kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--CCTV handed to police after vandalism at Kidderminster school

Vandals wreaked havoc after forcing entry to the grounds at Franche Community Primary School on Monday night ( July 20 ) .
Photographs of graffiti left on chalk boards , which had just been painted ready for the arrival of reception students , were posted by the school on social media .
Profanities had been blurred out , but the words `` wash your hands you dirty pig '' could be seen alongside a drawing of a pig .
Intruders broke into the school grounds on Monday night The intruders also left outdoor taps running , causing further financial loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the time of the break-in has been handed over to police .
School staff posted on social media : `` It is with sadness that I have to report that on Monday night we had intruders on site .
`` The intruders caused criminal damage to school property , broke children 's toys and left outside taps running , which will cause financial loss to the school .
`` They have also drawn graffiti on the outdoor chalk board in eeception , which the teachers had only just painted ready for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all been reported to the police who are reviewing footage from a camera .
`` They have recommended that we post this on Facebook as a plea for information .
`` They have also asked that we include images of the graffiti , including the names shown , in case this helps anyone to identify the intruders .
`` Profanities and inappropriate elements have been removed .
`` Should you have any information regarding this please call 101 or the school . ''
`` Please share this post to help us to protect @ @ @ @ @

Vandals wreaked havoc after forcing entry to the grounds at Franche Community Primary School on Monday night (July 20).
Photographs of graffiti left on chalk boards, which had just been painted ready for the arrival of reception students, were posted by the school on social media.
Profanities had been blurred out, but the words "wash your hands you dirty pig" could be seen alongside a drawing of a pig.
Intruders broke into the school grounds on Monday night
The intruders also left outdoor taps running, causing further financial loss for the school.
CCTV footage from around the time of the break-in has been handed over to police.
School staff posted on social media: "It is with sadness that I have to report that on Monday night we had intruders on site.
"The intruders caused criminal damage to school property, broke children's toys and left outside taps running, which will cause financial loss to the school.
"They have also drawn graffiti on the outdoor chalk board in eeception, which the teachers had only just painted ready for our new reception intake.
"This has all been reported to the police who are reviewing footage from a camera.
"They have recommended that we post this on Facebook as a plea for information.
"They have also asked that we include images of the graffiti, including the names shown, in case this helps anyone to identify the intruders.
"Profanities and inappropriate elements have been removed.
"Should you have any information regarding this please call 101 or the school."
"Please share this post to help us to protect our well-loved school."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--'Mr Stourport' who served town all of his life has died

A FORMER Stourport councillor and village supermarket owner has died , aged 92 .
Jim Perry joined the family business after completing his two years ' National Service in the Royal Navy , stationed in Singapore , between 1946 and 1948 , and helped to open Worcestershire 's first self-service grocery store in Lombard Street in the late 1950s .
The Perry family began serving Stourport in the 1930s , when Jim 's father Len and mother Lily opened a butcher 's shop in Mitton Street , before moving to Lombard Street .
Jim 's brother Robin ran the butchery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother Lily oversaw the making of meat pies , sausage rolls , pork pies and cooked meats to sell in the store .
In his younger days , Jim was a musician , forming a band which played at local dances .
Jim was also a keen rower and an avid member of Stourport Boat Club , where he competed for the town as well as coaching up-and-coming rowers in the late 1960s .
One such rower remembers Jim borrowing his daughter ’ s bicycle to race up and down the river bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perry 's Lombard Street store , a picture featured in The Shuttle , in 1970 Jim ’ s interest in the boat club continued throughout his life , from attending and photographing the annual regatta to serving as a trustee from the 1970s to the present day .
Jim married Val in May 1952 at Areley Kings Church and left the church through an arch of oars held by his rowing club teammates .
They went on to have two daughters , Judith and Jill .
Jim Perry during his national service in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As his sense of community spirit grew stronger , Jim joined Stourport Urban District Council in 1959 , serving on many committees and , in 1964 , he was elected the youngest-ever chairman of the council .
During his years of public service as a councillor , Jim was involved in many community initiatives , including the setting up of Stourport Day Centre in New Street , now The Elizabeth Mills Centre , for the enjoyment of the town ’ s elderly residents .
Perry ’ s supermarket soon outgrew its original premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the corner of Lombard Street and Lickhill Road - now M & Co - in the 1960s .
Jim and Val on their wedding day in 1952 When the opportunity arose to purchase the site of the Haven Cinema next door in the 1970s , Jim created a frozen foods centre in the additional floor space .
Jim opened a village shop on Areley Common in 1956 and 50 years later , at the age of 78 , he fulfilled his ambition to offer local residents a bigger and better local shopping experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road , on which he had built a purpose-designed village supermarket , incorporating the post office .
A founding member of Stourport Rotary Club in 1963 , Jim ’ s dedication to the movement and its objectives was unwavering during his 57 years of membership .
This was recognised in 2003 , when he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship , given to members for outstanding contributions to the club and the community it serves .
In later years , Jim turned his lifelong love of photography into a new business , Jupiter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed away peacefully on Friday , July 10 .
Jim 's family said : `` Jim ’ s love of Stourport-on-Severn and its people was at the heart of everything he did .
`` His involvement in the town ’ s council , Chamber of Trade , Boat Club and Rotary Club is testament to his steadfast community spirit .
• Petition launched for nature square on old Crown House site '' Many describe Jim as a true gentleman , always smiling and willing to help anyone who asked .
`` He will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and loved him . ''
For anyone wishing to pay their respects to Jim , the funeral cars will pass his village shop in Areley Kings and his old supermarket at the top of Lombard Street on the way to the crematorium for 11.30am on Thursday , July 30 .
Donations in Jim ’ s memory can be made to Stourport on Severn Social Day Centre Association c/o B Ince , Funeral Directors , 8 Severn Side South , Bewdley DY12 3DX .

Jim Perry joined the family business after completing his two years' National Service in the Royal Navy, stationed in Singapore, between 1946 and 1948, and helped to open Worcestershire's first self-service grocery store in Lombard Street in the late 1950s.
The Perry family began serving Stourport in the 1930s, when Jim's father Len and mother Lily opened a butcher's shop in Mitton Street, before moving to Lombard Street.
The Perry's Lombard Street store in 1950
Jim's brother Robin ran the butchery side of the business, while his mother Lily oversaw the making of meat pies, sausage rolls, pork pies and cooked meats to sell in the store.
In his younger days, Jim was a musician, forming a band which played at local dances.
Jim was also a keen rower and an avid member of Stourport Boat Club, where he competed for the town as well as coaching up-and-coming rowers in the late 1960s.
One such rower remembers Jim borrowing his daughter’s bicycle to race up and down the river bank shouting instructions to the team.
The Perry's Lombard Street store, a picture featured in The Shuttle, in 1970
Jim’s interest in the boat club continued throughout his life, from attending and photographing the annual regatta to serving as a trustee from the 1970s to the present day.
Jim married Val in May 1952 at Areley Kings Church and left the church through an arch of oars held by his rowing club teammates.
They went on to have two daughters, Judith and Jill.
Jim Perry during his national service in the Royal Navy in Singapore in 1946
As his sense of community spirit grew stronger, Jim joined Stourport Urban District Council in 1959, serving on many committees and, in 1964, he was elected the youngest-ever chairman of the council.
During his years of public service as a councillor, Jim was involved in many community initiatives, including the setting up of Stourport Day Centre in New Street, now The Elizabeth Mills Centre, for the enjoyment of the town’s elderly residents.
Perry’s supermarket soon outgrew its original premises and moved to a prime site at the corner of Lombard Street and Lickhill Road - now M&Co - in the 1960s.
Jim and Val on their wedding day in 1952
When the opportunity arose to purchase the site of the Haven Cinema next door in the 1970s, Jim created a frozen foods centre in the additional floor space.
Jim opened a village shop on Areley Common in 1956 and 50 years later, at the age of 78, he fulfilled his ambition to offer local residents a bigger and better local shopping experience and opened a larger site across the road, on which he had built a purpose-designed village supermarket, incorporating the post office.
A founding member of Stourport Rotary Club in 1963, Jim’s dedication to the movement and its objectives was unwavering during his 57 years of membership.
Jim receives the prestigious Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow award in 2003
This was recognised in 2003, when he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship, given to members for outstanding contributions to the club and the community it serves.
In later years, Jim turned his lifelong love of photography into a new business, Jupiter Photography, specialising in weddings.
He passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10.
Jim's family said: "Jim’s love of Stourport-on-Severn and its people was at the heart of everything he did.
"His involvement in the town’s council, Chamber of Trade, Boat Club and Rotary Club is testament to his steadfast community spirit.
Read more:
"Many describe Jim as a true gentleman, always smiling and willing to help anyone who asked.
"He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him."
For anyone wishing to pay their respects to Jim, the funeral cars will pass his village shop in Areley Kings and his old supermarket at the top of Lombard Street on the way to the crematorium for 11.30am on Thursday, July 30.
Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Stourport on Severn Social Day Centre Association c/o B Ince, Funeral Directors, 8 Severn Side South, Bewdley DY12 3DX.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--Local photographers capture starry skies to sunny scenes

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kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--Outrage after defibrillator stolen from Upper Arley phonebox

HEARTLESS thieves stole a potentially life-saving piece of equipment from a telephone kiosk in Upper Arley .
The defibrillator , which is worth around £1,000 , was stored inside a steel case fixed to an old BT telephone box at Shatterford , near the junction with Trimpley Lane , but the box is believed to have been forced open some time between Saturday ( July 18 ) and Monday .
Angela Preece , clerk at Arley Parish Council , which fundraised to buy the equipment , said : `` It 's an awful thing to pinch , especially when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
The equipment was stolen some time between Saturday and Monday '' It ’ s not worth anything but some people will steal them and take it to pieces to sell the batteries .
`` People in the community are just really outraged . ''
The defib was donated to the parish council by Alveley Community First Responders , which said it was called out to a patient in cardiac arrest just an hour after the theft was reported .
The group said there was no record of the equipment having been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defib had been stolen .
Alveley Community First Responders posted on Facebook : `` We are disappointed and saddened to report that the defibrillator we donated to the Upper Arley community and was housed in the Shatterford phonebox appears to have been stolen .
The defib was funded by donations from parish councillors a few years ago '' West Midlands Ambulance Service have no records of its activation and the box appears to have been forced open .
`` This was a vital life saving piece of equipment no longer available .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said neighbouring responders in Highley had offered to donate a defibrillator to Upper Arley until the parish council could fund a permanent replacement .
Anyone with information on the theft is urged to contact police on 101 or Alveley Community First Responders on Facebook .

The defibrillator, which is worth around £1,000, was stored inside a steel case fixed to an old BT telephone box at Shatterford, near the junction with Trimpley Lane, but the box is believed to have been forced open some time between Saturday (July 18) and Monday.
Angela Preece, clerk at Arley Parish Council, which fundraised to buy the equipment, said: "It's an awful thing to pinch, especially when it could be needed to save someone's life.
The equipment was stolen some time between Saturday and Monday
"It’s not worth anything but some people will steal them and take it to pieces to sell the batteries.
"People in the community are just really outraged."
The defib was donated to the parish council by Alveley Community First Responders, which said it was called out to a patient in cardiac arrest just an hour after the theft was reported.
The group said there was no record of the equipment having been used, which led them to believe the defib had been stolen.
Alveley Community First Responders posted on Facebook: "We are disappointed and saddened to report that the defibrillator we donated to the Upper Arley community and was housed in the Shatterford phonebox appears to have been stolen.
The defib was funded by donations from parish councillors a few years ago
"West Midlands Ambulance Service have no records of its activation and the box appears to have been forced open.
"This was a vital life saving piece of equipment no longer available."
Mike Nixon, from the group, said neighbouring responders in Highley had offered to donate a defibrillator to Upper Arley until the parish council could fund a permanent replacement.
Anyone with information on the theft is urged to contact police on 101 or Alveley Community First Responders on Facebook.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--No coronavirus deaths at Worcestershire hospitals for 9 days

THERE have been no coronavirus-related deaths recorded at Worcestershire hospitals for nine days .
For the first time since the beginning of lockdown , Worcestershire hospitals have had zero new deaths from Covid-19 recorded for nine days in a row .
The latest figures , announced by the NHS today ( Thursday , July 23 ) show the total number of hospital deaths in the county remains at 305 .
This is made up of 277 at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and 28 at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust .
A further 19 people , who tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in the country up to 29,231 .
Patients were aged between 35 and 89 years old and all had known underlying health conditions .
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital .
The health and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards , including Worcester City Impatient Unit , Malvern Community Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital , Pershore Community Hospital , the Princess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward .
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19 .
They do not include deaths outside hospital , such as those in care homes , prisons , ambulances or in the community .
The government has been releasing a daily figure for deaths outside of hospitals - Public Health England does not release a regional breakdown .
The figures relate to deaths recorded , not the number of people that have died on a particular @ @

For the first time since the beginning of lockdown, Worcestershire hospitals have had zero new deaths from Covid-19 recorded for nine days in a row.
The latest figures, announced by the NHS today (Thursday, July 23) show the total number of hospital deaths in the county remains at 305.
This is made up of 277 at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and 28 at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.
A further 19 people, who tested positive for the coronavirus have died in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in the country up to 29,231.
Patients were aged between 35 and 89 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital.
The health and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards, including Worcester City Impatient Unit, Malvern Community Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, Pershore Community Hospital, the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward.
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19. They do not include deaths outside hospital, such as those in care homes, prisons, ambulances or in the community.
The government has been releasing a daily figure for deaths outside of hospitals - Public Health England does not release a regional breakdown.
The figures relate to deaths recorded, not the number of people that have died on a particular day.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--'Do your bit and wear a face covering' in Worcestershire shops

SHOPPERS will be required to wear a face covering before entering a store as of this Friday - and businesses in Worcestershire are urging members of the public to `` do their bit '' .
As shops across the county continue to reopen to customers , new guidelines have already been implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19 , including keeping two metres apart from others where possible and regularly washing hands .
From July 24 , shoppers will also - by law - need to wear a face covering before going into a shop .
The head of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county to do their bit to help protect others .
Gary Woodman , chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership , said : “ Businesses across Worcestershire have been working hard to implement changes to make sure their stores and shops are safe for the public .
`` Now is the time for individuals to start safely returning back to the world and it is crucial that to do this they follow the latest Government guidelines to keep themselves and others safe .
`` Doing this will allow us as a county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into our local business community.
” Dr Kathryn Cobain , director of public health for Worcestershire , said : “ The people of Worcestershire and our Business community have all worked hard to stop Covid-19 from spreading .
`` Worcestershire ’ s vibrant stores are safe places to shop , thanks to their efforts , but we all need to help keep the shops safe by now wearing a face mask in store and keeping our distance and washing our hands .
`` All these measures help us keep us and our loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a face covering in shops .
For information on exemptions , click here .

As shops across the county continue to reopen to customers, new guidelines have already been implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including keeping two metres apart from others where possible and regularly washing hands.
From July 24, shoppers will also - by law - need to wear a face covering before going into a shop.
The head of a local businesses partnership is urging people across the county to do their bit to help protect others.
Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Businesses across Worcestershire have been working hard to implement changes to make sure their stores and shops are safe for the public.
"Now is the time for individuals to start safely returning back to the world and it is crucial that to do this they follow the latest Government guidelines to keep themselves and others safe.
"Doing this will allow us as a county to begin recovering and encouraging growth back into our local business community.”
Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health for Worcestershire, said: “ The people of Worcestershire and our Business community have all worked hard to stop Covid-19 from spreading.
"Worcestershire’s vibrant stores are safe places to shop, thanks to their efforts, but we all need to help keep the shops safe by now wearing a face mask in store and keeping our distance and washing our hands.
"All these measures help us keep us and our loved ones safe.”
Not everyone will have to wear a face covering in shops. For information on exemptions, click here.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--Racist social media comments aimed at teen

OFFICERS are investigating racist comments made on social media towards a 17-year-old from North Worcestershire .
Inspector Lee Page said @ @ @ @ @ reported to West Midlands Police earlier today and the case has been handed to West @ @ @ @ @ lives in our policing area .
“ I can confirm that officers are thoroughly investigating @ @ @ @ @ have made contact with the victim and the victim ’ s family .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ right minded people that these narrow minded and disgusting comments have no place in society.
@ @ @ @ @ anyone who is or has been a victim of a hate crime to get in @ @ @ @ @ here https : //www.report-it.org.uk/ ”

Inspector Lee Page said: “The comments were reported to West Midlands Police earlier today and the case has been handed to West Mercia Police as the victim lives in our policing area.
“I can confirm that officers are thoroughly investigating these abhorrent comments and we have made contact with the victim and the victim’s family.
“I share the opinion of all right minded people that these narrow minded and disgusting comments have no place in society.”
“I would encourage anyone who is or has been a victim of a hate crime to get in touch with police or report here https://www.report-it.org.uk/”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--Wyre Forest homeless charity needs your help

HOMELESS charity HELP and The Shuttle newspaper are asking community groups , schools and businesses in Wyre Forest to hold their own fundraiser to help some of the district 's most vulnerable people .
Each week , the Shuttle Run Appeal is getting closer to its £10,000 target to buy a new van for HELP to collect donations for the homeless and people in need across Stourport , Bewdley and Kidderminster .
Now , as we approach the £4,000 milestone , we 're encouraging readers to get involved in any way they can .
It could be a sponsored silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online fundraising quiz or a socially-distanced group challenge .
To give readers an idea of how they can help - before the coronavirus lockdown , kind-hearted staff at Thompson & Parkes held a fundraising car wash in aid of our appeal and a bucket collection was held during a Kidderminster Harriers game at Aggborough Stadium .
If you , your workplace , school or community group could host a fundraiser for The Shuttle Run appeal , email emily.collis @ newsquest.co.uk or call 01384 358262 .
Every penny will go towards buying a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect more donations for people in need in Wyre Forest .
Donations can be made online via our new fundraising page justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-shuttle-run-homeless-van-appeal .
Cheques can be sent to Kidderminster Shuttle , Second Floor , Copthall House , 1 New Road , Stourbridge DY8 1PH .
Make them payable to HELP and write SHUTTLE RUN on the back .
Bank transfers should go to HELP , Lloyds Bank , account number 38430260 , sort code 30-91-91 .

Each week, the Shuttle Run Appeal is getting closer to its £10,000 target to buy a new van for HELP to collect donations for the homeless and people in need across Stourport, Bewdley and Kidderminster.
Now, as we approach the £4,000 milestone, we're encouraging readers to get involved in any way they can. It could be a sponsored silence, a charity bake sale, an online fundraising quiz or a socially-distanced group challenge.
To give readers an idea of how they can help - before the coronavirus lockdown, kind-hearted staff at Thompson & Parkes held a fundraising car wash in aid of our appeal and a bucket collection was held during a Kidderminster Harriers game at Aggborough Stadium.
If you, your workplace, school or community group could host a fundraiser for The Shuttle Run appeal, email emily.collis@newsquest.co.uk or call 01384 358262.
Every penny will go towards buying a new van for HELP to enable them to collect more donations for people in need in Wyre Forest.
Donations can be made online via our new fundraising page justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-shuttle-run-homeless-van-appeal.
Cheques can be sent to Kidderminster Shuttle, Second Floor, Copthall House, 1 New Road, Stourbridge DY8 1PH. Make them payable to HELP and write SHUTTLE RUN on the back.
Bank transfers should go to HELP, Lloyds Bank, account number 38430260, sort code 30-91-91.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-23--BT, EE, Plusnet and TalkTalk reporting major outages with internet and phone services

A number of serious outages affecting internet connections and telephone services from some of the UK 's biggest suppliers have been reported nationwide this afternoon .
Here 's what we know so far .
As of 12.30pm today ( July 23 , 2020 ) , the following providers are reporting problems across various parts of the UK - according to Downdetector .
To check any reported problems via Downdetector , click here .
TalkTalk has said it is working to fix a “ cable break ” in the network which has left customers in the North East of England without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue had occurred in a part of a Virgin Media network used to provide service in the area .
A number of users had taken to social media to report issues in the North East , with BT customers also reporting similar broadband problems .
BT ’ s service status website confirms the provider has also been affected by an outage in the Newcastle and Jesmond area .
TalkTalk confirmed it was working with engineers to fix the issue and apologised to its customers .
A message posted to the firm ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware of issues affecting the North East area at the moment .
Engineers are looking into this and we do hope to have services restored ASAP.
” In a further statement posted on the company ’ s website , it said : “ We ’ re aware that some customers in and around the North East of England are currently experiencing a loss of service due to a break in a cable on a part of the Virgin Media network which is used to provide service in the area .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and assure you we ’ re working with local engineers to restore service as soon as possible.
” What have experts said ?
Dan Howdle , consumer telecoms analyst at Cable.co.uk , said the outage was particularly troublesome given the number of people still working from home .
“ The reported BT and Talk Talk outages are certainly set to frustrate those still attempting to work from home , but historically both networks have been swift in addressing the problems , so will likely be a short-term inconvenience rather than an extended issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will still be able to connect to the internet by using their mobile device as a WIFI hotspot , although those choosing to do so in order to continue to work from home should be aware that using your mobile in such a way will use up data , and any data-intensive activity – such as video streaming – will speed up this process , so you need to be aware of your limits .
”

Here's what we know so far.
As of 12.30pm today (July 23, 2020), the following providers are reporting problems across various parts of the UK - according to Downdetector.
BT
EE
Plusnet
TalkTalk
To check any reported problems via Downdetector, click here.
LATEST UPDATE: 2pm - July 23, 2020
TalkTalk has said it is working to fix a “cable break” in the network which has left customers in the North East of England without broadband.
The internet provider said the issue had occurred in a part of a Virgin Media network used to provide service in the area.
A number of users had taken to social media to report issues in the North East, with BT customers also reporting similar broadband problems.
BT’s service status website confirms the provider has also been affected by an outage in the Newcastle and Jesmond area.
TalkTalk confirmed it was working with engineers to fix the issue and apologised to its customers.
A message posted to the firm’s Twitter account said: “We are aware of issues affecting the North East area at the moment. Engineers are looking into this and we do hope to have services restored ASAP.”
In a further statement posted on the company’s website, it said: “We’re aware that some customers in and around the North East of England are currently experiencing a loss of service due to a break in a cable on a part of the Virgin Media network which is used to provide service in the area.
“We’d like to apologise for the inconvenience and assure you we’re working with local engineers to restore service as soon as possible.”
What have experts said?
Dan Howdle, consumer telecoms analyst at Cable.co.uk, said the outage was particularly troublesome given the number of people still working from home.
“The reported BT and Talk Talk outages are certainly set to frustrate those still attempting to work from home, but historically both networks have been swift in addressing the problems, so will likely be a short-term inconvenience rather than an extended issue,” he said.
“Households will still be able to connect to the internet by using their mobile device as a WIFI hotspot, although those choosing to do so in order to continue to work from home should be aware that using your mobile in such a way will use up data, and any data-intensive activity – such as video streaming – will speed up this process, so you need to be aware of your limits.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-24--Police appeal over off-road bike problems in Kidderminster

POLICE have shared photographs of two youths they would like to speak to in connection with their investigation into off-road bikers who are causing a nuisance in a Kidderminster park .
Broadwaters Safer Neighbourhood Team shared the two images on Twitter in an effort to trace the two males pictured using a bike in Springfield Park .
One of the males is wearing dark-coloured jeans and a hooded white and grey top , while the other has light-coloured hair and appears to be wearing a white t-shirt and grey trousers .
Police are looking to speak to these two males @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bikes in Springfield Park in Kidderminster .
Photo by @ KminsterCops Police posted on Twitter : `` To assist us with enquiries regarding the use of off-road bikes at Springfield Park , we would like to speak with the two people pictured using the bike below .
`` If you have any information , please call 101 quoting 423_I_22072020 . ''
The appeal follows a similar plea in June , whereby officers shared a photograph of a male they were looking to trace following off-road biking complaints in the same park .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , a group of young men can often be seen riding noisy off-road bikes in Springfield Park and along surrounding paths .
One neighbour said the problem was causing dog walkers to avoid the area .

Broadwaters Safer Neighbourhood Team shared the two images on Twitter in an effort to trace the two males pictured using a bike in Springfield Park.
One of the males is wearing dark-coloured jeans and a hooded white and grey top, while the other has light-coloured hair and appears to be wearing a white t-shirt and grey trousers.
Police are looking to speak to these two males as part of an investigation into off-road bikes in Springfield Park in Kidderminster. Photo by @KminsterCops
Police posted on Twitter: "To assist us with enquiries regarding the use of off-road bikes at Springfield Park, we would like to speak with the two people pictured using the bike below.
"If you have any information, please call 101 quoting 423_I_22072020."
The appeal follows a similar plea in June, whereby officers shared a photograph of a male they were looking to trace following off-road biking complaints in the same park.
According to reports from nearby residents on social media, a group of young men can often be seen riding noisy off-road bikes in Springfield Park and along surrounding paths.
One neighbour said the problem was causing dog walkers to avoid the area.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-24--Plans coming together for Hoobrook Island in Kidderminster

THE final design for improvement works to Kidderminster 's Hoobrook Island are due for completion in October .
Worcestershire County Council is in the final stages of planning improvements to the road , including adding traffic signals and widening the approaches for the A449 and A442 .
The circulatory lanes on the island itself will also be increased with the aim of improving journey times and reducing congestion by increasing the capacity and flow of traffic onto the island .
Councillor Alan Amos , Worcestershire County Council 's cabinet member with responsibility for Highways , said : `` The planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big difference to congestion in the area , by improving traffic flow on the island .
“ Congestion is a priority for the county council because we know it ’ s important for the county ’ s residents .
“ This scheme to make improvements to the island is part of a wider package announced in this year ’ s council budget to deliver bigger , better schemes to relieve congestion across the county.
” The final design for the works is due to be completed in October , with a plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The wider package of works to improve congestion across the county includes schemes in Bromsgrove town centre , Evesham town centre and on the A38/A4104 staggered junction in Upton-upon-Severn .

Worcestershire County Council is in the final stages of planning improvements to the road, including adding traffic signals and widening the approaches for the A449 and A442.
The circulatory lanes on the island itself will also be increased with the aim of improving journey times and reducing congestion by increasing the capacity and flow of traffic onto the island.
Councillor Alan Amos, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for Highways, said: "The planned improvements to Hoobrook Island will make a big difference to congestion in the area, by improving traffic flow on the island.
“Congestion is a priority for the county council because we know it’s important for the county’s residents.
“This scheme to make improvements to the island is part of a wider package announced in this year’s council budget to deliver bigger, better schemes to relieve congestion across the county.”
The final design for the works is due to be completed in October, with a plan to start the works later this year.
The wider package of works to improve congestion across the county includes schemes in Bromsgrove town centre, Evesham town centre and on the A38/A4104 staggered junction in Upton-upon-Severn.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-24--Lost coronavirus test leaves retired nurse 'trapped' at care home

A FORMER NHS nurse was left `` trapped '' at a care home instead of being able to move closer to her husband after her coronavirus test got lost in the post .
Marion Branton , 77 , was unable to move to a nursing home closer to her family home in Malvern until the authorities could be sure she doesn ’ t still have Covid-19 .
Her daughter Anna , from Stourport , blasted the testing process , branding it `` terrible '' .
Marion Branton in her younger days while working as a nurse The special needs teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopefully it 's third time lucky .
They are using a private company to do the testing now '' They lost two tests .
The first was sent by Royal Mail and never got to the hospital .
It got lost in the post and was returned to sender .
`` It had n't even been opened when it came back to the home .
I was really shocked .
`` I thought they would use a courier service .
It is terrible really .
`` The first was on July 6 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It went to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by mistake who sent it to Heartlands in Birmingham .
`` By the time we had found out what happened , it was too late and the test had been negated .
The test was sent to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by mistake '' She ca n't go to a drive-through test centre because she has dementia . ''
Marion was isolated in her room at Norton Hall near Worcester for 14 days and suffered with a fever for a few days before her symptoms subsided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before lockdown for a period of respite care , which should have lasted a couple of weeks .
But four months on , Marion was unable to transfer to Severn Heights nursing home , in Callow End , as she needs to have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before she can move to a a different care home .
Anna said : `` There is nothing wrong with Norton Hall .
The problem is the testing facility and the testing blunders .
`` Both my mum and my dad are having to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 40 years and has been let down .
`` Her current home costs £1,400 a week , but this will be £800 a week and will be easier for dad to visit .
`` I think the care homes have been lost and forgotten about in this coronavirus crisis . ''
A spokesman for Norton Hall confirmed Mrs Branton ’ s test did get lost once they submitted it and was somehow sent to Worcestershire Royal Hospital , instead of the Public Health England laboratory based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 days • CCTV handed to police after vandalism at Kidderminster school Shelly Andon , operations director for Severn Heights , said : “ We had previously tested our staff and residents as part of our routine testing and for some reason , we had swabs going missing in the post as well as Norton Hall .
“ In a batch of 70 we sent for staff and patients for routine testing , seven disappeared - these people have since been retested and were found to be negative .
“ Mr Branton wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s dreadful that Mrs Branton ’ s test has been lost - I really sympathise .
“ We feel let down by the whole testing system and it worries me.
” Mrs Branton was retested on Monday , July 13 , and , if negative , will be allowed to move to Severn Heights nursing home .

Marion Branton, 77, was unable to move to a nursing home closer to her family home in Malvern until the authorities could be sure she doesn’t still have Covid-19.
Her daughter Anna, from Stourport, blasted the testing process, branding it "terrible".
Marion Branton in her younger days while working as a nurse
The special needs teacher, aged 52, said: "Hopefully it's third time lucky. They are using a private company to do the testing now
"They lost two tests. The first was sent by Royal Mail and never got to the hospital. It got lost in the post and was returned to sender.
"It hadn't even been opened when it came back to the home. I was really shocked.
"I thought they would use a courier service. It is terrible really.
"The first was on July 6 and she had a second a week later.
"It went to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by mistake who sent it to Heartlands in Birmingham.
"By the time we had found out what happened, it was too late and the test had been negated.
The test was sent to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by mistake
"She can't go to a drive-through test centre because she has dementia."
Marion was isolated in her room at Norton Hall near Worcester for 14 days and suffered with a fever for a few days before her symptoms subsided.
She moved into the care home before lockdown for a period of respite care, which should have lasted a couple of weeks.
But four months on, Marion was unable to transfer to Severn Heights nursing home, in Callow End, as she needs to have proof of a negative Covid-19 test before she can move to a a different care home.
Anna said: "There is nothing wrong with Norton Hall. The problem is the testing facility and the testing blunders.
"Both my mum and my dad are having to wait. She worked for the NHS for 40 years and has been let down.
"Her current home costs £1,400 a week, but this will be £800 a week and will be easier for dad to visit.
"I think the care homes have been lost and forgotten about in this coronavirus crisis."
A spokesman for Norton Hall confirmed Mrs Branton’s test did get lost once they submitted it and was somehow sent to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, instead of the Public Health England laboratory based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital.
Read more:
Shelly Andon, operations director for Severn Heights, said: “We had previously tested our staff and residents as part of our routine testing and for some reason, we had swabs going missing in the post as well as Norton Hall.
“In a batch of 70 we sent for staff and patients for routine testing, seven disappeared - these people have since been retested and were found to be negative.
“Mr Branton wants his wife moved to this home and it’s dreadful that Mrs Branton’s test has been lost - I really sympathise.
“We feel let down by the whole testing system and it worries me.”
Mrs Branton was retested on Monday, July 13, and, if negative, will be allowed to move to Severn Heights nursing home.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-24--School uniform grant: Full list of who is eligible - and how to apply

Pupils across the country are due to return to school on a full-time basis later this year , with many parents already preparing for the new term .
While buying a new uniform can be an unwelcome cost , some parents may be eligible for a £150 grant to make it cheaper .
Who is eligible for the grant ?
To be eligible for the grant , your household must have an annual income of less than £16,190 per year , or you must be receiving one of the following benefits : • Child tax credit , provided you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State pension – as long as this benefit is your sole source of income • Support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 You must also prove that you are legally responsible for the child by sending the school admissions and benefits team a recent copy of your bank statement confirming the payment of child benefit to your account .
Do all councils offer the grant ?
As well as household earnings and benefits , whether you can claim the grant will also depend on where you live .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statutory right and in recent years , many councils have been forced to scrap or reduce it due to lack of funding .
The amount you will receive is also dependent on where you live , with the maximum amount people can claim being £150 .
Some councils , including Cambridgeshire , Cornwall , Northumberland and Stockton do not offer the grant at all , while others may only provide £15 or £20 towards uniform costs .
In Wales , the government offers a pupil development grant instead , allowing parents to claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are starting Year 7 , while in Northern Ireland the eligible criteria for a uniform grant is similar to the free school meals scheme .
In Scotland the school clothing grant is compulsory , with all councils required to offer a minimum of £100 per pupil .
Eligible parents must apply for the grant between June 30 and September 30 , and will need to reapply every academic year .
However , some councils will only offer the grant as a one-off payment .
If your child attends an academy school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as these are independently run .
To check if your local council offers the grant , you will need to visit the UK government website and enter your postcode .
You will then be asked a number of questions and be told how much you are eligible to receive .
Payments will be made by cheque .

While buying a new uniform can be an unwelcome cost, some parents may be eligible for a £150 grant to make it cheaper.
Who is eligible for the grant?
To be eligible for the grant, your household must have an annual income of less than £16,190 per year, or you must be receiving one of the following benefits:
Income support
Income-based job seeker’s allowance
Child tax credit, provided you are not entitled to working tax credit
Employment support allowance (ESA)
State pension – as long as this benefit is your sole source of income
Support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Universal Credit
You must also prove that you are legally responsible for the child by sending the school admissions and benefits team a recent copy of your bank statement confirming the payment of child benefit to your account.
Do all councils offer the grant?
As well as household earnings and benefits, whether you can claim the grant will also depend on where you live.
In England, the grant is not a statutory right and in recent years, many councils have been forced to scrap or reduce it due to lack of funding.
The amount you will receive is also dependent on where you live, with the maximum amount people can claim being £150.
Some councils, including Cambridgeshire, Cornwall, Northumberland and Stockton do not offer the grant at all, while others may only provide £15 or £20 towards uniform costs.
In Wales, the government offers a pupil development grant instead, allowing parents to claim £125 per child, or £200 if they are starting Year 7, while in Northern Ireland the eligible criteria for a uniform grant is similar to the free school meals scheme.
In Scotland the school clothing grant is compulsory, with all councils required to offer a minimum of £100 per pupil.
How do I apply?
Eligible parents must apply for the grant between June 30 and September 30, and will need to reapply every academic year. However, some councils will only offer the grant as a one-off payment.
If your child attends an academy school, you will not be able to apply as these are independently run.
To check if your local council offers the grant, you will need to visit the UK government website and enter your postcode.
You will then be asked a number of questions and be told how much you are eligible to receive. Payments will be made by cheque.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-24--Where can I get a face mask? Here's the best places to buy them

Face masks will be compulsory in shops and supermarkets across England from today ( July 24 ) - and shoppers could be fined if they do n't wear them .
The new law from the UK government is a fresh bid to tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
How much will you be fined for not wearing a mask ?
Those in England must have your nose and mouth covered when you go shopping or risk a £100 fine – reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days .
It will be up to police to dish out penalties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although they are being asked to encourage customers to comply .
The regulations will be made under the Public Health ( Control of Disease ) Act 1984 .
Where can I get a face mask ?
We 've put together a round-up of the best places to buy a face mask .
• Aldi - prices for their masks ( pictured above ) begin at £1.50 each .
A two-pack costs £2.99 .
• Amazon - prices for their masks begin at £2.91 , which includes delivery .
• Boots - costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin at £4.99 per mask , however they only come in three-packs for £15 .
Delivery begins at £1.50 for click and collect .
• Next - prices begin at £10 , plus delivery costs £3.99 .
• B & M - prices for their masks ( pictured above ) begin at £1.99 .
However , these can only be bought in store .
• Finally , Home Bargains - prices for a 50-pack of disposable masks ( pictured above ) start at £9.99 , and delivery costs £3.49 .

The new law from the UK government is a fresh bid to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
How much will you be fined for not wearing a mask?
Those in England must have your nose and mouth covered when you go shopping or risk a £100 fine – reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days.
It will be up to police to dish out penalties and not business owners or shop workers, although they are being asked to encourage customers to comply.
The regulations will be made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.
Where can I get a face mask?
We've put together a round-up of the best places to buy a face mask.
Aldi - prices for their masks (pictured above) begin at £1.50 each. A two-pack costs £2.99.
Amazon - prices for their masks begin at £2.91, which includes delivery.
ASOS - prices begin at £12, and delivery costs £4.
Boots - costs for their masks (pictured above) begin at £4.99 per mask, however they only come in three-packs for £15. Delivery begins at £1.50 for click and collect.
eBay - prices begin at £1.20, which includes delivery.
Next - prices begin at £10, plus delivery costs £3.99.
B&M - prices for their masks (pictured above) begin at £1.99. However, these can only be bought in store.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-24--New nursery officially opened at former house in Stourport

A NURSERY has been declared open by the mayor at a former residential property in Stourport .
The new Little Dragon 's Nursery has opened for enrolment in New Street and will welcome its first children this September .
Little Dragon 's will provide 36 spaces for children up to five years of age and boasts a large two-tiered outside play area .
Mayor of Stourport Ken Henderson tests out the play equipment at Little Dragon 's Nursery in Stourport Nursery owner and qualified teacher Sarah Gill , who lives in Stourport , secured planning permission to change the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , into a nursery last year .
She said : `` I 'm a qualified teacher and I came across the property and it really lends itself to being a nursery .
`` It 's got a really homely atmosphere and that 's exactly what I want to create at Little Dragon 's Nursery .
`` We 're enrolling now and we have already got quite a lot of interest already and a positive response from people in the community . ''
Little Dragon 's received confirmation of its Ofsted registration on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 10 new jobs at full capacity .
Owner Sarah said Little Dragon 's will fulfill a need for nursery places in the area , following the closure of four local nurseries and pre-schools as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
Sarah said : `` One of the values here is community cohesion .
We have already spoken with the Civic Centre and we just ca n't wait for them to reopen so that we can take our children over for pantomimes and to see Santa at Christmas .
`` Stourport Library @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take part in and we will be making use of local cafes and parks to help our children gain life skills , and go on day trips to Little Big Town .
`` There are so many passionate people in Stourport who have opened their own businesses and we really want the nursery to be an active part of the community . ''
Mayor of Stourport , Councillor Ken Henderson , cut the ribbon on the new nursery on Thursday , July 23 .
Cllr Henderson said : `` I can vouch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wish Sarah and her team every success . ''
Viewings can be arranged on an appointment only basis and are limited to one family member per appointment due to coronavirus guidelines .
Call 01299 213133 or search Little Dragon 's Nursery on Facebook .

The new Little Dragon's Nursery has opened for enrolment in New Street and will welcome its first children this September.
Little Dragon's will provide 36 spaces for children up to five years of age and boasts a large two-tiered outside play area.
Mayor of Stourport Ken Henderson tests out the play equipment at Little Dragon's Nursery in Stourport
Nursery owner and qualified teacher Sarah Gill, who lives in Stourport, secured planning permission to change the building, which used to be a house, into a nursery last year.
She said: "I'm a qualified teacher and I came across the property and it really lends itself to being a nursery.
"It's got a really homely atmosphere and that's exactly what I want to create at Little Dragon's Nursery.
"We're enrolling now and we have already got quite a lot of interest already and a positive response from people in the community."
Little Dragon's received confirmation of its Ofsted registration on July 9 and is expected to create up to 10 new jobs at full capacity.
Owner Sarah said Little Dragon's will fulfill a need for nursery places in the area, following the closure of four local nurseries and pre-schools as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sarah said: "One of the values here is community cohesion. We have already spoken with the Civic Centre and we just can't wait for them to reopen so that we can take our children over for pantomimes and to see Santa at Christmas.
Read more:
"Stourport Library also do reading groups that we hope to take part in and we will be making use of local cafes and parks to help our children gain life skills, and go on day trips to Little Big Town.
"There are so many passionate people in Stourport who have opened their own businesses and we really want the nursery to be an active part of the community."
Mayor of Stourport, Councillor Ken Henderson, cut the ribbon on the new nursery on Thursday, July 23.
Cllr Henderson said: "I can vouch for the wonderful turn-around of the building and wish Sarah and her team every success."
Viewings can be arranged on an appointment only basis and are limited to one family member per appointment due to coronavirus guidelines. Call 01299 213133 or search Little Dragon's Nursery on Facebook.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-24--Vandals damage Sons of Rest Pavilion in Kidderminster park

DAMAGE was caused to the brick wall outside the Sons of Rest Pavilion in Kidderminster 's Brinton Park .
The @ @ @ @ @ taken place some time between 3.30pm on Wednesday , July 22 and 9am on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ wall at the rear of the pavilion has been damaged .
Anyone with information can @ @ @ @ @ 101 .
Wyre Forest District Council , which manages the park , has been approached @ @ @

The vandalism is believed to have taken place some time between 3.30pm on Wednesday, July 22 and 9am on Thursday, July 23.
The wall at the rear of the pavilion has been damaged.
Anyone with information can call West Mercia Police on 101.
Wyre Forest District Council, which manages the park, has been approached for comment.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-27--New mobile security teams hit the streets of Kidderminster

A NEW mobile security service has hit the streets of Kidderminster to tackle anti-social behaviour at the district 's pubs , clubs and bars .
Four security officers from Stourport 's Priority Security Group visited nighttime venues across Wyre Forest over the course of the weekend to offer its response service to businesses as they reopen from the coronavirus lockdown .
Two new teams of security officers , who are all first aid and bodyguard trained , will be patrolling and responding to calls for security assistance at participating venues in an effort to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to afford their own doormen .
David Barclay , door supervisor at the King and Castle pub in Kidderminster Director Chris Booton , who previously worked in a national security firm , said : `` We 've been training up security guards for about 12 months and decided to start offering our own mobile service .
`` This sort of service is already up and running in big cities like Liverpool and Bristol but we have brought it to a smaller town like Kidderminster .
This has been needed in Kidderminster for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partly as a deterrent because people see the officers entering the pubs and they 're carrying handcuffs and look the part - people were coming up to us and saying 'we wo n't mess with you guys ' - but it 's also the skills that our officers can offer .
They are all trained to bodyguard level and all have first aid training - some are ex-police or ex-prison officers .
`` Security needs have changed - it 's not all big , broad bald-headed doormen anymore .
Door staff have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure that venue , but speaking from past experience , you often get people hanging around outside and need to be moved on professionally .
It 's more than just a physical aspect that 's needed - it 's about communication and that duty of care as well if anyone is injured . ''
• Police looking for two youths over bike problem in Kidderminster park He added : `` Especially because of Covid and venues coming out of lockdown , not all of them can afford security , or some will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the extra support , so what we offer is a cheaper alternative to hiring door staff .
`` We 're in the area and can respond within minutes . ''
Chris said it was a busy first weekend for his teams - and it seems the service launched just in time , as Priority officers were on hand to assist a policeman in administering first aid to someone who was injured .
`` We had such a good response so far , '' said Chris .
`` Venue managers were coming out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for business cards .
`` It was a very busy weekend in town - there was no social distancing going on and there were queues outside the door in some places - but the response we had could n't have been more positive .
`` The King and Castle has already signed up and we 've in talks with the owner of Nubu and New Bar . ''
Participating venues will pay a monthly fee to sign up to Priority Security 's mobile vehicle response service .
The company is investing in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panic alarm system from its 24-hour control room at Sandy Lane Industrial Estate .
The response service is also available to retail and residential premises .
Chris added : `` We do n't want to discredit the police in any way but we know they are stretched and we want them and everyone else to know we 'll be providing a level of support to them wherever we can .
`` This is going to be a valuable service for a lot of businesses . ''
For more information , search Priority Security @ @ @ @

Four security officers from Stourport's Priority Security Group visited nighttime venues across Wyre Forest over the course of the weekend to offer its response service to businesses as they reopen from the coronavirus lockdown.
Two new teams of security officers, who are all first aid and bodyguard trained, will be patrolling and responding to calls for security assistance at participating venues in an effort to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and support local businesses who may not be able to afford their own doormen.
Director Chris Booton, who previously worked in a national security firm, said: "We've been training up security guards for about 12 months and decided to start offering our own mobile service.
"This sort of service is already up and running in big cities like Liverpool and Bristol but we have brought it to a smaller town like Kidderminster. This has been needed in Kidderminster for a long time.
Read more:
"It works partly as a deterrent because people see the officers entering the pubs and they're carrying handcuffs and look the part - people were coming up to us and saying 'we won't mess with you guys' - but it's also the skills that our officers can offer. They are all trained to bodyguard level and all have first aid training - some are ex-police or ex-prison officers.
"Security needs have changed - it's not all big, broad bald-headed doormen anymore. Door staff have an important job to do and that's to secure that venue, but speaking from past experience, you often get people hanging around outside and need to be moved on professionally. It's more than just a physical aspect that's needed - it's about communication and that duty of care as well if anyone is injured."
He added: "Especially because of Covid and venues coming out of lockdown, not all of them can afford security, or some will only have one door staff but want the extra support, so what we offer is a cheaper alternative to hiring door staff.
"We're in the area and can respond within minutes."
Chris said it was a busy first weekend for his teams - and it seems the service launched just in time, as Priority officers were on hand to assist a policeman in administering first aid to someone who was injured.
"We had such a good response so far," said Chris. "Venue managers were coming out and asking what we were doing and asking for business cards.
Priority Security Group's headquarters at Sandy Lane Industrial Estate in Stourport
"It was a very busy weekend in town - there was no social distancing going on and there were queues outside the door in some places - but the response we had couldn't have been more positive."
Participating venues will pay a monthly fee to sign up to Priority Security's mobile vehicle response service. The company is investing in a radio link and also offers a GPS panic alarm system from its 24-hour control room at Sandy Lane Industrial Estate.
The response service is also available to retail and residential premises.
Chris added: "We don't want to discredit the police in any way but we know they are stretched and we want them and everyone else to know we'll be providing a level of support to them wherever we can.
"This is going to be a valuable service for a lot of businesses."
For more information, search Priority Security Group on Facebook.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-27--Air ambulance and police at 'medical emergency' in Kidderminster

THE air ambulance was called to a `` medical emergency '' at a private address in Kidderminster .
West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ a property in Offmore Road shortly after 2.30pm on Monday afternoon ( July 27 ) @ @ @ @ @ told The Shuttle at 5.30pm : `` We were called at 2.36pm to a medical @ @ @ @ @ Offmore Road .
`` We sent two ambulances and the Midlands Air Ambulance critical care @ @ @ @ @ Ambulance from Cosford to the scene .
`` There is one patient who we are @ @ @ @ @ ongoing . ''
Police were also in attendance .

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a property in Offmore Road shortly after 2.30pm on Monday afternoon (July 27).
An ambulance service spokesman said this morning: "We were called at 2.36pm to a medical emergency at a property in Offmore Road.
"We sent two ambulances and the Midlands Air Ambulance critical care car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford to the scene.
"Police were also in attendance.
"On arrival, we found one patient at the scene, a man, who was in a serious condition.
"Ambulance staff administered advanced life support but sadly it became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene."
The Shuttle understands that police were called but did not enter the property.
West Mercia Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
A police spokesman said: "A man suffered a medical episode and sadly died."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-27--Wyre Forest swimmers back in the pool after 4-month wait

YOUNG competitive swimmers in Wyre Forest have dived back into training after a four-month wait .
More than 120 members of Wyre Forest Swimming Club were among the first in the country to return to the water at Kidderminster 's Holy Trinity School on Saturday , however head coach Brian McGuiness said more help is needed to enable leisure centres to reopen their doors .
Brian said : `` It has been a massive task to be able to get our swimmers back in the pool .
The health and safety of everyone involved is the primary factor here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the parents dropping them off , our volunteer helpers and our staff .
`` We had to submit a very detailed risk assessment to Holy Trinity for them to be satisfied we could do this safely . ''
The number of swimmers allowed in the pool was halved due to social distancing and members were temperature-checked before entering the water .
Wyre Forest Leisure Centre , where the group normally trains , remains closed to the public and bosses at Places Leisure have said they are lobbying government for a ring-fenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen .
Brian said : `` Quite clearly , lots of gyms and leisure facilities like Wyre Forest operate not only on bookings from ourselves , but from members prescriptions paying in month in , month out .
They will have lost thousands of members ' incomes during lockdown .
`` Thankfully our members have been excellent and have helped to keep us ticking over but many leisure centres wo n't have had any income over that four-month period and will be tapping into reserves to help them reopen .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities with financial assistance to do what is required to help them reopen .
`` From my brief discussions with Places Leisure , it 's going to take a lot of work for them to reopen their doors and that requires money .
I would be very surprised if they are able to open before the end of August .
`` You only need to look elsewhere in the country to see what will happen without the right support .
Sheffield are having to source pool time outside the city and Peterborough have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local authority because the company has gone bust .
It 's a desperate situation . ''
A statement on Wyre Forest Leisure Centre 's website reads : `` We know it 's disappointing for those centres that do not yet have a reopening date .
`` Covid-19 has had an enormous impact upon public sector leisure which has placed significant risk to services across the country .
`` We , and all other leisure management organisations , have been working hard with our local authority partners to find a viable way in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Along with other organisations in the sector , we have been working with Sport England and ukactive , in raising the profile of the value of public leisure services since the beginning of the lockdown .
`` This has culminated in serious lobbying of the government and we understand that ministers are now appreciating the severity of the situation .
`` We sincerely hope that this may lead to the creation of a ring-fenced support scheme in the coming days or weeks , enabling us to open all our centres . ''
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be announced soon .

More than 120 members of Wyre Forest Swimming Club were among the first in the country to return to the water at Kidderminster's Holy Trinity School on Saturday, however head coach Brian McGuiness said more help is needed to enable leisure centres to reopen their doors.
Brian said: "It has been a massive task to be able to get our swimmers back in the pool. The health and safety of everyone involved is the primary factor here, and that's not just our members, but the parents dropping them off, our volunteer helpers and our staff.
"We had to submit a very detailed risk assessment to Holy Trinity for them to be satisfied we could do this safely."
The number of swimmers allowed in the pool was halved due to social distancing and members were temperature-checked before entering the water.
Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, where the group normally trains, remains closed to the public and bosses at Places Leisure have said they are lobbying government for a ring-fenced support scheme to enable the facility to reopen.
Brian said: "Quite clearly, lots of gyms and leisure facilities like Wyre Forest operate not only on bookings from ourselves, but from members prescriptions paying in month in, month out. They will have lost thousands of members' incomes during lockdown.
"Thankfully our members have been excellent and have helped to keep us ticking over but many leisure centres won't have had any income over that four-month period and will be tapping into reserves to help them reopen.
"We're calling on the government to help those facilities with financial assistance to do what is required to help them reopen.
"From my brief discussions with Places Leisure, it's going to take a lot of work for them to reopen their doors and that requires money. I would be very surprised if they are able to open before the end of August.
"You only need to look elsewhere in the country to see what will happen without the right support. Sheffield are having to source pool time outside the city and Peterborough have had to hand the keys back to the local authority because the company has gone bust. It's a desperate situation."
A statement on Wyre Forest Leisure Centre's website reads: "We know it's disappointing for those centres that do not yet have a reopening date.
"Covid-19 has had an enormous impact upon public sector leisure which has placed significant risk to services across the country.
"We, and all other leisure management organisations, have been working hard with our local authority partners to find a viable way in which services can be delivered.
"Along with other organisations in the sector, we have been working with Sport England and ukactive, in raising the profile of the value of public leisure services since the beginning of the lockdown.
"This has culminated in serious lobbying of the government and we understand that ministers are now appreciating the severity of the situation.
"We sincerely hope that this may lead to the creation of a ring-fenced support scheme in the coming days or weeks, enabling us to open all our centres."
An open date for the leisure centre is expected to be announced soon.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-27--‘Rough sex’ killer could be freed less than two years into term

A MULTI-millionaire from Wolverley who left his injured partner to die at the foot of the stairs could be freed less than two years into his jail term , Wyre Forest 's MP has said .
Property developer John Broadhurst left Natalie Connolly `` drunk and bleeding '' in the home they shared in Kenrose Mill , Kinver , in the early hours of December 18 , 2016 .
During a trial , Broadhurst admitted manslaughter by gross negligence for failing to get medical help for the 26-year-old mother-of-one , but was cleared of her murder after claiming she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Miss Connolly 's MP , Mark Garnier , said he had been told by her father how Broadhurst was due before a Parole Board hearing `` within the next few weeks '' , which could lead to his being freed on licence .
Broadhurst was originally on trial for murder , but the charge was dropped during proceedings .
At the time he was sentenced , Labour MP Harriet Harman described the jail term as `` unduly lenient '' , adding she was `` horrified '' .
Ms Harman , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Geoffrey Cox to review the tariff .
But in January 2019 , Mr Cox said he was unable to take action , as Broadhurst 's sentence fell in the appropriate range for the offence for which he was convicted .
Broadhurst then went on to lose an appeal against his sentence , in November last year .
Miss Connolly 's death sparked a campaign to change the law and remove the so-called `` rough sex defence '' , which would invalidate the courtroom defence of consent where a victim suffers serious harm or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cross-party group of MPs including Ms Harman and Mr Garnier .
A bill containing the legal change is currently making its way through Parliament .
Mr Garnier believes any decision to free Broadhurst would be further punishment for Miss Connolly 's family and send the wrong signal .
He said : `` It is just completely wrong .
`` There are only a few different reasons we send people to prison .
`` The first is for punishment , but sending someone to jail to serve two years as a punishment for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that is a punishment . ''
He added : `` I do n't think justice has been done .
`` That 's why we had this campaign against the so-called Fifty Shades Of Grey defence . ''
Mr Garnier said : `` I can not imagine what it must be like to be a parent who buries their child and for the man who killed her to be getting out .
`` Moreover , I can not imagine being a parent sitting in court , listening to this stuff . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by the way Miss Connolly 's family had `` pulled together '' since the tragedy .
`` When I first met Natalie 's family , I went and sat with them in the house , '' he added .
`` They 're just a nice , normal family , who have been afflicted by this dreadful experience . ''
Mr Garnier added that Miss Connolly had suffered a double indignity of not only losing her life , but having her character held up for public scrutiny without a right of reply .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be entitled to google her mother 's name and she will see a lot of the stuff was written about her .
`` That 's one of the dreadful aspects of this case .
`` Not only was Natalie Connolly a victim of this crime , she was also a victim of character assassination , of post-mortem abuse . ''

Property developer John Broadhurst left Natalie Connolly "drunk and bleeding" in the home they shared in Kenrose Mill, Kinver, in the early hours of December 18, 2016.
During a trial, Broadhurst admitted manslaughter by gross negligence for failing to get medical help for the 26-year-old mother-of-one, but was cleared of her murder after claiming she was hurt during consensual "rough sex".
Natalie Connolly
Miss Connolly's MP, Mark Garnier, said he had been told by her father how Broadhurst was due before a Parole Board hearing "within the next few weeks", which could lead to his being freed on licence.
Broadhurst was originally on trial for murder, but the charge was dropped during proceedings.
At the time he was sentenced, Labour MP Harriet Harman described the jail term as "unduly lenient", adding she was "horrified".
Ms Harman, a former solicitor general asked the then attorney general Geoffrey Cox to review the tariff.
Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier. Photo by Tim Goode/PA
But in January 2019, Mr Cox said he was unable to take action, as Broadhurst's sentence fell in the appropriate range for the offence for which he was convicted.
Broadhurst then went on to lose an appeal against his sentence, in November last year.
Miss Connolly's death sparked a campaign to change the law and remove the so-called "rough sex defence", which would invalidate the courtroom defence of consent where a victim suffers serious harm or is killed.
It was backed by a cross-party group of MPs including Ms Harman and Mr Garnier.
A bill containing the legal change is currently making its way through Parliament.
John Broadhurst. Photo by PA
Mr Garnier believes any decision to free Broadhurst would be further punishment for Miss Connolly's family and send the wrong signal.
He said: "It is just completely wrong.
"There are only a few different reasons we send people to prison.
"The first is for punishment, but sending someone to jail to serve two years as a punishment for someone's life, I don't think that is a punishment."
He added: "I don't think justice has been done.
"That's why we had this campaign against the so-called Fifty Shades Of Grey defence."
Mr Garnier said: "I cannot imagine what it must be like to be a parent who buries their child and for the man who killed her to be getting out.
"Moreover, I cannot imagine being a parent sitting in court, listening to this stuff."
Mr Garnier said he had been "impressed" by the way Miss Connolly's family had "pulled together" since the tragedy.
"When I first met Natalie's family, I went and sat with them in the house," he added.
Read more:
"They're just a nice, normal family, who have been afflicted by this dreadful experience."
Mr Garnier added that Miss Connolly had suffered a double indignity of not only losing her life, but having her character held up for public scrutiny without a right of reply.
He said: "Natalie's daughter will be entitled to google her mother's name and she will see a lot of the stuff was written about her.
"That's one of the dreadful aspects of this case.
"Not only was Natalie Connolly a victim of this crime, she was also a victim of character assassination, of post-mortem abuse."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-27--No new Covid-19 deaths in Worcestershire hospitals for 13th successive day

THERE have been no coronavirus related deaths recorded at Worcestershire hospitals for 13 days .
For the first time since the beginning of lockdown , Worcestershire hospitals have had zero new deaths of patients with coronavirus for nearly two weeks .
The latest figures , announced by the NHS today ( July 27 ) show there have been no further deaths with the total number of hospital deaths therefore remaining at 305 .
This is made up of 277 recorded at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and 28 at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust .
Across the country a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) have died , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,291 .
Patients were aged between 48 and 93 years old .
All had known underlying health conditions .
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital .
The health and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards , including Worcester City Impatient Unit , Malvern Community Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital , Pershore Community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in Bromsgrove , Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward .
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19 .
They do not include deaths outside hospital , such as those in care homes , prisons , ambulances or in the community .
The government releases a daily figure for deaths outside of hospitals - Public Health England does not release a regional breakdown .
But using Office of National Statistics data up to June 27 , added with hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 related deaths in the county is at least 527 across all settings .

For the first time since the beginning of lockdown, Worcestershire hospitals have had zero new deaths of patients with coronavirus for nearly two weeks.
The latest figures, announced by the NHS today (July 27) show there have been no further deaths with the total number of hospital deaths therefore remaining at 305.
This is made up of 277 recorded at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and 28 at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.
Across the country a further 10 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 29,291.
Patients were aged between 48 and 93 years old. All had known underlying health conditions.
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital.
The health and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards, including Worcester City Impatient Unit, Malvern Community Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, Pershore Community Hospital, the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wyre Forest Ward.
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19. They do not include deaths outside hospital, such as those in care homes, prisons, ambulances or in the community.
The government releases a daily figure for deaths outside of hospitals - Public Health England does not release a regional breakdown.
But using Office of National Statistics data up to June 27, added with hospital deaths since, reveals the number of Covid-19 related deaths in the county is at least 527 across all settings.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-27--Wilden pupils visit grave of Stourport school benefactor

THE 200th anniversary of the birth of a Stourport school 's benefactor has been commemorated with the annual tradition of children singing and laying flowers on his grave .
Wilden All Saints CE Primary School 's plans for a bigger celebration in honour of Thomas Jones had to be curtailed due to coronavirus but those pupils currently attending school were able to perform the ceremony in small groups .
There was also a virtual collective worship for those at home to take part in , led by Wilden vicar Rev Carey Saleh .
Former Wilden headteacher Nic Harvey , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , researched the history of Thomas Jones .
Thomas was born on July 15 , 1820 and lived in Cakebole , Chaddesley Corbett , where he worked as cowman at Cakebole House Farm , earning 12 shillings and 6 pence a week and attended Wilden Church .
Mr Harvey said : “ He was illiterate , lived frugally in a garret , but owned a field in Wilden which he rented out .
`` When he died in 1899 , his will came as something of a surprise , as he left an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old bank books kept under his bedding , which would be roughly equivalent to £700,000 today .
“ With no family of his own , Thomas had enjoyed listening to the Wilden schoolchildren at play and left his largest bequest of £876 – around £500,000 in today ’ s money – to provide an annual treat for the pupils , with the children , for their part , placing flowers on his grave and singing a song on his birthday.
” With just £13 remaining by the early 1970s , the school governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebrating his birthday at his graveside in the adjoining churchyard has stood the test of time .
Acting head of school Charlotte McDonald said : “ Thomas Jones Day is a very special and unique part of our school ’ s history .
It is a shared memory that all who have attended or worked at Wilden hold .
”

Wilden All Saints CE Primary School's plans for a bigger celebration in honour of Thomas Jones had to be curtailed due to coronavirus but those pupils currently attending school were able to perform the ceremony in small groups.
There was also a virtual collective worship for those at home to take part in, led by Wilden vicar Rev Carey Saleh.
Former Wilden headteacher Nic Harvey, who served the school from 1970 to 2001, researched the history of Thomas Jones.
Thomas was born on July 15, 1820 and lived in Cakebole, Chaddesley Corbett, where he worked as cowman at Cakebole House Farm, earning 12 shillings and 6 pence a week and attended Wilden Church.
Mr Harvey said: “He was illiterate, lived frugally in a garret, but owned a field in Wilden which he rented out.
"When he died in 1899, his will came as something of a surprise, as he left an estate of £1,200, squirrelled away in old bank books kept under his bedding, which would be roughly equivalent to £700,000 today.
“With no family of his own, Thomas had enjoyed listening to the Wilden schoolchildren at play and left his largest bequest of £876 – around £500,000 in today’s money – to provide an annual treat for the pupils, with the children, for their part, placing flowers on his grave and singing a song on his birthday.”
With just £13 remaining by the early 1970s, the school governors closed the account, but the tradition of celebrating his birthday at his graveside in the adjoining churchyard has stood the test of time.
Acting head of school Charlotte McDonald said: “Thomas Jones Day is a very special and unique part of our school’s history. It is a shared memory that all who have attended or worked at Wilden hold.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-27--Kidderminster Cricket Club beat Ombersley by just seven runs

KIDDERMINSTER 234-7 OMBERSLEY 227-5 KCC WON BY 7 RUNS -4 POINTS .
TOSS WON BY OMBERSLEY WHO ELECTED TO FIELD @ @ @ @ @ good start scoring a quick 50 runs , including 10 extras , but in the @ @ @ @ @ overs match , Ombersley conceded 25 extras .
Top scorers for KCC were Johar Johal @ @ @ @ @ 54 , Jason Round 32 and Connor Smith 27 .
Some good bowling by Ombersley @ @ @ @ @ , Matt Davis 2-40 and Oliver Toiquare 2-57 .
Nicholas Hammond was top scorer of @ @ @ @ @ the match to a very close finish .
His score of 93 plus George Panaji @ @ @ @ @ KCC a tough contest .
KCCs best bowlers were Liam Weston 3-44 and Chris Steele @ @ @ @ @ are at home to face Barnards Green ( noon start )

BIRMINGHAM & DISTRICT CRICKET LEAGUE-WILLIAMSON TROPHY
KIDDERMINSTER 234-7 OMBERSLEY 227-5 KCC WON BY 7 RUNS -4 POINTS. TOSS WON BY OMBERSLEY WHO ELECTED TO FIELD
The KCC openers had a good start scoring a quick 50 runs, including 10 extras, but in the final total in the 40 overs match, Ombersley conceded 25 extras.
Top scorers for KCC were Johar Johal 62, skipper Neil Pinner 54, Jason Round 32 and Connor Smith 27.
Some good bowling by Ombersley with Elliot Mason taking 3-27,Matt Davis 2-40 and Oliver Toiquare 2-57.
Nicholas Hammond was top scorer of the match as Ombersley took the match to a very close finish. His score of 93 plus George Panaji’s 63 certainly gave KCC a tough contest.
KCCs best bowlers were Liam Weston 3-44 and Chris Steele 2-28.
Next Saturday Kidderminster are at home to face Barnards Green (noon start)


kidderminstershuttle--2020-07-27--Worcestershire League round-up: Bukhari-Shah sets up Old Hill win

Zainadine Bukhari-Shah ( 5-26 ) returned excellent figures in the second innings to help lift Old Hill 1st XI to the top of the Cup Group A table with a win against Stourbridge at Haden Hill .
Lye 1st XI are level on points after beating Oldswinford thanks to second innings Waqas Ahmed ( 63 ) half century which helped seal a two wicket win and Coombs Wood 1st XI got off the mark for the season with a comprehensive win against Pedmore .
In Cup Group B there are three teams who have now posted two wins out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top thanks to another fine performance from Chris Ridings ( 61* ) who scored an undefeated second innings half century in their win against Belbroughton 1st XI in a rain reduced match .
Chaddesley Corbett 1st XI are second following a six wicket victory against Redditch Entaco 1st XI and Josh Baker ( 4-14 ) ensured Astwood Bank 1st XI kept up with the early season pace setters as they eased to victory against local rivals Feckenham 1st XI .
Old Elizabethans 1st XI are top of Cup Group C after recording their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burghill .
Jude Rees ( 96* ) was the star of the show as his first innings effort help the visitors post a target that proved too many for the home team to chase .
Worcester Nomads 1st XI are second , level on points after beating Colwall 1st XI by the narrowest of margins in a rain reduced match and Worcester jumped in to third place following a comfortable home win against Brockhampton 1st XI at Norton Barracks in another match that suffered a rain intervention .
Stourport marched to the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only team with a 100 % record following a four wicket victory on the road against Droitwich Spa 1st XI at St. Peter ’ s Field .
Bewdley lost to Ombersley 2nd XI who moved level on points with their opponents and Hagley 1st XI make up the trio of teams on twenty-five points as they beat Cookley 1st XI at Hagley Park in a rain shortened match despite Ben Nightingales ( 5-61 ) first innings effort for the visitors .
In the Trophy Competition Harry Baddams ( 123* ) scored an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ XI at Wolverhampton Road to move Halesowen 2nd XI in to early pole position in Trophy Group A , Netherton 1st XI are second in the Group after chasing down Harborne 3rd XIs first innings total to win by three wickets and Daniel Suttons ( 91 ) first innings contribution helped Enville 1st XI gain their first victory of the season as they beat Old Hill 2nd XI by a comfortable margin .
Alex Robinson ( 71 ) helped Astwood Bank 2nd XI make it two wins in two matches as they beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move to the top of Trophy Group B .
In form Greg Chinn scored his second half century of the season in second placed Bromsgrove 2nd XIs win against Himbleton 1st XI and Dave Walters ’ ( 113 ) first innings century steered Barnt Green to their first win of the season against Avoncroft 1st XI .
In Trophy Group C Barnards Green went top following a two wicket victory at Bartestree , Eastnor 1st XI are in second following their first victory of the season , a four wicket triumph over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bredon 1st XI are third despite losing to Brockhampton 2nd XI in a rain reduced match at the Parks .
Old Vigornians 1st XI are top the table after fighting back to beat Rushwick 1st XI by four wickets after an early order second innings collapse at the Cinderella Ground in Trophy Group D , Kidderminster 2nd XI are positioned in second place after their match at third placed Martley ended in a tie in a match reduced to thirty five overs each and in the other match Andy Fletcher ( 4-51 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first victory of the season against City rivals Old Elizabethans 2nd XI at the Memorial Ground .
In the Vase Competition Romsley & Hunnington 1st XI are top of Group A after Charlie Tromans ( 101 ) second innings century helped them overhaul Halesowen 3rd XIs first innings total for the loss of six wickets .
Netherton 2nd XI are second after beating third placed local rivals Lye 2nd XI to gain their second win in two and in the other match in the group Coombs Wood 2nd XI beat Harborne 4th XI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Christopher Curtis ( 87 ) led Five Ways Old Edwardians 1st XI to the summit of Vase Group B as they beat Droitwich Spa 2nd XI in a rain reduced game .
Alvechurch & Hopwood maintained their push by recording their second win in two against Hagley 2nd XI and in the other match in the group Bromsgrove 3rd XI won their first game of the season by beating Astwood Bank 3rd XI by a six wicket margin at Hanbury .
West Malvern 1st XI top Vase Group C after making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pershore 2nd XI by six wickets in a rain reduced match .
Tom Newman ( 141 ) scored an excellent first innings century to help kick start Colwall 2nd XIs season as they overwhelmed Malvern by 150 runs and Rory Mathews ( 72 ) helped Hanley Castle & Upton 1st XI secure their first win against Worcester Nomads 2nd XI at Whitegates Farm .
Tom Grainger ( 97* ) and Aroon Iqbal ( 5-25 ) steered Claverley 1st XI to the summit of Vase Group D with a sixteen run win against Stourport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1st XI and Bewdley 2nd XI gained their first wins of the season against Stourbridge 2nd XI and Chaddesley Corbett 2nd XI respectively ( N Billinge took 6-28 for Chaddesley ) .

Zainadine Bukhari-Shah (5-26) returned excellent figures in the second innings to help lift Old Hill 1st XI to the top of the Cup Group A table with a win against Stourbridge at Haden Hill. Lye 1st XI are level on points after beating Oldswinford thanks to second innings Waqas Ahmed (63) half century which helped seal a two wicket win and Coombs Wood 1st XI got off the mark for the season with a comprehensive win against Pedmore.
In Cup Group B there are three teams who have now posted two wins out of two. Pershore 1st XI are on top thanks to another fine performance from Chris Ridings (61*) who scored an undefeated second innings half century in their win against Belbroughton 1st XI in a rain reduced match. Chaddesley Corbett 1st XI are second following a six wicket victory against Redditch Entaco 1st XI and Josh Baker (4-14) ensured Astwood Bank 1st XI kept up with the early season pace setters as they eased to victory against local rivals Feckenham 1st XI.
Old Elizabethans 1st XI are top of Cup Group C after recording their second successive victory on the road at Burghill. Jude Rees (96*) was the star of the show as his first innings effort help the visitors post a target that proved too many for the home team to chase. Worcester Nomads 1st XI are second, level on points after beating Colwall 1st XI by the narrowest of margins in a rain reduced match and Worcester jumped in to third place following a comfortable home win against Brockhampton 1st XI at Norton Barracks in another match that suffered a rain intervention.
Stourport marched to the top of Cup Group D where they are the only team with a 100% record following a four wicket victory on the road against Droitwich Spa 1st XI at St. Peter’s Field. Bewdley lost to Ombersley 2nd XI who moved level on points with their opponents and Hagley 1st XI make up the trio of teams on twenty-five points as they beat Cookley 1st XI at Hagley Park in a rain shortened match despite Ben Nightingales (5-61) first innings effort for the visitors.
In the Trophy Competition Harry Baddams (123*) scored an undefeated first innings century against Himley 2nd XI at Wolverhampton Road to move Halesowen 2nd XI in to early pole position in Trophy Group A, Netherton 1st XI are second in the Group after chasing down Harborne 3rd XIs first innings total to win by three wickets and Daniel Suttons (91) first innings contribution helped Enville 1st XI gain their first victory of the season as they beat Old Hill 2nd XI by a comfortable margin.
Alex Robinson (71) helped Astwood Bank 2nd XI make it two wins in two matches as they beat local rivals Redditch Entaco by nine wickets to move to the top of Trophy Group B. In form Greg Chinn scored his second half century of the season in second placed Bromsgrove 2nd XIs win against Himbleton 1st XI and Dave Walters’ (113) first innings century steered Barnt Green to their first win of the season against Avoncroft 1st XI.
In Trophy Group C Barnards Green went top following a two wicket victory at Bartestree, Eastnor 1st XI are in second following their first victory of the season, a four wicket triumph over Kempsey 1st XI at Plovers Rise and Bredon 1st XI are third despite losing to Brockhampton 2nd XI in a rain reduced match at the Parks.
Old Vigornians 1st XI are top the table after fighting back to beat Rushwick 1st XI by four wickets after an early order second innings collapse at the Cinderella Ground in Trophy Group D, Kidderminster 2nd XI are positioned in second place after their match at third placed Martley ended in a tie in a match reduced to thirty five overs each and in the other match Andy Fletcher (4-51) ensured Worcester 2nd XI picked up their first victory of the season against City rivals Old Elizabethans 2nd XI at the Memorial Ground.
In the Vase Competition Romsley & Hunnington 1st XI are top of Group A after Charlie Tromans (101) second innings century helped them overhaul Halesowen 3rd XIs first innings total for the loss of six wickets. Netherton 2nd XI are second after beating third placed local rivals Lye 2nd XI to gain their second win in two and in the other match in the group Coombs Wood 2nd XI beat Harborne 4th XI by two wickets at the Home Ground.
Christopher Curtis (87) led Five Ways Old Edwardians 1st XI to the summit of Vase Group B as they beat Droitwich Spa 2nd XI in a rain reduced game. Alvechurch & Hopwood maintained their push by recording their second win in two against Hagley 2nd XI and in the other match in the group Bromsgrove 3rd XI won their first game of the season by beating Astwood Bank 3rd XI by a six wicket margin at Hanbury.
West Malvern 1st XI top Vase Group C after making it two wins in two with victory against Pershore 2nd XI by six wickets in a rain reduced match. Tom Newman (141) scored an excellent first innings century to help kick start Colwall 2nd XIs season as they overwhelmed Malvern by 150 runs and Rory Mathews (72) helped Hanley Castle & Upton 1st XI secure their first win against Worcester Nomads 2nd XI at Whitegates Farm.
Tom Grainger (97*) and Aroon Iqbal (5-25) steered Claverley 1st XI to the summit of Vase Group D with a sixteen run win against Stourport 2nd XI at Walshes Meadow whilst Alveley 1st XI and Bewdley 2nd XI gained their first wins of the season against Stourbridge 2nd XI and Chaddesley Corbett 2nd XI respectively (N Billinge took 6-28 for Chaddesley).