Updates from Friday 9 September 2016
There have been some grey skies around this morning but our BBC Weather Watchers have still been out taking photos across the West Midlands.
These three are from users Suttonwalker in Sutton Coldfield, Ken M in Lydbury North, Shropshire and Angus and me in Hednesford, Staffordshire.
Image source, Suttonwalker
Image source, Ken M
Image source, Angus and me
Local Democracy Reporting Service
The planned £8m refurbishment of Telford Central fire station could be delayed because of the impact of coronavirus on builders and suppliers.
The fire station on Stafford Park was built in the 1980s and the upgrade involves two extensions, along with a multi-agency incident room and an improved control room.
Image source, SFRSThe work will also add solar panels to the roof and improve the training facilities.
A fire authority report said the architects hope to invite bids for the work over the summer and it's still possible work could start late in the year.
Shropshire Museums hopes to acquire both pieces of jewellery to display in the county.
Read MoreIt's not been a great day to go outside for exercise, but the BBC Weather Watchers have been braving the rain for us.
These weather photos were taken at Severn Stoke, Knowle and Norton in Hales.
Image source, J at Severn Ridge
Image source, Dee
Image source, Betton BearFirefighters spent two hours battling a rubbish fire at Shropshire Skips in Telford last night.
Eight fire engines were called out to the Halesfield industrial estate at 19:45 and people living nearby were asked to close their doors and windows.
In addition, one lane of the nearby A442 had to be closed.
Here are some fire service photos from the scene:
Image source, SFRS
Image source, SFRSRoy Wilson started exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19, but a test returned a negative result.
Read More
Image source, Family photoA "large-than-life" delivery driver has died in hospital after contracting coronavirus.
Paul Wilkins, 59, of Newport died after three weeks in the city's Royal Gwent Hospital.
His son Thomas 26, said: "He was a larger-than-life character, he was real family man and he had a lot of friends.
"As long as his family and friends were alright, he was alright. He put everyone else first. That's who he was. He loved his bikes and he loved his cars. He was more than a father, he was a best friend."
The father-of-two was taken to hospital with severe breathing difficulties on 1 April.
He tested positive for Covid-19 and was placed in an induced coma. His family sad he died in the early hours of Thursday morning.
BBC Shropshire
A virtual garden open day is taking place in Shropshire.
Ruthall Manor near Bridgnorth was due to take part in the National Garden Open Day event at the weekend, but the lockdown has meant organisers having to think outside the plant pot.
People can now visit virtually, with a video of the gardens posted on the National Open Garden scheme website here, external.
Image source, National Open Garden DayBBC Shropshire
Pressure's growing for recycling centres to be reopened to the public, a council has said.
Image source, Telford and Wrekin CouncilTelford and Wrekin's tips have been been closed for nearly five weeks due to the pandemic.
But it's said residents are struggling with storing up waste they would normally take to the two authority-run centres.
Council leader Shaun Davies said , externalhe was seeking "urgent clarification" from the government on the tips staying shut.
The latest guidance from ministers said “where possible key [waste] sites should be maintained” by councils, as long as social distancing rules can be followed., external
BBC Shropshire
A Shropshire charity is encouraging neighbours to compete by growing their own sunflowers.
Transition Telford says it hopes people will share their sunflower seeds to "grow their own sunshine" and post photos of their flowers on social media.
"I don’t know anybody who doesn’t enjoy the beauty of sunflowers and in these stressful times we need some simple joys," the charity said.
For more information, visit the charity website here, external.
Dr Hamza Ansari was cared for by colleagues after contracting Covid-19 with his family trapped abroad.
Read MoreNo evidence of social distancing as swarm of bees discovered in Shropshire village.
Read MoreSophie Madden
BBC News
"To be told, thanks for the all pay-as-you-earn for the last 30 years, we are not going to give you anything as a new start-up business, it is a kick in the teeth."
While the government has announced a number of support packages for employees and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, some new start-ups, and newly self-employed people say they are ineligible for financial help.
Image source, Sarah KnottAmong them is Sarah Knott (pictured), a driving instructor from Shrewsbury who has taken up a job in a care home in order to keep some income while she is unable to run her business.
They also include Laura Baxter-Smith, a self-employed hairdresser and mother-of-one from Shawbury in Shropshire, who has no staff and no premises.
Read their stories and more here on the BBC website.
Some small business owners say it is a "kick in the teeth" to have no income as they do not qualify for financial aid.
Read MoreTributes to NHS workers have been painted on roads around Bridgnorth.
This is Broseley Road and Salop Street in the town.
Image source, LoveBridgnorth
Image source, LoveBridgnorthChildren in the reception class at Shifnal Primary School have been cheering people up with this little video they made.
It was put together by the mother of one of the children, Sarah Benson, and has now been shared by British Transport Police.
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AceOn Group says it had approached government last week offering supplies of gowns, masks and gloves.
Read MoreMuslims explain how they will be observing the holy month differently while socially distancing.
Read MoreThe BBC Weather Watchers are sharing photos taken while out on their daily exercise.
And the weather has been perfect for them.
Image source, Shropshire Lad
Image source, Richardthelodge
Image source, Logit09
Rob England
BBC News
A hospital worker has taken to social media to raise money and buy hand cream for front-line NHS staff with "sore hands" due to increased washing in the coronavirus pandemic.
Rachel Anslow, who works at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, Shropshire, raised £150 to purchase more than 50 tubes of moisturising cream for fellow staff.
Image source, The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation“We’re all being told to wash our hands much more than usual, and as you can imagine it is even more the case for those working in front line roles in hospital," Ms Anslow, who works in administration at the hospital, said.
“It’s making hands so sore, and I thought the least we could do was to help look after their hands while they look after our lives.
“I’m so grateful to all my friends and family who donated – and I know this will help some of our fantastic staff who are working so hard.”
