Community News

Two local partnering organisations, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Tipton & Coseley Building Society are celebrating the success of their affinity scheme in addition to their two milestone anniversaries. To commemorate the partnership, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity will also be holding a silent auction of an official signed Wolverhampton Wanderers FC shirt, kindly donated by Tipton & Coseley Building Society.

Whilst Black Country-based Tipton & Coseley Building Society is turning 120 this year, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is a quarter of the way there, celebrating its Air30 30^th birthday this year.

The silent auction of the official signed Wolverhampton Wanderers FC shirt opens on Monday 31^st May with the winner announced on Friday 11^th June ahead of the first Euros 2021 match. To enter, email the amount you would like to bid to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – the deadline for entries is 5pm Thursday 10^th June 2021.

Jon Cottrell, senior partnerships executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year for our partnership with Tipton and Coseley Building Society.

“As a football fan myself, I’m excited to get our silent auction launched to raise vital funds for our pre-hospital emergency service and strengthen the partnership.”

As part of the Tipton’s support of the charity, the building society launched the 30-Day Notice Midlands Air Ambulance Saver in 2020. It is a socially responsible savings account for those that want to save lives as well as their pennies. Not only will customers earn 0.40% gross/AER on their balance, but the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s rapid response emergency service will earn funds at no additional cost to the account holders.

Stephen James, from the West Midlands, a Midlands Air Ambulance savings account holder, said: “The Tipton’s Saver has allowed me to have a realistic interest rate and has resulted in further funds for the charity’s essential work.”

Terms and conditions apply. For further details about The Tipton and Coseley 30-Day Notice Saver, visit: www.thetipton.co.uk/midlandsairambulance

To find out more about the lifesaving work of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit: midlandsairambulance.com and follow the service on social media.

The introduction of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Birmingham must be supported by cheaper and more efficient green transport, a regional economist has said ahead of the rollout w/c Monday May 31.

Dr Steven McCabe said: “Though exemptions are possible, anything making life more financially challenging to Birmingham’s poorest citizens is unwelcome.

“Launching the CAZ whilst the city is still dealing with the fallout of the global pandemic is questionable, particularly for the retail and the night time economies in the city centre, Digbeth and the Jewellery Quarter.

“However, a cleaner Birmingham, especially in the city centre is undoubtedly one that’s far more attractive to inhabitants and visitors.

“The health benefit of reduced levels of harmful emissions is axiomatic.

"And CAZ may, it’s hoped, result in increased inward investment creating jobs in services and allied industries so desperately needed to improve prosperity and prospects for current and future generations.

“Crucially, what needs to accompany implementation of the CAZ is vastly improved, cheaper, more efficient, green transport to enable citizens to move around Birmingham.”

Cinemas may be open, but MADE.COM and Curzon are helping those who can’t make it out. In their latest MADEover, the brands have partnered with Allison Sadler (@allison_sadler_) to help those who aren’t able to head to their local cinema, by bringing the home movie experience to them instead. Allison has joined forces with online design brand MADE.COM to create a Home Cinema at Nehemiah Housing Association’s retirement scheme Charles Pearson Court in West Bromwich, with the help of Curzon's Home Cinema Membership. 

The project is part of MADE.COM's latest community support initiatives, transforming spaces to encourage people to come together after a year of disconnect and was designed by Birmingham based influencer Allison Sadler whose grandmother Mrs Theresa Powell lived at Charles Pearson Court for many years before passing away in June 2020.

Working virtually with the Nehemiah team throughout the whole project from photos, samples, measurements and Zoom calls, Allison and the Made.com designers created a scheme to suit the residents of Charles Pearson Court from both comfort and practical needs.

Charles Pearson Court Scheme Manager Lorraine Martin commented: “It was fantastic to have this opportunity, it will I am sure become the hub of activity now. In a time where everyone is facing their own individual challenges, we really appreciated the designers and brands donating products to Nehemiah and the residents of Charles Pearson Court.”

A new report from Which? has revealed that fewer than half (46%) of fraud victims who’ve unknowingly transferred money into scammers’ bank accounts are being reimbursed. The consumer watchdog is subsequently calling for strengthened standards to be put in place by banks to make the process fairer and more consistent. These scams, which affect thousands of customers each year, occur when a fraudster tricks the customer into transferring their money into another account in the belief that it is legitimate – for example to pay off an outstanding bill or for security reasons. 

In 2019, a voluntary code of conduct was introduced by high street banks. The code was designed to offer increased protection from scams, especially for vulnerable customers, by ensuring banks paid people back in the event of fraud. But, more than two years on, this type of fraud is still affecting honest Britons and personal finance experts at money.co.uk are urging people to remain on the high alert against criminals.

James Andrews, senior personal finance editor at money.co.uk, said: “Changes aimed at getting more people their money back are always welcome, but it’s still essential people know how to spot a scam when they see one, and how to protect themselves against it.

“There’s a real danger that announcements about new fraud rules or protections put in place by banks will see people relax and assume they are safe. Sadly, criminals are smart and all too often adapt to new rules and protocols almost as fast as they are unveiled.

“Worse, money transfer scammers use the customer themselves as a way past banking security. If a criminal can convince you to log in legitimately then get you to transfer money to a ‘safe’ account, or even withdraw it as cash, there is no technological solution that can prevent it.

“The good news is that banks are doing more to help, from ‘confirmation of payee’ - which puts extra blockers up against people impersonating others when asking people to transfer money - to warnings flashing up on screen all the way through to training for staff in branches and on the phone to help customers stay safer. Criminals often try to apply psychological pressure to get people to push past these barriers - posing as officials and telling customers they have already been scammed, are being targeted or even the subject of a criminal investigation from the police or HMRC.

“To stay safe, it’s essential you put in your own barriers too. If you get a call or message from someone saying they are from your bank or the police, get them to tell you their name, then call back - ideally from a different phone line - using the number you have on your bank statement or from another official, offline source. If it’s real, you will quickly be put through to the right person.

“Do not trust numbers or click on links sent to you as part of the warning - even if they look like they’ve come from your bank - as criminals can fake links, websites and even the number they appear to be calling or texting from. Despite these precautions, it’s still possible that even the most security conscious person will fall prey to a financial scam. If this does happen, it’s essential that you know what steps to take to get your money back and prevent a similar scam from happening in future. 

“The first step is to contact your bank directly using the methods outlined above as soon as you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud. Even if you’re not 100% certain at the time, your bank can increase security on your account as an interim measure while you investigate.

“Several banks also have the ability to temporarily freeze your credit and debit cards without cancelling them, so if you are mistaken you don’t have to wait for new cards to be set up. If the scam is to do with online banking, you should be able to get a direct refund under the Payment Service Regulations (2009) and The Lending Code. If the scam is credit card related, you should be protected on transactions of up to £30,000 under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act – so whatever the scam, there’s always a way of getting your cash back.  

“If you’re still unsure of the steps to take following an instance of fraud, check out money.co.uk’s handy guide on what to do if you’ve been scammed.” 

Renowned figures and highly respected members of the West Midlands business community have been revealed as the first charity champions to join acorns children’s hospice as part of an exciting new ambassador programme.

CEO and business founder, Jas Rohel; Entrepreneur, Personality and Hospitality Operator Phil Oldershaw; CEO Petro Nicolaides; Chartered Accountant and Managing Partner Johnathan Dudley; and Channel Partnership Manager Amy Deakin have been announced as the charity’s very first Business Ambassadors. The fab five will play a key role in raising awareness of Acorns within the business community and help raise vital funds towards its lifeline care for local life limited and life threatened children and their families.

Each of Acorns Business Ambassadors is joining the charity in a two-year partnership and has committed to raising £5,000 each year.

Libby Kaluna, Partnership Fundraising Manager at Acorns, said: “We’re extremely excited to launch this brand-new initiative and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have some of the region’s very best in business join us as our first Ambassadors.

“Their influence, passion and expertise will help us reach even more people within the business community and grow local support, which will make a massive difference to the children and families that need us.”

Acorns Business Ambassadors will represent the charity at various events during their tenure, from cheque presentations and networking groups to attending public engagements within the business community. The group will come together for quarterly meetings chaired by Paul Cadman, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Birmingham University and Acorns Vice President.

Libby added: “Each Ambassador will add their own voice and experience to help us raise awareness, campaign and fundraise. Together, they will help us continue to be there for some of the most vulnerable children and families across the region who rely on our lifeline care and support.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for life limited and life threatened children and support for their families from its three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community. In the past year the charity has cared for more than 800 children and over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

It cost Acorns £27,000 per day to provides its lifeline care and support, the bulk of which comes from fundraising and partnerships.

Noori Awan, the daughter of a Birmingham-based Pakistani businessman recalls, “We didn’t know what was happening.

How could a strong healthy man like my father be suffering from Covid. We just could not understand what was going on and we couldn’t get to see him.” Mr. Awan died, and like many others across Pakistan and the UK, Covid-19 has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands.

Songs Of Solitude (SOS), conceived and directed by Mukhtar Dar and Arieb Azhar, is an online digital collaboration that combines testimonials, spoken word, soundscapes, music, and movement to share stories of two Pakistani families - a Christian minority family in Pakistan and a Muslim minority family in Birmingham, whilst grieving for their loved ones, share hope for a better tomorrow.

The Emanuel family in Faisalabad, and the Awan family in Birmingham share heart-wrenching accounts of life and loss under the pandemic lockdowns. This international collaboration between Art Langar (Pakistan) and Kalaboration Arts (Birmingham), with a dynamic range of artistes, reflects on the isolation and loss during the liminality of the lockdowns. From Pakistan, Zohaib Hassan (Sarangi), Anna Hafisba (Gospel), Arieb Azhar (Spoken word) and Zain Ali (Composer) join forces with Waqas Choudhary and Waqas Malik (Bansuri) Muki aka Mukhtar Ahmad (Urban Singer) and Aishani Ghosh (Dancer) from Birmingham, to affirm that there is hope for a better tomorrow.

Covid-19 pandemic, climate catastrophe and the unprecedented global inequality are ravaging the lives and lands of the world’s poorest and most marginalised communities. The arts play a powerful role in any crisis, allowing us to reflect and express sadness and hope and to bring people and ideas together and contribute to challenging the status quo. In our challenges of the ‘new norm’, we must engage with the root cause of visceral injustices that the pandemic has exposed and draw together a plurality of experiences, visions and solutions from the Global South and North to bring about justice for all.

SOS is our expression, our collective voice of what it means to be human. It has allowed us to communicate across continents during this liminal moment, generating positivity, appreciation and hope amidst this ongoing crisis.

SOS world premiere and post-screening Q&A with the directors takes place as an online live stream

Dedicated pop-up vaccination clinics in Wolverhampton have protected some of the city’s most vulnerable people from coronavirus.

A partnership of local organisations and agencies including City of Wolverhampton Council has been working together to engage with and offer vaccinations to eligible people who were homeless or sleeping rough but may not have been able to access the vaccine. People experiencing homelessness face reduced access to healthcare services.

Many from this group are also likely to have health conditions that put them at higher risk of death or serious illness caused by Covid-19. Last month the council, in partnership with Black Country and West Birmingham Combined Commissioning Group (BCWB CCG), local GPs, support agencies and voluntary sector organisations, held a pop-up vaccination clinic at The Good Shepherd Ministry, led by Dr Kamran Ahmed, local GP and Clinical Director at BCWB CCG.

As a follow-up to a clinic held in February, homeless people and rough sleepers from across the city were joined by their support providers to get their second doses of life-saving jab in an environment they were familiar with. Over 150 people, including those experiencing homelessness and their support workers received their first vaccination on the day.

Dr Kamran Ahmed said: “Offering vaccines this way protects some of our city’s most vulnerable residents who are most at risk and ensure fewer people become seriously ill or die. By offering the vaccine, along with the right support, in a setting that people are familiar with, we were able to overcome some of the barriers stopping people from having their jab and saw good levels of uptake”

A range different levels of support were on offer to encourage people to have their vaccine, help them get to clinic and provide advice and reassurance on the day. These vaccination clinics followed partnership work at The Good Shepherd earlier in the year to raise awareness of coronavirus and the vaccine within the local homeless community and encourage regular testing.

Tom Hayden, Head of Operations at the Good Shepherd, said: “We were really pleased to link up with the council, CCG, and several other charities and agencies whom we already work closely with to host this second day of vaccinations.

“People who are homeless face additional barriers to accessing healthcare, so it was fantastic to be able to welcome them to the Good Shepherd and provide access to the vaccination, advice around Covid, and to do it amongst people they know and in a venue they feel comfortable. Service users were able to attend with their support staff who could talk them through the process and the benefits of receiving the vaccination and the added protection it can give them against the virus.”

Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, John Denley, added: “Outreach clinics like this are helping to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our city.

“The vaccine is proven to reduce serious illness caused by coronavirus by up to 85%, and evidence shows that is reduces transmission too. Whilst infection levels are falling across the city, we still need to make sure that everyone can have the vaccine as soon as it is their turn.

“By holding pop-up clinics in familiar surroundings, providing support and the right information we are making sure some of the city’s most vulnerable residents can access the vaccine and benefit from the protection it provides.”

For the third year running, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group is giving away £1million to charities with the return of its Movement for Good awards.

As of now, people in the West Midlands can nominate a cause close to their hearts for a potential £1,000 award to help make a difference. 500 charities will each receive £1,000 during the first phase of the campaign. A second phase of giving will happen later this summer.

Since the initiative began in 2019, over 3,900 West Midlands residents have nominated causes they care about, leading to the Movement for Good awards gifting £29,000 to charities across the county. Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, The Birmingham Dogs Home and The Lily Mae Foundation were amongst the beneficiaries, following overwhelming public support.

The nomination process is open until June 13. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, says: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of Ecclesiastical’s Movement for Good awards for the third year running. Our Movement for Good awards will continue to help charities at a time when they need it most and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.

“We were thrilled to receive so many nominations from the public last year and this year we are encouraging even more people to nominate a good cause. Ecclesiastical, the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK, is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business.”

A woman has been barred from Birmingham as an investigation continues after she was arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a pub doorman

Sharna Walker, who is 24-year-old, was released with bail conditions, including not to enter the city after clip of her swearing at a bouncer in the city’s Broad Street had been viewed more than three million times. West Midlands Police said it was gathering witness evidence before handing a file to prosecutors. They said that the woman, attended a police station at the force's request.

She is alleged to have used racist language towards the doorman outside Wetherspoon's The Figure of Eight pub, police said. A police spokesperson added: "She's also accused of racially abusing another man who was stood near the pub entrance and earlier damaging furniture inside the premises."

She was denied entry to the bar and was seen pushing the bodyguard, calling him a “Black Fist” and “f *** ing n *****” Turn around and spit in his body.

Tristan, 26, said he wants to be brought to justice for his abuse. He said: “I have had some incidents, but the use of racist language did not happen often.

“As a Black man and a doorman, I realize that both things are stigmatized. I feel that I must remain calm because I know that the colour of my skin may magnify my movements. In this case, I make sure that I can treat myself correctly.”

The footage of Walker’s prank was shared on social media. Wetherspoon said Miss Walker, from Worcester, had been escorted from the pub and cracked the glass door by kicking it.

"This behaviour is completely unacceptable and the woman is barred for life,” said spokesperson Eddie Gershon. "We will also be pursuing her for criminal damage and passing on the CCTV and bodycam footage to the police."

Regional manager, Heath Curley, praised the doorman, who is employed by an agency and works regularly on, for acting "calml." Mike Olley, who runs the Westside Business Improvement District, which covers the Broad Street entertainment mile, said that they would also be seeking to ban the woman from all city centre venues.

Residents in Birmingham fearing the loss of their playing fields have criticized the guardians of the estate for a “betrayal of trust”. The Yardley residents have been campaigning for six years against plans for housebuilder Persimmon to build on the land in Barrows Lane whose use for healthy recreational purposes has been protected for over a hundred years.

Having defeated a planning application in 2016 to build 82 homes on the site with a 1,500-word petition, the Yardley Community Trust is now embroiled in a renewed battle to prevent the Council from allowing an even bigger development of 110 homes. The residents have criticized Central England Co-operative (CEC) for wishing to sell its Sports & Social Club on Barrows Lane after ignoring all offers to discuss the future of the pitches, which are used by junior football teams.

Fay Goodman, Yardley Community Trust Spokesperson, said: “When they were a Municipal Co-operative in 1920, Central England Coop were appointed as trustworthy guardians of the Barrows Lane site under a covenant issued by the Cadbury/Barrows family to protect and manage the site for the benefit of the local community.

“The clear intention of CEC is to relinquish their responsibility and to profit from the exercise. Yardley residents are outraged by this betrayal of trust.” Fay claimed that offers made by local football clubs to maintain the pitches in exchange for using them have been ignored by CEC, and that an approach for dialogue by Birmingham City FC’s Community Trust has been rejected.

“The recent U-turn on the proposed European Super League showed the strength of feeling by grass roots football clubs and fans. We need the same support for football pitches for youngsters to play on, yet we have nationally lost over 34,000 pitches in a 13-year period between 2005 and 2018.

“This scandalous statistic demonstrates the veracity of green fields being covered with concrete by greedy builders – supposedly to satisfy our housing need. We know there are enough brownfield sites throughout the UK to accommodate that need, yet builders Persimmons want virgin land to make the most profit and CEC are willing providers.”

Fay continued: “It is estimated that we have enough space on derelict industrial land to build around 1.5 million properties in the UK. The number of brownfield sites continues to grow, outstripping the demand for houses on green land. There is absolutely no justification to concrete over any green land.

“Green spaces and parks generally act like the lungs of the city, cleansing and improving air quality in its proximity. The Covid-19 pandemic is teaching us the value of open spaces for air quality, tackling obesity and addressing mental health issues through physical activities. She added: “Yardley is already over-subscribed with houses by at least a third. We are already below the recommended apportionment amount of green space raising serious health concerns.”

Yardley MP Jess Phillips has expressed her on-going support: “I fully support the Yardley Community Trust’s aim of retaining the Barrows Lane sports fields for the community. We have been fighting the development on this site for years, as building on this site would both deprive residents of local open space, and also overdevelop an existing residential area without supplying adequate additional amenities for the community. 

"I sincerely hope the Central England Coop will give serious consideration to the Trust’s alternative plan for the site and engage constructively with residents to find a mutually acceptable outcome.”

Yardley East Councillor Neil Eustace, who has also been a strong supporter of the Trust’s cause, said: “Yardley needs its remaining green spaces protected for future generations. These fields are rich in rare wildlife and greenery. Future generations of local children need facilities for organised sport.”  

Over 250 individuals pitched their tents and camped out in support of Birmingham’s leading homeless charity, SIFA Fireside. Held on Early May Bank Holiday, the BIG Brummie Camp Out saw hundreds camp out raising vital funds for a local charity.

The annual event brought families, friends, students and colleagues together who spent a night under the stars, in their own homes, in support of Birmingham’s main day centre for vulnerable and homeless adults, SIFA Fireside. So far, more than £4,500 has been raised with donations still being received by the charity.

Leading local organisations and businesses also joined forces in support of the charity, contributing to the exclusive camper’s activity pack. For a minimum of a £5 donation, campers received recipes from restaurants, such as award-winning Carters of Moseley and OPUS, plus activities from ThinkTank Birmingham, and established ‘Brummie’ brand Punks & Chancers.

The event also included live entertainment from Birmingham’s Poet Laureate, Casey Bailey and finished with local nightclub The Night Owl’s DJ set. The Digbeth-based charity works to provide long term solutions for vulnerable adults; responding to individuals in crisis, standing by them in their recovery and working to prevent homelessness within Birmingham.

The aim is to get people off the streets and back onto their feet, giving them an opportunity to work towards a brighter future. The organisation is committed to supporting long term and sustainable routes out of homelessness, working closely with partners such as Birmingham City Council and Shelter UK.

The number of individuals requiring help has risen due to the Covid-19 pandemic and donations are now needed more than ever to help keep SIFA Fireside’s doors open.

Carly Jones, SIFA Fireside CEO, said: “Last year the BIG Brummie Campout was about SIFA Fireside surviving and providing hope during a very tough year for us all. This year, we focused on not only celebrating SIFA Fireside but also our amazing city and the fantastic independent businesses and creative communities that surround us and support us each year.

“Money raised enables us to continue our vital services and as the restrictions continue to ease, we’re able to do even more with our clients to support their journey working towards a brighter future. We have been overwhelmed by the support, of not only individuals who took part in the Big Brummie Campout, but from many local businesses that came together in support.”  

The UK is still yet to see the full extent the impact a year of lockdown has had on people’s relationships – according to an expert divorce lawyer at law firm Nelsons.

With couples couped up in lockdown due to the coronavirus, many law firms across the UK have reported an increase in enquiries from spouses wanting to split from their partners.

Emma Davies, partner and divorce solicitor at Nelsons, said that while law firm has experienced continually high levels of enquiries since April 2020, the divorce spike may yet be still to come.

Emma said: “We’re still yet to experience the full impact a year of lockdown has had on people’s relationships. No one anticipated the pandemic would last as long as it has. Every time restrictions have eased, some sort of tightening of the rules followed. Once the Covid restrictions are significantly and permanently eased, if they do happen in the summer as expected, I imagine we’ll experience another busy season – people will begin making longer-term decisions once more, which includes divorce.”

Has the pandemic caused a spike in people filing for divorce?

“Divorce rates over the course of 2020 increased and we experienced busy periods throughout the year. While we have been consistently busy, I wonder whether we are yet to see the true spike everyone was anticipating at the start of the pandemic. What is interesting is that we have seen different trends compared to a typical year.

“For example, from summer to the end of the year was busier than normal because restrictions eased. January is usually our busiest period but this year, while we still had a number of enquiries, it wasn’t perhaps at the level we would have expected to see. Schools closed and the country went back into a lockdown so there was a lot for people to deal with before taking action on any longer-term decisions they may have been thinking about before the Christmas period.

“During the first, full lockdown back in March 2020, we were quieter, mostly because it was really difficult for people to find a private space to speak to a divorce lawyer while working from home with their spouse. We had clients calling us from supermarket car parks, or the end of the garden – having a conversation about divorce when there’s the possibility of being overheard in the other room made it difficult. However, as lockdown restrictions eased towards the end of the spring, we noticed a high level of enquiries.”

Have the reasons as to why people have been filing for divorce changed over the past year?

“There hasn’t been a massive shift, but we have had clients who said the initial lockdown made them realise what it would be like to be retired together, and that spending that amount of time in close proximity was very difficult. Tensions ran high and people found themselves in the house all the time with their spouse, without the social release they could turn to beforehand.”

How have divorce proceedings changed as a result of the pandemic?

“From March 2020 through to the summer, there were huge delays, with some divorces taking 50 weeks at one stage. However, now everything has settled and more have access to the online system, the divorce process is much quicker. We have experienced divorces taking three to four months for the first time in many years where there are limited financial matters to be resolved or separating couples have reached an agreement, in one case, with the Christmas break intervening.

“Financial and children matters are mostly conducted remotely, either over the phone or via a video call; some are still carried out in person, particularly final hearings if evidence is required as the quality is better face to face. This is definitely more efficient and streamlined – you don’t have to travel to court and whereas previously, there would be a block list of several hearings from 10am, now you’re given a time for your remote hearing.”

With the negative impact Covid-19 has had on the economy, is now a good time to get divorced?

“Many people may have found themselves in a financially less advantageous position as a result of the pandemic – they may have been placed on furlough, for example, or their businesses could have suffered. However, the court is really mindful of people’s circumstances and the financial impact of the pandemic; every case is different and turns on its own individual facts, so it’s important to seek advice tailored to you.”

Prominent Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson is critically ill after being shot in the head, her party says. The Taking the Initiative Party said she was being treated in intensive care after the attack in the early hours of Sunday.

The 27-year-old has life-threatening injuries following the shooting on Consort Road, in Peckham, south London. A vigil was held in Ruskin Park, close to King's College Hospital where Ms Jackson is being treated.

Well-wishers played African drums and prayed for Ms Johnson to pull through. One speaker told the crowd: "In every community there are good eggs and bad eggs and we have to make sure those bad eggs are held accountable for their actions.

"Because it's not acceptable for those bad eggs to be attacking our warriors - be they male or female. Warriors who are out there every day without pay working for our families, working for our communities."

Police said at this stage there was no evidence the attack was targeted.

Detectives added that there was currently nothing to suggest the shooting victim had received any credible threats against her, and have appealed for witnesses. They have not confirmed her identity.

A friend of Ms Johnson, Imarn Ayton, said doctors had carried out surgery on her fellow activist, which had gone well and she was with her parents. She added that Ms Johnson had been at a party or gathering when she was injured but she did not believe that she was the intended victim.

"As far as I am aware... this incident is more related to rival gangs as opposed to her activism," Ms Ayton said. Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have been investigating at the scene and the surrounding area and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.

It is believed the shooting happened near a house where a party was taking place and a number of people may have been in the area, a Met Police statement said. The Taking the Initiative Party said the attack followed "numerous death threats".

Det Ch Insp Jimi Tele said: "This was a shocking incident that has left a young woman with very serious injuries. Our thoughts are with her family who are being provided with support at this terribly difficult time."

He added: "If you saw anything suspicious in the Consort Road area in the early hours of Sunday morning, or if you have heard information since that could help detectives, it is crucial that you get in touch."

There's only a week left of a national campaign - Local Shop Hero - to identify members of the public who have supported local businesses the most through the lockdowns of the past year.

The nationwide campaign, by the shop local platform ShopAppy.com, is inviting local businesses around the UK to nominate individuals that have helped them since the pandemic began, and judges will be selecting the top 3 nominations at the end of May — and sending them a thank you gift on behalf of all local businesses. Whether it has been customers continuing to shop local or promoting the plight of local businesses, volunteering to deliver local goods or supporting them when they've reopened, local communities have provided a lifeline to local shops around the UK and helped boost their morale.

Dr Jackie Mulligan, Leader of the Local Shop Hero campaign, High Street Taskforce expert and Founder of ShopAppy, explains: “This is the first chance for high streets around the UK to thank the people that have helped pull them through the worst trading environment in generations, and for us to identify the country's top 3 Local Shop Heroes. Local businesses adapted to the pandemic to continue to support their communities during the many cruel months of the past year or so.

“However, many of our businesses have mentioned their faithful customers who have helped them through these dire months. We want to champion these individuals who, perhaps unknowingly, have changed the fate of many of these businesses."

For Delia Prudence, owner of The Art Room in Scarborough, the support has extended to receiving gifts: “I have missed our customers so much over the past year and they clearly missed us, as one of my most loyal customers popped in on reopening day in April with a bottle of Prosecco and that kind gesture meant so much to me.”

Nick Trott of Stillmans Butchers in Taunton also believes his customers have been a fantastic help: “Our customers and friends have kept supporting us throughout the past year and were really patient as we adapted to new ways of working during the various lockdowns.” Meanwhile, beauty spa owner Amanda Allen of Heavenly Sensations in Kirkcaldy provided pamper packages for her customers during lockdown as well as ‘buy now, enjoy later’ vouchers.

She has found that many customers have refused to redeem them, being more eager for her to use the cash to ensure her business stayed in business: “I have seen such kindness and that has made me feel happier and more confident about the future. That has really pulled me through the worst of it.”

The rise in positive sentiment towards local businesses was first identified in research commissioned by Visa in late 2020, which showed that over half of Brits surveyed (54%) say it’s important to them to shop locally because they know how much their custom means, while 43% say they get a boost of happiness when they support local shopkeepers. This quest for the nation’s top three local shop heroes will confirm that this positive sentiment is very much a “a two-way thing.” Dr Mulligan adds:

“As things start to return to some kind of normal, we hope local communities remember how important their support is to local businesses and most of all that shopping local is for life, not just for lockdown." Local businesses can nominate their shop local hero by visiting ShopAppy.com/local-shop-hero and completing the short nomination form.

Deadline for nomintions is May 28, with announcements on the top 3 national Local Shop Heroes in early June.

Vehicle accidents on UK roads have fallen by 30% since Covid-19 struck and the UK was forced into lockdown for the first time, according to research by car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco. The number of people killed in vehicle accidents has fallen by a fifth during the pandemic, while the number of people seriously injured has dropped by 30%.

LeaseLoco submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to all UK police authorities, asking for data on vehicle accidents, for the periods March 2019 to February 2020 and March 2020 to February 2021. Police forces were asked to provide the total number of recorded vehicle accidents, fatalities and serious injuries during these two 12-month periods.

The figures revealed that Scotland Police recorded the biggest drop in vehicle accidents, with 45% fewer accidents recorded between March 20 - Feb 21 than March 19 - Feb 20. Thames Valley police force saw a 38% drop in vehicle accidents, while accidents recorded by the West Midlands police authority fell 37%. 

Across all police forces that responded, road accidents fell between 14% and 45%, as the country was plunged into lockdown three times from March 20 to Feb 21. This is not altogether surprising, as the Government told people to work from home and ordered everyone not to travel and stay local. As a result, cars have sat idle on driveways for long periods of time since March 2020 and roads have been quieter.

However, considering the reduced amount of traffic on the roads, reported vehicle accidents haven’t fallen as much as might have been expected, in some police authorities. For example, in Kent and Cleveland, accidents have fallen 15% and 14% respectively, during the pandemic.

The following table shows the ten UK police authorities that have seen the biggest drops in car accidents on UK roads during the pandemic.

Fatalities and Serious injuries

The number of people killed in vehicle accidents on UK roads during the pandemic fell by 20%. Durham (67%), Suffolk (60%) and Warwickshire Police (50%) reported significantly fewer fatalities - at least 50% - across the period March 20 to Feb 21, compared to the previous 12 months.

Three police forces - Kent, Cambridgeshire and Thames Valley - actually recorded more road fatalities during the pandemic, than the year before Covid-19 struck. Fatalities on Kent roads increased to 58 in the year since the first lockdown, compared to 40 during the previous 12 months. Durham Police recorded the sharpest drop in serious injuries, down 77% for the 12 months since the first lockdown. Leicestershire was the only police force to record more serious injuries between March 20 and Feb 21 vs the preceding 12 months - 269 vs 265.

John Wilmot, CEO ofLeaseLoco, comments: “Since the end of March 2020, the country has been plunged into lockdown three times. During each of those lockdowns, people were asked to stay at home and if they went out to stay local.

“Cars weren’t used and most roads across the country were quieter, which makes it a little surprising that the decrease in the number of accidents, fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads wasn't greater. The reality is that although roads were quieter during lockdown, as restrictions were eased we saw a surge of traffic on the roads as people were keen to take advantage of their new-found freedom. 

“This could have contributed to a spike in accidents and the same could happen again over the summer with millions of people choosing to take their holidays in the UK this year. There is a danger we could see more accidents than normal over the coming months as the roads become clogged with traffic. We would always advise people to inspect their car before a long journey, and that means checking the tyres, brakes and lights.

“It’s especially important to carry out a thorough check if your car has been sitting idle more than normal over the past few months.”

You could see for miles that hate has no place in Sandwell, as the Smethwick sky burst into rainbows of light to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The spectacular display at Lightwoods House was arranged by Councillor Richard Jones. Cllr Jones and his partner Cllr Richard McVittie were joined by members of Sandwell’s LBTGQ+ community for a candle-lit vigil. 

Cllr Jones said: “I thought a borough as diverse as Sandwell should shows its support for diversity and refusal to give in to hate.

“We kept numbers manageable and within government guidelines, so everyone stayed safe, but we made sure the message went out loud and clear. There’s no place for hate in Sandwell. Richard and I have both faced homophobia because of who we love, but we’re resolved to fight it and make sure that no-one growing up in Sandwell faces hate or discrimination because of what they are.” 

Sandwell Council raised the rainbow flag at the Council House in Oldbury to mark the day. 

Deputy council leader Cllr Maria Crompton said: “It’s a tragic and chilling fact that four in five anti-LGBT hate crimes and incidents go unreported, with younger LGBT people particularly reluctant to go to the police.

“That can’t continue, and that’s why Sandwell Council works with the police, partners and our borough’s wonderful LGBT community to fight fear wherever we find it.” Sandwell also has a network of third-party reporting centres, for anyone who doesn’t want to report any hate crimes, including on grounds of sexual identity, to the police or a formal body such as the council.