bbcuk--2020-08-21--Driving test website crashes as bookings resume in England and Wales

The website for booking new driving tests in England and Wales has crashed , after it relaunched on Friday morning following the coronavirus lockdown .
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA ) said it was aware some people could not complete their bookings amid `` unprecedented demand '' , adding that it was working to fix the issue .
Driving test slots were open for booking from 08:00 BST .
Many people complained on social media about being unable to access the site .
`` Coronavirus has severely impacted our business as usual operations , including by stopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of social distancing , '' a spokesman for DVSA said .
`` Following unprecedented demand for the driving test booking system after its reopening , we are aware that some users have not been able to complete their test bookings .
`` We are urgently working to fix this and apologise for any inconvenience caused to those who have been unable to book so far . ''
There were limited numbers of tests available on Friday , but more will be released on Monday , the DVSA said .
Test slots are only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - to allow the DVSA to react quickly to any changes in government guidance on coronavirus .
People have also been advised to check nearby alternative test centres for availability if they are unable to book a test at their preferred centre .
Amy Hanley-McLean tweeted shortly after 16:00 BST that she had been trying to book a test all day .
`` Got as far as choosing test centre only to see no availability at all at any of the test centres within 60 miles of me , '' she wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am getting is 504 error ! ''
Louise Poyning described the booking process as an `` absolute shambles '' .
`` Okay , seven hours of refreshing and nearly four hours on hold is my limit , '' she tweeted .
The DVSA suspended all driving tests for up to three months from 20 March due to the coronavirus pandemic .
They have already restarted in England and Wales for people who had their tests cancelled because of the virus .
Tests are due to restart in Scotland on 14 September , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to book a new driving test .
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bbcuk--2020-08-21--UK government spending on virus measures pushes debt to £2 trillion

UK government debt has risen above £2 trillion for the first time amid heavy spending to support the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Spending on measures such as the furlough scheme means the debt figure now equals the value of everything the UK produces in a year .
Total debt hit £2.004tn in July , £227.6bn more than last year , said the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
Economists warned the situation would worsen before improving .
It is the first time debt has been above 100 % of gross domestic product ( GDP ) since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The July borrowing figure - the difference between spending and tax income - was £26.7bn , down from a revised £29.5bn in June .
It was the fourth highest borrowing in any month since records began in 1993 .
The three higher figures were the previous three months .
Those are big figures .
What do they mean ?
Ruth Gregory , senior UK economist at Capital Economics , said July 's borrowing figure was `` another huge sum and pushes borrowing in the year to date to £150.5bn '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the whole of 2009-10 of £158.3bn , which was previously the largest cash deficit in history , reflecting the extraordinary fiscal support the government has put in place to see the economy through the crisis . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : `` This crisis has put the public finances under significant strain as we have seen a hit to our economy and taken action to support millions of jobs , businesses and livelihoods .
`` Without that support , things would have been far worse .
`` Today 's figures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our public finances to a sustainable footing over time , which will require taking difficult decisions . ''
How did it get to this ?
£2 trillion is , obviously , a large amount of money .
But in the circumstances , it was inevitable that government debt would cross that threshold .
Tax revenue has been hit hard by the pandemic as people and businesses earn and spend less .
Government spending on programmes such as the furlough scheme has headed upwards .
So the total amount owed has also increased , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs - the interest rates it has to pay - are low .
And some of the extra borrowing in effect ends up with the Bank of England , which has been buying government debt ( known as gilts ) in the financial markets under its quantitative easing ( QE ) programme .
QE is not specifically intended to ease the government 's financial strains - it 's meant to stimulate the economy - but it does have that effect .
In relation to annual national income , debt has crossed the 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government would rather that had not happened .
But by that measure , government debt is still far short of the highs it reached in the aftermath of wars - the two world wars and the Napoleonic wars more than 200 years ago .
Carl Emmerson , deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies , told the BBC 's Today programme it was `` not really a surprise '' that the government was borrowing a lot of money , given the size of its efforts to support people hit by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates were so low that the government was actually spending less on servicing its debts than had been forecast before the coronavirus crisis .
The ONS cautioned that borrowing estimates were subject to `` greater than usual uncertainty '' .
It said the June figure had been revised down by £6bn , largely because of stronger than previously estimated tax receipts and National Insurance contributions .
Should we be worried ?
Analysts reckon there is worse to come , but that things will get better after that .
However , the sheer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury will be wary of doing anything that might make it any worse - and that means there may be less economic support for ordinary people in future .
Samuel Tombs , chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics , noted that borrowing remained on course this year to hit its highest share of GDP since World War Two .
`` Looking ahead , borrowing looks set to jump temporarily in August , as the government makes the second and last Self-Employment Income Support Scheme payment and funds the Eat Out to Help Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thereafter , it will decline , as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , which cost £6.9bn to operate in July , is wound down ahead of its closure at the end of October , and firms make a huge VAT payment in March , for sales generated in Q2 , as well as in that month . ''
However , he added that with borrowing for this financial year expected to be about 17 % of GDP , the chancellor was likely to be `` relatively cautious '' in his autumn Budget .

UK government spending on virus measures pushes debt to £2 trillion Published 21 August 2020
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UK government debt has risen above £2 trillion for the first time amid heavy spending to support the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Spending on measures such as the furlough scheme means the debt figure now equals the value of everything the UK produces in a year.
Total debt hit £2.004tn in July, £227.6bn more than last year, said the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Economists warned the situation would worsen before improving.
It is the first time debt has been above 100% of gross domestic product (GDP) since the 1960-61 financial year, the ONS said.
The July borrowing figure - the difference between spending and tax income - was £26.7bn, down from a revised £29.5bn in June.
It was the fourth highest borrowing in any month since records began in 1993. The three higher figures were the previous three months.
Those are big figures. What do they mean?
Ruth Gregory, senior UK economist at Capital Economics, said July's borrowing figure was "another huge sum and pushes borrowing in the year to date to £150.5bn".
"That is close to the deficit for the whole of 2009-10 of £158.3bn, which was previously the largest cash deficit in history, reflecting the extraordinary fiscal support the government has put in place to see the economy through the crisis."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "This crisis has put the public finances under significant strain as we have seen a hit to our economy and taken action to support millions of jobs, businesses and livelihoods.
"Without that support, things would have been far worse.
"Today's figures are a stark reminder that we must return our public finances to a sustainable footing over time, which will require taking difficult decisions."
How did it get to this?
£2 trillion is, obviously, a large amount of money. But in the circumstances, it was inevitable that government debt would cross that threshold.
Tax revenue has been hit hard by the pandemic as people and businesses earn and spend less. Government spending on programmes such as the furlough scheme has headed upwards. So the total amount owed has also increased, rapidly.
But the government's borrowing costs - the interest rates it has to pay - are low. And some of the extra borrowing in effect ends up with the Bank of England, which has been buying government debt (known as gilts) in the financial markets under its quantitative easing (QE) programme.
QE is not specifically intended to ease the government's financial strains - it's meant to stimulate the economy - but it does have that effect.
In relation to annual national income, debt has crossed the 100% level. There's no doubt the government would rather that had not happened.
But by that measure, government debt is still far short of the highs it reached in the aftermath of wars - the two world wars and the Napoleonic wars more than 200 years ago.
Is it surprising?
Carl Emmerson, deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, told the BBC's Today programme it was "not really a surprise" that the government was borrowing a lot of money, given the size of its efforts to support people hit by the pandemic.
However, he added that interest rates were so low that the government was actually spending less on servicing its debts than had been forecast before the coronavirus crisis.
The ONS cautioned that borrowing estimates were subject to "greater than usual uncertainty".
It said the June figure had been revised down by £6bn, largely because of stronger than previously estimated tax receipts and National Insurance contributions.
Should we be worried?
Analysts reckon there is worse to come, but that things will get better after that.
However, the sheer size of the debt means that the Treasury will be wary of doing anything that might make it any worse - and that means there may be less economic support for ordinary people in future.
Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, noted that borrowing remained on course this year to hit its highest share of GDP since World War Two.
"Looking ahead, borrowing looks set to jump temporarily in August, as the government makes the second and last Self-Employment Income Support Scheme payment and funds the Eat Out to Help Out scheme," he said.
"Thereafter, it will decline, as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which cost £6.9bn to operate in July, is wound down ahead of its closure at the end of October, and firms make a huge VAT payment in March, for sales generated in Q2, as well as in that month."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Covid 'not in top 10' Wales causes of deaths

The number of people dying with coronavirus has fallen for the third month in a row , figures show .
In July , 70 people died with coronavirus , making up 2.7 % of all deaths in Wales , according to Office for National Statistics data .
While coronavirus was the eighth highest cause of death in England , in Wales it was not in the top ten .
The number of people dying with Covid-19 in Wales has fallen since a peak in April .
Between January and 31 July this year , 20,967 deaths were recorded from all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10.8 % were found to be due to coronavirus .
• No new coronavirus deaths for fifth day running • Figuring out the stats on coronavirus in Wales • How has the coronavirus wave looked across Wales ?
In July , 2.7 % of the 2,548 deaths registered in Wales involved Covid-19 , while in England it was involved in 3.5 % of all deaths , of the 38,179 registered deaths .
In England more people died with coronavirus , than with influenza and pneumonia in July , but in Wales , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ONS said the number of people dying every day with coronavirus had `` gradually decreased '' from a peak of 70 on 8 April , to two on 31 July .
The ONS figures include deaths in all places and deaths when coronavirus is only suspected , and so are often higher than the figures released by Public Health Wales .
The figures provided by Public Health Wales mainly include deaths in hospitals .

The report by the ONS said the number of people dying every day with coronavirus had "gradually decreased" from a peak of 70 on 8 April, to two on 31 July.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Coronavirus: Coupar Angus food factory cluster cases rise to 68

The number of coronoavirus cases linked to a food processing plant in Coupar Angus has risen to 68 .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said 59 employees at the 2 Sisters factory had tested positive for the virus , along with nine of their contacts .
She said lockdown restrictions similar to Aberdeen 's had not been imposed as there was currently `` minimal evidence of community transmission in Tayside . ''
More than 600 workers at the plant have now been tested for the virus .
Workers and those sharing a household with them , including children , have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plant was closed on Monday for two weeks while staff at the site were tested .
Two of the contacts who tested positive have links to other food processing plants in Tayside .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` The incident management team is now carrying out risk assessments at both of these sites .
`` There 's no evidence that this outbreak has spread to either factory at this stage , but as you can imagine , that is something that is being looked at very closely . ''
The factory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency staff are included .
Ms Sturgeon said that `` some people may be looking at Aberdeen and Coupar Angus '' and wondering why exactly the same approach is not being taken .
She said the assessment of the incident management team in Coupar Angus `` right now '' is that there is `` minimal evidence of community transmission in Tayside . ''
Ms Sturgeon added : `` That 's not something we were able to say with any confidence about the outbreak in Aberdeen .
`` As things stand , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angus outbreak , which was not the case in Aberdeen where the outbreak was associated with a large number of venues across the city . ''
However , Ms Sturgeon said that the situation in Coupar Angus would be kept under `` very close review . ''
Perth and Kinross Council leader Murray Lyle told Radio Scotland 's Drivetime programme that there were people of 17 nationalities working at the factory .
He said it was a `` challenge '' for council officers to reach everyone involved .
Meanwhile a 10th person from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orkney has tested positive for Covid .
NHS Orkney said the new case involves someone who does not live on Orkney , and is isolating on the mainland .
Director of public health Dr Louise Wilson revealed the new case after a meeting of the multi-agency incident management team in Orkney .
`` All contacts of those involved in this cluster have now been traced but we will continue to monitor the situation , '' she said .

"There's no evidence that this outbreak has spread to either factory at this stage, but as you can imagine, that is something that is being looked at very closely."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Coronavirus: Birmingham to get more support as virus cases rise

Birmingham has been added to a watchlist as an `` area of enhanced support '' , amid growing concerns about a rise in coronavirus cases in the city .
Birmingham will see more testing and the health secretary is meeting city leaders to discuss further steps .
Cases of Covid-19 are rising quickly , with 31 cases per 100,000 last week .
More than half of these cases were people aged 18 to 34 .
Birmingham council leader Ian Ward said it was a `` wake-up call for everyone '' .
The Labour leader said the council would announce `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant for people in the city .
`` If our previous warnings to keep doing the basics have n't been enough , this has to be the wake-up call for everyone , '' he said .
`` Wash your hands , wear face coverings wherever possible , keep two metres apart from others and get tested if you have Covid-19 symptoms . ''
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street , who is taking part in the meeting with Matt Hancock , said some people `` had not been strict enough '' in keeping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region have made an enormous sacrifice since the start of lockdown to keep the virus at bay , but the virus is now returning and recent efforts to counter that have been insufficient , '' he said , urging people to `` re-double their efforts '' .
• Latest news and updates from the West Midlands It comes a week after statistics showed the rate of infection had more than doubled .
The infection rate is below levels in Leicester and parts of northern England when measures were introduced there .
Figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25.5 new cases per 100,000 people in Birmingham in the seven days to 18 August , down from 29.2 .
Businesses in the city must enforce government advice to prevent a local lockdown , the council said .
It stated they must ensure bookings were not taken for over six people and for parties from more than two households , as well as other measures including social distancing .
New coronavirus cases in Birmingham have been increasing for a few weeks .
Some 351 were recorded in the week to 16 August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 144 the week before that .
And as a city of more than a million people , that worked out at just under 31 per 100,000 residents last week .
While cases are rising , the figures are well below areas such as Northampton , where the rate of infection stands at 116.6 cases per 100,000 people , and Oldham , where the rate is 86.9 .
Across the whole of England , the rate was 12 per 100,000 .
Birmingham is within the top 20 of the 315 local authority areas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases in Birmingham shows 15 recorded last week in Handsworth South , with Birchfield West , Rotton Park and Bordesley also recording more than 10 each .
Dr Ron Daniels , an intensive care consultant in the West Midlands , said that despite the increase `` our hospitals are relatively empty of patients with this condition '' .
`` We 're seeing very few patients admitted to hospital let alone requiring intensive care , '' he said , adding : `` It 's true that testing at the moment is identifying a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become as seriously ill. '' What would being on a watchlist mean ?
Every week , PHE publishes a list of areas it is concerned about based on new coronavirus infection rates and other local intelligence .
These places are categorised as either `` areas of concern '' , `` areas of enhanced support '' or `` areas of intervention '' , and measures range from increased testing to stricter lockdowns .
In parts of the country in `` intervention '' , such as Greater Manchester , restrictions have had to be imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , such as banning households from meeting indoors .
One rung down from this is an `` area of enhanced support '' .
Councils in this category are given more resources such as epidemiological experts or mobile testing stations , but there are no additional restrictions to people 's day-to-day lives .
The lowest rung is an `` area of concern '' , which involves taking `` targeted '' action to reduce the spread , such as more testing in care homes or more communication with at-risk groups .
• What happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the watchlist ?
Birmingham City Council has already made some decisions in the past few days , including a ban on non-essential visits to care homes and a `` drop and collect '' trial for virus tests to help limit the rising number of cases .
The authority has also warned that unless the situation is brought under control , lockdown restrictions from `` the dark days of spring ... could all happen again '' .
Sandwell , which borders Birmingham , was placed on the PHE watchlist as an `` area of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not close shops or restaurants , instead urging those who were shielding to continue doing so , and strongly advising residents not to go inside other people 's homes .
At its peak , Sandwell 's rate of infection was 28.1 per 100,000 people .
As of last week , it was still on the watchlist but its rate had come to down to about 23 per 100,000 , despite a recent outbreak at a DPD depot in Oldbury .
What are people saying ?
On Thursday , council leader Ian Ward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossroads '' .
`` If we do n't follow the basic health advice ... we will face more tragedy in the weeks and months ahead , '' he said .
`` More people will fall seriously ill , there will be more deaths and our economy will face another hammer blow . ''
The authority 's cabinet member for health and social care , Paulette Hamilton , also said this week that she believed `` at some point between now and Christmas we will be in a local lockdown '' .
West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for residents to follow guidelines following weeks of shutting down hundreds of illegal gatherings .
`` If new cases rise we will undoubtedly face the potential of stepping back into those restrictions , '' Supt Gareth Morris said in a personal appeal .
`` We all must do what we can to avoid another lockdown . ''
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
• LOOK-UP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area ?
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ bbc.co.uk

At its peak, Sandwell's rate of infection was 28.1 per 100,000 people. As of last week, it was still on the watchlist but its rate had come to down to about 23 per 100,000, despite a recent outbreak at a DPD depot in Oldbury.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Wales to trial small outdoor art and sport events

A number of small-scale outdoor theatre and sporting events will be trialled in Wales as coronavirus restrictions are eased .
Events were cancelled when lockdown began in March , and mass gatherings were banned .
Now First Minister Mark Drakeford has said three outdoor events , with up to 100 people , will be held in the hope more would be allowed .
But he said the reopening of schools in September remained the `` top priority '' .
Speaking at the Welsh Government 's press briefing , Mr Drakeford said parents could be reassured that children would be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said that keeping schools open would be the priority when deciding measures to combat the virus , if cases were to increase in Wales .
`` We are putting the successful and safe reopening for schools right at the top of our agenda , '' he added .
Numerous mass-participation events , which raise millions of pounds for charities , including marathons and triathlons , were cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic , while festivals and concerts were also put on hold .
Mr Drakeford said three events would be trialled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in a `` safe way '' while maintaining social distancing .
The trial will see outdoor performances run by Theatr Clwyd , in Flintshire , allowed from 27 August .
Tamara Harvey , the artistic director of the theatre , said : `` It 's brilliant , because not only does it mean that we can start bringing people back up the hill , but we can also share all that we 're learning with other venues across Wales . ''
The Return to Racing triathlon at Pembrey Country Park , Carmarthenshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without spectators , and a car rally at Trac Mon , on Anglesey , has also been allowed .
Mr Drakeford said the hope was to support the sector and `` make the most of the remaining summer months where we can spend time outdoors '' .
The first minister said the government was learning from trials of reopening indoor theatre and some indoor sports in other parts of the UK , and it was possible other activities would resume later in the autumn .
It was also announced that relatives would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes from 29 August , under `` strict '' rules to be set out .
Mr Drakeford said this was one of the `` most serious decisions '' taken by Welsh Government .
`` I know that there will be many families and many residents that this will make an enormous difference , '' he added .
`` But care homes are such vulnerable places that it 's right we take a different level of caution before we allow those visits to take place . ''
In an interview with BBC Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be like it was before '' .
`` People wo n't simply be able to turn up , they will need to make sure that they made the arrangement in advance , '' he said .
`` It 's likely to be a single visitor , the care home will have to carry out a risk assessment . ''
Casinos will also be allowed to reopen on the same date , with both moves subject to coronavirus remaining under control .
Mr Drakeford confirmed up to four households will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrangement '' from this weekend .
Currently , an extended household can only be made up of two households , but from Saturday that cap will double .
A meal following a wedding , civil partnership or funeral will also be allowed for up to 30 people indoors , if social distancing can be maintained , from 22 August .
When can cleaners work in people 's homes ?
Mr Drakeford said the next easing of lockdown measures , in three weeks ' time , would include relaxing rules to allow cleaners and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It would also allow small groups to meet indoors for classes and clubs , such as book clubs and weight loss groups .
Mr Drakeford said 500 businesses had been closed since March after breaking coronavirus regulations .
He said incidents had been witnessed and reported to the police and local authorities `` which are plainly not within the rules '' .
Earlier he said things `` continue to improve '' in Wales , but the picture across the UK was `` challenging '' .
Asked about the difference in infection rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said population density was `` part of the explanation '' but `` it may not be the whole of the explanation '' .
`` I do think that some of what we are seeing is the result of the way that we have done things in Wales , '' he said .
`` I 'm not going to claim that it 's the whole of the reason , luck comes into this as well as good planning .
`` But the way we 've tried to do things in Wales , step-by-step , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at once , trying to make sure that you can have a sense of cause and effect in what you are doing , being willing to do it in a cautious , controlled way . ''
What do people think of the easing of restrictions ?
Karen Healey , general manager of Tregwilym Lodge nursing and residential home in Rogerstone , Newport , said she was `` slightly tentative '' about opening the care home to visitors , as 21 residents had died from Covid-19 up to the end of June .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , we will have to do in a staged approach because , quite clearly , what we ca n't afford is to open up the home and to cause another pandemic , '' she said .
`` We are also very mindful that there could be a second wave coming .
I have a duty to protect my staff and , more importantly , my residents . ''
Lee Dirkzwager , 72 , from Cardiff , who has been shielding , said : `` I did venture out on Sunday , very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't enjoy it and came back to what I now call the norm , which is isolation .
I think it 's going to take a long time to adjust .
`` I 'm nervous to meet even family ...
I suppose I 've become somewhat institutionalised being on my own . ''

"But the way we've tried to do things in Wales, step-by-step, trying not to do too many things at once, trying to make sure that you can have a sense of cause and effect in what you are doing, being willing to do it in a cautious, controlled way."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Coronavirus: 'Why I hate working from home'

It was fun for a week or two - a welcome change from the stresses and strains of the daily commute .
But almost six months have now passed since many of us began working from home , and for some , it feels like it will never end .
`` At first it was fun because we were all in this together , we have got to do it to keep everyone safe , '' says the local council worker .
But she says the lack of space and proper equipment in the one-bedroom East London flat she shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After five months of working from home , she says her back was `` in absolute agony '' from sitting hunched over her laptop without a proper desk .
Both she and her husband work from home .
They only have one fold-out table in the living room and have to alternate who gets to work on the table .
It 's often `` whoever gets it first '' .
`` We did try and bring in the garden table , but it 's not really big enough , '' she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to speak about confidential information .
Sometimes I 'm sitting on the floor in the hall because he 's in the living room . ''
She often end up sitting on her bed .
`` There will be a whole generation of people who are working on their bed who will have spinal problems because of coronavirus , '' she says .
Although both her and her husband 's employers have offered them home equipment , Tara says there 's nowhere to put it .
She says : `` It 's depressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all in one room . ''
Tara was allowed to go back to the office for the first time earlier this month , after mentioning how hard she was finding home-working .
`` It was so nice to have an office chair .
You know correctly having your feet , having two monitors .
I was so much more productive . ''
Lily O'Hagan has had enough .
The 26-year-old works for the claims department for a car insurance company in Cardiff and lives in a house-share with four men .
Three of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` My room is right next to the front door , so it 's almost my unsaid duty to answer it when we get deliveries , '' she says .
It has begun to get frustrating and the house has got messier .
Initially they struggled with the WiFi , as everyone tried to use it at once .
`` We had to get the landlord to get business broadband set up to make the WiFi faster as it was awful . ''
Lily works with customer 's confidential information so she feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the house .
`` Where I am living at the moment there is a bit of a communal area but it 's like a staff room .
I do n't want other people to be able to hear me , so I ca n't work in there '' .
And she misses her colleagues .
`` If I need help we can talk more easily in the office .
IT issues make communicating and asking questions much harder '' .
Her company has said they will eventually let people to return to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the last back as she has asthma .
So she has taken things into her own hands .
`` I 'm moving into a house with more girls - because they 're tidier . ''
Gemma Shaw is still working at 10pm .
She says she is trying to `` juggle '' home schooling and doing her job from home .
`` I feel like a failing parent and a failing professional , '' she says .
The 38-year-old from Lincolnshire , is head of fundraising for a charity .
She says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job much more difficult at home .
`` I had the opportunity to work from home occasionally before lockdown started , but I rarely did .
I work in a very creative team and it 's best to be together to help the creativity .
Working alone on projects is hard . ''
Gemma and her husband have also struggled to home-school their two children while they have been maintaining full-time jobs .
`` A child nudging you when you 're trying to do something important , like write a press release , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done but you 're not educating them either , '' she says .
They 've also had to use their annual leave , taking two weeks off work separately to cover four weeks of the school summer holidays .
`` That 's not family time that 's just holding things together , '' she adds .
`` I work after the kids have gone to bed , '' she says .
`` So from 8pm to 10pm at night .
My husband and I take shifts working and looking after the children during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finish all my hours .
It 's so stressful '' .
He lives in Newcastle and works in IT .
He resisted working from home as long as he could .
`` We were given the option to work remotely but I held on for another week until we were instructed to go home '' says Paul , which is not his real name .
And he says it has affected his mental health .
`` I 'd been on antidepressants and by March I was feeling like there was light at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he adds .
`` But being in lockdown makes me anxious and I get distracted by anything around me .
`` The biggest thing for me is the lack of social interaction .
I have some good friends at work and we go for a run in our lunch break .
Not having that exercise and interaction is difficult . ''
Paul says he has lacked motivation to complete his daily tasks .
`` I do n't like my job , so staying engaged can be hard .
`` Work at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - if I was in the office the support network around me would help make it not so bad . ''
And he says getting the right equipment has been difficult .
`` I need two monitors to do all the comparisons I need to do and I only got the second one recently . ''
Paul 's company is now offering bookable hubs for employees to work from instead of returning to the office .
But for him , like so many others , working from home could become the new normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is happy about .
`` Why should my dining room become their office space ? ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?

It was fun for a week or two - a welcome change from the stresses and strains of the daily commute. But almost six months have now passed since many of us began working from home, and for some, it feels like it will never end.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Aberdeen lockdown: 'We will only open again when I think it is safe'

`` We will only open again when I think it is safe '' Dawn Forrest runs Blether tea room in the suburb of Cults , on the outskirts of Aberdeen .
The small family-run venture had been open for less than a year when it was forced to close in March as lockdown was introduced across the UK .
The cafe reopened after restrictions were eased in Scotland on 15 July - but its return proved to be short-lived .
Three weeks later Aberdeen was locked down again as it experienced a spike in coronavirus cases , linked to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cafes and restaurants had to close their doors once more .
On Wednesday , the restrictions were extended for a third week - a move which has split opinion in the city .
Those who spoke out against the continued lockdown included the administration leaders on Aberdeen City Council , which is run by a coalition of Conservative , Labour and Independent councillors .
They said it would `` make a bad economic situation even worse '' and warned that more than 5,000 jobs were at risk .
A review will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she hoped some restrictions could be eased from Wednesday .
Blether is now serving takeaways , and Dawn says she will not necessarily fully reopen when she is allowed to do so .
Dawn , 48 , said : `` Cults is a great local community with a lot of retired people - many of whom have been shielding .
`` I can not have people who have kept safe putting themselves at risk .
`` The last thing we want is a customer or member of staff to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pure bad luck .
`` I will wait and see and open when it feels right . ''
Dawn says that she agrees with the continued lockdown `` to a certain extent '' .
`` I am quite happy to do what needs to be done , '' she said .
`` It 's very difficult .
I want to open when it 's safe , and it may not be when [ Nicola Sturgeon ] says . ''
Stuart McPhee is director of Siberia Bar and Hotel in Aberdeen , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospitality Together .
`` The hospitality industry in the city directly employs around 14,000 people and that does not involve anyone in the supply chain or contractors beyond , '' he said .
`` I am into the economic argument .
Businesses need to see light at the end of the tunnel .
`` What people need is just a bit of confidence .
`` We want to do it ( re-open the hospitality trade ) better this time , be more collaborative . ''
He said he was `` encouraged '' by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday , as `` every day lost is money lost '' .
But he was `` not overly hopeful '' that a decision would be taken to allow bars to reopen .
`` I do not envy the people that make these decisions , '' he said .
`` We would hope for a bit of clarity , such as indicative dates .
We are in the tunnel , but we can not see the end of it . ''
People have been told not to travel to Aberdeen during the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city face a five-mile limit on travel .
That means Andrew McDonald and his girlfriend Amanda Lightbody can no longer see each other .
Andrew , 31 , lives in Aberdeen and Amanda , 28 , stays more than 15 miles south of the city in Stonehaven .
After the original lockdown in March , the couple - who have been dating for nearly three years - maintained contact by phone and online to `` keep the relationship going '' .
Andrew , 31 , a visitor experience assistant at Aberdeen Science Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen her since July .
`` I hate not seeing her .
It 's not been easy .
`` However , locking down Aberdeen is the right thing to do because it has the potential to save lives . ''
He said it had been `` a terrible year '' , but added : `` We need to try to stop the spread of Covid - that should be our priority . ''
Public health officials in Aberdeen believe they have the original cluster linked to pubs in the city under control - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases in Grampian that has prompted the Scottish government to hold fire on lifting restrictions , for now .
It takes time for a clear picture of any incident to emerge but to break that chain of transmission local teams need to act fast .
Better to stamp out little fires quickly than allow it grow out of control .
As restrictions are eased we are seeing more pockets across Scotland , but the incidence of coronavirus is still low .
Experts tell me these spikes are to be expected but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole system is .
There is no need to worry , but no room for complacency .
We are in a far better position now than we were in March when we did n't know where the virus was in the community .
Getting a test is actively encouraged , while targeted testing in areas where there is an outbreak will inevitably mean you find more positive cases .
So far there has not been a marked increase in hospital admissions ; that would be a worrying sign .
But it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Protect system is tested .
With every step forward there comes a new level of risk .
Gyms , bingo halls and theatres are all next on the list to reopen , and you can add into the mix thousands of students arriving in towns and cities in Scotland to take up their places .
All as winter approaches .
We are much better prepared , but there are still uncertainties , and Aberdeen may have had a tough taster of what could happen elsewhere .
• DEATHS : Who is dying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's still closed in Scotland and why ?
• QUIZ : Test your knowledge of the coronavirus restrictions • FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?

Public health officials in Aberdeen believe they have the original cluster linked to pubs in the city under control - but it's the number of other new cases in Grampian that has prompted the Scottish government to hold fire on lifting restrictions, for now.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Exams chaos: Never again, say parents, pupils, teachers

Teachers , parents and pupils are calling for a major re-think of next summer 's exams , following the chaos which has dogged the UK exams system .
Tens of thousands have signed a petition saying : `` This must never happen again , '' organised by the National Education Union .
The petition backs earlier calls from head teachers for an urgent independent review into what went wrong .
It comes after pupils got record grades in a switch to school assessments .
A faulty algorithm had deliberately marked young people down , but in ways that were described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head teachers .
The petition calls for plans for next year 's GCSE and A-Level exams to take account the fact that candidates will have missed months of schooling .
It said : `` The exams they sit in the summer of 2021 must reflect this lost learning time and include more question choices and a slimmed down syllabus . ''
It also called for a system of teacher moderated grades in case there is further disruption to exams next summer due to a second wave of Coronavirus and further lockdowns .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the methods used to assess pupils at GCSE and A-levels , including the possibility of more coursework .
Joint General Secretary Mary Bousted said ministers showed a complete lack of trust in schools in adopting the Ofqual algorithm .
She said : `` Grades were initially awarded , for the vast majority of students , with no reference to , or evidence of their individual achievements . ''
The leader of the Association of School and College Leaders , Geoff Barton , has made a similar call .
`` It simply is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students to cover all the content in GCSEs and A-levels to the depth required .
`` Most worrying of all , is the complete absence of a contingency plan in the event that large numbers of students are unable to take exams next summer . ''
ASCL also called on England 's exams regulator , Ofqual , to consider : • introducing more choice in questions so those who have missed out on parts of the syllabus face less disadvantage , • the possibility of open book exams in English or formula sheets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the reduced time pupils have had to learn • a parallel system of grading by the school , similar to that being used this year , which could help inform the grades of students who may have to miss exams Ofqual has already consulted on the issue and decided to : • introduce a choice of topics for history , geography and English literature • modify how oral skills are are assessed in languages However , Ofqual has yet to decide whether the start of next year 's summer exam season will @ @ @ @ @ @ @

It also called for a system of teacher moderated grades in case there is further disruption to exams next summer due to a second wave of Coronavirus and further lockdowns.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Taylor Swift: Student 'over the moon' at singer's donation

A student who received a £23,000 gift from pop superstar Taylor Swift said she was `` over the moon '' about the donation .
Vitoria Mario , 18 , set up an online fundraiser after finding she could not afford to take up a maths course at the University of Warwick .
Ms Mario moved to the UK from Portugal four years ago , so is not eligible for maintenance loans or grants .
She promised to graduate with top grades `` to make Taylor proud '' .
Speaking to BBC Radio London 's Vanessa Feltz , Ms Mario said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
Even the message was really nice .
`` I do n't know how [ Swift ] saw it .
If it was someone from the UK I would be less surprised . ''
Ms Mario said she was already a Taylor Swift fan but was now a fan `` for the rest of my life '' .
The American singer , whose 16 top 10 British chart hits include the aptly titled Wildest Dreams , wrote a message on Ms Mario 's fundraising page as she confirmed her donation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached nearly half her £40,000 target .
Swift wrote : `` Vitoria , I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality .
`` I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount .
Good luck with everything you do !
Love , Taylor . ''
Ms Mario said : `` I want to thank her with all my heart . ''
The teenager , whose mother still lives in Portugal , said her family could not afford to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help pay for accommodation , a laptop , textbooks and general living costs .
She said that despite being unable to speak English when she moved to the UK in 2016 , she left school with two A*s in maths and an A in physics in her A-levels .
She says she learned English `` from Netflix mainly '' .
Swift has previously made several impromptu donations to fans whose stories she has read about online , including a New York photographer who asked for financial support via Tumblr .
For more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter , on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel .

She said that despite being unable to speak English when she moved to the UK in 2016, she left school with two A*s in maths and an A in physics in her A-levels.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Why are catalytic converter thefts on the rise?

Thefts of catalytic converters from cars in England and Wales rose sixfold in 2019 .
Last year , there were almost 13,000 recorded thefts of the devices , with Londoners particularly badly hit .
In 2018 , there were just over 2,000 thefts .
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims , car crime lead for the National Police Chiefs ' Council , said police were committed to tackling the thefts and the organised gangs behind them .
`` Police forces across the country are involved in planning and undertaking intelligence-led operations , at both the regional and national level , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we recognise the devastating impact these crimes can have upon the lives of victims , '' she said .
The figures were released to 5 Live Investigations by police forces in England and Wales .
Police Scotland and PSNI were unable to provide the relevant data .
While offences tailed off at the start of lockdown , anecdotal evidence suggests they are on the rise again - with a recent spate of thefts from hospital car parks targeting NHS staff .
The reason for the thieves ' interest in catalytic converters - known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand .
There is a legitimate market for second-hand catalytic converters , which turn the noxious gases in a car 's exhaust system into less harmful substances .
But the thieves want them for the scrap value of the three precious metals found inside .
Prices have rocketed for rhodium , platinum and palladium , with palladium selling more per gram than gold last year .
Tracy Howl , a photographer from south-east London , had her `` cat '' stolen at a retail park in broad daylight earlier this month .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car park , I was only in for an hour , '' she said .
`` Then I switched on my engine and the noise coming from the car was like a motorbike - I thought the engine had blown up .
`` Then I spotted there had been a clean split through the exhaust and I knew right away - it dawned on me - I 'd been done . ''
As in most `` cat '' thefts , Tracy 's car was simply jacked up and a power tool used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cat '' from the exhaust pipe under her car .
The damage almost left Tracy 's car a write-off .
She now faces a repair bill running into hundreds of pounds .
`` Something is not being done if they have free rein like this .
What can change to stop them being sold on ? ''
she said .
Senior figures in the scrap industry believe the stolen `` cats '' are being passed from unlicensed scrap collectors to some unscrupulous licensed companies , from where the precious metals become untraceable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is the enforcement of a law which was passed in 2013 as a response to the copper thefts which were blighting the rail and power networks .
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act was supposed to deprive metal thieves of an easy market by banning cash sales and insisting on much better identity checks on sellers .
Councils were empowered to do inspections of licensed dealers and to close down the unlicensed operators .
But 5 Live Investigations has discovered this is n't happening .
In October 2018 , 243 English licensing councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their books had been visited to ensure the new rules were being followed .
The figures revealed only a fraction had been inspected and even fewer dealers - licensed and unlicensed - had been closed down .
5 Live Investigations asked the same councils the same questions in February this year and found little improvement .
Almost 120 councils had not visited any scrap dealers in the previous 28 months and many of the others had only inspected once or twice .
A small number of councils , however , had inspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealers , often in joint operations with the police .
Part of the problem is that thousands of scrap dealers simply chose to drop out of the licensing scheme when the Scrap Metal Dealers Act came into force .
Many of those , says the industry , are now those dealers that advertise on the internet and buy catalytic converters with no questions asked .
Nesil Caliskan , of the Local Government Association , said the Scrap Metal Dealers Act had contributed to a drop in metal thefts , but said they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rising metal prices .
`` Councils are targeting their limited resources as efficiently as possible and can take enforcement action where issues are identified , '' she said .
`` Councils have limited powers to tackle unlicensed operators and the LGA has called on government to introduce greater enforcement powers to help local authorities tackle rogue operators . ''
The Home Office said the act was still a powerful tool for the police and local authorities , but said it would continue to work with the police and industry to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thefts .
Nottinghamshire Police say drivers can do some things to protect their cars : •If you can , park your vehicle in a locked garage when it is unattended .
•If that is not possible , park your vehicle in a busy , well-lit area as close to your property as possible .
•Consider installing a Thatcham-approved alarm to your vehicle .
Ones that activate if your vehicle is lifted or tilted are particularly effective .


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Somerset farmer's home videos celebrated in documentary

In the 1990s , Somerset farmer Charles Carson bought a camcorder and started making films on his farm .
The @ @ @ @ @ rediscovered in an attic and now , several years after his death , Mr Carson @ @ @ @ @ documentary about his life .
Director Oliver Harding , from Sondebar Pictures , whose grandparents @ @ @ @ @ Carson handed copies of his videos to , said the farmer 's attitudes towards life @ @ @ @ @ unlikely pioneer of the death positivity movement .

In the 1990s, Somerset farmer Charles Carson bought a camcorder and started making films on his farm.
The unusual home videos have been rediscovered in an attic and now, several years after his death, Mr Carson is to star in a documentary about his life.
Director Oscar Harding, from Sonderbar Pictures, whose grandparents were among the neighbours Mr Carson handed copies of his videos to, said the farmer's attitudes towards life and death made him an unlikely pioneer of the death positivity movement.
Video journalist: Jonathan Holmes.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Newspaper headlines: 'Man U ace Maguire nicked' and second lockdown warning

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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites .
Read about our approach @ @ @ @

But it's Mr Williamson himself who is vulnerable, according to the Financial Times. The paper says three cabinet ministers have told it that the education secretary's political future depends on the success of the full reopening of England's schools next month. "Gav has nowhere to hide if he fails again," says one.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--PC Andrew Harper's father 'heartbroken' for family

PC Andrew Harper 's father has said his `` heart was so broken '' for his family when he found out his son had been killed on duty .
Phil Harper said he was so proud of PC Harper 's brother Sean and sister Aimee for `` being so dignified '' during an `` incredibly tough '' time .
PC Harper , 28 , suffered catastrophic injuries when he was dragged behind a getaway car in Berkshire last August .
His father has backed `` Harper 's Law '' launched by his son 's widow Lissie .
Mrs Harper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency workers to face mandatory life sentences , `` no ifs , no buts '' .
On Friday , the attorney general Suella Braverman QC announced she had referred the sentences of PC Harper 's killers to the Court of Appeal because she considered them `` unduly lenient '' .
Speaking for the first time since his son 's killers were sentenced , Mr Harper said he was `` so proud of Lissie for having the courage to take on this incredible task '' .
`` I 'm also so proud of Sean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister - for being so dignified throughout the last year , as it has been so incredibly tough for them too , '' he added .
`` Both have lost more than just a brother - he was a best friend as well , who would always take the time to give the best advice he could .
My heart was so broken for them when they heard the terrible news . ''
Mr Harper also paid tribute to his wife Karen for her `` love and support '' .
• The PC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love A trial at the Old Bailey heard how PC Harper had responded to reports of a quad bike theft with a colleague hours after their shift had ended on 15 August 2019 .
As he attempted to apprehend one of the three suspects , his feet became entangled in a rope trailing behind a getaway car , which led to him being dragged to his death .
The driver of the car , 19-year-old Henry Long , and his passengers Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole , both 18 , were convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cole have launched appeals against their convictions .
Long was jailed for 16 years while Bowers and Cole were sentenced to 13 years each .
Their sentences prompted Mrs Harper and PC Harper 's mother Deborah Adlam to launch campaigns calling for tougher sentences for killers of emergency service workers .
Mrs Harper , from Wallingford , Oxfordshire , said her campaign , backed by the Police Federation of England and Wales , would `` help fix '' a `` broken '' justice system .
Mr Harper said there was a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he hoped the public would `` back and support Lissie 's campaign in memory of Andrew '' .

"Both have lost more than just a brother - he was a best friend as well, who would always take the time to give the best advice he could. My heart was so broken for them when they heard the terrible news."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--The women who have embraced their grey roots

With hairdressers closed for much of lockdown , silver streaks started to appear in women 's hair far more often .
While most rushed for a cut and colour as soon as salon doors opened , others embraced the change and planning to make it permanent .
Before lockdown Ellen MacLauchlan had her grey roots touched up every two to three weeks .
She says she saw her stylist more often than some of her friends and `` everything revolved around a hairdressers ' appointment '' .
`` If someone asked me if I wanted to go on a night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book a holiday , I would be working out if it fell within a two-week period of getting my hair done . ''
But two months into lockdown Ellen had a `` wee lightbulb moment '' and realised she suited her natural colour .
`` As soon as I made the decision , I just knew there was no going back , '' she says .
`` I actually quite liked the grey coming in .
I was getting problems with my scalp and the chemicals probably were n't the best to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The 47-year-old housing officer , from Gartcosh in North Lanarkshire , is now planning to treat herself with the money she will save .
`` It probably works out around £70 a month , '' she says .
`` I 'm going to get myself a good cut and some new clothes to match my new look . ''
`` I 'm loving it .
I think I quite rock it .
I feel good .
I feel 'me ' actually . ''
Allison Gardner knows that image is everything on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glasgow Film Theatre ca n't wait to show off her new hair .
`` I think women probably are judged on their age more than men .
We do all get older and no-one is 21 forever , '' she says .
`` I 'm going to embrace my age .
It 's going to be grey and fabulous for me going forward . ''
The 57-year-old cinema boss worked throughout lockdown , barely noticing the change in her appearance .
`` I had bigger things to worry about , '' she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I threatened to get my children to shave my head in frustration .
I 'm glad I decided to sit it out . ''
Allison would encourage other women to give it a go .
`` I would say grey is the new blonde , '' she says .
`` It 's so on trend .
The most important thing about it is how you feel , not what your friends and family think . ''
`` This is nature 's way of giving me highlights '' There is nothing Sue Thompson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wind in her hair .
The 56-year-old motorcyclist lives near Thurso , the most northerly town in mainland Scotland .
She says people are surprised when she takes off her helmet .
`` First of all , people assume you 're a man , '' she says .
`` When I shake my hair out , it 's like 'oh , it 's a post-middle-aged woman who has just got off that bike ' and I love that . ''
After a botched attempt to dye her roots at home , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I bought a colour that was meant to be opal blonde but it was actually farmyard brown .
It was horrible , '' she says .
`` I think this is nature 's way of giving me highlights without all that bleach so I thought I should really just embrace it . ''
Although her daughters have been supportive , Sue says not everyone in the family is convinced .
`` My husband 's less happy but then he 's mostly white himself now and it looks great on him , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why it should be any different for me .
`` Soon I will be mostly grey , and that 's the way I 'll leave it .
I 'd say just be happy with how you look . ''
As a university academic , Kathryn Waite is usually most comfortable with her head in a book but she has found a new confidence since she stopped colouring her hair .
`` I feel it 's very authentic , '' she says .
`` I 've really started to grow into my hairstyle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing that . ''
The keen walker , from Edinburgh , started to notice her grey roots in April but could n't get her hands on the products she needed .
`` I would have bought a dye if I could but they were as hard to come by as toilet roll at that time .
There just was n't any to be had , '' she says .
Curiosity got the better of Kathryn , who is in her late 50s , and she decided to let her natural colour grow in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
`` It 's really fashionable - young people are choosing grey hair , '' she says .
`` When I go for a walk , I meet eyes with other women and see that they 're doing it too .
`` Historically , for women in the workplace with grey hair , it was probably considered that you were n't coming across as well groomed as you could be .
But I think people are much more accepting of it now . ''

With hairdressers closed for much of lockdown, silver streaks started to appear in women's hair far more often. While most rushed for a cut and colour as soon as salon doors opened, others embraced the change and are planning to make it permanent.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Coronavirus: New extended household rules get mixed response

People in Wales are now able to welcome more family and friends into their homes as coronavirus lockdown rules continue to be relaxed .
From Saturday , people can form an `` exclusive extended arrangement '' with up to four households - double the previous amount allowed .
Some are pleased , but others are wary of opening their doors to others .
Conwy sheep farmer Llyr Jones said he was looking forward to seeing his mother and neighbours again .
• Why Spain is seeing second wave • Is the world winning the pandemic fight ?
Mr Jones , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Myfyr with his wife and two children , added : `` The worst thing that we have found during the height of the pandemic was childcare .
`` My wife 's a vet and I 'm a farmer , and we are having to take our children to work .
`` That brings huge problems but we have to carry on because we are both key workers , but maybe having my mother to come home to look after the children will help . ''
He also looked his neighbours visiting as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People have been employed on his farm since lockdown began - while they tried to maintain social distancing , it was not always easy .
`` It 's impossible to keep to two-metre distances , '' he said .
`` We have two young children who are in nursery , so they are mixing , they are not social distancing . ''
Lee Dirkzwager , from Gabalfa , Cardiff , has been shielding .
The 73-year-old has a number of underlying conditions , including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
The mother-of-three and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` quite nervous '' about doing so .
`` I did n't enjoy it and came back to what I now call the norm , which is isolation , '' she said .
`` I think it is going to take a long time to adjust to get back into the flow of pre-March this year .
`` And , being honest , I am worried about opening up and having to meet even family . ''
• Outdoor sports and arts events to be trialled The retired office worker admitted she would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but feared the pandemic would return .
`` Are we going to be ill next time around ? ''
she said .
She did not enjoy her trip out because there were `` so many people '' , many unmasked .
`` It was totally alien , '' she said .
`` I suppose I 've become institutionalised being on my own . ''
The rules on meeting people indoors were expected to be relaxed last weekend but were postponed .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said at the time it was important not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next easing of lockdown measures , in three weeks ' time , would include relaxing rules to allow cleaners and tutors to work in people 's homes .
It would also allow small groups to meet indoors for classes and clubs , such as book clubs and weight loss groups .

"That brings huge problems but we have to carry on because we are both key workers, but maybe having my mother to come home to look after the children will help."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Freezer bodies murder trial: Zahid Younis says he is 'a decent guy'

A convicted sex offender who is on trial charged with murdering two women and storing their bodies in a freezer has told a jury he is a `` decent guy '' .
Zahid Younis , 36 , is accused of killing Henriett Szucs and Mihrican Mustafa and hiding their remains , which were discovered at his flat in April 2019 .
Prosecutors say he subjected both women to `` very significant violence '' .
Giving evidence at Southwark Crown Court , he denied being in a relationship with Ms Szucs .
The defendant said she became `` obsessed '' with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , out of goodness , he would feed her when she came round .
Jurors have heard that Mr Younis was once jailed for sexual activity with a child and for violence against a separate teenage girl .
Mr Younis said that he may have done `` unnatural things '' in the past , but that the `` decency does n't go '' .
Duncan Penny QC , prosecuting , told the defendant he was a `` dishonest , fabricating , manipulative liar '' .
The prosecutor said Mr Younis `` went off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` discovered a bit about her past '' .
Mr Younis has told the court he met her in hospital in early 2016 , but that he later lost interest after she revealed her work as a prostitute .
The prosecution says Mr Younis murdered Ms Szucs in his flat in Vandome Close , Canning Town , east London , after she moved there thinking that he also had feelings for her .
Mr Younis claimed that he came home one day in October 2016 to find Ms Szucs dead on his sofa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her body in a newly-purchased freezer with the help of a local criminal .
He told jurors that the same criminal - and an older man with a walking stick - brought the body of Ms Mustafa round in a wheelie bin in May 2018 , forcing him to hide a second body in his freezer .
The criminal had threatened to `` tell everyone I already had a body in my flat '' , the defendant said .
Mr Younis said he had only briefly met Ms Mustafa at a friend 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone , and said he did not know how her fingerprint came to be in his flat .

Mr Younis said he had only briefly met Ms Mustafa at a friend's home, denied ever contacting her by phone, and said he did not know how her fingerprint came to be in his flat.


bbcuk--2020-08-22--Coronavirus: 'No socialising' rules in parts of North West

Residents in Oldham and parts of Blackburn and Pendle can no longer socialise with other households under new measures introduced to stem the spread of coronavirus .
The new rules came into place at midnight after a rise in cases .
Workplaces , childcare facilities and businesses , including pubs and restaurants , will remain open .
Oldham Council said it had more enforcement capacity to take action against people breaking the rules .
Leader Sean Fielding said the council had closed at least one pub since Friday .
Since July , the government has been introducing extra restrictions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in coronavirus cases .
The tighter rules will be removed in Wigan , Darwen and Rossendale on 26 August after they recorded lower infection rates than other areas .
Residents in those towns will be required to follow national guidance including social distancing and wearing a face covering where appropriate .
However , the extra restrictions will remain for the rest of Greater Manchester and East Lancashire , .
The new restrictions on household gatherings and socialising will apply to the following areas of Blackburn with Darwen : Audley & Queen 's Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beardwood , Blackburn Central , Little Harwood & Whitebirk , Roe Lee , Shear Brow & Corporation Park , Wensley Fold .
Areas in Blackburn with Darwen where extra restrictions have been lifted are : Blackburn South & Lower Darwen , Blackburn South East , Darwen East , Darwen South , Darwen West , Ewood , Livesey with Pleasington , Mill Hill & Moorgate , West Pennine Restrictions in Pendle remain but the new rules apply to the following areas : Whitefield , Walverden , Southfield , Bradley , Clover Hill , Brierfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday for Oldham and parts of Blackburn and Pendle will not prevent people from shopping , going to work or attending schools , which open from 1 September .
Any social activities indoors and outdoors can only be done with people in their household .
Dr Sakthi Karunanithi , public health director at Lancashire County Council , said : `` The vast majority - more than 80 % - of coronavirus transmission ( in the affected parts of Pendle and Blackburn ) is as a result of households mixing .
`` That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear message - do not socialise with people you do n't live with . ''
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said : `` We did n't want to see a lockdown in Oldham and we are pleased the government worked with us on that one . ''
Mr Burnham added he wanted to see `` further relaxation '' in Greater Manchester next week as `` we are also seeing cases coming down in Trafford and Stockport '' .
`` We are balancing protecting people against letting people live their lives - it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't envy the government on this one , '' he said .
Councillor Fielding welcomed the announcement that Oldham would not face business closures .
But he warned the authority now had the power to take action when the rules are broken .
He said : `` Part of our discussions with government to avert an Leicester-style economic lockdown was a pledge around increasing the capacity in our enforcement teams , so that we could take action where we had reports of businesses or premises or households not following the rules .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have additional capacity around enforcement and compliance to take action , whether it 's fines , whether it 's closure orders or whatever . ''
Mr Fielding said the council has enlisted celebrities such as Pakistan cricket captain Azhar Ali , who is currently playing in a Test Match series against England , and The Inbetweeners actor James Buckley `` to get the message out to communities that might listen to [ them ] rather than listen to me . ''
`` We are also doing some really targeted intervention in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things like door-to-door testing , using community leaders to get messages over . ''
Earlier this week , the council shared a clip of Game Of Thrones actor James Cosmo warning residents that `` lockdown is coming '' unless they abide by guidelines .
Cosmo , who played Jeor Mormont , Lord Commander of the Night 's Watch , told residents to `` stay safe and follow the guidance '' .
Elsewhere , Birmingham has been added to the government 's watch list , and Northampton named an `` area of intervention '' @

He said the council had also enlisted celebrities such as Pakistan cricket captain Azhar Ali, who is currently playing in a Test Match series against England, and The Inbetweeners actor James Buckley "to get the message out to communities that might listen to [them] rather than listen to me."


bbcuk--2020-08-22--Harry Maguire: Manchester United captain arrested following incident in Mykonos

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is due to appear in court on Saturday after being arrested following an incident on the island of Mykonos .
The England defender , 27 , is on holiday in Greece .
The Syros prosecutor 's office said on Friday that `` three foreigners '' had been arrested after an alleged altercation with police officers in Mykonos on Thursday .
Maguire 's lawyer Konstantinos Darivas said he denies the allegations .
Darivas added that he was `` fully convinced he will be released without any charges '' on Saturday .
Maguire joined United from Leicester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a defender - in August 2019 .
`` The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night , '' United said in a statement on Friday .
`` Contact has been made with Harry , and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities .
At this time we will be making no further comment . ''
Greek police said in a statement officers had tried to break up an altercation between two groups outside a bar and that the three foreigners had then verbally abused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The statement claimed that after arriving at Mykonos police station , the three arrested individuals then `` strongly resisted , pushing and hitting three police officers '' and that `` one of the detainees tried to offer money so that the trial against them would not be completed '' .
The police say a file has been opened which includes accusations of `` violence against officials , disobedience , bodily harm , insult and attempted bribery of an official '' .
It is not known specifically what Maguire has been accused of .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat by Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals on 16 August .

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Harry Maguire played in United's Europa League semi-final defeat by Sevilla
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire appeared in court on Saturday after being arrested following an incident on the island of Mykonos.
The England defender, 27, is on holiday in Greece.
The Syros prosecutor's office said on Friday that "three foreigners" had been arrested after an alleged altercation with police officers on Thursday.
Maguire's lawyer Konstantinos Darivas said he denies the allegations and the defender left court without comment.
Darivas added that he was "fully convinced he will be released without any charges" on Saturday.
Maguire joined United from Leicester for £80m - a world record fee for a defender - in August 2019.
"The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night," United said in a statement on Friday.
"Contact has been made with Harry, and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities. At this time we will be making no further comment."
Greek police said in a statement officers had tried to break up an altercation between two groups outside a bar and that the three foreigners had then verbally abused and assaulted one of the officers.
The statement claimed that after arriving at Mykonos police station, the three arrested individuals then "strongly resisted, pushing and hitting three police officers" and that "one of the detainees tried to offer money so that the trial against them would not be completed".
The police say a file has been opened which includes accusations of "violence against officials, disobedience, bodily harm, insult and attempted bribery of an official".
It is not known specifically what Maguire has been accused of.
United's season finished with a 2-1 defeat by Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals on 16 August.


bbcuk--2020-08-22--Coronavirus: UK tourists dash home as quarantine rules kick in

UK tourists have spent thousands of pounds on new flights and endured long drives in a race to get home before new coronavirus travel rules kicked in .
As of 04:00 BST on Saturday , travellers returning to the UK from Croatia , Austria and Trinidad and Tobago must quarantine for 14 days .
Children in families who did not return in time will miss the start of school in England , Wales and Northern Ireland .
But searches for flights to Portugal rose as it was put on the safe list .
Meanwhile , extra restrictions to stem the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in north-west England .
• Why is Croatia on the quarantine list ?
And other questions • What are the UK 's travel rules ?
• Where can I go on holiday without having to quarantine ?
The quarantine measures for Croatia , Austria and Trinidad and Tobago have been imposed because of a spike in coronavirus cases in those countries , the UK government has said .
As of 21 August , the UK recorded 21.2 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people over the last fortnight , according to the European Centre for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Croatia had 47.2 cases per 100,000 , Austria had 33.0 and Portugal 28.5 .
There were about 17,000 British tourists in Croatia on Friday , according to the country 's national tourist board .
On Friday evening , British Airways flights arriving from the Croatian city of Dubrovnik and the capital Zagreb at London 's Heathrow airport were among the last to reach the UK before the deadline .
Adam and Katie Marlow , from Buckinghamshire , drove three hours from the coastal city of Zadar to Zagreb to get a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The couple chose to return early due to Mrs Marlow 's pregnancy and her need to return to her job as a sales manager on Monday .
They said their new flights cost about £300 , while the car hire was another £100 .
Mrs Marlow , 33 , who is due to give birth in October , said she understood why the government had taken the decision , but said it would have been better to have had `` a bit more warning '' as they had only had 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country in Europe where hundreds of British tourists have frantically had to figure out ways to head home early .
The airline authorities here in Split put on two extra flights on Friday to cope with the sudden demand .
There were at least 500 passengers on board both aircraft .
All were British travellers who booked last minute .
`` It beggars belief .
Why was there such short notice for us to leave ? ''
Karen , an English teacher , tells me .
She 'd just begun a week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booking a ferry to Italy to get out of the country by the evening , because she said the UK flights had sold out .
In the beautiful medieval town of Sibernik , a group of eight friends from Nottingham Trent University had given up efforts to get back early .
Instead they drank beers in a harbour-side cafe .
Lou , 20 , said : `` We tried to get something , but everything was too expensive . ''
Her friend Amber added : `` It 's upsetting because we planned this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't go back to part-time work for two weeks , which sucks because it helped towards my university studies . ''
Neil Warnes , 59 , from Margate , was on holiday with his wife and two teenage children in an Alpine village in Austria when he heard the news on Thursday evening .
The family spent about £2,000 to cut their holiday short by one day , in order to get home before the quarantine rules came into effect .
They left Seefeld - a town with `` hardly any people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to Munich airport , for an early morning flight to Heathrow .
`` As our car was parked at Gatwick , another cab journey was needed and we finally arrived home in Kent at midday , '' Mr Warnes said .
`` Austria appeared to be adhering to all social distancing measures and hand sanitation stations were in all the shops .
Our small hotel had three alone on the ground floor .
`` With this in mind we were so surprised when the government restrictions were put in place as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since March .
There did n't really appear to be any problems at all , '' he added .
Another traveller , Cristiano Torti , 41 , paid about £1,500 to fly his wife and two children back to the UK six days earlier than planned .
He said they had lost about £500 of the original return flight bookings , but it would have been `` very difficult '' to quarantine with his young children as he and his wife both work from home .
• You finally got abroad , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decides which countries I can safely visit ?
Mr Torti , a developer from Oxfordshire , said that his eldest child would have missed some of the new school term had the family not returned in time .
`` We 've lost a lot of of money , between the accommodation , the flights , and the knock-on effects : the car hire , the airport parking .
I kind of wish we 'd stayed home , despite the miserable British weather , '' he said .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can my boss force me to go to work ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
Meanwhile , Google search data showed a significant rise in searches for the term `` flights to Portugal '' by UK users at about 18:00 BST on Thursday ; with a smaller spike at 07:00 BST on Friday morning .
Several EasyJet flights from London airports to Portugal were listed as unavailable for Saturday and Sunday , while airlines such as Jet2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday across the UK .
Travel expert Simon Calder tweeted that the cost of flights from Manchester to Faro on Saturday morning had risen from £50 to £98 in 30 minutes .
People who do not self-isolate when required can be fined up to £1,000 in England , Wales , and Northern Ireland .
In Scotland the fine is £480 , and up to £5,000 for persistent offenders .
The UK introduced the compulsory 14-day quarantine for arrivals from overseas in early June .
But the following month , the four UK nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , detailing countries that were exempt from the rule .
Since then it has periodically updated that list , adding and removing countries based on their coronavirus infection rates and how they compare with the UK 's .
Have you been affected by the new quarantine measures ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also get in touch in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How to prepare furry friends for your return to work • TURBO RELATIONSHIPS : What is dating like in the 'new normal ' ?

"It beggars belief. Why was there such short notice for us to leave?" Karen, an English teacher, tells me. She'd just begun a week in Split and was in the middle of booking a ferry to Italy to get out of the country by the evening, because she said the UK flights had sold out.


bbcuk--2020-08-22--Joy and caution over extended households in Wales

People in Wales are now able to welcome more family and friends into their homes as coronavirus lockdown rules continue to be relaxed .
From Saturday , people can form an `` exclusive extended arrangement '' with up to four households - double the previous amount allowed .
Some are pleased , but others are wary of opening their doors to others .
Sheep farmer Llyr Jones said he was looking forward to seeing his mother and neighbours again .
• Why Spain is seeing second wave • Is the world winning the pandemic fight ?
Mr Jones , 41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Conwy county , with his wife and two children , added : `` The worst thing that we have found during the height of the pandemic was childcare .
`` My wife 's a vet and I 'm a farmer , and we are having to take our children to work .
`` That brings huge problems but we have to carry on because we are both key workers , but maybe having my mother to come home to look after the children will help . ''
People have been employed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they tried to maintain social distancing , it was not always easy .
`` It 's impossible to keep to two-metre distances , '' he said .
`` We have two young children who are in nursery , so they are mixing , they are not social distancing . ''
Lee Dirkzwager , from Gabalfa , Cardiff , has been shielding .
The 73-year-old has a number of underlying conditions , including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
The mother-of-three and grandmother-of-three went out on Sunday but was `` quite nervous '' about doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and came back to what I now call the norm , which is isolation , '' she said .
`` I think it is going to take a long time to adjust to get back into the flow of pre-March this year .
`` And , being honest , I am worried about opening up and having to meet even family . ''
• Outdoor sports and arts events to be trialled The retired office worker admitted she would `` love '' to see them , but feared the pandemic would return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill next time around ? ''
she said .
She did not enjoy her trip out because there were `` so many people '' , many unmasked .
`` It was totally alien , '' she said .
`` I suppose I 've become institutionalised being on my own . ''
The rules on meeting people indoors were expected to be relaxed last weekend but were postponed .
Events co-ordinator Amy Nation , said there was an `` exciting day '' ahead at The Bear Hotel in Cowbridge , Vale of Glamorgan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held .
She said there had been big changes to comply with social distancing rules , so seating has been spaced out .
But she said the main difference would be that a large evening party `` ca n't currently go head '' .
A meal following a wedding and civil partnership is allowed for up to 30 people indoors if social distancing can be maintained .
`` We have had to adapt , '' she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast .
But Deeside wedding photographer Rich Miller said the industry had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and he was not yet sure if more weddings would go ahead later in the year .
`` Nobody know what way to turn , '' he said .
`` We are all holding on towards the end of the year . ''
First Minister Mark Drakeford said at the time it was important not to jeopardise progress .
Mr Drakeford said the next easing of lockdown measures , in three weeks ' time , would include relaxing rules to allow cleaners and tutors to work in people 's homes .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoors for classes and clubs , such as book clubs and weight loss groups .


bbcuk--2020-08-21--New IRA: Two men charged under Terrorism Act

Two men have been charged under the Terrorism Act as part of an ongoing investigation into the New IRA .
@ @ @ @ @ a 26-year-old from Lurgan were charged with membership of a proscribed organisation , directing terrorism @ @ @ @ @ .
The 26-year-old was also charged with conspiracy to possess explosives and conspiracy to possess @ @ @ @ @ life .
They will appear in court on Saturday .
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Barbara @ @ @ @ @ been charged as part of Operation Arbacia , which is `` an ongoing investigation into @ @ @ @ @ IRA '' .
Seven men and two women , aged between 26 and 50 , @ @ @ @ @ Police have until Saturday afternoon to question the seven other people who remain in custody @ @ @ @ @ considered to be the largest dissident republican group and has been behind numerous attempted attacks @ @ @ @ @ has been a renewed focus on its activities since the death of Lyra McKee , @ @ @ @

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray said the men had been charged as part of Operation Arbacia, which is "an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA".


bbcuk--2020-08-22--Coronavirus hospitals converted back to leisure centres

Two field hospitals set up to help cope with the coronavirus pandemic are to be converted back into leisure centres .
Carmarthenshire council said it hoped sports facilities in Llanelli and Carmarthen could begin operating from October .
Ysbyty Enfys Llanelli is being fully decommissioned but some bed capacity will be mothballed at Ysbyty Enfys Caerfyrddin .
Decisions are yet to be taken about two other temporary hospitals in the area .
Improvement works to tennis courts and the athletics track in Carmarthen are expected to be completed for an October re-opening date .
• Where are all the extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest lockdown rules mean ?
Final decisions are yet to be taken regarding temporary hospitals at Ysbyty Enfys Selwyn Samuel and Ysbyty Enfys Scarlets in Llanelli .
Carmarthenshire County Council , Llanelli Town Council and Parc Y Scarlets handed over facilities to support the NHS effort in the surrounding area April , and ease pressure on hospital services .
Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths , the council 's executive board member for culture , sport and tourism , said : `` Whilst we can be thankful that these temporary hospitals were largely unused it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take extra precautions to prevent further spread as much as we possibly can . ''

Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, the council's executive board member for culture, sport and tourism, said: "Whilst we can be thankful that these temporary hospitals were largely unused it is vitally important that we continue to take extra precautions to prevent further spread as much as we possibly can."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Girl, 15, dies after river incident in Llanrumney, Cardiff

A 15-year-old girl has died after an incident in a river in Cardiff .
Police , fire and ambulance services @ @ @ @ @ BST on Friday after the teenager was seen in the River Rhymney in Ball Lane @ @ @ @ @ the city .
She was found at about 18:40 , South Wales Police said , @ @ @ @ @ of the emergency services .
The police helicopter had also been deployed to search for @ @ @

Police, fire and ambulance services were called at about 17:20 BST on Friday after the teenager was seen in the River Rhymney in Ball Lane in the Llanrumney area of the city.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Monsal Trail: Plans to turn viaduct into railway opposed

Nearly 5,000 people have signed a petition to stop a rail route being reinstated over a landmark viaduct .
The Manchester and East Midlands Rail Action Partnership ( MEMRAP ) has campaigned for the Peaks and Dales line to reopen between Matlock and Buxton .
The line includes the Monsal Viaduct in Derbyshire , which has been converted into a walking and cycling trail .
Campaigners said reopening the viaduct for rail use would mean losing `` one of the most unique trails in the UK '' .
The Peaks and Dales line was closed in 1968 , as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Beeching report .
Parts of the 8.5 mile ( 13km ) route - which incorporates former railway tunnels , as well as the viaduct - became a traffic-free route in 1981 and attracts about 330,000 visitors a year - with a `` significant increase '' in visitors since lockdown .
But MEMRAP wants the government to invest in permanently reinstating the line across the Derbyshire Peak District .
Campaigners opposed to the plan said it threatened the future of the popular trail .
MEMRAP chief executive Stephen Chaytow said the rail line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derbyshire '' and the organisation believed a railway would be `` far more beneficial than just having the Monsal Trail as a leisure activity '' .
But he said MEMRAP did not want to see `` the Monsal Trail lost '' and its proposals would see the trail retained in `` some capacity '' .
However , the viaduct and tunnels would have to be used for the line .
The proposal has been supported by Conservative High Peak MP Robert Largan .
But New Mills-based campaigner Lee Cooper Smith said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most unique trails in the UK .
`` Tourism is one of Derbyshire 's most lucrative industries and if this trail was closed , it would miss out massively . ''
An online petition set up by Mr Cooper Smith has gained nearly 5,000 signatures .
Peak District National Park Authority 's conservation and planning director John Scott said the railway line and the trail were `` incompatible '' .
`` It 's hard to see how you can have the railway back and have the trail experience as it is at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority , which owns the trail and is the designated planning authority , said it had not received a formal application for the infrastructure project .
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Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"It's hard to see how you can have the railway back and have the trail experience as it is at the moment," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-22--Coronavirus: Open air Buckinghamshire theatre filling performance 'void'

An open air theatre under disused railway arches is adding more dates to fill the `` void '' left when live shows stopped in March due to coronavirus .
The Arches Theatre , in Clifton Reynes , Buckinghamshire , has extended its summer season for actors and audiences `` desperate to come '' .
It will run until September , instead of just August , with four more events .
Alistair Brammer , who played Fiyero in West End musical Wicked until lockdown began in March , will perform next week .
The self-financing independent business was started on land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In previous years , it has been able to seat audiences of up to 200 under the arches , but this year social distancing means that has been reduced to 66 .
Although indoor entertainment venues have been able to reopen from 15 August , Mr Pibworth said it was still not a commercially viable option for many .
`` I 've gone out of my way to try and help groups desperate to come , '' he said .
`` I thought outside the box to see what I can put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am already thinking of starting earlier . ''
The one-night show by 31-year-old Brammer at The Arches on 27 August , called A Night At The Musicals , will be his second gig in five months .
`` To quote my agent we are all 'dodo farmers ' - we are all peddling an industry that does n't exist , '' he said .
`` Anyone coming to these gigs , mine or others , you 're really helping to support the arts .
`` Without that support a lot of people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career . ''
Other shows at the disused railway venue include Richard Digance , Aladdin , a family summer pantomime , and 'Allo 'Allo by Milton Keynes Theatre of Comedy .
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In previous years, it has been able to seat audiences of up to 200 under the arches, but this year social distancing means that has been reduced to 66.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Pandemic 'biggest knock to live music in my life'

As the coronavirus lockdown eases in many parts of the world , record shops and record labels have been roaring back into life .
Respected industry website Music Business Worldwide now reckons recorded music revenues for 2020 could end up slightly higher than last year .
Yet while the business of selling music is looking healthier , the people who perform it - and those who make live music possible - are still suffering .
Gigs remain subject to safety measures and social distancing restrictions , so venue owners are having to having to think long and hard about when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meantime , one innovative firm has found a new way of bringing live music to a mass audience .
But even preparing to go back on stage is causing huge problems for bands , as unsung yet vital parts of the industry 's infrastructure buckle under the strain of the pandemic .
`` This is the biggest knock to live music in my lifetime , '' says Katya Stephenson , a director of the Joint studios in London 's King 's Cross area .
`` I 've been through two recessions and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a recession is often the thing that people resort to .
But I 've never seen anything like this .
This is something else . ''
For 26 years , the Joint has provided pre-gig rehearsal facilities and practice rooms to countless big names in the music industry , from the Pet Shop Boys and Suede to Adele and Sam Smith .
Now , however , the premises have been stripped bare and Katya is preparing to hand the building back to the landlord .
Even before the pandemic struck , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she realised how big an impact lockdown would have , she knew there was no point in seeing out her lease until 2021 .
At the start of this year , the studios were booked up until October .
But all that changed on Friday 13 March .
`` I came into work that day and I got 40 cancellations in the first hour , '' she told the BBC .
`` People were already panicking .
I went from full to completely empty within that first week . ''
With tours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bands had no need to rehearse .
And all the people whose jobs depend on live music were suddenly out of work .
`` I was talking to two tour managers in the space of a day , '' says Katya .
`` One was working as a courier and the other was working as a farm labourer .
`` I 'm closing down and I needed bands to move their equipment , which was stored in the building .
So they had a tiny bit of work moving equipment . ''
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live ?
And what about the sound and lighting crews and other people working in the industry ?
Well , Ric Salmon has come up with a way to help fill the void .
He 's chief executive of Driift , a new company set up at the start of lockdown as a way of making pay-per-view live shows available online .
In his other role as a director at ATC Management , he was seeing top clients such as Nick Cave and Laura Marling having to bail out of global tours with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Lots of artists were doing selfie-style Instagram live shows , but with just an iPhone , there 's only so much you can do , '' he told the BBC .
So he hit on an idea : what if you hired a venue , organised a performance with no audience and a small crew , then sold tickets to watch it being streamed live ?
The first show that Driift put on was an acoustic set by Laura Marling at the Union Chapel in Islington , London .
Digital ticket platform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the big question was : how much should they charge ?
`` We knew it would cost £30,000 to do something properly , which was a big investment and a hefty risk , '' says Ric .
Aiming to break even at least , he set the price at £12 , so that after sales tax , each one would bring in £10 .
That meant they had to sell at least 3,000 tickets .
`` In the end , we did more than twice that - 6,500 tickets , for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
Further performances followed : Nick Cave , Dermot Kennedy , Biffy Clyro and next month , Sleaford Mods .
About 40 shows are planned for the next nine to 12 months .
Ric sees the Driift model as something new that can complement existing music business formats .
For one thing , filming a live concert without an audience allows greater access to the performers , with no worries about camera crews getting in the public 's way .
And it provides work for professionals in the industry , with up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We realised that the global live music economy had literally frozen , '' he says .
`` This is injecting money back into the live music economy . ''
• 'People are hungry for new music after lockdown' • What might post-lockdown nights out look like ?
But what about actual live music events that you physically attend ?
Those have been possible again in England since 15 August , but only 16 venues across the country reopened on that date .
One of them was the Sound Lounge in Morden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wife duo Kieron Marshall and Hannah White .
The venue normally holds 250 people , but the audience was limited to 50 , with everyone sitting at carefully spaced tables .
The audience were allowed to clap , but dancing and cheering were not permitted .
Kieron said : `` Hannah performed and we did it as a pilot - we are not up and running fully yet .
`` On a realistic level , most venue owners are n't artists .
Hannah did it for free , the bar was run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Another venue , the Piano Works in London 's Farringdon district , is preparing to reopen in October .
The venue has a six-piece band which plays non-stop music and members of the audience request their favourite tunes .
But as operations director Tristan Moffat says , handwritten notes to the musicians wo n't work in the age of coronavirus .
`` We 're hoping to have a digital platform in place prior to opening , so requests are no longer on napkins , '' he told the BBC .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will have their temperatures taken and be sprayed with disinfectant in a special tunnel .
Clearly there is some way to go before going out to see a band is once again a normal part of our lives .
`` Unfortunately , the very last thing to come back in the world will be live music at any scale , '' says Ric Salmon of Driift .
`` We 're suffering an unprecedented scenario . ''

"In the end, we did more than twice that - 6,500 tickets, for a venue that holds 800," he says. Further performances followed: Nick Cave, Dermot Kennedy, Biffy Clyro and next month, Sleaford Mods. About 40 shows are planned for the next nine to 12 months.


bbcuk--2020-08-22--Coronavirus: London renting ‘feels different’ after lockdown

Job losses and a shift to remote working led many young people to leave the capital .
Fewer workers and @ @ @ @ @ a decrease in rents in some London boroughs .
According to housing website Zoopla the @ @ @ @ @ a six per cent drop in rents since the start of Lockdown .
In Tower @ @ @ @ @ cent .
But will cheaper accommodation costs be enough to bring back young people who @ @ @ @ @ ?

Job losses and a shift to remote working led many young people to leave London during lockdown.
Fewer workers has reportedly led to a decrease in rents in some London boroughs, according to housing website Zoopla.
The City of London has seen a 6% drop in rents since March 2020 and in Tower Hamlets it's 5%.
But will cheaper accommodation costs be enough to bring young people back to the capital.
Video by Claire Brennan