BBC Weather Watchers

We've mainly had a grey, cloudy day but we can still show you a range of views of our region today, thanks to our local BBC Weather Watchers.

These three are from users Wayne Linskey in Mow Cop, Staffordshire, Gillyflower in Alveley, Shropshire and StorytellerK in Northwick, Worcestershire:

Image source, Wayne Linskey

Image source, Gillyflower

Image source, StorytellerK

The colours have a "substantial" impact and should be changed, says Wyre Forest District Council.

BBC Radio Stoke

Roadworks on the A500 in Stoke-on-Trent have been removed, external as work to widen a 1km-stretch has finished three months early due to the lockdown.

Image source, Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Highways England started the scheme in February 2019, external to add an extra third lane between Porthill and Wolstanton in both directions to ease congestion.

It had expected to finish this autumn but spokesman Mike Hillier said quieter roads during the Covid-19 lockdown meant they could work faster.

"It allowed us to moved some of the work we'd do on nights on to days and we get a longer working window during the day which means we can complete the work more quickly."

The offensive gravestone in Coventry was first reported last year, but only recently removed.

Hamish Rutherford is free to play for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast, but Ashton Turner will not now be coming.

This year's pantomime at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre will not go ahead, it's been confirmed.

Image source, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Pantos are crucial to theatre earnings, and this Christmas could prove to be make or break for some venues' futures.

The Grand says creative teams can't work together because of coronavirus so they're unable to collaborate on the show.

The theatre says anyone with tickets for Cinderella will have them transferred to Christmas 2021, or they can request a refund.

Jack Newey-Bradley, 29, was based at Perry Barr custody block but employed by Mountain Healthcare.

Crewe Alexandra striker Chris Porter signs a new one-year contract at the newly-promoted club.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Police in the West Midlands are "praying for rain" tomorrow as pubs prepare to reopen, the region's police and crime commissioner (PCC) said.

Image source, Getty Images

After several months of lockdown, publicans have been getting ready to reopen after 06:00 on Saturday.

PCC David Jamieson's previously described the decision as "pure madness" and at a media briefing today said to do it on a Saturday in the middle of summer was a "very bad day".

"We could have started earlier this week and led into it rather than the big bang of super Saturday which has the potential to cause a lot of difficulty."

At the same briefing, Chief Constable Dave Thompson said his officers were ready for the weekend and the reopening could help with cases of illegal parties.

"The force has been dealing with a number of illegal gatherings and I think they [partygoers] are identifying this desire of coming together and happening this way [with pubs] could help with this issue."

Port Vale midfielder Tom Conlon signs a new two-year deal with the League Two club.

BBC News Travel

Drivers are being advised to avoid Cannock Road in Featherstone, Staffordshire due to an incident.

Stephen Bridgman died after an operation to remove a benign brain tumour in 2016.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Families will be able to use some council-run outdoor play areas and gym equipment across the West Midlands from tomorrow but not every place is working to the same deadline.

Image source, Lichfield District Council

Several local authorities have said on their websites or social media their play areas will be available from Saturday and they include:

• Birmingham City Council , external
• Coventry City Council , external
• Lichfield District Council , external
• North Warwickshire Borough Council, external
• Rugby Borough Council, external
• Stafford Borough Council, external
• Staffordshire Moorlands District Council , external
• Tamworth Borough Council, external

But some councils have said their outdoor play areas will only start to be available from next week:

• Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council - from Monday 6 July , external
• Telford and Wrekin Council - set for a phased reopening from 10 July, external
• Warwick District Council - a phased opening starting next week , external
• Worcester City Council , external- some "early next week" with others to follow

While Cannock Chase District Council said its play areas and outdoor gym equipment would remain out of use until all risk assessments have been carried out and signs put up. , external

Both Bromsgrove District Council , externaland Redditch Borough Council said , externaltheir play areas would stay shut over the weekend while work continues to make them safe but didn't reveal a reopening date.

We'll update for other local authorities as and when we get the information.

Image source, Warwick District Council

A disabled man says a lack of government guidance over the easing of lockdown means he is worried to leave the house and use public transport.

Richard Luke, 42, of Coventry, who has cerebral palsy, said it was not clear how he could protect himself.

"If I get on the bus, I have to use hand rails more often and touch where other people's hands have been," the father-of-one said.

"If I get a taxi, I worry will the driver will be wearing a mask, will he be comfortable in helping me and on the train, how am I going to socially distance?"

Image source, Richard Luke

Charity Scope said disabled people "are now contending with the added fear that they may be fined or face new risks of abuse when legitimately using public transport".

The Department of Health and Social Care said individuals should speak to their doctor before making a decision to stop shielding, adding they are "doing everything they can" to support people.

Kieran Brown, 18, was fatally stabbed in Coventry last month and died in hospital.

Defence coach Omar Mouneimne leaves Worcester Warriors with immediate effect, the Premiership club announces.

Promoted Coventry City sign PEC Zwolle midfielder Gustavo Hamer for around £1.5m on a three-year deal.

Stoke-on-Trent Live

The Stoke-on-Trent Live website's covering these stories today:

• Teenage girl killed in A34 crash with lorry named as friends continue recovery, external
• Up to 140 Stoke-on-Trent jobs at risk at automotive supplier as economy stalls, external
• Six lanes open on A500 after £17.5m roadworks finish three months ahead of schedule, external

Two overseas players will be allowed in County Championship and One-Day Cup teams from the 2021 season.

A primary school in Nuneaton has been closed temporarily after two people tested positive for coronavirus.

Image source, Google

Wembrook Primary School said the decision had been taken to close the school "as a precautionary measure".

It said the county council and Public Health England were "providing advice and support".