skin irritation that’s caught early might be treated with a steroid cream and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain,” Healthline explains.
“Severe burns could require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged skin.”
Healthline also explains that the Giant Hogweed sap can damage more than just your skin - if the sap gets in your eyes, you can experience either temporary or permanent blindness. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-14--Euro 96: ITV to re-air all 31 football matches - full schedule

ITV will take football fans on a trip down memory lane by re-airing all 31 matches from the Euro 96 @ @ @ @ @ , ITV 4 and online platform the ITV Hub will broadcast the matches .
ITV @ @ @ @ @ feature the England football team in 'some of their most memorable head to heads ' @ @ @ @ @ final between Germany and the Czech Republic .

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kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-14--Our Camera Club make good use of their daily lockdown walk

Here are some of the best photographs from this week 's Advertiser and Shuttle Camera Club .
To see more @ @ @ @ @