Express and Star

The Express and Star is covering these stories today:

• Hundreds of fines for breaching coronavirus restriction rules, external
• Warning of stricter rules if cases continue to rise in Stafford, external
• Dudley Council spends £100,000 in a year removing graffiti, external

Caroline Gall
BBC News

A wildlife charity is hoping to buy more than 100 acres of land to return it to a network of heath-land habitat.

Dropping Well Farm, in Worcestershire, has been intensively farmed for decades, but a £1.4m project aims to create the county's largest block of heath-land.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust said up to 85% had been lost across the UK over the past 150 years.

Heath-land habitat must be restored so "wildlife can thrive once again", its chief executive Colin Raven said.

BBC Sport

Coventry City missed out on a second victory on their return to the Championship as Swansea City came back to share the points at St Andrew's.

Image source, PA Media

Jordan Shipley had put the Sky Blues ahead but a counter-attack goal from Andre Ayew saw last night's match end 1-1.

Elsewhere in the division, 10-man Birmingham City couldn't hold on for a draw with Norwich City.

The Canaries looked set to be frustrated until Adam Clayton was sent off for the Blues for a second bookable offence with four minutes left and Mario Vrancic scored for the home side moments later.

In League One last night, Shrewsbury Town, Burton Albion and Crewe Alexandra all suffered 1-0 defeats.

In League Two, Walsall drew 1-1 at Bradford City and Port Vale lost at Cambridge United.

There are currently no plans for the West Midlands to move into tier three of the coronavirus restrictions, the West Midlands mayor says.

People in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton are currently under tier two restrictions, which prevents mixed households of six gathering anywhere except outdoors or in private gardens.

In a post on Twitter, external, Andy Street said the region must "maintain" this position for as long as possible "to help protect people's lives and livelihoods".

"However our case number are rising," he said.

"And if they continue to rise in the coming weeks then naturally we will have to begin the dialogue with the government about whether a move into the very high level of restrictions is appropriate".

While the region remains in tier two, Mr Street added, he will continue to lobby the government for extra support for businesses.

The BBC will broadcast the 2022 Commonwealth Games as the decision to have more women's than men's medal events is described as "phenomenal".

School pupils are being given the chance to "bring colour" to a Covid-19 test site and make it less daunting for children.

Image source, Cheshire East Council

The new centre for walk-through appointments opened recently on Chester Street car park, Crewe.

Cheshire East Council said it wanted it to look "less clinical" and schools could get involved with creating pictures to fill the walls.

The authority added there would be no end date for the submission of pictures and it would need to refresh the displays frequently.

Plans for key events as part of Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 are set to be revealed today.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen the launch of the year of the arts postponed until May 2021.

But organisers say they’re determined to give the city an unforgettable year of events.

Image source, PA Media

BBC Weather

Mainly cloudy with rain spreading in from the south this morning before turning more showery this afternoon. Windy as the day goes on with a high of 15C/59F.

Image source, BBC Weather Watcher Dawn Treader

Then cloudy this evening with a few showers before they ease overnight with clear spells developing. Low: 9C/48F.

Keep up-to-date on your local forecast by going to the BBC Weather website.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Welcome to the start of our live service for Wednesday.

We'll be bringing you all the latest updates for the West Midlands.

You can let us know about stories in your area via email,Twitter , externaland Facebook, external.

Conservationists want to create a "huge, green heart" of natural habitat in Worcestershire.

Hospitality venues adapt yet again to changes brought about by Covid-19 guidelines.

Midfielder Matty Lund returns to haunt his former club as his second goal of the season secures Rochdale's first away win as they beat Burton.

Norwich City strike late through Mario Vrancic to beat 10-man visitors Birmingham City in the Championship.

Billy Clarke earns Bradford a 1-1 draw against Walsall with a second-half penalty.

Jordan Shipley's classy finish is cancelled out by a sweet strike on the counter from Andre Ayew as Coventry City and Swansea City share the points at St Andrew's.

Sunderland extend their unbeaten start to the League One season courtesy of a 1-0 win over Crewe at the Stadium of Light.

Paul Mullin continues his sensational early-season form with a hat-trick as league leaders Cambridge United beat Port Vale.

Brandon Hanlan's first-half goal secures a third win in four League One games for Bristol Rovers with a 1-0 victory at Shrewsbury.

Birmingham City Council has had to pay the bill for the disused Baverstock Academy.

The Woodland Trust says it is "shocked and upset" by the loss of the 250-year-old tree in Warwickshire.