Updates on Monday 4 April 2016
Coventry Live
From the Coventry Telegraph:
They were found to be regularly relieving themselves on the same resident's fence and bush.
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Allen Cook
BBC News
The UK’s first city bicycle mayor is urging Warwickshire County Council to be more ambitious as it bids for government funding for new cycling and walking schemes.
Image source, Adam TranterAdam Tranter is Coventry’s bicycle mayor and has written to Warwickshire County Council, external saying he's concerned the local authority won't get as much money from ministers as it could.
The government is offering £180m to councils for long-term schemes to get more people cycling and walking after the coronavirus lockdown, external.
But Mr Tranter says he feared the county council's "lack of ambition" would see other local authorities get a bigger share of the cash.
Warwickshire County Council has been approached for a response.
Cafe, pub and restaurant owners across the West Midlands have told the BBC they are hoping the new Eat Out To Help Out scheme does encourage more customers to enjoy a meal out.
Image source, EPADiners can now get up to 50% off their bill under the government initiative which runs all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 31 August across the UK.
Darren Dunn from Heavenly Desserts in Coventry said he hoped the benefits extended beyond this month.
"It's not only putting money in our tills now and allowing us to continue to operate at the levels we are operating at but it also means down the line we've gained new customers we might not have without this incentive."
While Ann Ager, from the Bakehouse Cafe, Stafford, said staff had seen trade fall off last week after a Covid-19 outbreak in nearby Stone.
"We're hoping this week people will overcome their nervousness and appreciate most establishments if not all establishments are now safe."
Coventry Live
The Coventry Live website's top stories today include:
We've had the odd shower today but mainly it has been a day for people to enjoy the sunshine, at least our local BBC Weather Watchers have certainly been doing that.
Here are three from users Caraman On Tour in Lower Gornal, Dudley, Graham Russell in Atcham, Shropshire and Littleacorns in Southam, Warwickshire:
Image source, Caraman On Tour
Image source, Graham Russell
Image source, LittleacornsMichael Darbyshire is currently suspended by West Mercia Police.
Read MoreA man has been charged with drink driving after a car ended up in a ditch.
The vehicle left the road in Billesley Road, Wilmcote in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The 28-year-old will appear at Warwickshire Magistrates’ Court on 12 October
Image source, Warwickshire PoliceA woman's been sexually assaulted in Leamington Spa.
The victim, in her 40s, was attacked on Saturday night in Dormer Place, near the Pump Rooms at the junction with Parade, Warwickshire Police said. , external
Officers said they're searching for a suspect described as a clean shaven black man with short hair who wore glasses.
Coventry City midfielder Zain Westbrooke signs for League One side Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee.
Read MoreA garden fire which spread to a shed and neighbouring gardens was caused by a barbecue which had been left to cool down.
Image source, West Midlands Fire ServiceWest Midlands Fire Service said, external they were called to the scene in Coventry earlier.
They warned barbecues should not be left unattended until they have fully cooled down.
Image source, West Midlands Fire ServiceExtinction Rebellion Coventry hold a protest with 168 pairs of shoes to mark the city's deaths.
Read MorePolice responded to a report of violent disorder outside shops in Rugby.
Read MoreAllen Cook
BBC News
"We are absolutely devastated."
Beauty salons across the West Midlands have reacted with anger and dismay on Facebook to the "last-minute" news about the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions being postponed.
The measures originally due this weekend included an increase in the number of guests permitted at weddings and certain beauty treatments on offer for the first time since lockdown.
However, following an announcement at Friday lunchtime, plans have been put back at least two weeks and mean salons are not able to offer services involving the face, such as eyelash or eyebrow treatments.
Helen Taylor (pictured), who runs Helen Taylor Asthetics in Rugby, Warwickshire, told the BBC it was a major setback.
"I've spent nearly £10,000 preparing to open for tomorrow and now I've got nearly 100 clients to rearrange," she said.
While YLB Salon, Shrewsbury, posted on its Facebook page , externalstaff were devastated and told customers: "Thank you for your understanding and patience during this extremely testing time."
Jenna Woolliscroft, who runs Bella's Beauty in Stoke-on-Trent, said on her Facebook page, external she was "extremely disappointed this last minute decision has been made" and that she was "truly gutted".
Elliott Cuciurean allegedly breached an anti-trespass injunction at an HS2 construction site.
Read MoreCoventry City midfielder Jordan Shipley signs a new two-year contract with the League One champions.
Read MoreCoventry Live
Some of the Coventry Live headlines include:
Worshipers have gathered in Coventry to celebrate Eid al-Adha, coinciding with the end of Hajj- the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Image source, Haroon Mota
Image source, Haroon MotaHaroon Mota tweeted he had been part of the socially distanced prayers at Stoke Heath park in the city, saying "What a beautiful day for it."
People are being asked to not to gather indoors for large family meetings and to carry out social distancing.
Kevin Reide
Reporter, Midlands Today
An aspiring horse rider from Coventry has launched a campaign against racism in equestrian sports after suffering abuse, he said.
Reece McCook, 18, said he was verbally abused for several weeks whilst on work placement from a college course, "because obviously I don't look like your stereotypical rider".
He nearly dropped out, but decided to tackle the issue himself with his initiative called "ride out racism".
"I feel like horses could be a prime opportunity for those who are involved in gang activity to have a new way to express themselves without having to go on the streets," he said.
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Tom Dare
A new drive-through Covid-19 testing centre is to open in a Coventry city centre car park next week.
Image source, GoogleThe mobile unit will operate in Moat Street car park, close to the Sky Dome, as part of a national drive to improve accessibility for coronavirus testing for local communities.
The new facility will be on site for a fortnight between from 3-16 August when a decision will be taken to determine whether the unit should be moved elsewhere.
People are being asked not to turn up without a booking. , external
