Community News

The building of a new £17.5million National Brownfield Institute (NBI) in Wolverhampton has moved a step closer after a planning application was submitted for it on the University of Wolverhampton’s Springfield Campus with the City of Wolverhampton Council supporting the University with its plans and final evaluations and, subject to planning approval being granted, it is hoped works will start on site later this year.It comes just two months after the announcement the scheme is to receive £14.9million of funding from the Government’s Get Building Fund for the West Midlands.

The city council worked closely with the Black Country LEP and West Midlands Combined Authority to secure the funding for what will be the flagship of the University of Wolverhampton’s ongoing £120million Springfield Campus development.

The NBI, designed by Associated Architects, will research and develop new construction methods and ways of regenerating contaminated land.A request for the remainder of the funding required forms part of the city’s bid to the Government’s Towns Fund.

The 12-acre Springfield Campus is already home to the Thomas Telford University Technical College, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills and the School of Architecture and Built Environment.These facilities combined with the NBI will lay the foundation for the delivery of a National Centre for Sustainable Construction and Circular Economy, which will focus on sustainability and the climate change emergency.

The NBI will be a world-class institute that provides the facility to develop advanced skills, technologies and methodologies through innovation and partnership with the construction industry; focuses on the practical application of future brownfield regeneration through the work of research teams; and leads policy development, research and innovation, and commercial services for brownfield regeneration.It will secure the City of Wolverhampton's position as a leader internationally in sustainable construction, circular economy and brownfield development and will deliver new skills, jobs and opportunities for local people in the city, which has been hard hit by the pandemic.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “It is great to see things moving at pace to bring forward this game-changing scheme for the City of Wolverhampton.

“We have seen the University’s Springfield Campus blossom into the reality of a European-leading Built Environment education campus.The addition of the National Brownfield Institute will make Wolverhampton a world leader in construction, regeneration and built environment, offering teaching and skills development, cutting edge research and innovation, and enterprise and business engagement through multi-sector partnerships.

“Most importantly it will deliver new skills, jobs and opportunities for local people in the city.It is all part of the multi-billion-pound investment on site or planned in our city – a city of opportunity – as we look to bounce back from the impact of Covid-19.”

University of Wolverhampton Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, added: “It’s wonderful to see the planning application for the new National Brownfield Institute being submitted so quickly.  As one of the shovel-ready projects announced in the recent Government’s Get Building Fund, we are keen to get the project off the ground.

“The NBI will be integral to the way we look at land remediation and regeneration across the Black Country and the UK and will play a pivotal part in unlocking industrial land to help tackle the housing shortage in our towns and cities.

“This is a great example of taking knowledge and teaching beyond the classroom and into the community. Not only will the Institute be crucial in developing innovative and sustainable ways of remediation it will create a nationwide repository for brownfield sites and help businesses and entrepreneurs establish business related to the Brownfield development supply chain as well as helping to create a highly skilled and interdependent workforce operating across the land remediation sector within geoscience, engineering, planning, consultancy, contractor, architecture and the built environment sector.

“The Institute will be a fantastic addition to the £120 million Springfield Campus which is a key strategic project for the University offering an unrivalled built environment hub and centre of excellence which will be among the biggest and best in Europe. Alongside our partners, we are committed to realising the vision of the site and the part this will play in regenerating Wolverhampton as well as supporting the West Midlands Combined Authority to deliver its ambitious and compelling brownfield strategy. This is part of the City’s wider ambitions to establish a national centre for sustainable construction and the circular economy in Wolverhampton.”

Tom Westley DL, Chair of the Black Country LEP Board, said: “It is fantastic that the National Brownfield Institute project continues to move forward, thanks to the investment from Government but also testament to the hard work of all our project partners.

“The National Brownfield Institute will create jobs and support skills development across the area as well as provide an opportunity to showcase the innovative skills already here in the Black Country. The Black Country LEP is delighted to support projects such as these which are making a real positive impact on the local economy as our region looks to recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, Chair of the WMCA, added: “The National Brownfield Institute is all about establishing the West Midlands as a global leader in the development and use of state-of-the-art construction techniques and in the clean-up and regeneration of derelict land.

“The NBI will be critical to the region’s economic recovery because, not only will it help us transform old industrial sites with new homes and modern business premises, it will also help give local people the modern construction skills they will need to gain employment and build these new schemes.

“This scheme is a key part of both our wider brownfield-first housing plan to continue our record house building whilst protecting the greenbelt, and our plan to get the West Midlands economy back on track by securing a green and inclusive recovery that offers local people the opportunity for a decent, affordable home, and a well-paid job in the industries of the future.”

Celebrate Black history through the wonderful world of rum, RUMFEST, the UK’s premium event of its kind, will be bringing an international celebration of rum and cane spirit.

The Rum Experience Company prides itself on bringing together the finest rum, great food and a range of educating seminars and entertainment to make learning about rum both fun and stimulating. And, this year, due to the global pandemic that has affected everyone, they have decided to host not one large event but a week of smaller events around London.

Starting from October 15 to 21^st, there will be events throughout London involving some incredible venues, showcasing their talents & celebrating all that is Rum with packages including: 5 x 50ml Premium Rums, Cocktail Ingredients and CCUK Cup.

The festival was founded by Global Rum Ambassador Ian Burrell in 2007, who was keen to promote rum as a drink.

He worked in the drinks trade as a bartender since 1990. In 1998, he had started working with the Jamaican rum distiller, blender and bottler J. Wray and Nephew Ltd.

Burrell, the UK’s only trade and consumer drinks expert for the rum industry and world’s largest rum festival, said: “It’s not just a spirit, it’s a lifestyle”.

He also worked for other drinks brands on an ad hoc basis and with organisations such as the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association, which represents several different Caribbean rums.

RUMFEST organisers will be sticking to etiquette guidelines from previous shows to ensure that all guests have an enjoyable event. And by buying a ticket for an event during RumFest Week 2020, you will agree to be abiding by common-sense guidelines which have been designed to ensure a convivial, safe environment for everyone at the various events.

“Music, rum and great company - what more do you need!” Burrell says. “Stay safe and drink rum responsibly!”

The UK RumFest has led to the influence of rum festivals and fairs all over the world including The Miami Rum Renaissance festival, the Berlin Rumfest, Paris Rhum fest and the first rum festival in Mauritius.

They come from near and far to get the very best, fresh Caribbean fruits and vegetables there is in Birmingham. And B Caney grocers and convenience food store have well and truly proved to be the zenith for the ultimate destination.

Situated at the corner of Soho Road and Boulton Road, in Handsworth in Birmingham, a constant flow of regular, always very pleased customers have made it the ‘must-go-to’ shop to get the best named Caribbean products and the too-often hard to get products that is regular on the majority of the Caribbean islands. It’s about giving that ‘back home’ feeling.

Run by the knowledgeable and affably named ‘Short Man’, his position in the multi-cultural metropolis that he calls his home has proved a haven for those from pretty much all the communities around him who only want the very best.

He is continuing the ‘food’ ethos from his mum, who has provided a food outlet at carnivals throughout the UK for over 30-years.

Whether it be ackee, callaloo, guinep, guava, sugar cane, sweet sop and soursop, Caribbean seasoning, and much more, there is nowhere that can beat it.

And, as he is always thinking ‘one-step-ahead’, Short Man is thinking big for the future.

“Having fully established myself here”, he says, “I’m forever looking to the future, for the benefit of my partner and children with plans to expand the business and, eventually open a superstore so that I can cater for everybody.

“That’s important for me now having seen the varied nationality who come here – from around the city, county and, indeed, towns and cities the length and breadth of the UK.

“And this Black History Month only enhances people’s love of the foods I sell and grows B Caney on an even greater scale.

“And, as I encourage the next generation behind me, ‘If I can do it, you too can do it.’ Just don’t let anything or anyone get in the way of your dream.”

Happy that everybody around him loves to engage with him and his first-class produce, Short Man is thinking big for him and his family’s future.

Next time you’re in Birmingham and you fancy quality authentic Caribbean produce to give you that unmistakable reminder of the region, of you can’t go wrong with Short Man and his selection.

Short Man believes the key to life starts with healthy living, and that is why he is so passionate about providing only the very best fresh produce for his customers, who love to talk with him, as much as they love his wares and the atmosphere he has created.

Wolverhampton’s libraries have marked Black History Month by selecting a range of books for younger readers to enjoy.

They have been chosen to help children, young people, families and teachers explore race, identity, culture and achievements. Titles include, for two to five year olds, Baby Ruby Bawled by Malaika Rose Stanley and Fruits by Valerie Bloom, and for three to five-year-olds, So Much by Trish Cooke.

Children aged five to seven can enjoy Look Up by Nathan Bryon, The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, Baba’s Gift by Beverley Naidoo, Dominic Grows Sweetcorn by Mandy Ross, My Two Grandads by Floella Benjamin, Luna Loves Library Day by Joseph Coelho, Grace and Family by Mary Hoffman and Sulwe by Lupita N’yongo. For readers aged seven to 11, there is Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson, Funky Chickens by Benjamin Zephaniah, and Little Leaders – Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison, while Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom is recommended for the over 7s.

For eight to 11-year-olds, there is Peacemaker by Malorie Blackman, and   Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes is suitable for readers aged nine and over. For readers aged 11 and over there’s Ghost by Jason Reynolds, High Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson, Coming to England by Floella Benjamin and Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, while those aged 13-plus are recommended The Hate U Give and On the Come Up, both by Angie Thomas.

The city’s libraries remain closed to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic, though library members can order these titles and more through the ‘We Select, You Collect’ service.

Customers can pre-order titles via the online library catalogue at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 01902 552025 and pick them up at a pre-arranged time from Central Library, Warstones Library, Wednesfield Library or Bilston Library.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “Our library staff have selected an excellent range of titles with something for everyone and this is a great way for young readers and their families to join in with this year’s celebration of Black History Month.”

The theme of Black History Month 2020 is to honour the accomplishments of black Britons throughout history. It marks how the nation’s culture and society has been made stronger thanks to the people who travelled to the UK to build new lives as well as the achievements and contributions of their descendants.

As students across the country begin a different version of fresher’s week this week, online food portal Foodhub are offering students across Birmingham the chance to bag a years’ worth of free food worth over £750!

Students from universities in Birmingham will be able to apply for the Tastiest job as Chief Student Taste Tester for Foodhub – winning the chance to taste offerings from takeaways and food outlets in their area for free! 

To apply for the dream job, students from universities across Birmingham simply have to visit this link and either show or tell Foodhub why they have the best tastebuds for the job. Students feeling particularly adventurous can upload a video of themselves explaining why they should be chosen for the best job on campus. 

The winning student will be chosen by a panel of food experts and will be expected to write reviews of the local takeaways they visit – getting their weekly supply of free grub from their favourite Birmingham takeaways. 

To be eligible for entry, students simply need to use their university email address when submitting their job application. 

Wil Chung, Foodhub spokesperson, said: “We know that virtual freshers’ week won’t be as fun as previous years so we want to offer students the chance to bag the best job at Uni. “We want to ensure we have the tastiest, best takeaways across the region on our app and know that students are connoisseurs of takeaway food when they first leave home so we couldn’t think of a better person to join our team.“If you’re at university in Birmingham then we want to hear from you, simply tell us – in words or video - why you are the best person to take on the takeaway tasting challenge. In return, that person won’t need to buy a takeaway meal for a whole year!” 

All runners up who aren’t chosen for the taste testing job will receive a 25% discount code of their next takeaway from Foodhub. 

Foodhub, launched its online food website and app in 2017. There are more than 14,000 takeaways currently featured online at foodhub.co.uk and through the apps available for iOS and Android.  

The Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) have today announced a series of online celebratory events throughout Black History Month in the run up to their Awards Ceremony on October 30. This year’s celebration will culminate a landmark year in history for racial equity and showcase the outstanding achievements, resolve and dedication of the Black British community.

The celebration kicked off on October 6th with the Finalist Unveiling event, honouring the long list of incredible individuals who are in the running for this year’s awards. The inaugural event will bring together past winners of the prestigious Black British Business Person of the Year award, including Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE, Andrew Ramroop OBE, Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, Gisela Abbam and Roni Savage, to explore the power of Black identity and legacy, and to showcase the depth and breadth of Black British businesses in the UK.

Open to all, the BBBAwards will host a series of interactive Industry Celebrations from October 8 to 27 to recognise the senior leaders, rising stars and companies dedicated to changing the narrative in the categories of Arts and Media, Consumer and Luxury, Financial Services, Professional Services, Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Entrepreneurs.

Chizzy Akudolu, award-winning actor, film producer and writer, will host the final event where this year’s winners of the BBBAwards will be revealed. In addition to celebrating the achievements and promise of the 2020 winners, the event will also include a special recognition for Black British frontline workers. These key individuals have long provided critical support and service in their communities, but this year’s pandemic has seen them go above and beyond.

Melanie Eusebe, Chair and Co-Founder of the Black British Business Awards said: “The Awards are a fantastic opportunity for the Black British Community and our allies to come together in celebration during Black History Month. The BBBAwards is helping to bring the community, allies and active organisations into a shared space, shining a light on Black excellence and achievements during these challenging times.”

Sophie Chandauka, Co-Founder of the Black British Business Awards said: “Our Finalists remind us of the importance of self-belief despite the odds; the merit of striving for excellence; and the requirement for perseverance and resilience. They are all role models and trail blazers, demonstrating unquestionable commercial impact, defying stereotypes and creating opportunities for those who follow in their footsteps.”

The BBBAwards have the privilege of partnering with J.P. Morgan as Key Partner of the Awards.

Sponsors also include Barclays, Baker McKenzie, Bloomberg L.P., Cisco, the Executive Leadership Council, Facebook, Fortnum and Mason, Freshfields, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Virgin Management, Wellington Management and Wells Fargo.

The Daily Telegraph is the national media partner at this year’s awards ceremony for the fourth year running.

To register for the events visit: www.thebbbawards.com

Town centres will be lit up with Christmas lights and Remembrance Sunday will also be marked in Sandwell, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sandwell Council today confirmed that although Christmas light switch-ons and Bonfire Night events would not be able to go ahead, the council would do everything possible to celebrate events and mark important dates without large public gatherings.

Councillor Maria Crompton, Deputy Leader for Sandwell Council, said: “We’ll be doing all we can to mark Remembrance Sunday in a safe way.

“A decision will be taken in the coming weeks on how best to do this, given that the current high Covid-19 infection rates and restrictions will inevitably prevent large-scale public events.

“We’re awaiting national guidance on commemorating Remembrance Sunday and working on how Sandwell will mark the day in a Covid-safe way.

“It is so important that we still pay tribute to all of those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts – and we are already looking at a series of virtual Remembrance activities as part of our planning for November. We’ll release more details on this later in the month once we have received national guidance.

“Sadly, and it won’t come as a surprise to people that we won’t be able to mark Bonfire Night in the usual way and there will not be a council-organised public fireworks display in Sandwell this year.

“We’re also looking at ways to celebrate Christmas virtually and, although sadly we won’t be able to have Christmas lights switch-on events that people can attend, we will of course be putting up lights in our town centres as we do each year.

“This will help support local traders and businesses after a very challenging year, as well as brightening up our town centres for shoppers and our communities.“Our number one priority is to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Sandwell and to keep our communities safe – while making sure these important occasions are observed despite the virus meaning we can’t hold physical events attended by the hundreds of people who usually enjoy them.”

Proposals for a £2million programme to engage 200,000 community participants in Birmingham 2022 culture-related activities is set for approval by the city council’s Cabinet on October 13.

The funding will be transferred by the council to the Games Organising Committee (OC) as part of the Creative Communities Grants Programme – which will see at least 110 small grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 delivered to Birmingham-based groups to create artistic projects across the city.

As part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations in 2022, the OC will be delivering a six-month cultural festival across Birmingham and the West Midlands from March to September 2022.

The festival aims to promote and showcase the rich and diverse creative talent of the city and region to a global audience – and to support the local cultural economy to not only recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but to grow and thrive in the future.

It will also provide a key opportunity for Birmingham residents to come together by directly engaging with and participating in the activities surrounding the Games, as artworks, events and performances occupy the high streets, neighbourhoods, parks, waterways, venues and civic spaces of the city over a six-month period.

The £2million from Birmingham City Council for the grants programme to support the delivery of the festival will help connect Birmingham residents and communities of all ages from every ward of the city with artists to co-create new art works and projects.

Councillor Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “We always said the Games are more than 11 days of fantastic sporting competition. The festival programme is clear evidence of this and a great way for the Proud Host City and other Games Partners to widen the relevance of the event to as many people in the city and region.

“These grants will enable groups and organisations with roots in Birmingham to showcase the very best of the city’s creativity to an international audience, and prove what we have always known – Birmingham is a great place in which to live, work or visit.

“As we look to recover from the devastation and tragedy that the coronavirus pandemic has caused people and businesses in the city, this fund will help support a hard-hit creative sector and give us a programme of events to look forward to in less than two years’ time.”

Separately, the city council has set aside £80,000 to support 20 arts groups to develop proposals that will enable them to take advantage of the £2million fund.

Martin Green CBE, Chief Creative Officer of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games said: “Birmingham City Council’s fantastic commitment to the Games culture programme means that the city's communities will be centre stage. It is timely, welcome news, and will provide important opportunities to a creative sector facing incredibly uncertain times.

“The projects commissioned through the Creative Communities Grants Programme will see the work of residents and organisations from across the city standing proudly and equally next to that of major cultural and artistic institutions from across the region.”

The £2million set for Cabinet approval is one-third of an overall city council fund of £6million, approved in the 2020/21 council budget, designed to support Commonwealth Games community engagement, involvement and legacy programmes for Birmingham residents.

Further details on the remaining £4million (which includes a £2million funding package to be distributed amongst the council’s 69 Wards) will be announced in the coming months – along with more information on how organisations can bid for the Creative Communities grants.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held from 28 July until 8 August 2022, will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to put the city, the region and its people on the global stage.    

The Games is already proving to be a catalyst for transformation across the West Midlands, attracting new investment and funding, creating jobs and apprenticeships for local people and new opportunities for local businesses, as well as accelerating projects that will ensure the region is ready to host a fantastic sports and cultural celebration.    

Birmingham 2022 will be the Games for everyone, bringing people together from across Birmingham and the region, to provide a warm welcome to millions of visitors during the summer of 2022.   

Find out more at www.birmingham2022.com

The Games has five mission pillars which set out the ambitions for the city (and wider region) in hosting the Commonwealth Games:

• to bring people together
• to improve health and wellbeing
• to help the region to grown and succeed
• to be a catalyst for change
• to put us on the map.

These mission pillars link directly back to the fifth objective of the Birmingham City Council Plan – ensuring Birmingham residents gain maximum benefit from the Commonwealth Games.

To mark the beginning of this year’s Black History Month the Royal Mail unveiled four special post boxes to honour leading Black Britons.

The post boxes, in London, Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast, have been painted black, with a gold trim and an image of a notable Black British figure or a piece of work by them.

The artwork, by Yinka Shonibare, amongst others, was commissioned by the Royal Mail to produce original artworks for a set of special stamps issued to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Academy

One of the figures included on the post boxes include footballer Walter Tull, who became the first Black player to sign for Scottish Premiership giants Glasgow Rangers, who was killed in action in the British Army in World War I.

Tull also played for Tottenham Hotspurs and Northampton Town.

Jamaican-born nurse Mary Seacole who cared for wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War, also features prominently during this series.

Also featuring heavily is comedian, actor, writer and Comic Relief co-founder, Sir Lenny Henry.

Royal Mail's head of diversity and inclusion, Peter De Norville, said: “Black History Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions that Black people have made to this country over many generations.

“We are also using it as an opportunity to celebrate the vital work that our Black employees do throughout the nation, from the mail bag to the meeting room.”

Plans for Moseley Station have been approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee.

All three proposed stations on the Camp Hill line – Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell - now have planning permission marking a major step forward for plans to reopen the line to passenger services.

The new Moseley Station will include platforms with a canopy, stairs and lifts, a forecourt drop off/pick up area, covered cycle storage, lighting and CCTV installed.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) consulted widely with the community, including the Moseley Forum and Moseley Regeneration Group, before submitting the plans.

Following that consultation a traffic light junction at the station entrance with St Mary’s Row was replaced with a roundabout.

Welcoming the decision, David Isgrove, chair of the Moseley Forum, said: “This is fantastic news after years and years of hoping and waiting. The opening of the railway station will be of great benefit to the community.

“And we’d really like to thank all those involved in getting this decision through, from our own community groups, such as the Moseley Society and the regeneration group, to members of the Moseley Forum and to our councillors and Mayor Andy Street.”

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “The community was overwhelmingly supportive of reopening the Camp Hill line to passenger services for the first time since the Second World War.

“But they did raise some concerns about the traffic light junction and we listened, looked again and found we were able to redesign the entrance.

“The new station at Moseley will provide residents with easier and faster connections to Birmingham city centre and the wider West Midlands and now with planning permission secured for all three stations we can move on to the next stage.”

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) along with rail industry partners including Network Rail and West Midlands Trains are leading the development of the new stations.

Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “These long-awaited stations will offer commuters in south Birmingham an alternative to sitting in traffic on the busy Alcester Road and will play a major role in helping us reduce pollution and improve our air quality.

“This is just one part of our unprecedented investment in rail, tram, bus and cycling across the region which will help transform the way we travel.”

Marking the start of Black History Month, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have called for the end of "structural racism".

As they highlighted leaders in the UK's Black community Prince Harry and Meghan have said that there had been changes in the UK in the past 30 years but "sufficient progress had not been achieved".

The couple recently urged voters in the US election to "reject hate".

The duke and duchess have moved to Santa Barbara with their son Archie and agreed a deal to create shows for the streaming service Netflix, having stepped back as senior royals in January.

They said that "if you are white and British, the world you see often looks just like you" and spoke of the importance for young people of seeing role models and leaders who share the same skin colour as them.

"For as long as structural racism exists, there will be generations of young people of colour who do not start their lives with the same equality of opportunity as their white peers. And for as long as that continues, untapped potential will never get to be realised," they warned.

The Duke and Duchess concluded the article by saying: "We cannot change history, nor can we edit our past. But we can define our future as one that is inclusive, as one that is equal, and one that is colourful." Race equality think tank Runnymede describes structural racism as "the set of circumstances artificially created over generations, through European colonialism, which holds 'whiteness' to be superior."

After the article was published, a spokesman for Prince Harry told the BBC: "The Duke believes structural racism exists in the UK and I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who disagrees with that.

"He is not saying that Britain itself is structurally racist or that Britain is racist." The spokesman said the Duke was referring to parts of institutions in Britain.

Adding to that, Meghan said she understood that the Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd's murder in the US had been "inflammatory for a lot of people" but said when there is peaceful protest with the intention of wanting community and equality, "that is a beautiful thing".

She added: "While it has been challenging for a lot of people certainly having to make this reckoning of historical significance that has got people to the place that they are, that is uncomfortable for people.

“We recognise that. It is uncomfortable for us."

Harry said he accepted some of their views may be seen as "controversial" but said it was an important time to use their platform. He said it was not about "pointing the finger" but was an important time in British and world culture "that we should be grasping and actually celebrating".

Sandwell Council is thanking Black Country sculptor Luke Perry for the Wings and Scrubs sculpture that has honoured NHS and care workers, as the temporary installation came to an end. The four-metre tall sculpture of a winged medical worker, made from steel and other metals in Luke’s Cradley Heath factory during the spring lockdown, stood in Lightwoods Park in Bearwood since May.

The installation – featuring the inscription ‘Thank you NHS and Care Workers’ – was a private donation in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the outpouring of gratitude to health and care staff.

Luke said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the Wings and Scrubs ‘angel’. It’s unified people and provided a space and a focus for thoughts and conversations about the pandemic and the inspirational efforts of NHS and care workers.Like everyone, I have family members who owe their lives to the NHS and I wanted to create a piece of public art that captured the huge public outpouring of thanks to our health and care workers.

“We always said this would be temporary installation, as the work was not designed to be permanent. It’s therefore best to take down the sculpture now, before it begins to show signs of wear and ahead of the winter. I want people to remember it positively rather than in fading glory.

“Given it has been so well received, the council and I have seen the potential to create a permanent tribute in Sandwell and we are now looking at opportunities for this.”

The details of a potential permanent tribute, including design and location, are still to be developed, and Luke, who lives in Stourbridge, will be discussing ideas with the council and local health organisations over the coming months.

He said the materials from Wings and Scrubs will now be recycled for another project in the Black Country. Sandwell Council Deputy Leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “We would like to thank Luke Perry for the wonderful Wings and Scrubs sculpture. We have been proud to have it in Sandwell.

“We look forward to discussing ideas for a potential permanent tribute with Luke and our health partners in Sandwell.We owe a huge debt of gratitude to NHS and care staff – as we do to all key workers – for their efforts, their bravery and their sacrifices.We know Covid-19 has not gone away. The virus remains a serious threat and, with rapidly rising infection rates and the winter just around the corner, our health and care workers face another very challenging time ahead.

“Please – I ask everyone – to follow all the rules and all the advice to prevent the further spread of the virus, to protect ourselves, our loved ones, our NHS, our care staff and all our key workers.”

Luke Perry’s long friendship with Oscar Nolan – a paediatric heart consultant at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital – and his conversations with Oscar about those working for the NHS were the inspiration for the temporary Wings and Scrubs installation.

The sculpture was located on the Hagley Road West side of Lightwoods Park due to it being a key commuter route used by many hospital and care workers travelling to and from Birmingham and the Black Country.

McDonald’s and the English Football Associations are inviting parents to sign up for one of over 160 McDonald’s Fun Football Centres, designed to give fun, free physical activity to thousands of children across the country. A new survey shows that over-half (52%) of parents are facing financial difficulties as a direct result of the pandemic, and 72% are desperately seeking  opportunities for their children to be more active - meaning the centres will be more important than ever for families.

From Aberdeen to Yeovil the sessions up and down the country aim to introduce thousands of 5-11 year olds to the nation’s favourite game for the first time regardless of gender or ability. Every session is designed to be as safe as possible, and all activity follows the latest guidance from the Football Associations, government and public health authorities.

The Fun Football curriculum includes introductory activities perfect for children with no footballing experience, helping them develop their all-round skills, get active and make new friends.

Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s UK and Ireland Chief Executive Officer said: “As a dad of two football-mad children desperate for activities during lockdown, I know how important it is for kids to get out and about, socialising and being active. Through our Fun Football programme we are proudly providing 5 million hours of football for children and introducing more than half a million new players to the game by 2022.”

The Fun Football sessions are part of the four year deal between McDonald’s - the longest-standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK - and the four UK Football Associations, which will see the restaurant company provide over 5 million hours of football to 5-11 year olds by 2022, having already delivered 2.8m by March this year.

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The UK government has warned of "tougher measures" if people do not follow the latest coronavirus restrictions. In a television broadcast Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "we must reserve the right to go further" if cases continue to rise.

Tighter restrictions were announced in all four UK nations. Mr Johnson warned they could last up to six months.

In England, people are being told to work from home if they can and rules on face coverings have been expanded. Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will have to close by 22:00 BST, and the number of people allowed at weddings has been halved.

Meanwhile, the fines for breaking the rules will also increase to £200 on the first offence.

Hospitality venues will also have to close early in Scotland and Wales - but Scotland has gone further, banning people from visiting other people's homes from Wednesday. Northern Ireland has also already banned households mixing indoors.

The government's chief medical adviser, Prof Chris Whitty, is understood to believe it is inevitable England will to have to follow Scotland's latest move, according to the Times.

Conservative MPs also expect limits on visits to households to be "the next step".

"They don't like it but they could probably live with it," he said, though he added that if the government went further with restrictions on the hospitality sector "that would really create insurrection on the Tory benches". The PM will face further scrutiny from MPs in the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions.

Defending the latest strategy, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said there was no "one silver bullet" but the range of measures introduced in England were "balanced, proportionate and targeted".

"Overwhelmingly the public have responded every time but increasingly there's been a small minority where compliance has frayed," he added.

He said that if people follow all the measures - and no one thinks they are immune - "we will get through this and we will get to Christmas not in a national lockdown".

Mr Johnson's warning that stricter measures could follow comes six months after the UK's coronavirus lockdown - first announced on the 23 March - which saw strict curbs on life to tackle the spread of the virus.

People were told to only leave home for one of four reasons, including shopping for food and medicine, exercise, medical needs and travelling to and from work "where absolutely necessary".

In his pre-recorded address from Downing Street, PM Johnson said he was "spiritually reluctant" to infringe on people's freedoms, "but unless we take action the risk is that we will have to go for tougher measures later, when the deaths have already mounted".

He added that while the vast majority have complied with the measures so far, "there have been too many breaches".

Former Labour home secretary Alan Johnson has since criticised the prime minister for suggesting the public is to blame for rising cases. People have been "extremely compliant and obedient" but the message hasn't always been clear, he said.

Meanwhile, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has called for more "unifying messages" from the UK's four nations.

"Wherever possible it is much better to stick together, because simplicity of messaging is one of the things that will make the biggest difference in terms of complying with the rules," he said.

The devolved nations have their own powers over coronavirus restrictions, and their leaders made separate televised addresses.

Scotland's Deputy First Minister John Swinney acknowledged the new rules banning people from visiting other people's homes were "difficult and disruptive" and said they would be reviewed every three weeks.

"No one wants to have this in place a moment longer. The more public compliance, the more successful we will be," he said.

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford urged people not to let the virus "take a hold of our lives again", and Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster said tougher restrictions should act as a "wake-up call" that "we are not out of the woods".

A major new scheme to help people and companies embrace the digital revolution has been launched in the West Midlands with aim of protecting thousands of ‘at risk’ jobs from the impact of Covid-19.

The new Foundation Certificate in Digital Skills, which is being funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), will give individuals access to a series of online masterclasses that will equip them with the fundamentals of Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation and Smart Thinking.

Delivered by Scale and Scope and global online learning platform Elevate.ac, the sessions will be delivered by digital expert Omer Atiker, with learners also able to access three more virtual presentations covering anything from Art Means Business and Exceptional Leadership, to Working from Home and an insight into Electric Vehicles.

More than 2000 people from across the region have already signed up, with thousands more free places available for individuals looking to upskill and firms keen to redeploy members of staff to other areas of their business.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty in the region at the moment and we want to do everything we can to equip people with the type of skills companies are increasingly looking for,” explained Matthew Snelson, Managing Director of Scale & Scope.

“Digital is where the business world is going and we have been able to secure funding that gives us free access to Elevate.ac, which is one of the leading virtual learning platforms in the world.”

He continued: “It’s like the ‘Netfix’ of digital skills courses, with participants able to log-in and take four mandatory courses and three masterclasses to suit their specific role or interests, in order to secure the certificate.

“We’re targeted two main groups…people out of work and looking to make themselves more employable for new opportunities and companies who are embracing digital transformation and need to upskill workers in order to keep them in jobs.”

The Digital Foundation Skills Certificate can be completed over the next three months and at a time that is convenient for participants, with people encouraged to sign up by the end of September.

Masterclasses are all professionally created and delivered by experts in their field over a series of bite-sized chapters. They will offer practical advice, insights into new trends and how your new-found knowledge can be applied to everyday jobs.

Rob Clarke, Founder of Elevate.ac, went on to add: “For candidates completing the programme, we are also creating pro-memberships of Elevate.ac where individuals can post their video profiles and get coaching from the team to help them gain employment.

“Alongside the Digital Foundation Certificate, the pro-membership package is valued at £2500.

“Our project will create a pool of people ready for employment, as well as a fantastic opportunity for companies and start-ups to become better placed to make the most of digital opportunities.”

He concluded: “The West Midlands Combined Authority has been behind this initiative from day one with support and funding to make it happen. It fits with the organisation’s bid to protect as many jobs from Covid-19 as possible and is part of its desire to make us a world class digital region.”

For individuals in the West Midlands area, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for your fully funded VIP access pass to the Digital Skills Certificate.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is to make an announcement about what happens after the furlough scheme expires at the end of October.

"I will update the House of Commons on our plans to continue protecting jobs throughout the winter," he tweeted.

The move comes after a day of mounting pressure on the government.

He is understood to be looking at options including a salary top-up scheme, similar to those already operating in France and Germany.

At the same time, the Treasury said there would be no Budget this autumn.

"Now is not the right time to outline long-term plans - people want to see us focused on the here and now," it said in a statement.

During Prime Minister's Questions, Boris Johnson was urged to act swiftly by Labour and SNP MPs to prevent what one called a "tsunami of job losses".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warned there could be a "wave of job losses this winter" if the government does not provide the right economic support when the furlough scheme ends.

In a televised response to the Prime Ministerial Broadcast, Sir Keir called for a "Plan B" for the economy - "because it makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses."

In a recording, filmed just before news broke that the chancellor will make an announcement tomorrow about what happens after the furlough scheme expires at the end of October, he said: "There was nothing in the Prime Minister's statement last night to protect people's jobs, businesses or our town centres and high streets.

The PM said Mr Sunak was working on "creative and imaginative" solutions.

Although the Treasury has declined to comment, possible ideas are thought to include allowing firms to reduce employees' hours while keeping them in a job, with the government paying part of the lost wages.

The German "Kurzarbeit" scheme and its French equivalent have attracted much attention in the UK from employers and trade unions alike, with both the CBI and the TUC in favour.

They fear unemployment could spike when the furlough scheme ends, as firms struggle to keep workers on the payroll.

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey called on the government to "stop and rethink" the furlough scheme, although he did not back any particular alternative.

Julian Metcalfe, the boss of the Itsu restaurant chain and founder of Pret a Manger, said the PM needed to show leadership rather than "spouting off some Churchillian nonsense that we'll make it through (the winter)".

"The repercussions of these six months, it's going to be devastating to so many people," he said.

"People in the hospitality industry, people in work in hotels and restaurants and takeaways and coffee shops - a great many are closing down. We're losing thousands upon thousands of jobs here.

"How long can this continue, this vague 'work from home'?"

What are the possible options?

• Germany's Kurzarbeit: The employer cuts workers' hours and the government pays them a percentage of the money they would have lost as a result. It is a long-established scheme, but it has been revised during the pandemic. It can now run for up to 21 months and the percentage of lost wages paid by the government can now be as high as 80%.
• France's "chômage partiel": The French scheme, known as "partial unemployment" or "partial activity", also pre-dates the coronavirus pandemic. Firms are allowed to cut employees' hours by up to 40% for up to three years. Employees still receive nearly all their normal salary, with the government paying a percentage of the cost.
• The CBI's suggestion: A wages top-up from the government should be available provided that employees can work at least 50% of their normal hours. The firm would pay the actual hours worked in full, but the employee would get paid for two-thirds of the lost hours, with the cost shared between the company and the Treasury. The subsidy would last up to a year.
• The TUC's suggestion: A more generous version of the above. Employees could work a smaller proportion of their normal hours and still be eligible, while they would be guaranteed 80% pay for the hours lost, or 100% if they are on minimum wage.

While there are fears that the cost of a replacement furlough scheme could damage the economy further, others argue that continued government support for jobs is needed to stop unemployment surging from November. Advocates of a salary top-up scheme also point to the fact that both France and Germany have extended their schemes to run for the whole of next year.

A short-time working programme could also be cheaper than the furlough scheme, which guarantees 80% of employees' wages up to a cap of £2,500 a month. That scheme has cost £39.3bn so far, while the Germans estimate that the bill for Kurzarbeit during the pandemic will reach €33.5bn (£31bn) by the end of 2021, although that naturally depends on the progress of the pandemic.

During the weekly Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Johnson came under pressure from MPs from all sides to act quickly to help those businesses hit hardest by the new restrictions on economic and leisure activity.

Citing Whitbread's announcement that it planned to cut up to 6,000 jobs in the UK, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the threat to employment was "not theoretical".

"The CBI, the TUC, the Federation of Small Business, the British Chamber of Commerce and the Governor of the Bank of England are all calling on the PM to stop and rethink and don't withdraw furlough," he said. "We have been saying it for months. When is the prime minister finally going to act?"

The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said 60,000 workers in Scotland faced being "sold onto the scrapheap" if the furlough scheme was not extended while Labour's Graham Morris said there was a risk of "a tsunami of job losses in the pipeline within 38 days".

In response, the PM acknowledged many firms faced "very difficult circumstances" and although an "indefinite extension" of the furlough scheme was out of the question, further support was being worked on.

"That is why we are looking at a massive package of investment in jobs and growth in the short, medium and long term," he said. "In addition to the package I set out yesterday, there will be creative and imaginative measures from the chancellor to help people through this crisis."