kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-27--Covid-19: You could be able to claim £182 if you have to self-isolate - here's who's eligible

Matt Hancock has announced that people on low incomes who need to self-isolate in areas where there are high numbers of coronavirus cases will be able to claim a maximum of £182 from the Government .
We 've put together all the details you need to know - including who is eligible to make a claim .
When will people be able to make a claim - and who can do so ?
The Health Secretary has confirmed that as of Tuesday September 1 , people on either Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit , who are required to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in areas with high incidences of Covid-19 , will benefit from a new payment scheme .
Starting with a trial in Blackburn with Darwen , Pendle and Oldham , eligible people who test positive for the virus will receive £130 for their 10-day period of self-isolation .
Other members of their household , who under the current rules have to self-isolate for 14 days , will be entitled to a payment of £182 .
What have the Department for Health and Social Care said ?
The Department for Health and Social Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate through the NHS Test and Trace system will also be entitled to a payment of £13 per day up to a maximum of £182 , dependent on the length of their isolation period .
The payment will not reduce any other benefits that a person may already receive , the department said .
Payments will be provided within 48 hours of the eligible person providing all the necessary evidence , and to receive the payment people will be asked to provide a notification from NHS Test and Trace and a bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual must have tested positive for Covid-19 or received a notification from NHS Test and Trace asking them to self-isolate , have agreed to comply with the self-isolation guidance and provided contact details to the relevant local authority , be employed or self-employed , be unable to work from home and be losing income as a result and be currently receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit .
Employed people will be asked to show proof of employment , while self-employed people will be required to show evidence of trading income and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority reasonably judges they are unable to carry out without social contact .
The department added that checks will be undertaken on all applicants to ensure they are self-isolating .
Local authorities will be able to check the NHS Test and Trace system to confirm an individual has been asked to self-isolate , if an individual is unable to provide this information , and will put in place checks to prevent fraud , the department said .
It added that there will be a rapid review of the pilot scheme in Blackburn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached and transmission has been reduced .
If the approach is successful , the scheme will be quickly applied in other areas where coronavirus cases are prevalent , DHSC said .
What has been the reaction to the announcement ?
But Labour ’ s shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said “ everyone should get the support they need to self-isolate ” .
Ms Dodds said : “ Effective local lockdowns depend on people self-isolating when they ’ re supposed to .
Labour has been warning for months that the Government needs to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right thing , but once again ministers have taken far too long to realise there ’ s a problem .
“ Just last week the Chancellor suggested there was no need to change the system for people who have to self-isolate .
“ Now the Health Secretary – who confessed that Statutory Sick Pay in the UK isn ’ t enough to live on – thinks the solution is to offer people who aren ’ t currently eligible the same limited level of support .
“ It ’ s concerning that this will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas with high rates of Covid-19 .
The instruction to self-isolate applies to everyone in the country , so everyone should get the support they need to self-isolate.
” The Mayor of Greater Manchester , Andy Burnham , added : “ I have been calling for weeks for the Government to provide financial support for those asked to self-isolate .
I am pleased they have at last acknowledged this issue but am sorry to say this move goes nowhere near far enough .
“ The Health Secretary has already said that he couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( SSP ) at £95 a week .
So how can an announcement like this work ?
“ For many workers in Greater Manchester , this will not provide the support people need to cooperate with NHS Test and Trace .
Having belatedly acknowledged that something needs to be done , Government must now accept the calls of the ‘ Time Out to Help Out ’ campaign and support people across the country to self-isolate on full pay .
”

We've put together all the details you need to know - including who is eligible to make a claim.
When will people be able to make a claim - and who can do so?
The Health Secretary has confirmed that as of Tuesday September 1, people on either Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit, who are required to self-isolate and are unable to work from home, in areas with high incidences of Covid-19, will benefit from a new payment scheme.
Starting with a trial in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham, eligible people who test positive for the virus will receive £130 for their 10-day period of self-isolation.
Other members of their household, who under the current rules have to self-isolate for 14 days, will be entitled to a payment of £182.
What have the Department for Health and Social Care said?
The Department for Health and Social Care added that non-household contacts who are advised to self-isolate through the NHS Test and Trace system will also be entitled to a payment of £13 per day up to a maximum of £182, dependent on the length of their isolation period.
The payment will not reduce any other benefits that a person may already receive, the department said.
Payments will be provided within 48 hours of the eligible person providing all the necessary evidence, and to receive the payment people will be asked to provide a notification from NHS Test and Trace and a bank statement.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, an individual must have tested positive for Covid-19 or received a notification from NHS Test and Trace asking them to self-isolate, have agreed to comply with the self-isolation guidance and provided contact details to the relevant local authority, be employed or self-employed, be unable to work from home and be losing income as a result and be currently receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit.
Employed people will be asked to show proof of employment, while self-employed people will be required to show evidence of trading income and that their business delivers services which the local authority reasonably judges they are unable to carry out without social contact.
The department added that checks will be undertaken on all applicants to ensure they are self-isolating.
Local authorities will be able to check the NHS Test and Trace system to confirm an individual has been asked to self-isolate, if an individual is unable to provide this information, and will put in place checks to prevent fraud, the department said.
It added that there will be a rapid review of the pilot scheme in Blackburn to assess how effectively vulnerable people have been reached and transmission has been reduced.
If the approach is successful, the scheme will be quickly applied in other areas where coronavirus cases are prevalent, DHSC said.
What has been the reaction to the announcement?
But Labour’s shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said “everyone should get the support they need to self-isolate”.
Ms Dodds said: “Effective local lockdowns depend on people self-isolating when they’re supposed to. Labour has been warning for months that the Government needs to make sure that people can afford to do the right thing, but once again ministers have taken far too long to realise there’s a problem.
“Just last week the Chancellor suggested there was no need to change the system for people who have to self-isolate.
“Now the Health Secretary – who confessed that Statutory Sick Pay in the UK isn’t enough to live on – thinks the solution is to offer people who aren’t currently eligible the same limited level of support.
“It’s concerning that this will only apply to a limited number of areas with high rates of Covid-19. The instruction to self-isolate applies to everyone in the country, so everyone should get the support they need to self-isolate.”
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, added: “I have been calling for weeks for the Government to provide financial support for those asked to self-isolate. I am pleased they have at last acknowledged this issue but am sorry to say this move goes nowhere near far enough.
“The Health Secretary has already said that he couldn’t live on Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at £95 a week. So how can an announcement like this work?
“For many workers in Greater Manchester, this will not provide the support people need to cooperate with NHS Test and Trace. Having belatedly acknowledged that something needs to be done, Government must now accept the calls of the ‘Time Out to Help Out’ campaign and support people across the country to self-isolate on full pay.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-27--Worcester rogue's gallery: NHS abusers and fire-starters

THIS is a rogue 's gallery of some of the county 's biggest nuisance offenders including a fire-starter and a woman who routinely abuses NHS staff .
West Mercia Police has successfully applied to have the criminal behaviour orders ( CBOs ) granted at Worcester Magistrates Court over the last two weeks .
One such order was made against a problem woman who persistently makes nuisance calls to the emergency services , has previously refused to wear a mask or face covering during the Covid-19 pandemic and has threatened emergency workers .
Another problem offender is a neighbour from hell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now banned from his 'intimidating antics ' on the streets of Worcester .
Foul-mouthed Nathan Fox , 29 , of McIntyre Road , St John 's Worcester was made subject to a two year CBO on July 27 this year .
He is prohibited from : Refusing to leave a premises or area when asked to do so by someone who has authority to do so ; behaving in a manner that causes alarm , harassment or distress , including ( but not only by using foul or abusive language , behaving aggressively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disturbance that would affect other residents of McIntyre Road , Worcester .
Nicola Rasey-Cother 54 , of Sedgeberrow , Evesham , was made subject to a two year CBO on August 14 this year .
She is prohibited from : Contacting the emergency services ( including any non-emergency numbers used to reach those services ) unless it is a genuine emergency ; refusing to engage in a medical assessment and subsequent treatment when ambulance crew or police have attended her address ; behaving in an aggressive or threatening manner towards emergency service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; causing a nuisance on any NHS premises ; refusing to abide by the Covid-19 guidance when specifically requested to do so by emergency workers and/or whilst on any NHS premises , including but not only by refusing to wear a face mask when asked to do so by ambulance staff .
A three year CBO was made against Paul Baker , 46 , of Swan Lane , Upton Warren on August 20 .
He is prohibited from : Behaving in any way that causes or is likely to cause any person harassment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusive , threatening or aggressive language ; burning any materials in his garden , driveway or any shared access areas in Swan Lane , Upton Warren ; throwing any items or cause items to land in or on his neighbours ' property in Swan Lane , Upton Warren ; tampering with any CCTV cameras that are not solely owned by defendant ; making gestures , or behaving in a manner that causes upset .
Meanwhile , recovering drug addict Tracey Wilson , 42 , of Thornhill Road , Handsworth , Birmingham breached her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worcester on three separate occasions .
She was fined £50 by magistrates on Monday but , as she had limited funds and large court debts ( £2,335 ) , she was made to wait on the court landing until the end of the court day as a punishment .

West Mercia Police has successfully applied to have the criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) granted at Worcester Magistrates Court over the last two weeks.
One such order was made against a problem woman who persistently makes nuisance calls to the emergency services, has previously refused to wear a mask or face covering during the Covid-19 pandemic and has threatened emergency workers.
Another problem offender is a neighbour from hell and known fire-starter while a third is now banned from his 'intimidating antics' on the streets of Worcester.
Foul-mouthed Nathan Fox, 29, of McIntyre Road, St John's Worcester was made subject to a two year CBO on July 27 this year.
He is prohibited from: Refusing to leave a premises or area when asked to do so by someone who has authority to do so; behaving in a manner that causes alarm, harassment or distress, including (but not only by using foul or abusive language, behaving aggressively or in an intimidating manner, causing a disturbance that would affect other residents of McIntyre Road, Worcester.
Nicola Rasey-Cother 54, of Sedgeberrow, Evesham, was made subject to a two year CBO on August 14 this year.
She is prohibited from: Contacting the emergency services (including any non-emergency numbers used to reach those services) unless it is a genuine emergency; refusing to engage in a medical assessment and subsequent treatment when ambulance crew or police have attended her address; behaving in an aggressive or threatening manner towards emergency service workers or being verbally abusive towards them; causing a nuisance on any NHS premises; refusing to abide by the Covid-19 guidance when specifically requested to do so by emergency workers and/or whilst on any NHS premises, including but not only by refusing to wear a face mask when asked to do so by ambulance staff.
A three year CBO was made against Paul Baker, 46, of Swan Lane, Upton Warren on August 20.
He is prohibited from: Behaving in any way that causes or is likely to cause any person harassment alarm, or distress including foul, abusive , threatening or aggressive language; burning any materials in his garden, driveway or any shared access areas in Swan Lane, Upton Warren;
throwing any items or cause items to land in or on his neighbours' property in Swan Lane, Upton Warren; tampering with any CCTV cameras that are not solely owned by defendant; making gestures, or behaving in a manner that causes upset.
Meanwhile, recovering drug addict Tracey Wilson, 42, of Thornhill Road, Handsworth, Birmingham breached her CBO three times by entering Broad Street Worcester on three separate occasions.
She was fined £50 by magistrates on Monday but, as she had limited funds and large court debts (£2,335), she was made to wait on the court landing until the end of the court day as a punishment.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-27--Deliveroo to launch ‘Eat In’ discount as Eat Out to Help Out ends: how it'll work

Deliveroo have announced that it will offer customers a discount in September to encourage them to “ eat in to help out ” , after the Government ’ s restaurant subsidy scheme ended next week .
Here 's how their new scheme will work .
How much discount will customers get - and when can they get it ?
The delivery giant said that it would offer £5 off an order of £20 or more during the first three days of each week in September .
The initiative follows Eat Out To Help Out – a scheme where the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal , up to a maximum of £10 during August .
How many meals were eaten under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme ?
More than 64 million meals were eaten under the scheme during its first three weeks , according to data released on Tuesday .
On Wednesday , the Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) became the latest organisation to call on Government ministers to extend the scheme into September after hailing its success .
What have Deliveroo said about the scheme ?
Deliveroo will offer cash off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week in September .
National chains will not be part of the deal , unless they pick up the tab themselves .
“ Deliveroo is passionate about supporting local restaurants , who are central to our business and to so many high streets across the UK , ” said Deliveroo boss Will Shu .
“ Our restaurant partners play a vital role in our economy , just as they do people ’ s everyday lives , bringing people the food they love .
We know they have been hit hard recently , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out scheme can play a part in helping their businesses through this difficult period.
” What has the chancellor Rishi Sunak said ?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : “ This has been an incredibly difficult time for the hospitality sector , both during the lockdown and emerging from it .
“ Thousands of restaurants and cafes forced to close during lockdown were thankfully able to continue trading in some way using delivery services such as Deliveroo.
” How many local restaurants across the UK will be involved in the Deliveroo discount scheme ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the scheme , Deliveroo said .
Customers will be given a code to use to apply the discount .

Here's how their new scheme will work.
How much discount will customers get - and when can they get it?
The delivery giant said that it would offer £5 off an order of £20 or more during the first three days of each week in September.
The initiative follows Eat Out To Help Out – a scheme where the Government covered half of the value of a meal, up to a maximum of £10 during August.
How many meals were eaten under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme?
More than 64 million meals were eaten under the scheme during its first three weeks, according to data released on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) became the latest organisation to call on Government ministers to extend the scheme into September after hailing its success.
What have Deliveroo said about the scheme?
Deliveroo will offer cash off the first 100,000 orders at small restaurants each week in September. National chains will not be part of the deal, unless they pick up the tab themselves.
“Deliveroo is passionate about supporting local restaurants, who are central to our business and to so many high streets across the UK,” said Deliveroo boss Will Shu.
“Our restaurant partners play a vital role in our economy, just as they do people’s everyday lives, bringing people the food they love. We know they have been hit hard recently, and we hope Our Eat IN to Help Out scheme can play a part in helping their businesses through this difficult period.”
What has the chancellor Rishi Sunak said?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for the hospitality sector, both during the lockdown and emerging from it.
“Thousands of restaurants and cafes forced to close during lockdown were thankfully able to continue trading in some way using delivery services such as Deliveroo.”
How many local restaurants across the UK will be involved in the Deliveroo discount scheme?
About 16,000 local restaurants will be involved in the scheme, Deliveroo said. Customers will be given a code to use to apply the discount.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-27--KFC bring back limited-edition 80-piece popcorn chicken sharing bucket

KFC have re-introduced their limited-edition 80-piece popcorn chicken sharing bucket across the UK .
The fast-food chain previously released the item for a short time back in February when they surprised the nation with the new addition to their menu .
When did the 80-piece bucket go on sale ?
The bucket returned to KFC branches nationwide on Monday , August 24 .
When will KFC stop selling the 80-piece popcorn chicken sharing bucket ?
Chicken-lovers will need to be quick , as the company will only be selling the buckets for a limited-time only , ending on October 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
In a statement , they said : `` Remember February ?
Feels a long time ago .
It was back then ( in those face mask-free days ) that we surprised the nation with the release of the 80-Piece Popcorn Sharing Bucket .
`` Well it was such a hit that we ’ ve decided to bring it back again .
From August 24 onwards , you and your mates can enjoy 80 pieces of our 100 per cent chicken breast Popcorn Chicken for just £5.99 .
`` That ’ s 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question to ask yourself is who are the clucky friends you ’ ll split it with ?
`` Remember , it won ’ t be around forever – so be quick to take advantage of this incredible pop-portunity ( …sorry ) . ''
To find out more , visit www.kfc.co.uk .

The fast-food chain previously released the item for a short time back in February when they surprised the nation with the new addition to their menu.
When did the 80-piece bucket go on sale?
The bucket returned to KFC branches nationwide on Monday, August 24.
When will KFC stop selling the 80-piece popcorn chicken sharing bucket?
Chicken-lovers will need to be quick, as the company will only be selling the buckets for a limited-time only, ending on October 4, 2020.
What have KFC said?
In a statement, they said: "Remember February? Feels a long time ago. It was back then (in those face mask-free days) that we surprised the nation with the release of the 80-Piece Popcorn Sharing Bucket.
"Well it was such a hit that we’ve decided to bring it back again. From August 24 onwards, you and your mates can enjoy 80 pieces of our 100 per cent chicken breast Popcorn Chicken for just £5.99.
"That’s 80 pieces of bite-sized fun to share…the only question to ask yourself is who are the clucky friends you’ll split it with?
"Remember, it won’t be around forever – so be quick to take advantage of this incredible pop-portunity (…sorry)."
To find out more, visit www.kfc.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-26--'Already ideas' for Stourport Bridge Street car park, says MP

AS we come towards the end of the summer break , there are a couple of things that are important locally .
The first is the outcome of the planning meeting last week .
Readers will remember that this was for the council to build a homeless centre in Stourport on a site allocated for commercial use , specifically to enhance the tourist offering .
The council ’ s planning committee saw sense and refused permission .
The council has a right to appeal this decision , but given the local opposition to the project , I am sure they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good news for Stourport is there are already ideas coming forward for this site , specifically looking to make a positive difference for the town .
Now that the adjacent Weatherspoon ’ s pub is up for sale , there are more exciting things that could happen in Bridge Street and the canal basins .
I am standing ready to be of help to those ideas as they become more clear .
But this still leaves the needs of the homeless .
I have already contacted officers at the council asking that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local need .
However , I have asked them to properly ascertain how best to deliver the help needed , and not just look for any old site that may or may not meet the requirements .
I am waiting to hear back from them , but again , if financial support is needed , then I will do my very best to find some cash .
The second big item coming up is a return to school next week .
This will be the first time most children will have been to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will be the first time they have had any sort of lesson in six months .
Some parents are still worried about Covid-19 and fear they may become infected if their child is in contact with a carrier .
Similarly , there is a risk to staff at schools .
All the advice coming out is that , whilst there is a risk , sticking to the distancing rules when at school minimises those risks .
More importantly , the damage done to children by being isolated and losing out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the risk of catching Covid-19 .
I ’ ve got two school-aged children and another going to university .
I will definitely be sending all my kids back to their education and I would urge all parents to listen to all the advice and do likewise .

The first is the outcome of the planning meeting last week.
Readers will remember that this was for the council to build a homeless centre in Stourport on a site allocated for commercial use, specifically to enhance the tourist offering.
The council’s planning committee saw sense and refused permission.
The council has a right to appeal this decision, but given the local opposition to the project, I am sure they will not push this further.
The good news for Stourport is there are already ideas coming forward for this site, specifically looking to make a positive difference for the town.
Now that the adjacent Weatherspoon’s pub is up for sale, there are more exciting things that could happen in Bridge Street and the canal basins. I am standing ready to be of help to those ideas as they become more clear.
But this still leaves the needs of the homeless. I have already contacted officers at the council asking that they continue to seek provision for this specific local need.
However, I have asked them to properly ascertain how best to deliver the help needed, and not just look for any old site that may or may not meet the requirements.
I am waiting to hear back from them, but again, if financial support is needed, then I will do my very best to find some cash.
The second big item coming up is a return to school next week. This will be the first time most children will have been to school since March.
In many cases, it will be the first time they have had any sort of lesson in six months.
Some parents are still worried about Covid-19 and fear they may become infected if their child is in contact with a carrier. Similarly, there is a risk to staff at schools.
All the advice coming out is that, whilst there is a risk, sticking to the distancing rules when at school minimises those risks.
More importantly, the damage done to children by being isolated and losing out on education is estimated to be far greater than the risk of catching Covid-19.
I’ve got two school-aged children and another going to university. I will definitely be sending all my kids back to their education and I would urge all parents to listen to all the advice and do likewise.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-26--No coronavirus deaths at Worcestershire hospitals for 25 days

THERE have been no coronavirus-related deaths recorded at any Worcestershire hospitals for 25 days .
The latest NHS England daily figures for Wednesday , August 26 show there have been no new deaths recorded in the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust .
It means the acute trust 's fatality total remains at 278 deaths , while the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust stands at 28 .
In total , there have been 306 recorded deaths in Worcestershire 's hospitals and at least 529 in `` all settings '' - including at home and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Across the country , a further nine people who tested positive for coronavirus have died , bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals in England to 29,524 .
The patients were between 39 and 84 years old and all had known underlying health conditions .
The deaths occured between August 22 and 25 , with the majority taking place on Tuesday , August 25 .
Worcestershire 's Acute Hospitals Trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital , the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital .
The Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rehabilitation wards , including Worcester City Impatient Unit , Malvern Community Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital , Pershore Community Hospital , the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove , Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward .
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19 .
They do not include deaths outside hospital , such as those in care homes , prisons , ambulances or in the community .
The statistics relate to deaths that were on that day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a particular day .

The latest NHS England daily figures for Wednesday, August 26 show there have been no new deaths recorded in the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust.
It means the acute trust's fatality total remains at 278 deaths, while the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust stands at 28.
In total, there have been 306 recorded deaths in Worcestershire's hospitals and at least 529 in "all settings" - including at home and in care homes - across the county.
Across the country, a further nine people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals in England to 29,524.
The patients were between 39 and 84 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
The deaths occured between August 22 and 25, with the majority taking place on Tuesday, August 25.
Worcestershire's Acute Hospitals Trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital.
The Health and Care NHS Trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards, including Worcester City Impatient Unit, Malvern Community Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, Pershore Community Hospital, the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward.
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19.
They do not include deaths outside hospital, such as those in care homes, prisons, ambulances or in the community.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-26--Kidderminster couple's socially distanced wedding party

A KIDDERMINSTER couple celebrated their wedding reception with a socially distanced twist by holding a street party for friends and family to safely share their big day .
Jake and Sophie Lacey-Watts tied the knot on Sunday , August 16 at St Peter 's Church in Cookley , followed by a party for their friends and family on Sophie 's mother 's street .
Guests were spread out following social distancing measures , with neighbours chipping in with the musical entertainment by lending a hand with performances .
The pair decided to take the unusual step after the government introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receptions as part of coronavirus restrictions .
Thanks to the help of their friends , the couple managed to celebrate their day outside on a Cookley street .
Jake , aged 28 , said : `` We were supposed to have the wedding reception in Shatterford , but it was cancelled .
`` The day was brilliant , it went really well and the neighbours chipped in and helped .
It rained but we managed through it .
It was a great day . ''
Food was provided by Captain Cod 's in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each guest so food could be served safely at the 1920s themed street bash .
Heavy rain could not even ruin the big day , with the newlyweds sharing their first dance under a gazebo in the middle of the street to The Cure 's Just Like Heaven .
The couple have been together for six years after meeting through a mutual friend in Cheltenham .
Jake added : `` Personally , my highlight of the day was turning around and seeing Sophie walk down the aisle but seeing the groomsmen carry a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we could have our first dance was a great moment . ''

Jake and Sophie Lacey-Watts tied the knot on Sunday, August 16 at St Peter's Church in Cookley, followed by a party for their friends and family on Sophie's mother's street.
Guests were spread out following social distancing measures, with neighbours chipping in with the musical entertainment by lending a hand with performances.
The pair decided to take the unusual step after the government introduced rules limiting the size of indoor wedding receptions as part of coronavirus restrictions.
Thanks to the help of their friends, the couple managed to celebrate their day outside on a Cookley street.
Jake, aged 28, said: "We were supposed to have the wedding reception in Shatterford, but it was cancelled.
"The day was brilliant, it went really well and the neighbours chipped in and helped. It rained but we managed through it. It was a great day."
Food was provided by Captain Cod's in Kidderminster who delivered fish and chips for each guest so food could be served safely at the 1920s themed street bash.
Heavy rain could not even ruin the big day, with the newlyweds sharing their first dance under a gazebo in the middle of the street to The Cure's Just Like Heaven.
The couple have been together for six years after meeting through a mutual friend in Cheltenham.
Jake added: "Personally, my highlight of the day was turning around and seeing Sophie walk down the aisle but seeing the groomsmen carry a gazebo into the middle of the road so we could have our first dance was a great moment."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-26--Stourport duo charged with conspiracy to kidnap Stoke-on-Trent men

TWO men from Stourport have been charged with conspiracy to kidnap after two men were held prisoner .
Five man and a woman have been charged in connection with the kidnap and false imprisonment of two men from Stoke-on-Trent in July .
Danny Bridges , 39 , of Saiwen , Lower Heath , Stourport , is charged with conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail .
Cornelius Stewart Price , 38 , of Saiwen , Lower Heath , Stourport , is charged with conspiracy to kidnap .
They both appeared before magistrates on August 1 .
Mark Kavanagh , 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also charged with conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail .
He appeared before magistrates on August 11 .
Darren McClean , 35 , of Smithy Fen Farm , Cottenham , is charged with two counts of kidnap and two counts of false imprisonment .
He also faces charges of driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance .
He appeared before magistrates on July 20 .
Quincy Jarron Bramble , 30 , of Lighterman Mews , London , is charged with two counts of kidnap and two counts of false imprisonment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All five men were remanded in custody and appeared at Wood Green Crown Court in London on August 17 .
They will next appear at the same court on November 13 .
Lisa Marie Finnerty , 37 , of Ethel Court , Rochdale , Lancashire , is charged with conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail .
She will appear before magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on October 15 .
Detectives have made two further arrests in connection with the incident .
A 37-year-old woman , from Rochdale , Lancashire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the supply of class A drugs .
She has been released under investigation pending further enquiries .
A 28-year-old man , from Cottentham , Cambridgshire , has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap .
Both have been released under investigation while investigations continue .

Five man and a woman have been charged in connection with the kidnap and false imprisonment of two men from Stoke-on-Trent in July.
Danny Bridges, 39, of Saiwen, Lower Heath, Stourport, is charged with conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail.
Cornelius Stewart Price, 38, of Saiwen, Lower Heath, Stourport, is charged with conspiracy to kidnap.
They both appeared before magistrates on August 1.
Mark Kavanagh, 32, of Brindley Avenue, Manchester, is also charged with conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail. He appeared before magistrates on August 11.
Darren McClean, 35, of Smithy Fen Farm, Cottenham, is charged with two counts of kidnap and two counts of false imprisonment.
He also faces charges of driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance. He appeared before magistrates on July 20.
Quincy Jarron Bramble, 30, of Lighterman Mews, London, is charged with two counts of kidnap and two counts of false imprisonment. He appeared before magistrates on July 27.
All five men were remanded in custody and appeared at Wood Green Crown Court in London on August 17.
They will next appear at the same court on November 13.
Lisa Marie Finnerty, 37, of Ethel Court, Rochdale, Lancashire, is charged with conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail.
She will appear before magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on October 15.
Detectives have made two further arrests in connection with the incident.
A 37-year-old woman, from Rochdale, Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of the supply of class A drugs. She has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
A 28-year-old man, from Cottentham, Cambridgshire, has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap.
Both have been released under investigation while investigations continue.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-26--Face coverings in England's schools: Pupils WILL have to wear masks in u-turn by Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has performed a u-turn on the wearing of face coverings in schools across England ahead of pupils returning to the classroom from next week .
Here 's what the government have said - and how the new rules affect pupils .
Why have the rules changed ?
The u-turn comes days after the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) published a new statement on August 21 on when children should wear face coverings .
The WHO now advise that “ children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults , in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 1-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area.
” What are the new rules on face coverings at schools in England ?
In an update issued at 10pm on Tuesday , August 25 , by the Department for Education , the government has revised its guidance on face coverings for staff and children in Year 7 or above in England .
The government statement reads : `` While the government is not recommending face coverings are necessary , schools will have the discretion to require face coverings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right in their particular circumstances .
`` In addition , and consistent with WHO ’ s new advice , the government will advise additional measures are taken in areas where the transmission of the virus is high .
`` In these areas , defined as areas of national government intervention [ areas of local lockdown ] as listed on gov.uk , the government ’ s guidance will state face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in secondary schools when moving around the school , such as in corridors and communal areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Will pupils have to wear face coverings in the classroom ?
It will not be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom .
The government say protective measures already mean the risks are lower , and they can hinder learning .
Will the rules apply to sixth forms , colleges and universities ?
Yes , the u-turn will also apply to further education colleges and will be reflected in the government 's guidance to universities .
Will the face covering rules apply to primary schools across England ?
No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary schools where the government say the risks to children are lower .
When will the new rules on face coverings in schools across England begin ?
The new rules will come into effect from Tuesday , September 1 .
The government say that updated guidance on face coverings in all education settings will be published in due course .
What has the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said ?
Education Secretary , Gavin Williamson said : “ Our priority is to get children back to school safely .
`` At each stage we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific advice .
`` We have therefore decided to follow the World Health Organisation ’ s new advice .
In local lockdown areas children in year 7 and above should wear face coverings in communal spaces .
`` Outside of local lockdown areas face coverings won ’ t be required in schools , though schools will have the flexibility to introduce measures if they believe it is right in their specific circumstances .
`` I hope these steps will provide parents , pupils and teachers with further reassurance.
” Hint that stricter rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s advice , the government added that if the rate of transmission increases across the whole country , it may be necessary to apply stricter guidance on face coverings in schools nationally .
This is not necessary at the moment but the government say they will keep the evidence on transmission under constant review .

Here's what the government have said - and how the new rules affect pupils.
Why have the rules changed?
The u-turn comes days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a new statement on August 21 on when children should wear face coverings.
The WHO now advise that “children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area.”
What are the new rules on face coverings at schools in England?
In an update issued at 10pm on Tuesday, August 25, by the Department for Education, the government has revised its guidance on face coverings for staff and children in Year 7 or above in England.
The government statement reads: "While the government is not recommending face coverings are necessary, schools will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas if they believe that is right in their particular circumstances.
"In addition, and consistent with WHO’s new advice, the government will advise additional measures are taken in areas where the transmission of the virus is high.
"In these areas, defined as areas of national government intervention [areas of local lockdown] as listed on gov.uk, the government’s guidance will state face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils in secondary schools when moving around the school, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain."
Will pupils have to wear face coverings in the classroom?
It will not be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom. The government say protective measures already mean the risks are lower, and they can hinder learning.
Will the rules apply to sixth forms, colleges and universities?
Yes, the u-turn will also apply to further education colleges and will be reflected in the government's guidance to universities.
Will the face covering rules apply to primary schools across England?
No, they will not apply to children in primary schools where the government say the risks to children are lower.
When will the new rules on face coverings in schools across England begin?
The new rules will come into effect from Tuesday, September 1.
The government say that updated guidance on face coverings in all education settings will be published in due course.
What has the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said?
Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: “Our priority is to get children back to school safely.
"At each stage we have listened to the latest medical and scientific advice.
"We have therefore decided to follow the World Health Organisation’s new advice. In local lockdown areas children in year 7 and above should wear face coverings in communal spaces.
"Outside of local lockdown areas face coverings won’t be required in schools, though schools will have the flexibility to introduce measures if they believe it is right in their specific circumstances.
"I hope these steps will provide parents, pupils and teachers with further reassurance.”
Hint that stricter rules could be issued
Consistent with WHO’s advice, the government added that if the rate of transmission increases across the whole country, it may be necessary to apply stricter guidance on face coverings in schools nationally.
This is not necessary at the moment but the government say they will keep the evidence
on transmission under constant review.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-26--50 fallen trees cleared as Storm Francis hits Worcestershire

OVER 50 fallen trees have been cleared as Storm Francis hits Worcestershire .
This included a fallen tree in the @ @ @ @ @ Estate and Cutnall Green .
The road was closed for some time on Tuesday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ avoid the area .
The road has since reopened .
An amber weather warning for @ @ @ @ @ Worcestershire on Tuesday , August 25 .
Worcestershire Highways and Travel posted on Twitter : @ @ @ @ @ 50 fallen trees around Worcestershire yesterday as Storm Francis hit - thanks to @ Ringway_Worcs @ @ @ @ @ their clearance efforts , plus some public-spirited individuals !
`` Thanks also to everyone that @ @ @ @ @ . ''

This included a fallen tree in the Droitwich Road between Rushock Trading Estate and Cutnall Green.
The road was closed for some time on Tuesday afternoon and people were warned to avoid the area. The road has since reopened.
An amber weather warning for wind was in place throughout Worcestershire on Tuesday, August 25.
Worcestershire Highways and Travel posted on Twitter: "We dealt with over 50 fallen trees around Worcestershire yesterday as Storm Francis hit - thanks to @Ringway_Worcs and specialist tree contractors for their clearance efforts, plus some public-spirited individuals!
"Thanks also to everyone that reported a problem to us."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-25--New Wyre Forest campaign warns of laughing gas dangers

A RISE in the amount of laughing gas cannisters littering Wyre Forest 's parks has prompted a new campaign to warn people of the dangers of using the `` party drug '' .
The N2Othing to Laugh About campaign has been launched by Safer Wyre Forest in a bid to tackle an ongoing problem with drug-related litter in the district 's public spaces and raise awareness of the dangers of using the nitrous oxide drug - otherwise known as laughing gas .
Fears have been raised that the use of the drug has increased in the area and across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a noticeable rise in the number of canisters and balloons being left in parks and alleyways .
Councillor Helen Dyke , cabinet member for culture , leisure and community protection , said : “ Using nitrous oxide as a drug is by no means harmless and can carry serious risks when used improperly or mixed with other substances .
`` Associated drug litter and anti-social behaviour blight our parks and open spaces , causing great harm to the environment and our community pride .
Please consider the dangers , and consider others.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when used as a drug , is dispensed from a small silver metal cannister into a container , such as a balloon or plastic bag , and inhaled to cause a short-lived high .
It can cause dizziness , nausea , hallucinations and acts as a depressant .
Mixing the gas with other substances increases the risks - as do underlying health conditions and improper use .
For instance , inhaling directly from the canister can cause suffocation , frostbite and even death .
Supply of laughing gas is illegal , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possessing to sell , or giving away the drug to be inhaled could face up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine .
The N2Othing to Laugh About campaign will urge people to report drug-related litter to Wyre Forest District Council ’ s online customer account My Wyre Forest wyreforestdc.gov.uk/mywyreforest or download free and report via the My Wyre Forest App .
Anyone with concerns about a young person 's nitrous oxide use or any other drug or alcohol use can call Switch Worcestershire for free and confidential support on 0300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for support .

The N2Othing to Laugh About campaign has been launched by Safer Wyre Forest in a bid to tackle an ongoing problem with drug-related litter in the district's public spaces and raise awareness of the dangers of using the nitrous oxide drug - otherwise known as laughing gas.
Fears have been raised that the use of the drug has increased in the area and across the UK during the coronavirus pandemic because of a noticeable rise in the number of canisters and balloons being left in parks and alleyways.
Councillor Helen Dyke, cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, said: “Using nitrous oxide as a drug is by no means harmless and can carry serious risks when used improperly or mixed with other substances.
"Associated drug litter and anti-social behaviour blight our parks and open spaces, causing great harm to the environment and our community pride. Please consider the dangers, and consider others.”
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas which, when used as a drug, is dispensed from a small silver metal cannister into a container, such as a balloon or plastic bag, and inhaled to cause a short-lived high.
It can cause dizziness, nausea, hallucinations and acts as a depressant. Mixing the gas with other substances increases the risks - as do underlying health conditions and improper use. For instance, inhaling directly from the canister can cause suffocation, frostbite and even death.
Supply of laughing gas is illegal, which means anyone found to be selling, possessing to sell, or giving away the drug to be inhaled could face up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine.
The N2Othing to Laugh About campaign will urge people to report drug-related litter to Wyre Forest District Council’s online customer account My Wyre Forest wyreforestdc.gov.uk/mywyreforest or download free and report via the My Wyre Forest App.
Anyone with concerns about a young person's nitrous oxide use or any other drug or alcohol use can call Switch Worcestershire for free and confidential support on 0300 303 8200. Alternatively, visit cranstoun.org for support.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-25--Worcestershire pervert ex-teacher admits crimes against more boys

A DISGRACED former teacher who is already facing up to 19 years behind bars has finally admitted further offences against two boys .
Disturbingly , despite him having left under a cloud of suspicion , a boarding school just outside the Wyre Forest District gave Paul Stevens a reference for him to get a job at a school in Kenya , where he committed more offences .
Stevens , 62 , of Fford Isaf , Dyffreyn Ardudwy , Gwynedd , has already been given an extended sentence of 19 years in jail , with an additional five years on licence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve at least two-thirds of the 19-year term , but will then only be freed before serving the full sentence if the Parole Board considers it safe to do so .
By the time that sentence was imposed in November last year , after he had pleaded guilty part-way through a trial to 10 charges of indecent assault and five of indecency with a child in relation to three victims , two more victims had come forward .
In relation to those , Stevens again denied what he had done – until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crown Court .
It was only then that he pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting one boy at Abberley Hall School in the 1990s and two charges of voyeurism at a school in Kenya in 2012 .
Stevens was jailed for three-and-a-half years – but it will be concurrent to his present sentence after Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said it was part of that course of conduct .
Prosecutor Fiona Elder said the first of the two latest victims to come forward had been a pupil at Abberley Hall School in the 1990s where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just eight .
Stevens , who taught mathematics and sport and was a housemaster , had accommodation at the school , and invited certain boys into his room as a `` treat '' to watch films or TV programmes .
Once the boys were in bed at night , he would make his rounds , `` creeping round the dormitories with a torch , tucking them in '' .
He used that as an opportunity to fondle the eight-year-old over his pyjamas , and when the boy flinched and turned away , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him punishments for having rejected his advances .
The victim came forward after hearing of Stevens ’ trial last year , but despite having admitted those earlier matters by the time he was questioned , Stevens denied ever touching the boy .
Miss Elder said that Stevens , whose earlier offences had included making two boys perform oral sex on him , left Abberley Hall in 1999 as a result of suspicions over his behaviour towards some of the boys and complaints by parents .
But he remained in the teaching profession , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post at boarding school in Kenya .
Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said : “ He was given a reference to go to Kenya .
I have said the whole file needs to be reviewed by the authorities in Worcester .
It needs to be ensured that such things never happen again.
” Among the boys at the Kenyan school was an 11-year-old who found communal showering embarrassing because Stevens would stand and watch them .
On one occasion , the boy , who had taken to wearing swimming shorts in the shower , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had finished , only for Stevens to follow him in .
“ The defendant made him remove his swimming shorts , and when he turned to the wall made him turn round and move his hands with which he had been covering himself .
He then made him wash while the defendant stood and watched.
” On another occasion , the boy stayed in his room at shower time , only for Stevens to go in and tell him to undress .
“ The boy tried to cover himself with a towel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made him remove them and stand naked in front of him , ” said Miss Elder .
The boy told his father , but when the matter was raised with the headteacher , `` she seemed to dismiss them as trouble-makers ’ '' , the court heard - but it was taken further and Stevens was dismissed .
Jailing Stevens , Judge Lockhart told him : “ In November 2019 , you pleaded guilty to 15 sexual offences against three boys while they were pupils under your care at Abberley Hall .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long one , 19 years extended to 24 , because I found you to be dangerous .
“ But that was not the extent of your offending , as illustrated by these offences today .
You denied these matters , even after you had been convicted of the earlier matters .
“ Most disturbingly , you left Abberley Hall in 1999 because suspicion had been raised against your name , but the school chose to give you a reference and you went to the school in Kenya.
” The judge said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one Stevens is already serving , the further offences `` may affect your release date when it is considered by the Parole Board '' .
He added that it had been `` a case of real complexity '' – and asked that the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police considers commendations for DCs Alistair Mulcaster and Malcolm Summers .
Following today 's further sentencing , Detective Inspector Mark Walters , from West Mercia Police , said : `` Paul Stevens abused his position of trust as a teacher in the worst way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I would like to praise the victims who came forward both prior to the original investigation and in relation to this latest sentence and to all those who gave evidence against him .
It is down to their courage he was sentenced to twenty four years in prison in November and is now facing another concurrent five years for his crimes .
`` I hope this case reassures anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse , either non-recent or current , that West Mercia Police is committed to providing help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to justice .
We will thoroughly investigate , no matter when the abuse took place .
There is help and support available , so please do n't suffer in silence . ''
In November , the head of Abberley Hall School issued a `` heartfelt apology '' to the victims after Stevens was jailed .
Will Lockett praised the courage of Stevens ' victims and said the school community offered its sincere sympathy .

Disturbingly, despite him having left under a cloud of suspicion, a boarding school just outside the Wyre Forest District gave Paul Stevens a reference for him to get a job at a school in Kenya, where he committed more offences.
Stevens, 62, of Fford Isaf, Dyffreyn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, has already been given an extended sentence of 19 years in jail, with an additional five years on licence following his release.
He has to serve at least two-thirds of the 19-year term, but will then only be freed before serving the full sentence if the Parole Board considers it safe to do so.
By the time that sentence was imposed in November last year, after he had pleaded guilty part-way through a trial to 10 charges of indecent assault and five of indecency with a child in relation to three victims, two more victims had come forward.
In relation to those, Stevens again denied what he had done – until the first day of his trial at Warwick Crown Court.
It was only then that he pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting one boy at Abberley Hall School in the 1990s and two charges of voyeurism at a school in Kenya in 2012.
Stevens was jailed for three-and-a-half years – but it will be concurrent to his present sentence after Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said it was part of that course of conduct.
Prosecutor Fiona Elder said the first of the two latest victims to come forward had been a pupil at Abberley Hall School in the 1990s where he began as a boarder when he was just eight.
Stevens, who taught mathematics and sport and was a housemaster, had accommodation at the school, and invited certain boys into his room as a "treat" to watch films or TV programmes.
Once the boys were in bed at night, he would make his rounds, "creeping round the dormitories with a torch, tucking them in".
He used that as an opportunity to fondle the eight-year-old over his pyjamas, and when the boy flinched and turned away, he stopped – but then began giving him punishments for having rejected his advances.
The victim came forward after hearing of Stevens’ trial last year, but despite having admitted those earlier matters by the time he was questioned, Stevens denied ever touching the boy.
Miss Elder said that Stevens, whose earlier offences had included making two boys perform oral sex on him, left Abberley Hall in 1999 as a result of suspicions over his behaviour towards some of the boys and complaints by parents.
But he remained in the teaching profession, and in 2010 he took up a post at boarding school in Kenya.
Judge Andrew Lockhart QC said: “He was given a reference to go to Kenya. I have said the whole file needs to be reviewed by the authorities in Worcester. It needs to be ensured that such things never happen again.”
Among the boys at the Kenyan school was an 11-year-old who found communal showering embarrassing because Stevens would stand and watch them.
On one occasion, the boy, who had taken to wearing swimming shorts in the shower, decided to wash after the other boys had finished, only for Stevens to follow him in.
“The defendant made him remove his swimming shorts, and when he turned to the wall made him turn round and move his hands with which he had been covering himself. He then made him wash while the defendant stood and watched.”
On another occasion, the boy stayed in his room at shower time, only for Stevens to go in and tell him to undress.
“The boy tried to cover himself with a towel and put swimming shorts on, but Stevens made him remove them and stand naked in front of him,” said Miss Elder.
The boy told his father, but when the matter was raised with the headteacher, "she seemed to dismiss them as trouble-makers’", the court heard - but it was taken further and Stevens was dismissed.
Jailing Stevens, Judge Lockhart told him: “In November 2019, you pleaded guilty to 15 sexual offences against three boys while they were pupils under your care at Abberley Hall.
“The sentence I passed on you was a long one, 19 years extended to 24, because I found you to be dangerous.
“But that was not the extent of your offending, as illustrated by these offences today. You denied these matters, even after you had been convicted of the earlier matters.
“Most disturbingly, you left Abberley Hall in 1999 because suspicion had been raised against your name, but the school chose to give you a reference and you went to the school in Kenya.”
The judge said that although the new sentence was concurrent to the one Stevens is already serving, the further offences "may affect your release date when it is considered by the Parole Board".
He added that it had been "a case of real complexity" – and asked that the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police considers commendations for DCs Alistair Mulcaster and Malcolm Summers.
Following today's further sentencing, Detective Inspector Mark Walters, from West Mercia Police, said: "Paul Stevens abused his position of trust as a teacher in the worst way possible by preying on vulnerable children.
"I would like to praise the victims who came forward both prior to the original investigation and in relation to this latest sentence and to all those who gave evidence against him. It is down to their courage he was sentenced to twenty four years in prison in November and is now facing another concurrent five years for his crimes.
"I hope this case reassures anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, either non-recent or current, that West Mercia Police is committed to providing help and support to victims and bringing offenders to justice. We will thoroughly investigate, no matter when the abuse took place. There is help and support available, so please don't suffer in silence."
In November, the head of Abberley Hall School issued a "heartfelt apology" to the victims after Stevens was jailed. Will Lockett praised the courage of Stevens' victims and said the school community offered its sincere sympathy.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-25--Amber wind warning in Wyre Forest as Storm Francis hits UK

A WEATHER warning put in place for high winds across Worcestershire has been upgraded to amber .
The Met Office 's weather warning , which had been yellow for high winds , has been upgraded to amber as Storm Francis hits the county .
Residents are being warned to stay safe as winds reach up to 26mph in Wyre Forest this evening ( Tuesday ) .
There has been a report of a fallen tree in the Areley Kings area of Stourport as a result of the high winds .
The amber weather warning is in place until the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Met Office said : `` Very strong winds are likely to bring disruption to parts of England and Wales Tuesday during afternoon and evening .
`` Longer journey times and cancellations likely , as road , rail , air and ferry services may be affected '' Some roads and bridges likely to close '' There is a good chance that power cuts may occur , with the potential to affect other services , such as mobile phone coverage '' Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as tiles blown from roofs and branches on roads '' Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads , sea fronts and properties . ''

The Met Office's weather warning, which had been yellow for high winds, has been upgraded to amber as Storm Francis hits the county.
Residents are being warned to stay safe as winds reach up to 26mph in Wyre Forest this evening (Tuesday).
Due to the high winds we are currently receiving a lot of 9⃣9⃣9⃣ and 1⃣0⃣1⃣ calls.
Please only call 999 in a genuine emergency. Non urgent matters can be reported on our website and are treated in the same way as a 101 call.https://t.co/A9L9jYtc0O#StormFrancis pic.twitter.com/jmukszcmwa — West Mercia OCC (@WestMerciaOCC) August 25, 2020
There has been a report of a fallen tree in the Areley Kings area of Stourport as a result of the high winds.
The amber weather warning is in place until the end of Tuesday, August 25.
The Met Office said: "Very strong winds are likely to bring disruption to parts of England and Wales Tuesday during afternoon and evening.
"Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
"Some roads and bridges likely to close
"There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
"Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life and probably some damage to buildings and trees, such as tiles blown from roofs and branches on roads
"Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-25--Armed robber jailed for threatening Co-op staff in Highley

AN armed robber has been jailed after he threatened staff at a convenience store .
Last year , on Sunday , October 6 , Anthony Lloyd entered the Co-op in Highley and threatened two members off staff .
The 35-year-old , from Woodhill Road in Highley , approached the counter armed with a large knife and demanded cash .
He was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday ( August 21 ) to five years in prison for robbery and 19 months for possession of an offensive weapon after a jury found him guilty .
He will serve the sentences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ This was a horrific ordeal for the members of staff who were threatened and also the wider community who were shocked by the incident .
“ I want to thank the local community for its support while we carried out our enquiries and I ’ m pleased that we were able to quickly identify and arrest the suspect , who will now be serving a considerable time in prison.
” Lloyd was also sentenced to 12 months for a separate offence of fraud and 12 months and 16 months for @ @ @ @ @ @

Last year, on Sunday, October 6, Anthony Lloyd entered the Co-op in Highley and threatened two members off staff.
The 35-year-old, from Woodhill Road in Highley, approached the counter armed with a large knife and demanded cash.
He was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday (August 21) to five years in prison for robbery and 19 months for possession of an offensive weapon after a jury found him guilty. He will serve the sentences concurrently.
Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Nikki Roberts said: “This was a horrific ordeal for the members of staff who were threatened and also the wider community who were shocked by the incident.
“I want to thank the local community for its support while we carried out our enquiries and I’m pleased that we were able to quickly identify and arrest the suspect, who will now be serving a considerable time in prison.”
Lloyd was also sentenced to 12 months for a separate offence of fraud and 12 months and 16 months for two separate counts of theft.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-25--Birmingham League round up: Last ball defeat for Himley

HIMLEY had the misfortune to lose out on the very last ball of their game against West Bromwich Dartmouth following a captivating Birmingham League contest that went right down to the wire .
That was after Himley had made light of the blustery weather conditions to post a convincing total of 191 all out off their allotted 40 overs in Group Two of the Graham Williamson Trophy .
Worcestershire 's Ollie Westbury struck 45 and found a willing accomplice in Callum Lea who added a further 52 as the pair put on 84 runs for Himley 's second wicket .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ flowing with a further 22 before one time England bowler Kabir Ali applied the brake for Dartmouth by taking three for 35 while Drew Malik claimed two for 19 to help keep the innings in check .
Dartmouth did n't have matters all their own way in reply and were reduced to 58 for four at one stage as Himley bowlers Ben Robinson and Matt Jeavons both kept a tight rein on the run flow as both finished with figures of one for 22 .
Kadeer Ali then turned the game back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off 61 balls before Ian Stevenson produced a skipper 's knock to squeeze his side home on 193 for eight thanks to a critical 24 not out from just 15 balls .
The result was rough on Himley 's Danny Vernon who picked up pleasing bowling figures of three for 41 from his eight over spell This victory has enabled Dartmouth to take over top spot in Group Two , while Kidderminster now lead the way in Group Four thanks to their 10 run triumph over closest rivals Halesowen .
Initially it looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first would backfire as they lost early wickets including the prize scalp of Worcestershire 's Ben Twohig who was clean bowled by Halesowen 's Luke Tulacz for just eight runs .
It was former Worcestershire opening bat and current Herefordshire Minor Counties skipper Mat Pardoe who repaired the damage with a timely 87 while Charlie Stainforth supplied a late cameo to the innings on 20 not out to help Kidderminster reach 197 for nine .
Peter Scott again proved impressive with the ball by bagging figures of three for 25 while one time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two for 36 .
In reply , all of Halesowen 's top order batsmen made solid starts but no-one went onto make a matchwinning score , Ryan Lockley leading the way with 36 .
Chris Steele and Ben Twohig both claimed a couple of wickets but it was Liam Weston who caught the eye by conceding just 19 runs from his miserly eight over spell as Halesowen fell short on 187 for seven .
Bromsgrove had been soundly beaten in all of their five previous games to date and fared little better in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a six wicket reverse against close neighbours Barnt Green .
That was after Bromsgrove made an encouraging start with the bat thanks to the efforts of in-form Jayden Levitt who scored 44 while wicketkeeper Alex Milton made 63 before being run out .
But a final total of 160 for six was never going to be enough , especially against the Green 's early explosive batting .
Accurate bowling by Andy Sutton , Adam Hines , Jacques Banton , Robbie Shurmer and skipper Darrel Williams all resulted with a wicket apiece .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reply through Warwickshire 's prolific pinch hitter Ed Pollock who plundered 46 off just 26 balls .
In contrast , opening partner Ben Chapman-Lilley played the anchor role to finish on 51 not out .
Jacques Banton chipped in with 28 while Dan Meredith added 25 not out as the Green coasted home on 161 for four in the 32nd over .
The destiny of Group Four could take a decisive turn this coming Saturday when Kidderminster clash with Barnt Green at Chester Road , Halesowen host Ombersley while Bromsgrove will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green .
Himley will hope to keep their fading prospects alive in Group Two when they travel to Smethwick .

That was after Himley had made light of the blustery weather conditions to post a convincing total of 191 all out off their allotted 40 overs in Group Two of the Graham Williamson Trophy.
Worcestershire's Ollie Westbury struck 45 and found a willing accomplice in Callum Lea who added a further 52 as the pair put on 84 runs for Himley's second wicket.
Jamie 'Dodge' Turner kept the runs flowing with a further 22 before one time England bowler Kabir Ali applied the brake for Dartmouth by taking three for 35 while Drew Malik claimed two for 19 to help keep the innings in check.
Dartmouth didn't have matters all their own way in reply and were reduced to 58 for four at one stage as Himley bowlers Ben Robinson and Matt Jeavons both kept a tight rein on the run flow as both finished with figures of one for 22.
Kadeer Ali then turned the game back in Dartmouth's favour with a quickfire 63 off 61 balls before Ian Stevenson produced a skipper's knock to squeeze his side home on 193 for eight thanks to a critical 24 not out from just 15 balls.
The result was rough on Himley's Danny Vernon who picked up pleasing bowling figures of three for 41 from his eight over spell This victory has enabled Dartmouth to take over top spot in Group Two, while Kidderminster now lead the way in Group Four thanks to their 10 run triumph over closest rivals Halesowen.
Initially it looked as though Kidderminster's decision to bat first would backfire as they lost early wickets including the prize scalp of Worcestershire's Ben Twohig who was clean bowled by Halesowen's Luke Tulacz for just eight runs.
It was former Worcestershire opening bat and current Herefordshire Minor Counties skipper Mat Pardoe who repaired the damage with a timely 87 while Charlie Stainforth supplied a late cameo to the innings on 20 not out to help Kidderminster reach 197 for nine.
Peter Scott again proved impressive with the ball by bagging figures of three for 25 while one time Worcester and Holland star Alexie Kerveeze captured two for 36.
In reply, all of Halesowen's top order batsmen made solid starts but no-one went onto make a matchwinning score, Ryan Lockley leading the way with 36.
Chris Steele and Ben Twohig both claimed a couple of wickets but it was Liam Weston who caught the eye by conceding just 19 runs from his miserly eight over spell as Halesowen fell short on 187 for seven.
Bromsgrove had been soundly beaten in all of their five previous games to date and fared little better in their latest setback as they slumped to a six wicket reverse against close neighbours Barnt Green.
That was after Bromsgrove made an encouraging start with the bat thanks to the efforts of in-form Jayden Levitt who scored 44 while wicketkeeper Alex Milton made 63 before being run out.
But a final total of 160 for six was never going to be enough, especially against the Green's early explosive batting.
Accurate bowling by Andy Sutton, Adam Hines, Jacques Banton, Robbie Shurmer and skipper Darrel Williams all resulted with a wicket apiece.
The Green then made their customary express start in reply through Warwickshire's prolific pinch hitter Ed Pollock who plundered 46 off just 26 balls.
In contrast, opening partner Ben Chapman-Lilley played the anchor role to finish on 51 not out.
Jacques Banton chipped in with 28 while Dan Meredith added 25 not out as the Green coasted home on 161 for four in the 32nd over.
The destiny of Group Four could take a decisive turn this coming Saturday when Kidderminster clash with Barnt Green at Chester Road, Halesowen host Ombersley while Bromsgrove will be bidding to break their duck at Barnards Green.
Himley will hope to keep their fading prospects alive in Group Two when they travel to Smethwick.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-24--B&Q, John Lewis and Wilko issue product recalls

A number of high street chains including B & Q , John Lewis and Wilko have launched urgent recalls on a variety of items .
We 've put together all the details on what each company are recalling - and what to do .
The recall statement reads : `` There is a risk of electric shock resulting from direct contact with internal live parts which could occur if you attempt to replace an E27 lamp without first switching off the mains supply .
`` The products were on sale in B & Q from October 2019 to March 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by this issue . ''
If you have purchased any of these converters , contact the Freephone helpline for further information 0800 009 2981 between Monday and Thursday 8.30am to 5pm , and on Friday 's from 8.30am - 4pm .
The statement adds : `` Masterlite apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation .
`` Please note that only the products detailed in this safety notice are affected .
All other lights sold by Masterlite are unaffected . ''
The company have issued a recall on their John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cotbed Mattress .
The item affected contains the product code : 32464401 .
This recall is for products sold between June 2019 and June 2020 from johnlewis.com .
A statement by John Lewis said : `` We have recently retested this mattress , and unfortunately it has failed a firmness test on the newborn side which means it does not comply with legal requirements .
`` The other side has passed the test and is safe to use regardless of age .
`` Therefore , we ask that with immediate effect , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month+ side .
This can be identified by unzipping the cover .
`` Please contact us on 01698 545 160 to discuss this and arrange a replacement and a refund .
`` We will arrange for the collection and disposal of your existing mattress in a responsible way .
`` We are obliged to ensure the mattress is not used any more , and does not find its way on to secondary markets .
`` We 're sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this product recall may cause you . ''
Wilko have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand Safari Buddies tambourine assorted toy .
• Item code : 0417368/7 - affected batch codes - 190620 , 190701 , 190715 , 191125 batches are located on the inside of the wooden frame .
In a statement , Wilko said : `` We have recently become aware of a potential safety issue with our Wilko Safari Buddies Tambourine .
`` We have identified that in certain circumstances , the pins that secure the cymbals can become detached , leading to a potential safety issue .
`` As a precautionary measure we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tambourine with the above batch codes to stop using the product immediately , keep it away from children , and return it to any store for a full refund .
`` Nothing matters more to us than our customer safety so if you ’ ve purchased this product from us , please return it to any of our stores for a full refund of the purchase price .
`` Please note that the recall only applies to the batches highlighted above .
`` If you have any questions , please contact your local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care Team free on : 08000 329 329 .
`` We wish to thank you for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience . ''

We've put together all the details on what each company are recalling - and what to do.
What have B&Q recalled?
B&Q have issued a recall on Masterlite B22-E27 lampholder converters.
The recall statement reads: "There is a risk of electric shock resulting from direct contact with internal live parts which could occur if you attempt to replace an E27 lamp without first switching off the mains supply.
"The products were on sale in B&Q from October 2019 to March 2020.
"All batches sold are affected by this issue."
The product affected is:
Name: B22 - E27 Lampholder Converter (90411)
Barcode No. 5014838904114
If you have purchased any of these converters, contact the Freephone helpline for further information 0800 009 2981 between Monday and Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, and on Friday's from 8.30am - 4pm.
The statement adds: "Masterlite apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation.
"Please note that only the products detailed in this safety notice are affected. All other lights sold by Masterlite are unaffected."
What have John Lewis recalled?
The company have issued a recall on their John Lewis & Partners Dual Purpose Pocket Spring Cotbed Mattress.
The item affected contains the product code: 32464401.
This recall is for products sold between June 2019 and June 2020 from johnlewis.com.
A statement by John Lewis said: "We have recently retested this mattress, and unfortunately it has failed a firmness test on the newborn side which means it does not comply with legal requirements.
"The other side has passed the test and is safe to use regardless of age.
"Therefore, we ask that with immediate effect, you rotate the mattress to use the 12 month+ side. This can be identified by unzipping the cover.
"Please contact us on 01698 545 160 to discuss this and arrange a replacement and a refund.
"We will arrange for the collection and disposal of your existing mattress in a responsible way.
"We are obliged to ensure the mattress is not used any more, and does not find its way on to secondary markets.
"We're sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this product recall may cause you."
What have Wilko recalled?
Wilko have issued a product recall on their own brand Safari Buddies tambourine assorted toy.
The items affected are:
Item code: 0417368/7 - affected batch codes - 190620, 190701, 190715, 191125 batches are located on the inside of the wooden frame.
In a statement, Wilko said: "We have recently become aware of a potential safety issue with our Wilko Safari Buddies Tambourine.
"We have identified that in certain circumstances, the pins that secure the cymbals can become detached, leading to a potential safety issue.
"As a precautionary measure we are therefore advising customers that have purchased the tambourine with the above batch codes to stop using the product immediately, keep it away from children, and return it to any store for a full refund.
"Nothing matters more to us than our customer safety so if you’ve purchased this product from us, please return it to any of our stores for a full refund of the purchase price.
"Please note that the recall only applies to the batches highlighted above.
"If you have any questions, please contact your local Wilko store or call the Wilko Customer Care Team free on: 08000 329 329.
"We wish to thank you for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-28--Chaddesley Corbett pupils help develop post-lockdown picture books

STUDENTS at a Wyre Forest primary school have helped to develop two new picture books designed to support children 's mental health as they return to lessons for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown .
Pupils at Chaddesley Corbett Endowed Primary School helped village resident and lead author Professor Barry Carpenter to decide on the pictures for the new wordless books , which are now free to download online .
'Lenny and Lily in Lockdown ' and 'Lenny and Lily Return to School ' were developed by Mr Carpenter to help children to express their feelings and emotions surrounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the books ' main characters .
Mr Carpenter said : `` Children have had their world turned upside down by the pandemic .
Many are angry and confused , carrying lots of unprocessed information .
`` These books will offer opportunities for children to recall those experiences , and , in so doing , tell their story .
`` The books make a unique contribution to the recovery curriculum of any school , and to its overall curriculum work in social , emotional and mental health.
” Mr Carpenter joined together with artist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which are specially-designed to help children make sense of their experiences since lockdown began , communicate their feelings and prepare for more changes as they return to the classroom .
Chair of governors at Chaddesley Corbett Endowed Primary school , Polly McMeeking , said : `` “ Many of our children are returning to school for the first time in six months , and their teachers know that every one of them will need time to talk about their experiences , hopes and fears .
`` Teachers welcome the opportunity to acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child will make .
`` These beautiful wordless stories offer a unique way to help children recall , reflect upon and tell their own stories of lockdown .
`` The sharing of the books supports the safe unlocking of feelings about this difficult time and encourages talk about emotions as the children return to school and move forward on the path to recovery . ''
As the latest additions to the award-winning Books Beyond Words series , the Lenny and Lily books can help teaching staff open up conversations with pupils about their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past few months .
They can also be used by parents to read with children to help them discuss any anxieties around returning to school .
Both stories are available to download for free in time for the start of the new term from booksbeyondwords.co.uk/lenny-and-lily-childrens-stories .

Pupils at Chaddesley Corbett Endowed Primary School helped village resident and lead author Professor Barry Carpenter to decide on the pictures for the new wordless books, which are now free to download online.
'Lenny and Lily in Lockdown' and 'Lenny and Lily Return to School' were developed by Mr Carpenter to help children to express their feelings and emotions surrounding life in lockdown through the stories of the books' main characters.
Mr Carpenter said: "Children have had their world turned upside down by the pandemic. Many are angry and confused, carrying lots of unprocessed information.
"These books will offer opportunities for children to recall those experiences, and, in so doing, tell their story.
"The books make a unique contribution to the recovery curriculum of any school, and to its overall curriculum work in social, emotional and mental health.”
Mr Carpenter joined together with artist Charlotte Firmin to develop the two stories, which are specially-designed to help children make sense of their experiences since lockdown began, communicate their feelings and prepare for more changes as they return to the classroom.
Chair of governors at Chaddesley Corbett Endowed Primary school, Polly McMeeking, said: "“Many of our children are returning to school for the first time in six months, and their teachers know that every one of them will need time to talk about their experiences, hopes and fears.
"Teachers welcome the opportunity to acknowledge and share the journey of readjustment each child will make.
"These beautiful wordless stories offer a unique way to help children recall, reflect upon and tell their own stories of lockdown.
"The sharing of the books supports the safe unlocking of feelings about this difficult time and encourages talk about emotions as the children return to school and move forward on the path to recovery."
As the latest additions to the award-winning Books Beyond Words series, the Lenny and Lily books can help teaching staff open up conversations with pupils about their experiences and the emotions they have felt over the past few months.
They can also be used by parents to read with children to help them discuss any anxieties around returning to school.
Both stories are available to download for free in time for the start of the new term from booksbeyondwords.co.uk/lenny-and-lily-childrens-stories.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-28--Asking price dropped for Kidderminster hotel up for sale

A GRADE II-listed hotel in Kidderminster is on the market for a reduced asking price of £2.15 million .
Property advisers Christie & Co have just reduced the asking price for the Gainsborough House Hotel in Bewdley Hill after it went up for sale .
The Georgian house sits on 1.39 acres of land and is made up of 42 ensuite rooms , six conference and function rooms , a lounge bar and restaurant with capacity for 70 people , plus car parking provision for 80-plus vehicles .
Gainsborough House hosts a number of weddings and functions and is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as families visiting the nearby West Midland Safari Park .
The hotel features its own bar and restaurant .
Photo from Christia & Co listing The property listing reads : `` The hotel is a busy commercial hotel , well-liked with both business travellers in the week and leisure guests at the weekends .
`` Gainsborough House Hotel accommodates a number of weddings and functions , however this is an area a new owner could improve .
`` The hotel is well positioned being just a short walk from Kidderminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idyllic town of Bewdley .
`` Also the West Midland Safari Park is less than one mile away which means the hotel is a popular place to stay throughout the year for families .
`` The hotel presents an opportunity to become part of a larger group or remain in private ownership to build on its long-standing reputation as a high-quality hotel .
`` The hotel is privately owned and operated with a structured management team in place . ''
For the year ending July 31 , 2018 , the business reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sullivan , senior business agent at Christie & Co ’ s Birmingham office , said : “ The hotel is situated in a convenient location close to several key demand generators , which provides the business with strong leisure trade .
`` The property has been kept in good order under the current ownership and has benefited from regular investment .
`` The sale presents an opportunity for a new entrant , or an existing operator , to capitalise upon this and acquire a reputable hotel with branding opportunities at an attractive price @ @

Property advisers Christie & Co have just reduced the asking price for the Gainsborough House Hotel in Bewdley Hill after it went up for sale.
The Georgian house sits on 1.39 acres of land and is made up of 42 ensuite rooms, six conference and function rooms, a lounge bar and restaurant with capacity for 70 people, plus car parking provision for 80-plus vehicles.
Gainsborough House hosts a number of weddings and functions and is a popular place to stay for business travellers, as well as families visiting the nearby West Midland Safari Park.
The hotel features its own bar and restaurant. Photo from Christia & Co listing
The property listing reads: "The hotel is a busy commercial hotel, well-liked with both business travellers in the week and leisure guests at the weekends.
"Gainsborough House Hotel accommodates a number of weddings and functions, however this is an area a new owner could improve.
"The hotel is well positioned being just a short walk from Kidderminster town centre and a short drive from the idyllic town of Bewdley.
"Also the West Midland Safari Park is less than one mile away which means the hotel is a popular place to stay throughout the year for families.
"The hotel presents an opportunity to become part of a larger group or remain in private ownership to build on its long-standing reputation as a high-quality hotel.
"The hotel is privately owned and operated with a structured management team in place."
For the year ending July 31, 2018, the business reported a net turnover of £982,511.
Joshua Sullivan, senior business agent at Christie & Co’s Birmingham office, said: “The hotel is situated in a convenient location close to several key demand generators, which provides the business with strong leisure trade.
"The property has been kept in good order under the current ownership and has benefited from regular investment.
"The sale presents an opportunity for a new entrant, or an existing operator, to capitalise upon this and acquire a reputable hotel with branding opportunities at an attractive price point ”
For more information, visit christie.com.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-28--What is Sharenting? How you could be putting your child's identity at risk online

Parents have been warned they could be at risk of identity theft and online fraud by 'sharenting ' on social media .
We 've put together everything you need to know about 'sharenting ' and how you can stay safe online .
The term 'Sharenting ' is when parents post personal information about their children on social media .
According to security specialists from Barclays bank , it has never been easier for identity thieves to find targets , as a child 's information will remain online indefinitely .
By 2030 , sharenting could cost close to £670 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barclays .
Why is my child at risk ?
The details parents post about their children on social media could later be used by fraudsters to answer security questions and hack into accounts , or for identity fraud scams .
Full names , dates of birth , addresses , schools , names of pets and even photos posted innocently on social media could all be used fraudulently years later when the children are adults .
How can I protect my child 's information ?
You can still post about your child online , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings regularly so that only those you know and trust can view their details .
Be aware of what others ( such as family members ) are posting about your little ones too - they may not understand the risks .

We've put together everything you need to know about 'sharenting' and how you can stay safe online.
What is 'sharenting'?
The term 'Sharenting' is when parents post personal information about their children on social media.
According to security specialists from Barclays bank, it has never been easier for identity thieves to find targets, as a child's information will remain online indefinitely.
By 2030, sharenting could cost close to £670 million in online fraud per year, according to Barclays.
Why is my child at risk?
The details parents post about their children on social media could later be used by fraudsters to answer security questions and hack into accounts, or for identity fraud scams.
Full names, dates of birth, addresses, schools, names of pets and even photos posted innocently on social media could all be used fraudulently years later when the children are adults.
How can I protect my child's information?
You can still post about your child online, but be sure to check your privacy settings regularly so that only those you know and trust can view their details.
Be aware of what others (such as family members) are posting about your little ones too - they may not understand the risks.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-28--Most popular baby names in Wyre Forest revealed

THE most popular baby names in Wyre Forest have been revealed .
Parents in Kidderminster , Stourport and Bewdley appeared to have slightly different tastes when it came to baby names in 2019 compared with the national picture .
For the whole of England and Wales , Oliver remained the most popular boy 's name for the 7th year in a row , according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , however Oliver did n't even make the top five list in Wyre Forest .
Arthur was the most picked boy 's name last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscar and then Leo .
It was a similar case for girl 's names - the nation 's favourite Olivia came joint 6th in the local list .
These are the most popular baby names for boys in Wyre Forest : These are the most popular baby names for girls in Wyre Forest : Commenting on the national rankings , David Corps , vital statistics outputs branch at the ONS , said : “ Oliver and Olivia continued their reign as the top boys ’ and girls ’ names in 2019 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differ depending on the mother ’ s age .
“ We found younger mothers opted for more modern girls ’ names like Harper , which has seen a rise since the Beckhams named their daughter so in 2011 , and shortened boys ’ names like Freddie .
“ In contrast , older mothers chose more traditional names such as Jack and Charlotte .
“ Following Dua Lipa ’ s first UK number one single in 2017 , the number of girls named Dua has doubled from 63 to 126 in 2019 .
”

Parents in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley appeared to have slightly different tastes when it came to baby names in 2019 compared with the national picture.
For the whole of England and Wales, Oliver remained the most popular boy's name for the 7th year in a row, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), however Oliver didn't even make the top five list in Wyre Forest.
Arthur was the most picked boy's name last year in Wyre Forest, followed by Oscar and then Leo.
It was a similar case for girl's names - the nation's favourite Olivia came joint 6th in the local list.
These are the most popular baby names for boys in Wyre Forest:
Arthur Oscar Leo Alfie Harry and Jack (tied for 5th place)
These are the most popular baby names for girls in Wyre Forest:
Maisie Freya Isabella Amelia, Chloe, Eleanor, Evelyn, Evie, Isabelle, Lily and Rosie (tied for 4th place) Ava, Erin, Harriet, Isla, Ivy, Matilda, Nancy, Poppy (tied for 5th place)
Commenting on the national rankings, David Corps, vital statistics outputs branch at the ONS, said: “Oliver and Olivia continued their reign as the top boys’ and girls’ names in 2019, but analysis shows choices in baby names can differ depending on the mother’s age.
“We found younger mothers opted for more modern girls’ names like Harper, which has seen a rise since the Beckhams named their daughter so in 2011, and shortened boys’ names like Freddie.
“In contrast, older mothers chose more traditional names such as Jack and Charlotte.
“Popular culture continues to influence the baby names landscape.
“Following Dua Lipa’s first UK number one single in 2017, the number of girls named Dua has doubled from 63 to 126 in 2019.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-08-28--Wyre Forest Big Band's pandemic music video raises cash for hospitals

A MUSIC video aimed at keeping a Wyre Forest band in tune during the pandemic has raised more than £1,700 for two hospital charities .
Wyre Forest Big Band ’ s busy programme of gigs came to a shuddering halt when Covid-19 struck , so members produced a unique recording of 'Love is Here to Stay ’ to keep them occupied .
Band leader Derek McCluskey , who founded the group three years ago , said : “ In order to give the band something to focus on during the summer , I had the idea of putting together a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves playing the tune at home .
“ Our bass guitarist Chris Cobon then brought all the 20 parts together to produce a virtual performance by the whole band.
” The result was so impressive that Mr McCluskey decided to put it to good use by making it a JustGiving fundraiser for the League of Friends groups at Kidderminster and Worcester hospitals .
Donations from well-wishers visiting the page to view the video totalled £1,200 for the Friends of Worcester Hospital and its coronavirus ward , plus £515 for Kidderminster 's League of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I chose these two charities because they do an incredible job buying items for our hospitals that the NHS don ’ t provide .
“ We gave a larger share to Worcester as they have a Covid ward and I was over the moon with the total amount raised.
” The band focuses on jazz , swing and big band classics and the virtual video can be seen on its website at wyreforestbigband.co.uk .

Wyre Forest Big Band’s busy programme of gigs came to a shuddering halt when Covid-19 struck, so members produced a unique recording of 'Love is Here to Stay’ to keep them occupied.
Band leader Derek McCluskey, who founded the group three years ago, said: “In order to give the band something to focus on during the summer, I had the idea of putting together a virtual video with all 20 members recording themselves playing the tune at home.
“Our bass guitarist Chris Cobon then brought all the 20 parts together to produce a virtual performance by the whole band.”
The result was so impressive that Mr McCluskey decided to put it to good use by making it a JustGiving fundraiser for the League of Friends groups at Kidderminster and Worcester hospitals.
Donations from well-wishers visiting the page to view the video totalled £1,200 for the Friends of Worcester Hospital and its coronavirus ward, plus £515 for Kidderminster's League of Friends.
Mr McCluskey said: “I chose these two charities because they do an incredible job buying items for our hospitals that the NHS don’t provide.
“We gave a larger share to Worcester as they have a Covid ward and I was over the moon with the total amount raised.”
The band focuses on jazz, swing and big band classics and the virtual video can be seen on its website at wyreforestbigband.co.uk.