kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-20--Kidderminster church reverend is our lockdown hero

A CHURCH reverend in Kidderminster who made a special effort to make isolated people feel part of the community during the coronavirus pandemic has been chosen as our next lockdown hero .
After launching our search with Wyre Forest Rotary for the district 's lockdown superstars last month , Reverend Nick Collison was nominated by one of his parish members in recognition of his hard work creating online church services every week since the Covid outbreak , which have been watched by people across the world .
When places of worship were ordered to close in March to prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who leads services at Broadwaters , Foley Park and Trinity Methodist Churches , began recording and posting virtual services on social media in an effort to help bring the community together while members were apart .
Rev Collison told The Shuttle : `` When the first lockdown happened , I decided with Easter approaching I would do a recorded service - I did one for Palm Sunday , one for Good Friday and one for Easter day .
I thought that would be it but I had such a positive response that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we were able to go back to church physically in September , I decided to carry on doing the recordings because so many people had contacted me who were connected to the church but not able to get there - either for age or health related reasons .
`` They said the recorded services had helped them to feel part of the church and part of the community again , so that encouraged me to carry on .
I 've had various comments from people and thank you cards .
`` Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a church , we 're in the business of bringing people together and we have n't been able to do that as much this year .
`` Especially for those who have been shielding , these services have made them feel part of the community again .
It 's brought people together in a spiritual way when they have n't been able to be together physically . ''
Nominating Rev Collison , one of his parish members Neil Hardwick said : `` Every week without fail , as well as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sending out church services online throughout the pandemic , which have been viewed and enjoyed by not only our local community but by others in the Midlands , East Anglia and even parts of Europe .
`` Not only that , he is the most approachable person you could wish to meet - a really lovely man and well deserving of an award , although he will not think so !
” Bewdley Rotary Club visited Rev Collison on Thursday ( December 17 ) to award him with a certificate in recognition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Nick is a very worthy recipient of this award .
He works tirelessly in the Church and the community , always with a smile and passion .
He is a very humble person and always thinks of others before himself . ''
Alongside Wyre Forest Rotary groups , The Shuttle is searching for the heroic individuals , community groups , charities and businesses that have kept people safe and well throughout the lockdowns .
We ’ ll be publishing your nominations in the paper each week and Wyre Forest Rotary will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that extra mile to help their community .
To nominate a lockdown hero , readers need only fill out our online nomination form below before Sunday , January 31 .

After launching our search with Wyre Forest Rotary for the district's lockdown superstars last month, Reverend Nick Collison was nominated by one of his parish members in recognition of his hard work creating online church services every week since the Covid outbreak, which have been watched by people across the world.
When places of worship were ordered to close in March to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Rev Collison, who leads services at Broadwaters, Foley Park and Trinity Methodist Churches, began recording and posting virtual services on social media in an effort to help bring the community together while members were apart.
Rev Collison told The Shuttle: "When the first lockdown happened, I decided with Easter approaching I would do a recorded service - I did one for Palm Sunday, one for Good Friday and one for Easter day. I thought that would be it but I had such a positive response that I decided to carry on.
"Even when we were able to go back to church physically in September, I decided to carry on doing the recordings because so many people had contacted me who were connected to the church but not able to get there - either for age or health related reasons.
"They said the recorded services had helped them to feel part of the church and part of the community again, so that encouraged me to carry on. I've had various comments from people and thank you cards.
"Some of these people have been quite isolated. As a church, we're in the business of bringing people together and we haven't been able to do that as much this year.
"Especially for those who have been shielding, these services have made them feel part of the community again. It's brought people together in a spiritual way when they haven't been able to be together physically."
Nominating Rev Collison, one of his parish members Neil Hardwick said: "Every week without fail, as well as his normal ministry, he has been producing and sending out church services online throughout the pandemic, which have been viewed and enjoyed by not only our local community but by others in the Midlands, East Anglia and even parts of Europe.
"Not only that, he is the most approachable person you could wish to meet - a really lovely man and well deserving of an award, although he will not think so!”
Bewdley Rotary Club visited Rev Collison on Thursday (December 17) to award him with a certificate in recognition of his selfless work, and said: "Nick is a very worthy recipient of this award. He works tirelessly in the Church and the community, always with a smile and passion. He is a very humble person and always thinks of others before himself."
Alongside Wyre Forest Rotary groups, The Shuttle is searching for the heroic individuals, community groups, charities and businesses that have kept people safe and well throughout the lockdowns.
We’ll be publishing your nominations in the paper each week and Wyre Forest Rotary will award certificates to those who have gone that extra mile to help their community.
To nominate a lockdown hero, readers need only fill out our online nomination form below before Sunday, January 31.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-20--Rescue drama amid fire in Kidderminster flat in Hurcott Road

ONE person was rescued by the fire service after a fire broke out in a Kidderminster flat .
Firefighters from @ @ @ @ @ Rescue Service 's Wyre Forest Hub as well as crews from Bromsgrove , Stourbridge and @ @ @ @ @ in Hurcott Road in the early hours of this morning .
A cooker is believed @ @ @ @ @ the property - sparking the call out of the emergency crews who attended at around @ @ @ @ @ and led one person to safety .
No further details are available at this time @

Firefighters from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's Wyre Forest Hub as well as crews from Bromsgrove, Stourbridge and Brierley Hill attended the incident in Hurcott Road in the early hours of this morning.
A cooker is believed to have caught fire in the property - sparking the call out of the emergency crews who attended at around 12.40pm on Sunday December 20 and led one person to safety.
No further details are available at this time.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-20--Worcestershire hospitals trying to speed up return of non-Covid services

THE county ’ s hospital trust has said it is trying to accelerate the return of as many non-Covid services as possible , after figures showed a 32 per cent drop in the number of scans being carried out by the county 's hospitals .
The latest data released showed that between April and September this year , 139,895 scans were carried out in the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust compared to 206,015 in the same period in 2019.That works out as 66,120 fewer scans , a drop of 32.09 per cent .
However , Matthew Hopkins , chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ As a Trust we have followed national and speciality guidance about what tests and other procedures should and should not be carried out in an NHS hospital setting during the Covid-19 pandemic .
“ In this context , we have made a huge effort to ensure that where possible patients in the most urgent need of treatment , including cancer patients , continue to receive the care they need , by transferring services to our other sites and through a partnership with our local private providers .
“ For large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the tests and treatment they needed , when they needed them , in as safe a setting as possible .
“ We recognise that this is an anxious time for patients who may be awaiting diagnostic tests .
“ We are focussed on accelerating the return of as many non-Covid services as possible , whilst keeping our hospitals safe for our staff , patients and visitors.
” However , health campaigner Barbara Moss , herself diagnosed with cancer in 2006 , has said more should be done to make sure tests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mrs Moss said : “ More people will die from cancer than of Covid-19 as scanning saves lives by detecting diseases early for treatment to start .
For example , cancer diagnosed at stage one has a 95 per cent survival rate , so catching it early is key.
” The data , published by the BBC Shared Data Unit , revealed that between April and September 2019 , 103 NHS trusts in England carried out a total of 13.5 million scans of all types , including MRI , CT scans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the same time period in 2020 , just 9.1 million scans were carried out .
This marks a 4.4 million drop , or 33 per cent .

The latest data released showed that between April and September this year, 139,895 scans were carried out in the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust compared to 206,015 in the same period in 2019.That works out as 66,120 fewer scans, a drop of 32.09 per cent.
However, Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “As a Trust we have followed national and speciality guidance about what tests and other procedures should and should not be carried out in an NHS hospital setting during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In this context, we have made a huge effort to ensure that where possible patients in the most urgent need of treatment, including cancer patients, continue to receive the care they need, by transferring services to our other sites and through a partnership with our local private providers.
“For large numbers of patients this means they have had the tests and treatment they needed, when they needed them, in as safe a setting as possible.
“We recognise that this is an anxious time for patients who may be awaiting diagnostic tests.
“We are focussed on accelerating the return of as many non-Covid services as possible, whilst keeping our hospitals safe for our staff, patients and visitors.”
However, health campaigner Barbara Moss, herself diagnosed with cancer in 2006, has said more should be done to make sure tests for a range of health conditions go ahead.
Mrs Moss said: “More people will die from cancer than of Covid-19 as scanning saves lives by detecting diseases early for treatment to start. For example, cancer diagnosed at stage one has a 95 per cent survival rate, so catching it early is key.”
The data, published by the BBC Shared Data Unit, revealed that between April and September 2019, 103 NHS trusts in England carried out a total of 13.5 million scans of all types, including MRI, CT scans and ultrasounds used to diagnose cancer. But in the same time period in 2020, just 9.1 million scans were carried out. This marks a 4.4 million drop, or 33 per cent.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-20--The Christmas plants and decorations that can harm your pets

If you own a pet you will know they can often be fascinated with the Christmas decorations during the festive period .
We 're all aware of the obvious dangers to out pets when decorating our homes at Christmas but did you know popular plants and trees used at this time of year can be particularly harmful for your pet ?
Here ’ s everything you need to know .
Poinsettia can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach , overproduction of saliva and sometimes vomiting .
Experts at Serenata Flowers explain , “ Poinsettia is one of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaches full bloom in December and its deep red petals are stunning additions to any Christmas decorations .
However , as beautiful as this flower is , its leaves and petals can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested by dogs or cats .
Fortunately , the plant is only mildly toxic to pets rather than poisonous so can still be kept in the home over the festive season .
To be safe , keep your poinsettia up high in your home on a surface that can ’ t be easily reached by any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ berries can cause stomach upset and should be kept out of reach of animals .
Mistletoe berries can cause drooling , retching and vomiting .
Serenata Flowers adds , “ In fact , both mistletoe and holly are more harmful to pets than poinsettias , with the plant causing reactions in pets that you certainly don ’ t want to be cleaning up over Christmas !
“ When placing holly and mistletoe in your home , make sure to keep the plants as high up and far away from pets as possible – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foliage into wreaths that can hang on your doors.
” Lilies are poisonous to cats , as is the water they are placed in .
Ivy can cause stomach upset when ingested , and irritation to the skin with prolonged contact .
Dogs and cats may love to play in and around the tree at Christmas , but they can pose a potential danger for pets .
Davies Veterinary Specialists explains that Christmas tree needles can have sharp tips that can cut pets ’ paws and mouths , and cause internal damage if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upsets .
“ Christmas tree lights can cause burns or electrocution if chewed .
This is a particular risk to cats .
There is also risk of strangulation or injury if your pet becomes entangled in the lights , so keep them away from pets or only have them in rooms where pets are always in your line of sight.
” It is advisable to secure the base of the tree to reduce the chance of it falling over .
Glass baubles can easily break and create sharp shards which are dangerous to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure your tree is secured in a sturdy base and if possible , attached to a wall .
If your cat or dog is a chewer , tape down the electrical cord to fairy lights .
The veterinary specialists also advise avoiding glass baubles , as they can easily shatter if they are knocked off the tree or chewed .
Edible tree decorations , including those made from chocolate , should also be avoided .
Salt dough ornaments should be avoided as they can cause a potentially fatal salt toxicosis .

We're all aware of the obvious dangers to out pets when decorating our homes at Christmas but did you know popular plants and trees used at this time of year can be particularly harmful for your pet?
Here’s everything you need to know.
Poinsettia
Poinsettia can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach, overproduction of saliva and sometimes vomiting.
Experts at Serenata Flowers explain, “Poinsettia is one of the most iconic festive flowers – the gorgeous poinsettia reaches full bloom in December and its deep red petals are stunning additions to any Christmas decorations.
However, as beautiful as this flower is, its leaves and petals can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested by dogs or cats. Fortunately, the plant is only mildly toxic to pets rather than poisonous so can still be kept in the home over the festive season. To be safe, keep your poinsettia up high in your home on a surface that can’t be easily reached by any curious cats or disobedient dogs.”
Holly
The berries can cause stomach upset and should be kept out of reach of animals.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe berries can cause drooling, retching and vomiting.
Serenata Flowers adds, “In fact, both mistletoe and holly are more harmful to pets than poinsettias, with the plant causing reactions in pets that you certainly don’t want to be cleaning up over Christmas!
“When placing holly and mistletoe in your home, make sure to keep the plants as high up and far away from pets as possible – a good option is to incorporate this foliage into wreaths that can hang on your doors.”
Lilies
Lilies are poisonous to cats, as is the water they are placed in.
Ivy
Ivy can cause stomach upset when ingested, and irritation to the skin with prolonged contact.
Christmas Tree
Dogs and cats may love to play in and around the tree at Christmas, but they can pose a potential danger for pets.
Davies Veterinary Specialists explains that Christmas tree needles can have sharp tips that can cut pets’ paws and mouths, and cause internal damage if swallowed. They can also cause stomach upsets.
“Christmas tree lights can cause burns or electrocution if chewed. This is a particular risk to cats.
There is also risk of strangulation or injury if your pet becomes entangled in the lights, so keep them away from pets or only have them in rooms where pets are always in your line of sight.”
It is advisable to secure the base of the tree to reduce the chance of it falling over. Glass baubles can easily break and create sharp shards which are dangerous to animals.”
To help avoid accidents, make sure your tree is secured in a sturdy base and if possible, attached to a wall.
If your cat or dog is a chewer, tape down the electrical cord to fairy lights.
The veterinary specialists also advise avoiding glass baubles, as they can easily shatter if they are knocked off the tree or chewed.
Edible tree decorations, including those made from chocolate, should also be avoided. Salt dough ornaments should be avoided as they can cause a potentially fatal salt toxicosis.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-20--Traffic warning for Stourbridge, Halesowen, Hagley and Kidderminster

GRIDLOCK awaits the main roads from Kidderminster to Birmingham through Hagley , Stourbridge and Halesowen because planners are working on out of date traffic figures , a councillor fears .
Councillor Steve Colella has issued a warning that the data being used to ‘ model ’ traffic movements in the area are ten years out of date and badly flawed .
And he ’ s worried that planners don ’ t have an accurate idea of what traffic problems will be caused if 3,000 new homes are built as planned on the edge of Kidderminster .
The Hagley councillor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars and lorries through Blakedown and Hagley from Kidderminster .
He believes the two villages are dealing with around 30,000 journeys every day .
But he sees a threat of gridlock and congestion hotspots across the area because of numbers of vehicles heading from Kidderminster to the major business centres of Birmingham , and the Black Country .
Next month sees the start of public examinations of the Wyre Forest Development Plan , including plans for major house building in Lea Castle and the Eastern extension .
“ We ’ re on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wyre Forest and beyond and I ’ m really concerned that the Worcestershire County Council Traffic impact assessment has failed to address the very real impact on not only Hagley but Blakedown in particular .
“ It is sadly out of date and using a traffic ‘ model ’ that is not fit for this purpose .
“ “ There is a significant risk to the community that a decision will be made based on out-of-date data.
” While the Bromsgrove District councillor is worried about traffic coming through Hagley and Blakedown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kidderminster to Birmingham and the Black Country are single carriageway while congestion continues to mount through Stourbridge and Halesowen through to Manor Way .

Councillor Steve Colella has issued a warning that the data being used to ‘model’ traffic movements in the area are ten years out of date and badly flawed.
And he’s worried that planners don’t have an accurate idea of what traffic problems will be caused if 3,000 new homes are built as planned on the edge of Kidderminster.
The Hagley councillor is particularly worried about a huge increase in cars and lorries through Blakedown and Hagley from Kidderminster.
He believes the two villages are dealing with around 30,000 journeys every day.
But he sees a threat of gridlock and congestion hotspots across the area because of numbers of vehicles heading from Kidderminster to the major business centres of Birmingham, and the Black Country.
Next month sees the start of public examinations of the Wyre Forest Development Plan, including plans for major house building in Lea Castle and the Eastern extension.
“We’re on the front line of traffic coming from Worcestershire, Wyre Forest and beyond and I’m really concerned that the Worcestershire County Council Traffic impact assessment has failed to address the very real impact on not only Hagley but Blakedown in particular.
“It is sadly out of date and using a traffic ‘model’ that is not fit for this purpose.
“ “There is a significant risk to the community that a decision will be made based on out-of-date data.”
While the Bromsgrove District councillor is worried about traffic coming through Hagley and Blakedown he says most of the roads from Kidderminster to Birmingham and the Black Country are single carriageway while congestion continues to mount through Stourbridge and Halesowen through to Manor Way.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Kidderminster resident rushed to hospital after flat fire

A KIDDERMINSTER resident was taken to hospital following an accidental flat fire .
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service ( HWFRS ) were called to a fire in Derwent House , Kidderminster just before 1am on Sunday , December 20 .
Fire appliances from Kidderminster were promptly on scene and were faced with smoke issuing from a flat on the 8th floor with the occupier still inside .
Fire crews quickly established water supplies and committed four breathing apparatus wearers who gained entry , rescued the occupier and extinguished the fire .
The occupier of the flat was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoke , however these swift actions ensured that there were no significant injuries , damage to the flat was kept to a minimum and other residents were not affected .
Group Commander George Marshall , who attended the incident said : “ Our fire crews are very familiar with these flats and are very well trained to deal with fires on any floor – and it showed .
Within minutes local fire crews had rescued the occupier , extinguished the fire and were providing reassurance to other flat owners.
” In total six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received support from Ambulance crews , Police Officers and Wyre Forest Community Housing The fire was accidental , caused by combustibles too close to the cooker hob .
George Marshall added : “ While fires can occur it is pleasing to see that in the event of a fire everything worked like clockwork to keep the residents safe .
The fire alarm system operated immediately which mobilises fire crews to the flat involved , the structure and maintenance of the building contained the fire and the response of the fire crews ensured a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and very little disruption to other residents.
” Whilst this incident was not directly related to the Christmas safety campaign , the fire service says it provides an opportunity to repeat their key seasonal safety messages .
They have urged residents to not leave cooking unattended , place candles in suitable holders , to make sure smoke alarms are working and to unplug non-essential items before sleeping .

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) were called to a fire in Derwent House, Kidderminster just before 1am on Sunday, December 20.
Fire appliances from Kidderminster were promptly on scene and were faced with smoke issuing from a flat on the 8th floor with the occupier still inside.
Fire crews quickly established water supplies and committed four breathing apparatus wearers who gained entry, rescued the occupier and extinguished the fire.
The occupier of the flat was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after inhaling smoke, however these swift actions ensured that there were no significant injuries, damage to the flat was kept to a minimum and other residents were not affected.
Group Commander George Marshall, who attended the incident said: “Our fire crews are very familiar with these flats and are very well trained to deal with fires on any floor – and it showed. Within minutes local fire crews had rescued the occupier, extinguished the fire and were providing reassurance to other flat owners.”
In total six fire appliances attended the scene and they received support from Ambulance crews, Police Officers and Wyre Forest Community Housing
The fire was accidental, caused by combustibles too close to the cooker hob.
George Marshall added: “While fires can occur it is pleasing to see that in the event of a fire everything worked like clockwork to keep the residents safe. The fire alarm system operated immediately which mobilises fire crews to the flat involved, the structure and maintenance of the building contained the fire and the response of the fire crews ensured a swift resolution, minimal injury and damage and very little disruption to other residents.”
Whilst this incident was not directly related to the Christmas safety campaign, the fire service says it provides an opportunity to repeat their key seasonal safety messages.
They have urged residents to not leave cooking unattended, place candles in suitable holders, to make sure smoke alarms are working and to unplug non-essential items before sleeping.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Review of Kidderminster polling stations reopens after confusion

ANOTHER consultation has opened into proposed changes to polling places in Kidderminster after concerns errors on the council website `` may have confused respondents '' .
Wyre Forest District Council is proposing to create a polling place at Habberley Social Club , meaning residents who usually vote at Gainsborough House Hotel would vote at either Habberley Social Club or Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Football Club .
Some residents who normally cast their vote at Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Football Club would see their polling place changed to Habberley Social Club .
Consultation on the plans has now reopened after it emerged there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website in the first two weeks of the original survey which may have confused respondents and therefore affected their answers .
Ian Miller , electoral registration officer at Wyre Forest District Council , said : “ We apologise wholeheartedly to everyone who took time to complete the original survey .
`` The most important thing is that the results of this consultation are accurate and fair and the only way we can be sure of that is to repeat the consultation exercise .
“ I would ask everyone who filled in the original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would urge anyone else in the two wards who may not have done so , to take up this opportunity and make their views known.
” All residents in the Blakebrook and Habberley South and Franche and Habberley North wards in Kidderminster are being asked to complete a questionnaire online - even if they already took part in the first consultation - before the deadline at 5pm on Friday , January 29 .
Proposals set out in the survey have not changed , but questions have been revised in order to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for voters in those wards .
As part of the review , residents were able to comment on the accessibility of polling places and whether they provide reasonable facilities for voting .
Cllr Vicky Caulfield , for Blakebrook and Habberley South , said : “ Like my fellow councillors here today , I really want to see a polling station back on Habberley and urge all residents of voting age to give their views via the survey.
” Cllr Anna L ’ Huillier , for Franche and Habberley North , added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be sure that residents ’ views are being reflected accurately.
” For more information on the plans and to submit feedback , visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/pollingreviews .
The full council meeting on Wednesday , February 24 will consider the results of the consultation and take a decision on what changes should be implemented for elections to be held in May 2021 .

Wyre Forest District Council is proposing to create a polling place at Habberley Social Club, meaning residents who usually vote at Gainsborough House Hotel would vote at either Habberley Social Club or Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Football Club.
Some residents who normally cast their vote at Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Football Club would see their polling place changed to Habberley Social Club.
Consultation on the plans has now reopened after it emerged there had been incorrect information on the council website in the first two weeks of the original survey which may have confused respondents and therefore affected their answers.
Ian Miller, electoral registration officer at Wyre Forest District Council, said: “We apologise wholeheartedly to everyone who took time to complete the original survey.
"The most important thing is that the results of this consultation are accurate and fair and the only way we can be sure of that is to repeat the consultation exercise.
“I would ask everyone who filled in the original survey to complete the new questionnaire and I would urge anyone else in the two wards who may not have done so, to take up this opportunity and make their views known.”
All residents in the Blakebrook and Habberley South and Franche and Habberley North wards in Kidderminster are being asked to complete a questionnaire online - even if they already took part in the first consultation - before the deadline at 5pm on Friday, January 29.
Proposals set out in the survey have not changed, but questions have been revised in order to make it clearer what the implications will be for voters in those wards.
As part of the review, residents were able to comment on the accessibility of polling places and whether they provide reasonable facilities for voting.
Cllr Vicky Caulfield, for Blakebrook and Habberley South, said: “Like my fellow councillors here today, I really want to see a polling station back on Habberley and urge all residents of voting age to give their views via the survey.”
Cllr Anna L’Huillier, for Franche and Habberley North, added: "We want to run the survey again to be sure that residents’ views are being reflected accurately.”
For more information on the plans and to submit feedback, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/pollingreviews.
The full council meeting on Wednesday, February 24 will consider the results of the consultation and take a decision on what changes should be implemented for elections to be held in May 2021.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Stamford AFC 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers

Stamford AFC 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers

RUSS Penn lamented his team ’ s contrast in performance after they were humbled in the FA Trophy , going down 1-0 at Stamford .
Harriers dominated the ball and the majority of the night ’ s chances – though few clear-cut - but an early goal and some solid , determined defending was enough to secure the victory for the Northern Premier , South East Division side .
The Reds slumped out of the Trophy at the first time of asking – just as they did in the FA Cup this term with an upset at Alvechurch – leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to focus on .
This all came just days after a tremendous showing to pick up three points at Gateshead .
“ Of course , we ’ re bitterly disappointed as we wanted to progress in the competition , ” said the boss at full time .
“ Especially with the bye in the next round .
“ Full credit to Stamford , I ’ m not going to take anything away from them – they had a game plan and they executed it very well .
“ You have to come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we haven ’ t done a job today and that ’ s the disappointing thing .
“ A few days ago was probably one of the best results and performances of the season… they ’ ve been brought straight back down to earth tonight.
” Penn , who was part of the 2007 Harriers side who made the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium , showed his intent to take the 2020/21 instalment just as seriously by naming an unchanged team for the game following the 1-0 win at Gateshead in the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early chances , Hemmings seeing a low shot saved by debutant Luke Steele after ten minutes , Chitiza at the other end seeing his shot deflected away for a corner from which the hosts broke the deadlock , Morgan turning home Bartle ’ s set-play to put Harriers on the back foot .
Harriers ’ night went from bad to worse when they lost Austin through injury soon after following a poor challenge , though Maxwell went mighty close to an equaliser five before the interval as he stabbed at goal from close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Penn ’ s fury at half time would have only worsened had Harriers conceded a second within two minutes of the restart , Morgan left unmarked but heading over the bar .
Sterling had a couple of efforts just after , the latter a good header that Steele held , before Moyo nodded downward and over from a corner on the hour .
The visitors huffed and puffed and continued to see the vast majority of the ball with the hosts happy to sit back and soak up the pressure .
Hemmings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peverell held late on , but in truth that was as close as they came .
Harriers , who miss out on a spot in the Fourth Round and prize money in excess of £8,000 , will be forced to stew on the result before visiting Hereford in a Boxing Day league match .

Harriers dominated the ball and the majority of the night’s chances – though few clear-cut - but an early goal and some solid, determined defending was enough to secure the victory for the Northern Premier, South East Division side.
The Reds slumped out of the Trophy at the first time of asking – just as they did in the FA Cup this term with an upset at Alvechurch – leaving them with just National League North action to focus on. This all came just days after a tremendous showing to pick up three points at Gateshead.
“Of course, we’re bitterly disappointed as we wanted to progress in the competition,” said the boss at full time. “Especially with the bye in the next round.
“Full credit to Stamford, I’m not going to take anything away from them – they had a game plan and they executed it very well.
“You have to come to these places and do a job; we haven’t done a job today and that’s the disappointing thing.
“A few days ago was probably one of the best results and performances of the season… they’ve been brought straight back down to earth tonight.”
Penn, who was part of the 2007 Harriers side who made the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium, showed his intent to take the 2020/21 instalment just as seriously by naming an unchanged team for the game following the 1-0 win at Gateshead in the previous game.
A tense start saw few early chances, Hemmings seeing a low shot saved by debutant Luke Steele after ten minutes, Chitiza at the other end seeing his shot deflected away for a corner from which the hosts broke the deadlock, Morgan turning home Bartle’s set-play to put Harriers on the back foot.
Harriers’ night went from bad to worse when they lost Austin through injury soon after following a poor challenge, though Maxwell went mighty close to an equaliser five before the interval as he stabbed at goal from close range, Steele able to smother it.
Penn’s fury at half time would have only worsened had Harriers conceded a second within two minutes of the restart, Morgan left unmarked but heading over the bar. Sterling had a couple of efforts just after, the latter a good header that Steele held, before Moyo nodded downward and over from a corner on the hour.
The visitors huffed and puffed and continued to see the vast majority of the ball with the hosts happy to sit back and soak up the pressure. Hemmings snatched at a shot that sub goalkeeper Peverell held late on, but in truth that was as close as they came.
Harriers, who miss out on a spot in the Fourth Round and prize money in excess of £8,000, will be forced to stew on the result before visiting Hereford in a Boxing Day league match.
Harriers: Simpson, Austin (Freemantle 23), Penny, Richards, Moyo, Lowe (Prosser 58), Maxwell, Montrose, Morgan-Smith, Sterling (Arthur 77), Hemmings.
Subs not used: Taylor, Martin, White, Phillips.
Referee: Richard Holmes


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Christmas crackers from our camera club

Christmas crackers from our camera club

Here are some seasonal shots from our camera club photographers to brighten up Monday

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kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Boris Johnson in crisis talks as France ban UK cargo

Boris Johnson is set to hold crisis talks today after France banned lorries from travelling from the UK .
Amid the new mutant coronavirus strain found in England , a number of flights around the world were cancelled over fears the virus will spread .
The Prime Minister will chair a meeting of the Government ’ s Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday amid warnings of “ significant disruption ” around the Channel ports in Kent .
Hauliers were urged to stay away from the area amid warnings of potential problems as the end of the Brexit transition period looms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were implementing Operation Stack in a bid to ease potential congestion , while the Department for Transport said Manston Airport was also being prepared as another contingency measure against the anticipated level of disruption .
Countries including France , Germany , Italy , the Netherlands , Belgium , Poland , Austria , Denmark , Ireland , and Bulgaria announced restrictions on UK travel following the disclosure that the highly infectious new strain is widespread across south-east England .
Italian authorities also announced the mutant strain had been detected in a traveller who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
With France suspending all traffic from the UK for 48 hours , it raised fears that trade flows could be severely disrupted while passengers across Europe could be left stranded in the final run-up to Christmas .
A No 10 spokesman said : “ The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation regarding international travel , in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK .
“ Further meetings are happening this evening and tomorrow morning to ensure robust plans are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people including hauliers to stay away from the area around the Channel ports .
“ We expect significant disruption in the area .
My department is urgently working with Highways England and Kent Council on contingency measures to minimise traffic disruption in the area , ” he said .
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) warned the closure of France to UK traffic would create “ difficulties ” for UK imports and exports in the busy Christmas period .
Andrew Opie , the BRC ’ s director of food and sustainability , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a problem in the run-up to the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 .
“ While goods can enter from France , few haulage firms will be willing to send trucks and drivers across to the UK without a guarantee they can return to the EU in a timely manner , ” he said .
“ This is a key supply route for fresh produce at this time of year .
“ We urge the UK Government and the EU to find a pragmatic solution to this as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers .
“ Retailers have stocked up on goods ahead of Christmas which should prevent immediate problems .
“ However , any prolonged closure of the French border would be a problem as the UK enters the final weeks before the transition ends on December 31.
” Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was “ imperative ” the UK Government sought an extension to the Brexit transition period .
“ The new Covid strain – and the various implications of it – means we face a profoundly serious situation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit.
” Germany , which holds the rotating EU presidency , announced it was calling emergency talks on Monday to co-ordinate the response of the bloc ’ s 27 member states .
It came after the Irish government said it was imposing a 48-hour ban on flights from Britain while ferries would be restricted to freight only .
The Netherlands said it will stop flights from the UK at least until the end of the year while Belgium has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rail links while it assesses the situation .
Italy is prohibiting entry to the country by anyone who has been in the UK in the last 14 days and flights are banned until January 6 while Austria , the Czech Republic , El Salvador , Turkey and Canada also imposed new restrictions .
Countries reacted after Mr Johnson announced on Saturday that the new variant was up to 70 % more transmissible than the original strain as he put London and parts of the South East and East of England into a two-week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in a new Tier 4 .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted the new variant coronavirus was “ out of control ” and said the new restrictions may have to remain in place for months .
Concerns about the rapid spread of the disease were underlined with the publication of the latest official figures showing there had been a further 35,928 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Sunday .
Millions of people have been forced to tear up their festive plans , with Mr Johnson effectively cancelling Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of England , Christmas easing is severely curtailed , with households allowed to gather for just one day – Christmas Day itself – rather than the five days previously planned , while Scotland and Wales are also restricting Christmas “ bubbles ” to a single day .
And at an emergency meeting late on Sunday night , the Northern Ireland Executive agreed to reduce the five day Christmas bubbling arrangements to just one day .
Ministers also debated a temporary ban on travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussions expected on Monday .
Dr Yvonne Doyle , medical director at Public Health England , said : “ This sharp and sudden increase is of serious concern.
” She said most of the new cases were concentrated in London and the South East – where the new strain is thought to have originated – although it was too soon to say if they were linked to it .

Amid the new mutant coronavirus strain found in England, a number of flights around the world were cancelled over fears the virus will spread.
The Prime Minister will chair a meeting of the Government’s Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday amid warnings of “significant disruption” around the Channel ports in Kent.
Hauliers were urged to stay away from the area amid warnings of potential problems as the end of the Brexit transition period looms on December 31.
Kent Police said they were implementing Operation Stack in a bid to ease potential congestion, while the Department for Transport said Manston Airport was also being prepared as another contingency measure against the anticipated level of disruption.
Countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Bulgaria announced restrictions on UK travel following the disclosure that the highly infectious new strain is widespread across south-east England.
Empty ramps and lanes at the Port of Dover in Kent (Steve Parsons/PA)
Italian authorities also announced the mutant strain had been detected in a traveller who recently returned to the country from the UK.
With France suspending all traffic from the UK for 48 hours, it raised fears that trade flows could be severely disrupted while passengers across Europe could be left stranded in the final run-up to Christmas.
A No 10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation regarding international travel, in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK.
“Further meetings are happening this evening and tomorrow morning to ensure robust plans are in place.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged people including hauliers to stay away from the area around the Channel ports.
My department is urgently working with Highways England and Kent Council on contingency measures to minimise traffic disruption in the area. We will share more details on these shortly. 2/2 — Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) December 20, 2020
“We expect significant disruption in the area. My department is urgently working with Highways England and Kent Council on contingency measures to minimise traffic disruption in the area,” he said.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) warned the closure of France to UK traffic would create “difficulties” for UK imports and exports in the busy Christmas period.
Andrew Opie, the BRC’s director of food and sustainability, said any “prolonged” disruption would be a problem in the run-up to the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.
“While goods can enter from France, few haulage firms will be willing to send trucks and drivers across to the UK without a guarantee they can return to the EU in a timely manner,” he said.
“This is a key supply route for fresh produce at this time of year.
(PA Graphics)
“We urge the UK Government and the EU to find a pragmatic solution to this as soon as possible, to prevent disruption for consumers.
“Retailers have stocked up on goods ahead of Christmas which should prevent immediate problems.
“However, any prolonged closure of the French border would be a problem as the UK enters the final weeks before the transition ends on December 31.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was “imperative” the UK Government sought an extension to the Brexit transition period.
It’s now imperative that PM seeks an agreement to extend the Brexit transition period. The new Covid strain – & the various implications of it – means we face a profoundly serious situation, & it demands our 100% attention. It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit. — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 20, 2020
“The new Covid strain – and the various implications of it – means we face a profoundly serious situation, and it demands our 100% attention,” she said.
“It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit.”
Germany, which holds the rotating EU presidency, announced it was calling emergency talks on Monday to co-ordinate the response of the bloc’s 27 member states.
It came after the Irish government said it was imposing a 48-hour ban on flights from Britain while ferries would be restricted to freight only.
The Netherlands said it will stop flights from the UK at least until the end of the year while Belgium has imposed a 24-hour ban on flights and rail links while it assesses the situation.
Italy is prohibiting entry to the country by anyone who has been in the UK in the last 14 days and flights are banned until January 6 while Austria, the Czech Republic, El Salvador, Turkey and Canada also imposed new restrictions.
Countries reacted after Mr Johnson announced on Saturday that the new variant was up to 70% more transmissible than the original strain as he put London and parts of the South East and East of England into a two-week Christmas lockdown, with nearly 18 million people in a new Tier 4.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted the new variant coronavirus was “out of control” and said the new restrictions may have to remain in place for months.
Concerns about the rapid spread of the disease were underlined with the publication of the latest official figures showing there had been a further 35,928 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Sunday.
Millions of people have been forced to tear up their festive plans, with Mr Johnson effectively cancelling Christmas for those in Tier 4.
In the rest of England, Christmas easing is severely curtailed, with households allowed to gather for just one day – Christmas Day itself – rather than the five days previously planned, while Scotland and Wales are also restricting Christmas “bubbles” to a single day.
And at an emergency meeting late on Sunday night, the Northern Ireland Executive agreed to reduce the five day Christmas bubbling arrangements to just one day.
Ministers also debated a temporary ban on travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland because of the new Covid variant, with further discussions expected on Monday.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said: “This sharp and sudden increase is of serious concern.”
She said most of the new cases were concentrated in London and the South East – where the new strain is thought to have originated – although it was too soon to say if they were linked to it.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--The truth on police checking for drink drivers at Christmas

Is it true that more police are out checking for drink drivers over the Christmas holidays ?
In short , yes - even with the coronavirus pandemic bringing the usually busy party season to a halt , the police have continued with their December crackdown on drink driving .
This year there will be extra checkpoints across the UK , requiring motorists to undergo breath and drug testing .
During last year 's Christmas operation , police data shows that 3,231 people failed a breath test or refused to give a sample over just a fortnight , while 1,175 failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit for England , Wales and Northern Ireland is the highest in Europe at 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood , 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath .
Drivers in Scotland are allowed just 22 micrograms of breath for the same reading - so even one drink could get you over the limit .
There is no hard and fast rule on how much alcohol you can consume and legally drive - the best rule of thumb is to not drink at all if you are going to drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded in 2018 , 19 per-cent were caused by drink drivers , the latest government statistics show .
Research by road safety charity Brake found that more than 5,000 motorists have been caught drink-driving on two or more occasions in the past four years .
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink could land you six months in prison , an unlimited fine and a driving ban .
If you ’ re found guilty of drink-driving , you could face up to six months imprisonment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban of at least one year .

In short, yes - even with the coronavirus pandemic bringing the usually busy party season to a halt, the police have continued with their December crackdown on drink driving.
This year there will be extra checkpoints across the UK, requiring motorists to undergo breath and drug testing.
During last year's Christmas operation, police data shows that 3,231 people failed a breath test or refused to give a sample over just a fortnight, while 1,175 failed a roadside drug test.
The alcohol limit for England, Wales and Northern Ireland is the highest in Europe at 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.
Drivers in Scotland are allowed just 22 micrograms of breath for the same reading - so even one drink could get you over the limit.
There is no hard and fast rule on how much alcohol you can consume and legally drive - the best rule of thumb is to not drink at all if you are going to drive.
Of all driver and rider fatalities recorded in 2018, 19 per-cent were caused by drink drivers, the latest government statistics show.
Research by road safety charity Brake found that more than 5,000 motorists have been caught drink-driving on two or more occasions in the past four years.
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink could land you six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a driving ban.
If you’re found guilty of drink-driving, you could face up to six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban of at least one year.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Can you travel in and out of Tier 4 areas?

Boris Johnson has announced a new tier 4 of coronavirus restrictions - but what does it mean for travel ?
The prime minister tonight said the new restrictions would cover London , the east of England and areas of the south east .
Professor Chris Whitty , chief medical officer for England , said the UK had informed the World Health Organisation that it had concluded the mutant strain could spread more quickly .
The new tier will include restrictions on travel affecting people living in the restricted areas and anyone looking to enter them .
• See also : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in it and what are the rules ?
Can I travel from a tier 4 area to a lower tier area ?
The new rules order people in tier 4 areas to stay at home by law .
The rules cover , Kent , Buckinghamshire , the east of England , all 32 London boroughs and the City of London .
Exemptions are in place to allow people to travel for healthcare , education or childcare .
Outdoor exercise is be permitted and people will be permitted to meet with only one other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless they are part of a support bubble .
The government advises people not to enter tier 4 areas .
Earlier advice for entering tier 3 areas from lower areas had permitted travel for “ necessary reasons ” .
These included work , education , youth services , to receive medical treatment , or because of caring responsibilities .
The rule allowing up to three households to mix over Christmas does not apply in tier 4 , meaning that separate households can not mix even on Christmas Day .
Support bubbles are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of loneliness .
Elsewhere , household mixing is still be allowed for Christmas Day only , not for the previously scheduled five-day period .
What areas are in Tier 4 ?
The following areas are under tier 4 : • The boroughs of Gosport , Havant , Portsmouth , Rother and Hastings • All 32 London boroughs and the city of London .
What did the prime minister say ?
`` Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus , and the potential risk it poses , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must tell you we can not continue with Christmas as planned , '' he said at the news conference Mr Johnson said the new strain could be up to `` 70 per cent more transmissible '' , and that the situation had given him `` no alternative '' but to toughen up restrictions .
`` Our advisers on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( NERVTAG ) have spent the last few days analysing this new variant - there 's no evidence that it causes more severe illness or higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed on significantly more quickly , '' he said .

The prime minister tonight said the new restrictions would cover London, the east of England and areas of the south east.
Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said the UK had informed the World Health Organisation that it had concluded the mutant strain could spread more quickly.
The new tier will include restrictions on travel affecting people living in the restricted areas and anyone looking to enter them.
Can I travel from a tier 4 area to a lower tier area?
The new rules order people in tier 4 areas to stay at home by law.
The rules cover, Kent, Buckinghamshire, the east of England, all 32 London boroughs and the City of London.
Exemptions are in place to allow people to travel for healthcare, education or childcare.
Outdoor exercise is be permitted and people will be permitted to meet with only one other person in a public space outside, unless they are part of a support bubble.
Can I enter a tier 4 area from a lower tier area?
The government advises people not to enter tier 4 areas.
Earlier advice for entering tier 3 areas from lower areas had permitted travel for “necessary reasons”.
These included work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.
Can I travel on Christmas?
The rule allowing up to three households to mix over Christmas does not apply in tier 4, meaning that separate households cannot mix even on Christmas Day.
Support bubbles are still be permitted for people at particular risk of loneliness.
Elsewhere, household mixing is still be allowed for Christmas Day only, not for the previously scheduled five-day period.
What areas are in Tier 4?
The following areas are under tier 4:
Kent
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Surrey (excluding Waverley)
The boroughs of Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Rother and Hastings
All 32 London boroughs and the city of London.
Bedford
Central Bedfordshire
Milton Keynes
Luton
Peterborough
Hertfordshire
Essex (excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring)
What did the prime minister say?
"Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," he said at the news conference
Mr Johnson said the new strain could be up to "70 per cent more transmissible", and that the situation had given him "no alternative" but to toughen up restrictions.
"Our advisers on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) have spent the last few days analysing this new variant - there's no evidence that it causes more severe illness or higher mortality but it does appear to be passed on significantly more quickly," he said.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Argos confirms details of first shops to shut in UK

THE owners of Argos have given further details on which of its shops will be the first to shut amid plans to axe 420 standalone stores .
Sainsbury 's , which owns the high street chain , said that `` any standalone Argos store which has not reopened since March will remain closed permanently '' .
Supermarket bosses confirmed that 120 standalone Argos stores had not opened their doors since the first national coronavirus lockdown forced them to close in March .
A Sainsbury 's spokeswoman said : `` While these stores have remained closed , many Argos colleagues have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sainsbury 's supermarkets .
Hundreds of Argos stores will be shut '' They will continue to do this during the consultation process and we will do everything possible to find them alternative roles within the business by the time this concludes in the New Year . ''
These 120 stores are part of a first wave of shop closures planned by the company .
Sainsbury 's plans to axe a further 300 Argos standalone stores by March 2024 with the company `` in the process of reviewing our estate '' .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiring Christmas staff - how to apply But , J Sainsbury chief executive Simon Roberts said that 350 new Argos stores would be opened within the organisation 's supermarkets .
In a statement , he said : `` Argos sales have been strong over the past six months and we have gained almost two million new customers as people have re-connected with Argos .
`` Over the next three years we will make Argos a simpler , more efficient and more profitable business while still offering customers great convenience and value and improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road , Brighton , has closed for good '' We are talking to colleagues today about where the changes we are announcing in Argos standalone stores ... impact their roles .
`` We will work really hard to find alternative roles for as many of these colleagues as possible and expect to be able to offer alternative roles for the majority of impacted colleagues .
`` Given the unprecedented circumstances of this year and the challenges facing our colleagues , including the changes we are announcing today , I have informed the board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will waive any bonus entitlement for this financial year . ''

Sainsbury's, which owns the high street chain, said that "any standalone Argos store which has not reopened since March will remain closed permanently".
Supermarket bosses confirmed that 120 standalone Argos stores had not opened their doors since the first national coronavirus lockdown forced them to close in March.
A Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: "While these stores have remained closed, many Argos colleagues have redeployed to help in other Argos stores and Sainsbury's supermarkets.
Hundreds of Argos stores will be shut
"They will continue to do this during the consultation process and we will do everything possible to find them alternative roles within the business by the time this concludes in the New Year."
These 120 stores are part of a first wave of shop closures planned by the company.
Sainsbury's plans to axe a further 300 Argos standalone stores by March 2024 with the company "in the process of reviewing our estate".
But, J Sainsbury chief executive Simon Roberts said that 350 new Argos stores would be opened within the organisation's supermarkets.
In a statement, he said: "Argos sales have been strong over the past six months and we have gained almost two million new customers as people have re-connected with Argos.
"Over the next three years we will make Argos a simpler, more efficient and more profitable business while still offering customers great convenience and value and improving availability.
The Argos store in Western Road, Brighton, has closed for good
"We are talking to colleagues today about where the changes we are announcing in Argos standalone stores...impact their roles.
"We will work really hard to find alternative roles for as many of these colleagues as possible and expect to be able to offer alternative roles for the majority of impacted colleagues.
"Given the unprecedented circumstances of this year and the challenges facing our colleagues, including the changes we are announcing today, I have informed the board that if a bonus is payable, I will waive any bonus entitlement for this financial year."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Speedo wearing Santa from Kidderminster raises hundreds for KEMP

A SPEEDO wearing Santa from Kidderminster got into the Christmas spirit by completing a half marathon for KEMP Hospice .
Robin Williams , from Offmore Road , took part in the charity 's Virtual Santa Fun Run alongside his tinsel wearing border collie Joe .
People cheered Robin on Sunday morning ( December 20 ) as he ran down Kidderminster streets for a noble cause .
He ran two mile loops Up Chester South Road , Comberton Road , Spennells Valley Road .
The 30-year-old , who works in marketing , told The Shuttle : `` I did the run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wore the Santa hat and some Speedos .
`` I decided to do a half marathon .
My dog Joe ran with me and was a great pace setter .
I do n't think I could have done it by myself .
`` I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone that honked , waved , gave the thumbs up , shouted , smiled and donated. ''
It really motivated me to carry on and not feel the cold . ''
Robin 's mum Wendy , his girlfriend Sophie and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his run .
He has now raised £800 for the charity and people can continue to donate here .
Robin added : `` It went really well , everyone was really supportive .
It was so fun .
`` KEMP are amazing and it was just something small to raise their profile . ''

Robin Williams, from Offmore Road, took part in the charity's Virtual Santa Fun Run alongside his tinsel wearing border collie Joe.
People cheered Robin on Sunday morning (December 20) as he ran down Kidderminster streets for a noble cause.
He ran two mile loops Up Chester South Road, Comberton Road, Spennells Valley Road.
The 30-year-old, who works in marketing, told The Shuttle: "I did the run a little bit differently. I only wore the Santa hat and some Speedos.
"I decided to do a half marathon. My dog Joe ran with me and was a great pace setter. I don't think I could have done it by myself.
"I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone that honked, waved, gave the thumbs up, shouted, smiled and donated.
" It really motivated me to carry on and not feel the cold."
Robin's mum Wendy, his girlfriend Sophie and her friend Alex collected donations for KEMP during his run.
He has now raised £800 for the charity and people can continue to donate here.
Robin added: "It went really well, everyone was really supportive. It was so fun.
"KEMP are amazing and it was just something small to raise their profile."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Wanted man chased in Kidderminster town centre

A MAN has been arrested after running away from police officers in Kidderminster town centre .
Footage shows a wanted @ @ @ @ @ detained by officers .
After a foot chase and containment by officers , the man @ @ @ @ @ warrant and possession of a knife which he had discarded .


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-21--Wyre Forest District Council helps 22 rough sleepers find a home

WYRE Forest District Council have been working with charities and health organisations to help rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Across the county more than 150 people have been helped so far , but a few people have chosen not to take the assistance offered .
The local authority teams and outreach services are continuing to work with them to keep them safe .
Many of those who turned to the council for help have been able to find long term housing solutions .
This has included securing homes in the private rented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide housing and support .
Councils in Worcestershire are continuing to provide shelter for rough sleepers on cold nights .
The countywide Severe Winter Emergency and Cold Weather Fund provision makes sure those people who were offered accommodation but did not accept it or could not remain there , do have somewhere to go when temperatures fall .
Wyre Forest District Council is asking the public to help them support people who are still sleeping on the streets .
Councillor Nicky Martin , Wyre Forest District Council ’ s cabinet member for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services said : “ We are doing all we can to provide rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness with accommodation and offer shelter , but despite all the services available you may sometimes still see people on the street .
`` We are asking people to let us know if they see rough sleepers by contacting Streetlink online www.streetlink.org.uk or by calling 0300 500 0914.
” The council is also asking people to think about the help they can give .
If people want to donate they are encouraged to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyone wanting to volunteer this Christmas ,

Across the county more than 150 people have been helped so far, but a few people have chosen not to take the assistance offered. The local authority teams and outreach services are continuing to work with them to keep them safe.
Many of those who turned to the council for help have been able to find long term housing solutions.
This has included securing homes in the private rented sector and working with local housing associations to provide housing and support.
Wyre Forest District Council has helped 22 people to find a home.
Councils in Worcestershire are continuing to provide shelter for rough sleepers on cold nights. The countywide Severe Winter Emergency and Cold Weather Fund provision makes sure those people who were offered accommodation but did not accept it or could not remain there, do have somewhere to go when temperatures fall.
Wyre Forest District Council is asking the public to help them support people who are still sleeping on the streets.
Councillor Nicky Martin, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for housing, health, well-being and democratic services said: “We are doing all we can to provide rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness with accommodation and offer shelter, but despite all the services available you may sometimes still see people on the street.
"We are asking people to let us know if they see rough sleepers by contacting Streetlink online www.streetlink.org.uk or by calling 0300 500 0914.”
The council is also asking people to think about the help they can give. If people want to donate they are encouraged to give to registered charities for the homeless. Anyone wanting to volunteer this Christmas,


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-22--Increase in funding for Worcestershire schools

SCHOOLS across Worcestershire are set to receive an increase in funding from central government .
Over the last two years , funding policy has seen over £300 million allocated from centralgGovernment to support the county ’ s schools .
Worcestershire County Council has seen an significant increase in the Schools Block Dedicated Schools Grant , which has risen from £314.6m in 2018-19 to £369.5m for 2021-22 .
At their December meeting , the council ’ s cabinet considered a detailed report on the proposed National and Local Funding Arrangements for schools for 2021-22 .
It was agreed this arrangement will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to confirmation of funding .
Councillor Marcus Hart , cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills said : “ Ensuring our schools have everything in place to help Worcestershire ’ s students reach their full potential , will always be at the heart of every decision and one of our top priorities .
`` I am delighted that the Worcestershire Schools Forum , schools and the County Council Cabinet have continued to support for a further year our local policy of our local Worcestershire formula for mainstream schools being allocated on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The additional grant from the DfE approaching £55m over the 4 year period is extremely welcome , not only in facilitating the introduction of the NFF locally but supporting schools in continuing to manage their significant cost pressures .
Our local approach also lays very strong foundations for our schools for when the DfE introduce a mandatory NFF framework . ''
The local formula will continue in Worcestershire , as required , to include the DfEs statutory Minimum Funding Levels , which are increasing in 2021-22 to £4,180 from £3,750 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secondary .
The county council has since 2018-19 , following consultation with the Worcestershire Schools Forum and schools , implemented the Department for Education ’ s ( DfEs ) National Funding Formula ( NFF ) arrangement for mainstream schools as its local funding model in Worcestershire .

Over the last two years, funding policy has seen over £300 million allocated from centralgGovernment to support the county’s schools.
Worcestershire County Council has seen an significant increase in the Schools Block Dedicated Schools Grant, which has risen from £314.6m in 2018-19 to £369.5m for 2021-22.
At their December meeting, the council’s cabinet considered a detailed report on the proposed National and Local Funding Arrangements for schools for 2021-22.
It was agreed this arrangement will continue into the next year, subject to confirmation of funding.
Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills said: “Ensuring our schools have everything in place to help Worcestershire’s students reach their full potential, will always be at the heart of every decision and one of our top priorities.
"I am delighted that the Worcestershire Schools Forum, schools and the County Council Cabinet have continued to support for a further year our local policy of our local Worcestershire formula for mainstream schools being allocated on the basis of the DfEs National Funding Formula.
"The additional grant from the DfE approaching £55m over the 4 year period is extremely welcome, not only in facilitating the introduction of the NFF locally but supporting schools in continuing to manage their significant cost pressures. Our local approach also lays very strong foundations for our schools for when the DfE introduce a mandatory NFF framework."
The local formula will continue in Worcestershire, as required, to include the DfEs statutory Minimum Funding Levels, which are increasing in 2021-22 to £4,180 from £3,750 for primary and to £5,415 from £5,000 for secondary.
The county council has since 2018-19, following consultation with the Worcestershire Schools Forum and schools, implemented the Department for Education’s (DfEs) National Funding Formula (NFF) arrangement for mainstream schools as its local funding model in Worcestershire.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-22--Worcestershire Royal Hospital tops list of Worcester's crime 'hotspots'

WORCESTERSHIRE Royal Hospital has been found to be the city ’ s crime ‘ hotspot ’ according to police figures with almost 230 crimes reported in the last 12 months .
West Mercia Police crime figures show a total of 227 crimes have been reported at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester between November last year and October – almost 60 more crimes than the city centre ’ s Angel Street which came in second .
Just under half of all the crimes reported at Worcestershire Royal Hospital were violent and sexual offences with 110 recorded throughout the 12 months - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Around 13 per cent of recorded crimes were for anti-social behaviour .
A total of 19 public order offences , 16 reports of criminal damage and 15 reports of vehicle crime were recorded at the hospital .
West Mercia Police publishes monthly figures showing what crimes have been reported in the city and where they have been reported either by street , building or facility .
Between March and October whilst the city has been in various stages of lockdown , a total of 128 crimes were reported to police .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital during lockdown was in June when 29 crimes were reported including ten reports of violence and sexual offences , four reports of criminal damage and arson and three reports of anti-social behaviour .
Two drug offences , which could include possession and supply , and one bike theft were recorded in January .
A total of 40 crimes were recorded in November and December last year including seven violent and sexual offences including 21 reports of violence and sexual offences , five reports of anti-social behaviour and two thefts , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mobile phones directly from the victim without the use or threat of force .
Three public order offences were also recorded in the month , three reports of criminal damage and arson and two ‘ other ’ thefts were reported which could include theft by an employee , blackmail and making off without payment .
One report of shoplifting and one report of vehicle crime , which includes theft of a vehicle or theft of its contents , were recorded in December .
The month with the greatest number of crimes reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year with 38 reports throughout the month .
A total of 17 reports of violence and sexual offences were made in January as well as seven reports of anti-social behaviour , five reports of vehicle crime , two public order offences , one report of drug offences , which could include possession , supply and production , and one report of criminal damage and arson .
Five ‘ other ’ thefts were also recorded in the month .
A total of 19 public order offences , 16 reports of criminal damage and 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital .
West Mercia Police publishes monthly figures showing what crimes have been reported in the city and where they have been reported either by street , building or facility .
Between March and October whilst the city has been in various stages of lockdown , a total of 128 crimes were reported to police .
The month with the most crime reported at the hospital during lockdown was in June when 29 crimes were reported including ten reports of violence and sexual offences , four reports of criminal damage and arson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two drug offences , which could include possession and supply , and one bike theft were recorded in January .
A total of 40 crimes were recorded in November and December last year including seven violent and sexual offences including 21 reports of violence and sexual offences , five reports of anti-social behaviour and two thefts , which includes stealing handbags , wallets , money and mobile phones directly from the victim without the use or threat of force .
Three public order offences were also recorded in the month , three reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ other ’ thefts were reported which could include theft by an employee , blackmail and making off without payment .
One report of shoplifting and one report of vehicle crime , which includes theft of a vehicle or theft of its contents , were recorded in December .
The month with the greatest number of crimes reported at Worcestershire Royal Hospital was January this year with 38 reports throughout the month .
During the rest of the year , 15 crimes were recorded in March , seven crimes were recorded in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A total of 29 crimes were recorded in July , 17 were recorded in August , 13 were recorded in September and 14 crimes were recorded in October .
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust , which runs the hospital , was unavailable for comment .

West Mercia Police crime figures show a total of 227 crimes have been reported at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester between November last year and October – almost 60 more crimes than the city centre’s Angel Street which came in second.
Just under half of all the crimes reported at Worcestershire Royal Hospital were violent and sexual offences with 110 recorded throughout the 12 months - the most frequent type of crime recorded.
Around 13 per cent of recorded crimes were for anti-social behaviour.
A total of 19 public order offences, 16 reports of criminal damage and 15 reports of vehicle crime were recorded at the hospital.
West Mercia Police publishes monthly figures showing what crimes have been reported in the city and where they have been reported either by street, building or facility.
Between March and October whilst the city has been in various stages of lockdown, a total of 128 crimes were reported to police.
The month with the most crime reported at the hospital during lockdown was in June when 29 crimes were reported including ten reports of violence and sexual offences, four reports of criminal damage and arson and three reports of anti-social behaviour.
Two drug offences, which could include possession and supply, and one bike theft were recorded in January.
A total of 40 crimes were recorded in November and December last year including seven violent and sexual offences including 21 reports of violence and sexual offences, five reports of anti-social behaviour and two thefts, which includes stealing handbags, wallets, money and mobile phones directly from the victim without the use or threat of force.
Three public order offences were also recorded in the month, three reports of criminal damage and arson and two ‘other’ thefts were reported which could include theft by an employee, blackmail and making off without payment.
One report of shoplifting and one report of vehicle crime, which includes theft of a vehicle or theft of its contents, were recorded in December.
The month with the greatest number of crimes reported at Worcestershire Royal Hospital was January this year with 38 reports throughout the month.
A total of 17 reports of violence and sexual offences were made in January as well as seven reports of anti-social behaviour, five reports of vehicle crime, two public order offences, one report of drug offences, which could include possession, supply and production, and one report of criminal damage and arson.
Five ‘other’ thefts were also recorded in the month.
A total of 19 public order offences, 16 reports of criminal damage and 15 reports of vehicle crime were recorded at the hospital. West Mercia Police publishes monthly figures showing what crimes have been reported in the city and where they have been reported either by street, building or facility.
Between March and October whilst the city has been in various stages of lockdown, a total of 128 crimes were reported to police.
The month with the most crime reported at the hospital during lockdown was in June when 29 crimes were reported including ten reports of violence and sexual offences, four reports of criminal damage and arson and three reports of anti-social behaviour.
Two drug offences, which could include possession and supply, and one bike theft were recorded in January. A total of 40 crimes were recorded in November and December last year including seven violent and sexual offences including 21 reports of violence and sexual offences, five reports of anti-social behaviour and two thefts, which includes stealing handbags, wallets, money and mobile phones directly from the victim without the use or threat of force.
Three public order offences were also recorded in the month, three reports of criminal damage and arson and two ‘other’ thefts were reported which could include theft by an employee, blackmail and making off without payment.
One report of shoplifting and one report of vehicle crime, which includes theft of a vehicle or theft of its contents, were recorded in December.
The month with the greatest number of crimes reported at Worcestershire Royal Hospital was January this year with 38 reports throughout the month.
During the rest of the year, 15 crimes were recorded in March, seven crimes were recorded in April and 19 crimes were recorded in May.
A total of 29 crimes were recorded in July, 17 were recorded in August, 13 were recorded in September and 14 crimes were recorded in October.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, was unavailable for comment.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-22--UK likely to see increased restrictions as new COVID variant spreads

The Government ’ s chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance has said the new variant of Covid-19 has already “ spread around the country ” .
In the lead up to Christmas , Vallance said local health directors “ need to make decisions that they need to make ” to ensure their local population is looked after .
“ The new variant is spread around the country , ” he said .
“ It ’ s localised in some places but we know there are cases everywhere , so it ’ s not as though we can stop this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s some there already .
“ The message has been very clear and , I think I want to reinforce it , is stay local .
“ I mean , people shouldn ’ t be travelling around the country at the moment.
” The Government ’ s chief scientific advisor appeared alongside the Prime Minister to address the nation during a Downing Street press conference on Monday night .
He warned there will be an “ increase in numbers ” of the new variant in the coming weeks as we enter a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked why the whole country is not in lockdown after London and large swathes of south-east England were placed in Tier 4 restrictions to control the new variant of coronavirus over the weekend , Sir Vallance suggested measures across the country will be tightened in the coming weeks .
He told a Downing Street briefing on coronavirus : “ The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily , it ’ s more transmissible , we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it ’ s likely , therefore , that measures will need to be increased in some places , in due course , not reduced .
“ I think it is the case that this will spread more.
” He continued to explain that there is no reason to think the new variant is more dangerous than the existing strain .
He told the Downing Street press conference : “ Evidence that this can transmit more readily is becoming clear in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of this virus across areas .
“ The transmission is increased , but we can ’ t say exactly by how much , but it is clearly substantially increased , so it is more transmissible , which is why we see it growing so fast and spreading to so many areas .
“ There is no evidence that the disease course is any different , so if you catch it the disease looks the same as any other form of Covid infection .
“ In terms of the immune response , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have the same susceptibility to antibody attack from vaccine or pre-existing infection as any other form .
“ At the moment , the vaccine looks as though it should be as effective and that ’ s obviously being looked at .
”

In the lead up to Christmas, Vallance said local health directors “need to make decisions that they need to make” to ensure their local population is looked after.
“The new variant is spread around the country,” he said.
“It’s localised in some places but we know there are cases everywhere, so it’s not as though we can stop this getting into other places, there’s some there already.
“The message has been very clear and, I think I want to reinforce it, is stay local.
“I mean, people shouldn’t be travelling around the country at the moment.”
The Government’s chief scientific advisor appeared alongside the Prime Minister to address the nation during a Downing Street press conference on Monday night.
He warned there will be an “increase in numbers” of the new variant in the coming weeks as we enter a “period of inevitable mixing”.
When asked why the whole country is not in lockdown after London and large swathes of south-east England were placed in Tier 4 restrictions to control the new variant of coronavirus over the weekend, Sir Vallance suggested measures across the country will be tightened in the coming weeks.
He told a Downing Street briefing on coronavirus: “The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily, it’s more transmissible, we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place.
“I think it is likely that this will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it’s likely, therefore, that measures will need to be increased in some places, in due course, not reduced.
“I think it is the case that this will spread more.”
He continued to explain that there is no reason to think the new variant is more dangerous than the existing strain.
He told the Downing Street press conference: “Evidence that this can transmit more readily is becoming clear in terms of the data of the rapid spread of this virus across areas.
“The transmission is increased, but we can’t say exactly by how much, but it is clearly substantially increased, so it is more transmissible, which is why we see it growing so fast and spreading to so many areas.
“There is no evidence that the disease course is any different, so if you catch it the disease looks the same as any other form of Covid infection.
“In terms of the immune response, there is nothing to suggest that this won’t have the same susceptibility to antibody attack from vaccine or pre-existing infection as any other form.
“At the moment, the vaccine looks as though it should be as effective and that’s obviously being looked at.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-22--Sainsbury's reveal foods that could be missing from shelves

Sainsbury ’ s has warned that some products could be missing from shelves in the coming days due to restrictions at ports amid the ongoing border crisis .
The warning comes as Boris Johnson is set to hold crisis talks today after France banned lorries from travelling from the UK .
With France suspending all traffic from the UK for 48 hours , it raised fears that trade flows could be severely disrupted while passengers across Europe could be left stranded in the final run-up to Christmas .
However , the supermarket confirmed food for a traditional Christmas lunch is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruptions should not affect celebrations this Christmas .
A Sainsbury ’ s spokesperson said : “ All products for the Great British Christmas lunch are already in the country and we have plenty of these .
“ We are also sourcing everything we can from the UK and looking into alternative transport for product sourced from Europe .
“ If nothing changes , we will start to see gaps over the coming days on lettuce , some salad leaves , cauliflowers , broccoli and citrus fruit – all of which are imported from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We hope the UK and French governments can come to a mutually agreeable solution that prioritises the immediate passage of produce and any other food at the ports.
” The chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation has told the UK there is no need to panic buy as a result of France ’ s ban on freight lorries from the UK .
Ian Wright told BBC Breakfast on Monday morning that there is , however , concern around food supplies in the long term , particularly over Christmas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the return journey of drivers coming to the UK .
If they can not be guaranteed either that they will get out of the UK because of the congestion or that they will be able to secure a return journey full of whatever product it is , that ’ s going to make it much more unlikely for them to come in the first place .
“ And , over time , because the transport system requires these round trips , that will reduce the ability of us to bring food into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We need a pragmatic solution that gets drivers across the border and into the UK by whatever route in exactly the same way we had throughout the lockdown in March and in the earlier part of the year.
” Meanwhile Transport Secretary , Grant Shappps has said the public will not notice any disruption in terms of supermarket shortages “ for the most part ” as a result of France ’ s freight lorry ban .
The Transport Secretary said hauliers were “ quite used to anticipating disruption ” , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time ” .
He told Sky News on Monday : “ The absolute key is to get this resolved as soon as possible .
I ’ ll be speaking again to my opposite number Jean-Baptiste ( Djebbari ) later this morning .
“ There ’ s a meeting taking place actually right now in Europe about it , in order to co-ordinate approaches .
“ It ’ s not really in anybody ’ s particular interest to not have hauliers going across , not least because they are mostly European hauliers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will not want them perishing any more than we would want the border closed.
” Asked if consumers will see shortages in supermarkets , Mr Shapps added : “ The supply chain is pretty robust in as much as you get variations in supply all the time .
For the most part , people won ’ t notice it .
”

The warning comes as Boris Johnson is set to hold crisis talks today after France banned lorries from travelling from the UK.
With France suspending all traffic from the UK for 48 hours, it raised fears that trade flows could be severely disrupted while passengers across Europe could be left stranded in the final run-up to Christmas.
However, the supermarket confirmed food for a traditional Christmas lunch is available and already in the country so disruptions should not affect celebrations this Christmas.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “All products for the Great British Christmas lunch are already in the country and we have plenty of these.
“We are also sourcing everything we can from the UK and looking into alternative transport for product sourced from Europe.
“If nothing changes, we will start to see gaps over the coming days on lettuce, some salad leaves, cauliflowers, broccoli and citrus fruit – all of which are imported from the Continent at this time of year.
“We hope the UK and French governments can come to a mutually agreeable solution that prioritises the immediate passage of produce and any other food at the ports.”
The chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation has told the UK there is no need to panic buy as a result of France’s ban on freight lorries from the UK.
Ian Wright told BBC Breakfast on Monday morning that there is, however, concern around food supplies in the long term, particularly over Christmas.
He said: “The problem is the return journey of drivers coming to the UK. If they cannot be guaranteed either that they will get out of the UK because of the congestion or that they will be able to secure a return journey full of whatever product it is, that’s going to make it much more unlikely for them to come in the first place.
“And, over time, because the transport system requires these round trips, that will reduce the ability of us to bring food into the country after Christmas if that takes effect.
“We need a pragmatic solution that gets drivers across the border and into the UK by whatever route in exactly the same way we had throughout the lockdown in March and in the earlier part of the year.”
Meanwhile Transport Secretary, Grant Shappps has said the public will not notice any disruption in terms of supermarket shortages “for the most part” as a result of France’s freight lorry ban.
"I think people should go about their business as usual."
Transport Secretary @grantshapps says there is no reason not to buy more food than they would normally over Christmas, amid a ban on hauliers crossing from France into the UK.
Latest on #COVID19: https://t.co/9hWqHYJGrf pic.twitter.com/U5hkwI8rvD — Sky News (@SkyNews) December 21, 2020
The Transport Secretary said hauliers were “quite used to anticipating disruption”, adding there were variations in supply “all the time”.
He told Sky News on Monday: “The absolute key is to get this resolved as soon as possible. I’ll be speaking again to my opposite number Jean-Baptiste (Djebbari) later this morning.
“There’s a meeting taking place actually right now in Europe about it, in order to co-ordinate approaches.
“It’s not really in anybody’s particular interest to not have hauliers going across, not least because they are mostly European hauliers and the goods are mostly theirs, so they will not want them perishing any more than we would want the border closed.”
Asked if consumers will see shortages in supermarkets, Mr Shapps added: “The supply chain is pretty robust in as much as you get variations in supply all the time. For the most part, people won’t notice it.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-22--BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5: Christmas Day TV schedule

In a year like no other , many of us will be preparing for a day in front of the @ @ @ @ @ usual festive parties cancelled .
With exciting new shows , classic favourites and Christmas movies @ @ @ @ @ , we will be spoilt for choice when deciding what to watch .
Here is @ @ @ @ @ TV on Christmas day .
11:00am - The Snail and the Whale What will be @ @ @ @ @ – Some Like It Hot What will be on ITV 1 ?

With exciting new shows, classic favourites and Christmas movies planned for Christmas Day 2020, we will be spoilt for choice when deciding what to watch.
Here is a list of everything on TV on Christmas day.
What will be on BBC One?


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-23--Road closure as river levels rise in Bewdley

RIVER levels in Bewdley are expected to rise as more heavy rain is expected throughout the day .
Stourport Road @ @ @ @ @ Beales Corner and Westbourne Street .
The river level in Bewdley is expected to peak @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Eve morning .
Wyre Forest District Council tweeted : `` With flood defences in @ @ @ @ @ today we have sandbags available to collect from three locations , Gardners Meadow car park @ @ @ @ @ car park in Stourport and our Depot in Green St , Kidderminster . ''
A @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We expect river levels to rise further and remain high into the @ @ @ @ @ the situation & checking defences . ''

Worcestershire County Council is working closely with colleagues from the Environment Agency and district councils to alleviate the impact of expected flooding.
Due to continued heavy rainfall, river levels are expected to peak in Bewdley tomorrow morning and in Worcester, Diglis and Evesham tomorrow afternoon.
Councillor Tony Miller, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “We’re seeing heavy rainfall in parts of the county today.
“River levels are already high and are expected to rise so it will certainly have an impact on some homes and businesses.
“The timing couldn’t be any worse as we approach Christmas and after such a difficult year for us all due to the Covid pandemic and flooding earlier in the year.
“But rest assured our teams are ready and we’re working closely with colleagues in the Environment Agency and also district colleagues to ensure we have everything in place to reduce, where we can, the impact of any flooding.”
Wyre Forest District Council has sandbags available for residents to collect from Gardners Meadow car park in Bewdley, Vale Road car park in Stourport and the Depot in Green Street, Kidderminster.
Worcester City Council is making contact with households which are at risk of flooding, to offer assistance if it is required.
There is also likely to be a lot of surface water on many roads due to heavy rain today so people are being reminded to drive safely if they are going out on the roads.
The County Council is also sending out its gritters this evening as temperatures are expected to fall. The heavy rain is predicted to stop at around 1am so the gritters will be going out after that to treat primary and secondary routes. Drivers are being advised to take care as there may be ice on the roads as temperatures dip, especially on untreated surfaces.
Regular updates will be posted across all three of the County Council’s social media channels to update on issues and road closures.
Stourport Road B4195 is now closed between Beales Corner and Westbourne Street.