Community News

Sandwell Council is inviting applications from local businesses for a new COVID-19 support grant.
 
The council in the West Midlands has £3.362m from the government’s Discretionary Business Grant Fund to allocate to local businesses.
 
This funding is specifically to support small and micro businesses with high fixed property costs which are not eligible for the other Small Business and Retail, Hospitality & Leisure support grant schemes.
 
Because it is a discretionary scheme, the criteria used to determine which businesses will get a grant is set by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy and a panel of council officers and local business experts.
 
Businesses should apply via the council’s online form:

my.sandwell.gov.uk/service/Local_Authority_Discretionary_Business_Support_Grant
 
If they meet the eligibility criteria, their application will be assessed by the panel.
 
Users will need a MySandwell account and be logged in to complete the form.
 
The fund is cash-limited, so grants will be given out on a ‘first come first served’ basis, we therefore urge businesses to get their applications in as soon as possible.
 
Sandwell Council has designed a local scheme with specific criteria which will help identify and prioritise which companies will be likely to receive the available funding.
 
Councillor Wasim Ali, Sandwell Council Deputy Leader, said: “We want to use this fund to help as many Sandwell businesses as we can and I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible for this grant to look on the website as soon as possible.
 
“We are mindful that the funding is limited, which could mean demand is higher than availability – so do get your applications in early.”
 
Small businesses are defined as:

Having a turnover of no more than £10.2m
Having a balance sheet total of no more than £5.1m
Employing no more than 50 people

Micro businesses are defined as:

Having a turnover of no more than £632,000
Having a balance sheet total of no more than £316,000
Employing no more than 10 people

Further information regarding this grant funding is available on the Think Sandwell website www.thinksandwell.com/contact/ or via e-mail at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Church of England has said that a ruling by one of its diocesan courts that an Irish epitaph must have an English translation “does not reflect” its national policy.

Caroline Newey’s mother is buried in grounds owed by St Giles’ Church, Exhall, near Coventry.

She wanted the headstone inscription to read; (“In our hearts forever”).

But a judge ruled that it may be seen “as a political statement”.

Margret Keane died suddenly two years ago, survived by her husband Bernie.

Both had been born in the Republic of Ireland, but made their lives in the UK.

The family said that it had been battling for two years to have the gravestone of their choice at the Meadows in Ash Green, in Coventry.

In his judgment for the consistory court of the Dioceses of Coventry, Judge Stephen Eyre QC, found that there was “a sad risk that the phase would be regarded as some form of slogan” and would be “unintelligible to all but a small minority of readers”.

In this instance, the church said that would be the Arches Court of Canterbury.

The statement said that the Irish language has played a central role in the advancement of Christianity in England.

It said: “The Irish language is an important part of the heritage of the Church of England.

“It was, after all, Irish speaking monks in Lindisfarne and beyond who played a central role in establishing the Church in what is now England”.

Mrs Keane’s family said that both she and her husband were proud of their Irish heritage and had been active in the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) – Ireland’s largest sporting organisation.

Alongside the Irish inscription on the gravestone, they also wanted to include a Celtic Cross and the GAA emblem.

Initially, the parochial church council of St Giles supported the proposed memorial by a vote of six to five with seven abstentions, but noted that there were no comparable stones in the graveyard.

The Diocesan Advisory Committee did not recommend approval.

Caroline Newey accepted a compromise that the Celtic Cross could be inscribed on the stone, rather than being carved out of it.

However, there was no agreement on the Irish inscription.

 Pedestrians, who are believed to be anti-racism demonstrators, blocked the M6 motorway following a protest in Coventry, in the West Midlands.

Police said that a group of people walked between Junctions 3 and 2, in Warwickshire, which led to the closure of the road there.

It came on the day of a series of demonstrations which have been sparked by the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, by police officers in Minneapolis, in the US.

Also, about 1,000 people gathered in Wolverhampton to air their grievances at a Black Lives Matter protest there.

Meanwhile, in Bristol, a statue of a slave trader was torn down by protesters, and thrown into the harbour during a second day of anti-racism and police murders that is still carried out in the UK.

It follows demonstrations that took place in Edinburgh, Belfast, London, Cornwall, and other parts of Britain over the weekend.

A senior Imam has made the advised that mosques should not open until they can hold congregational prayers, despite UL government plans for places of worship.

The government is expected to announce that churches, mosques and synagogues in England can open their doors for private prayer from June 15.

But as mosques are primarily for congregational prayers, Muslim leaders have warned that the plans do lack clarity.

Imam Qari Asim said that opening them would “cause far more challenges”.

Full services and weddings will still be banned under the present measures, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline to the Cabinet.

In Northern Ireland, private worships are already allowed, whilst in Scotland and Wales, those practises are not allowed to be carried out.

As chair of the Mosque & Imams National Advisory Board, Imam Asim called on mosques and some other places of worship not to reopen until it is safe to do so and they are able to hold congregational prayers.

He said: “The fundamental difference between mosques and some other places of worship is that mosques are first and foremost used for congregational prayers.

“Individual prayers can be carried out anywhere, primarily at home. Accordingly, opening mosques on June 15 will cause more challenges, for mosques and imams, as the expectations from the community will be to the safety of everyone”.

A mural situated in a prominent spot in the Black Country, in the West Midlands, has been spotted with the artwork paying tribute to Captain Sir Thomas Moore who raised more than £30m for the NHS as well as a tribute to the armed forces and the heroic efforts of the National Health Service..

Based in Rowley Regis, it is painted on wall which belongs to Brookfleet taxis and The Little Beech pub, both owned by local couple Richard Wade and Mandy Wade. 
 
Their daughter, Kiera Wade is the licensee of The Little Beech pub and commissioned the artwork. She said: "We took the pub on last September and worked really hard, not just on the interior of the pub but to clear the wasteland that was located in front where the mural now stands. 
 
"We wanted something eye-catching and to lift the spirits of the locals in these difficult times. 
 
"Our children were so excited about the idea, they donated some of their pocket money to buy paints for the mural.
 
"We are blessed to have the talented Lynsey Marshall do such a wonderful job and we hope it will be admired for many years to come by the people of Blackheath."
 
Local tattoo artist Lynsey Marshall and her son Jasper worked on the mural in the evenings to avoid curious passers-by. She said: “When I was asked to do the mural, I couldn’t turn it down. It’s a subject close to my heart and I really did enjoy painting it with help from my son Jasper.”
 
Councillor Danny Millard is very impressed at the difference the mural has made to his home town of Blackheath. He said: “This is a fantastic artwork which has really brightened up a corner of Blackheath that was in a bit of a mess before.
 
“This mural has made such a difference and given us something in Blackheath that we can all be really proud of.”   

As tears continue to reverberate, worldwide, UKs second city demands ‘justice and peace’

The cry of “I Can’t Breathe” was the ‘soundtrack’ as thousands upon thousands of people converged onto Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square to pay the homage to the murdered George Floyd – as well as the vast number of similar cases that have taken place in custody, in police stations in the West Midlands.

With a figure well in excess of the mentioned 5,000 at its height, this prelude to the memorial in honour of George Floyd, the largest outside London, had to be moved from its original Victoria Square because of the numbers that organisers were anticipated with all who turned out – those being Black, White, Asian and others from the multi-cultural UK, men women and children - added to what was a well underestimated total.

With it being the largest demonstration ever seen in the region, every ‘Man-Jack’ of this immensely mass crowd craved for change in their lives here in Britain today..

And as the cries of “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace” bellowed beyond what felt like the length and breadth of the city’s well-worn Broad Street,

As George Floyd died under a policeman’s knee in Minneapolis, in the US, that too-regular occurrence proved one too many for the world to ignore.

The demonstration was a truly significant step forward after decades of similarly brutal deaths carried out by rogue officers.

This was a ‘game-changer’ as Birmingham’s young and out – though mainly young – became one massively loud voice against very-precedentedly racially motivated police interventions, too many of which go unrecorded.

With that in mind, and with messages made clear, the crowd then snaked their way throughout the city centre streets to then gather outside the West Midlands Police’s Lloyd House headquarters, for eight minutes and forty-six seconds, to again voice their disgust at the murder in the US and the likewise incidences in their region.

The 8mins 46secs representing the length of time the ex-police officer Derek Chauvin forced his knee on 29-year-old Floyd’s neck – aided and abetted by the other three officers on the scene.

In a star-studded memorial in America, Baptist Minister and Civil Rights Activist Reverend Al Sharpton said; “George died of a regular American malfunction”.

"When you see people gathering and marching throughout the UK, in Canada, Germany, France, Australia, Israel and Spain, among other countries around the world, it proved that it’s a different time – a different season.

Making a barbed comment about President Trump’s photo opportunity, taken after the murder; and the inflammatory remarks he made, Rev. Sharpton said: “Don’t use the Bible as a prop.

“It’s time for a change - It’s time for you to get your ‘knee off our neck’ so we can flourish”.

That was the very plea which reverberated around Chamberlain Square - some six thousand miles away.

But very relevant in the UK today.

The Home Secretary in the UK has announced that more than £360,000 has been paid out in compensation as part of the ongoing work to right the wrongs experienced by the Windrush generation,.
 
Figures published by the Home Office show that a total of 60 claimants received payments through the Windrush Compensation Scheme within its first year.
 
The scheme, which has been operational since April 2019, continues to make payments on a weekly basis.
 
In the same period, the Home Office has additionally made offers of approximately £280,000 in compensation through the scheme. Once the offers are accepted by the applicants, the payments will be made.
 
The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said: “By listening to feedback from community leaders and those affected, we have begun to put right the wrongs caused to a generation who have contributed so much to our country.

“The Windrush Compensation Scheme has been developed to ease the burden from the unacceptable mistreatment some have faced, which is why it is so important that people continue to come forward.”
 
The payments made under the scheme vary, depending on the facts of the case, with one payment in excess of £100,000. Many payments made so far are interim payments, which means people will likely receive more at a later date.
 
While the scheme is making good progress and continues to process claims as quickly as possible, the Home Office is committed to getting more people to come forward and claim.
 
That is why the Commonwealth Citizens’ Taskforce and the Windrush Compensation Scheme are running a series of online engagement events, to ensure those affected continue to come forward and claim.
 
Alongside these events, the department continues to work closely with communities and individuals to listen to feedback on the scheme and to ensure claims are resolved as quickly as possible. Each case is personal, with careful consideration given to the specific circumstances in every claim.
 
As announced by the Home Secretary in March, it will shortly launch a separate £500k fund for grassroots organisations to promote the Windrush Schemes and provide advice services. The department will work with stakeholders to co-design the fund.
 
The outstanding offers of compensation had yet to be accepted by claimants or were going through a review so could not be included in the £362,996 paid out.
 
All those who have applied to the compensation scheme are then contacted by the Home Office and case workers work closely with claimants to process the claims as quickly as possible.
 
The Home Office continues its work to right the wrongs experienced by the Windrush generation, which is shown by the fact that over 12,000 people have been provided with documentation confirming their status so far.
 
In order for a payment to be made, an individual must first accept the offer made. As part of the scheme, anyone unhappy with their offer can request a free internal review. If they still do not agree with the outcome, the claimant can request a further review the Independent Adjudicator.
 
The Home Secretary extended the Windrush Compensation Scheme to 2 April 2023 to give more people time to claim.
 
To make the scheme more flexible to those who have suffered losses, the mitigation policy – the criteria by which financial settlements are made – has been amended to take a wider range of circumstances into account.
 
This change means people are no longer have to show they took immediate steps to resolve their immigration status, instead, simply that they tried to contact the Home Office or sought advice at any time.
 
Citizens Advice, funded by the Home Office, are continuing to provide free, independent claimant assistance during the pandemic for those wishing to apply to the Compensation Scheme. This can be accessed by referral through the Windrush Helpline: 0800 678 1925.
 
The Wendy Williams Lessons Learned review was published in March 2020. The Home Secretary made clear in her statement to the House of Commons on the day of publication that the department will carefully consider the detail of the report and its recommendations to develop a comprehensive plan for changing the ways of working of the Home Office.
 

With temperatures continuing to soar, Severn Trent is reminding people to stay safe and keep out of the water at all times across its visitor sites.

The company is urging visitors to resist the temptation to cool down in the water, as it could easily end in tragedy.

Dominic Robinson, Visitor Experience Lead at Severn Trent says: “We want everyone to safely enjoy this lovely weather we’re having, which is why it’s so important that people keep safe and stay out of the water at our visitor sites.

“Some of our sites are still closed, but regardless if the site is open or not, no one should ever be going into the water as it’s just so dangerous.”

Severn Trent, the UK’s second biggest water company, has recently reopened some of its smaller visitor sites, after closing to help limit the spread of coronavirus and says larger sites will open only when safe to do so in the coming weeks.

The company says that since the opening of some sites, it’s already had to stop people from jumping in the water who were looking to cool off.

“Although our reservoirs look tempting and the ideal way to cool down, the fact is they’re extremely dangerous. On the surface they look calm and steady, but underneath the water is extremely deep with incredibly strong currents, that even the most experienced swimmer would struggle to swim in.”

Severn Trent also advises visitors to be keep away from the water due to the naturally occurring blue-algae that forms on open water, especially in hot weather. Every site has clear signs about its dangers, so even more reason for people to keep themselves, and even dogs away from the water.

The company say all its reservoirs are built with the sole purpose of supplying water to its customers across its entire region, and not for swimming.

“Not only are our reservoirs really deep, they’re also extremely cold,” adds Dominic “If you go into any of our reservoirs, you will in no doubt end up in serious trouble, and unlike beaches and swimming pools – there are no lifeguards to help you, so please don’t attempt it.”

Following new guidance from the Government, Birmingham City Council has increased the number of mourners allowed to attend funerals from six to 16.

During the Covid crisis, Birmingham City Council has closely followed government and public health guidance around social distancing measures.

With new guidance issued allowing for more social interaction between different households, Birmingham City Council has been able to review its policies including its approach to bereavement services and the number of people allowed at funerals.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods said: “We fully understand the stress and anxiety caused by minimising the number of people allowed to attend the funeral of a loved one. Therefore, I am pleased to say that after fully reviewing our processes, we can now safely increase that number to 16. This is a first step in getting us back on track and allowing families to grieve in a way that they would wish.”

The council has also seen a steady reduction in the number of funerals taking place across the city. This means, with fewer graves being needed to be dug in advance, more people are able to stand around a graveside while maintaining a 2m social distance. This has been a key factor in allowing the change to take effect and which have be introduced since Monday June 1
. 
Cllr Thompson continued, “While we have increased the number of mourners, we are continuing to constantly review the situation. Should we see local restrictions introduced by the government, this may need to again change to reflect the measures needed to keep our residents safe.”

In addition, the opening hours of cemeteries and crematoria will also be reviewed with a decision expected next week.

National Trust says it will phase reopening of gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland with advance booking needed to limit numbers and maintain public safety

The National Trust has announced that it has begun a phased reopening of its gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland with advance bookings needed to limit visitor numbers and maintain public safety.
 
The announcement comes after the UK government updated its advice on ticketed garden venues on May 23, confirming that people in England can now visit gardens and land maintained for public use. And in Northern Ireland, the Executive permitted the reopening of outdoor spaces as part of step one in its Pathway to Recovery Plan.
 
The Trust has now begun a phased and gradual reopening of a small number of its gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland. Over the coming weeks more places will begin reopening. People will be able to book their tickets in advance on property web pages.

They will be free for Trust members, and other visitors will pay an admission fee.
 
In the Midlands, the gardens and parklands reopening to those who have booked tickets in advance are: Attingham Park in Shropshire; Hardwick and Calke Abbey in Derbyshire; Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire and Belton House in Lincolnshire.
 
All the Trust’s houses, shops, holiday cottages and campsites remain closed in line with government guidelines.
 
All car parks and properties in Wales remain closed in line with Welsh Government guidance.
 
The charity will begin to reopen gardens and open spaces in England and Northern Ireland where social distancing can be observed, and will open to around a third of their normal capacity at any one time. Visitors arriving at reopening properties by car will be asked to show pre-booked tickets through their vehicle window before parking. Those arriving on foot will have bookings checked by a small team of staff who will adhere to social distancing.
 
Most of the Trust’s countryside and coastal car parks are now open, but car parks with a risk of high demand may need to be closed, and some may need to be booked in advance. Visitors are asked to check property web pages before travelling to see what is open and what needs to be booked. All admission to gardens and parklands will be by pre-booked ticket only.
 
Director General Hilary McGrady said: “We want to provide safe, local, welcoming spaces for people, and wherever possible we will open our gardens and parks, and coast and countryside car parks.
 
“The fresh air, bird song, big skies and open spaces people have missed will be there, but things will be very different, particularly at first. We want to thank people for their patience and support while we gradually begin reopening and welcoming our visitors.”
 
The booking system will be available on individual property web pages via www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
 
The charity is also urging visitors to limit how many visits they book, to stay local if they can and to avoid busy hot-spots.
 
Signs at properties and information ahead of visits will advise visitors how to stay safe during their visit and routes will be marked out.
 
Hilary McGrady said: “I am so thankful that our members and supporters have stood by us as we work through these unprecedented times. We know they desperately want to return to our places, and we need their support to do our vital conservation work to look after the coastline, countryside, rivers and properties in our care.
 
“Like so many other organisations, the Trust has been badly affected by the coronavirus lockdown, not least our vital conservation work and our finances. Reopening is the first phase of our recovery, and we need our members and supporters to help us make this gradual transition a success so we can get back to offering nature, beauty and history for everyone.”
 
The latest information and updates on which places and facilities are opened can be found on individual property web pages, and all visitors are urged to check online before planning a visit.

The ticket booking system is also available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has announced that they have now reopened the tip at Shidas Lane, in Oldbury.
 
After working closely together on the re-opening of the Household Recycling Centre, the Council and its environmental services partner Serco, is happy to announce that site will now return to its normal opening hours.

The tip is now open every day from Monday from 8am until 4pm included Saturdays and Sundays. 

The tip continues to be very busy so residents are advised to plan ahead before visiting the site.
 
Vans and trailers are not permitted to enter the site at the moment and only one person will be permitted in each car, unless bringing a bulky item that requires two people to unload it or if the person is registered as having a disability and carries an unauthorised Blue Badge. 

Those planning on using the site will need to bring proof that they live in Sandwell such as a driving licence, recent utility bill or current council tax summary, which they will be asked to show against closed car windows.

Given the coronavirus pandemic is not over, social distancing will be maintained on site at all times, which means the site may operate in a different way to normal. Therefore, the staff on site will not be able to assist the public with their waste disposal/unloading, to ensure social distancing rules are upheld.

Residents are also being asked to separate their waste and recycling prior to visiting. There are bays specifically for recycling items like garden waste, clothing and textiles, wood, carpet, cardboard and many other items. The council is urging the public not to place everything in the general waste bin. 

Councillor Maria Crompton, Deputy Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “I would like to thank all our residents for being patient while we worked out the best time to reopen the tip fully. We now feel we are in the right position to reopen the tip from 8am to 4pm which will allow residents the opportunity to visit over an extended period of time.  

“I would like to remind residents that we still expect queues to be long, so only visit if absolutely necessary. Please remember that we are still observing social distancing practices on site in line with government guidelines for Covid-19, so please be patient when visiting the site.”

“Drivers should be considerate in not blocking access for businesses on the surrounding roads and should remain in their vehicles while queuing.”

Dave Lynas, Senior Contract Manager, said: “We thank everyone for their patience when visiting the centre and our teams are doing all that they can to ensure the site runs smoothly whilst social distancing measures are in place.

"Unfortunately, we are finding residents from neighbouring authorities are attempting to use the tip. This facility should only be utilised by Sandwell residents so, if you are not from the borough, please do not try and visit. Proof of address will be required before entry and we will have no choice but to turn away anyone found not to be from the area.”

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has just announced a new appointment.

The Commission has just declared that The Honourable Earl Jarrett O.J., C.D. J.P., Hon. LL.D. has been appointed as its new Chair following a selection process that was undertaken by the commission’s four members and under the Electoral Commission (Interim) Act 2006 which states that; “the selected commissioners shall select one of the number to be chairman of the commission and so inform the Governor General.”

Under the previous chair, The Honourable Dorothy Pine-McLarty, who has now retired after 19-years of service, he was originally appointed to the electoral commission, as a select commissioner, in 2013.

A graduate of the University of the West Indies and now a Chartered Accountant, among the grand number of post he has, or still holds, he is, or has been, the Honorary Secretary of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the North American Regional Director of the FIA; a Director of the Edna Marley College Art Foundation, Chair of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation and is a member of the Executive Board of the Caribbean Association of Housing Finance Institute (CASHFI).

She (Mrs Pine-McLarty) joined the Electoral Advisory Commission, as a Select Commissioner, in 2000.

Sandwell Council is supporting a petition created by a Sandwell student.

Harvey from St Michaels CE High School, is campaigning for an annual day to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of NHS staff, after seeing how many health and care workers have lost their lives.

Councillor Yvonne Davies, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “The council is backing the idea of having a day to celebrate all of the individuals who have been there for all of us through this crisis.

“So many people have sacrificed a huge amount to make sure the rest of us are safe and looked after - our NHS staff, our carers, our binmen and women, all our bus drivers and all of those important workers.”

Councillor Danny Millard, deputy leader of Sandwell Council said: “I was approached by Harvey’s family who asked if I could help publicise the petition Harvey had started.

“We are so proud of Harvey and the difference he wants to make. The NHS do a fantastic job and have faced such a terrible time through the pandemic so a day to celebrate each and every NHS worker seems fitting. It’s also great to see the younger generation leading the way.

“I urge everyone to get behind Harvey and sign the petition.”

To sign Harvey’s petition, which has already attracted nearly 400 signatures, go to www.change.org and search ‘Annual National Health Service (NHS) Day.’

The direct link to the petition is: http://chng.it/zCsjDbVd 

The video of the leader and Harvey can been seen at: https://youtu.be/JVYZ8JpFyjw
 

A floral display is being constructed in the city centre as a gesture of thanks from Birmingham City Council to key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The installation, in front of the Council House in Victoria Square, features as its centrepiece the NHS logo surrounded by a rainbow and other items associated with key workers or community activity during the pandemic.

All the features will be made up of flowers that were originally due to be used as part of the city council’s 2020 Chelsea Flower Show entry.

Following the cancellation of the event, the flowers are being put to this alternative use, along with items that formed part of past entries, including a floral double decker bus, a nod to the public transport services that have continued to operate during the lockdown for key workers.

To reflect the retail workers who kept up the supply of essential items during lockdown, there will be a planted-out shopping trolley. The display will also mark the contribution from our refuse and street cleansing teams with some planted-out bins.

The edging will be a mixture of the posters of support that council workers and employees from partner organisations have received.

Birmingham’s Chelsea sponsor, Veolia, has kindly agreed to fund the changes, to enable the 10 metre x 2 metre display to be developed.

Councillor John O’Shea, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Parks at Birmingham City Council, said: “Our Parks and Nurseries team never cease to amaze with their creativity and resourcefulness.

“It’s great that we have been able to find a fitting alternative use for the flowers and plants that would have been used at Chelsea – as well as being a way to demonstrate our gratitude, it symbolises our commitment to reuse and recycling wherever possible.

“The finished display will hopefully be appreciated by everyone who has played a part in keeping the city safe and operational during these challenging times. On behalf of everyone at the city council, I would like to repeat our thanks to everyone involved and to the parks staff for doing this.”

General Manager at Veolia in Birmingham, Mark Powell, said: “Birmingham residents have been very supportive of our teams on the front line and we are proud to sponsor this exhibit honouring all the city's key workers during the pandemic.

“Repurposing the plants that were intended for the Chelsea Flower Show aligns with Veolia's values on reusing and recycling resources and our shared appreciation for those who have contributed most in these difficult times.”

The one tortoiseshell and four black-and-white kittens, who are believed to be around two to three weeks old, were found inside a locked bin, in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham by quick-thinking mum Louise as she walked nearby, with a friend and their families.
 
Louise says: “Whoever dumped these poor kittens in the bin at Parkfield should be ashamed. They were so tiny they weren’t even ready to leave their mom. It’s got to be someone close, it’s not like they even put them in a box, they just put them in the bin one by one. Disgusting people out there. Vile.”
 
After fishing the kittens out of the bin where they had been crawling on dirty bottles and food waste, the group took the kittens to 608 Vet Practice on Warwick Road in Solihull where they were checked over. The practice then contacted Cats Protection’s South Birmingham Branch, who which arranged for them to be taken into the care of the charity’s Birmingham Adoption Centre in Hollywood.
 
She added: “I’m just glad that we got the kittens out in time.  It was a real group effort, it was my son, pal Sophie, her son and her niece. The kids were really brave, they were able to reach the kittens after we ripped the bag and pulled them to the top of the bin, then played with them while Sophie went home to get a box.
 
“It was cruel that someone had done that. They were meowing all the time, it was so sad, they only calmed down in the car when my kids were holding and cuddling them. I’m glad they are being looked after. I would have loved to keep one but I didn’t want to separate them at such a young age, especially after they had been through so much already. It’s nice to see the photos of them looking so much better.”  
 
The kittens have been named Spike, Giles, Xander, Faith and Willow after characters from TV show ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, as the centre thought they could use a little slayer-inspired strength after their ordeal. They are receiving round-the clock care from one of the centre’s volunteer fosterers, who is also a registered veterinary nurse, providing them with bottle feeds to top-up their first tastes of solid food.
 
Deputy centre manager Paula Beswick says: “Seeing the video of the tiny, vulnerable kittens struggling on top of rubbish at the bottom of the bin is heart-breaking. They are so lucky that Louise, Sophie and the children not only heard them but had the patience and kindness to get them out and take them to the vet. They were still terrified when they came to us, screaming and covered in dust and dirt.
 
“We know having an unexpected litter of kittens is a shock and can be difficult but we would urge anyone in a similar situation to bring the kittens to us. We won’t judge, we will just ensure the kittens are given the best care before finding them loving homes. 
 
“We’d also like to hear from whoever dumped the kittens, anonymously if they wish, as we can support them to ensure the mother cat is neutered so that the same situation doesn’t happen again. Luckily the five bundles of fur are now safe and well but the situation could have been very different.”
 
The kittens are expected to return from foster care back into the centre by mid-June and will be available for homing once they are at least nine weeks old.

Anyone wishing to give the kittens a home or find out more about Cats Protection’s work in Birmingham should visit www.cats.org.uk/birmingham where details of the kittens’ availability will be posted first.
  
A video of the kittens in the bin and being rescued as well as images of the kittens on arrival at the centre and in their foster home are available at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/20bgp64e8a9ecy7/AABUdNZu_vMSjKcHf9NKSe9Oa?dl=0
                                                                                                                                    

The City of Wolverhampton Council will introduce phase two of re-opening its markets on Wednesday June 3.
Phase two includes:
Strict social distancing measures
Separate entrance/exit
Sanitation station
A guided one-way system
A queuing system
Managed maximum capacity at any given time and extra security  
The measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of staff, traders and the public. 
 
Phase two will see traders of household items (including DIY, hardware, electrical goods), confectionary, pet supplies, key cutting/shoe repair. Along with take away food, mobile phone accessories.
The third phase will see all three markets re-open fully - subject to level of compliance and feedback.
Under the Government guidance, it is recommended to shop where possible on your own or for others who are self-isolating. 
 
Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “On review of Government guidance and the success of phase one re-opening, phase two will be in operation from Wednesday 3 June across the city markets.
This, like phase one, will be carefully managed and reviewed so we can get markets back up and opened fully. We understand there will be concerns from residents, but measures are in place to ensure the safety of the public, staff and traders. 
 
“Traders who fall into the category of phase two have been informed and we are working with them to make sure they have the correct measures in place to operate safely. To support stall holders further, we will continue to charge only 50% of rent charges.”
 
Bilston indoor and outdoor market opening times are Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (8.30am to 4pm). Wolverhampton City Centre Market opening times are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (7.30am to 4pm). Wednesfield opening times are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (8am to 3.30pm).
When out in public, people must stay 2 metres – or 6 feet – away from other people at all times, unless they are from the same household. 
To enable shoppers to keep their distance, retailers which have been permitted to remain open, and encouraged to place limits on how many people can be in-store at any one time.
And to ask customers to stand two metres apart when in-store and while queuing.
In addition, customers are encouraged to pay using contactless to reduce the amount of cash being handled by staff. The council has produced a poster for shops and businesses to print off and display, advising staff and customers of social distancing measures in operation on the premises.