BBC Radio Shropshire

Moving magistrates' court trials from Telford to Kidderminster will put more strain on defendants and witnesses, a solicitor has said.

Image source, Google

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the move was aimed at clearing a backlog of cases and there was more capacity at the Worcestershire court.

But Stephen Scully, from Lanyon Bowdler's solicitors, said it would mean travelling an extra 26 miles for people involved in a case and had happened without warning.

"Initially we thought it might have been an error but, having spoken to to a few solicitors, there's quite a few cases now starting to be moved to Kidderminster. There was no consultation or warning about this."

The MoJ said the arrangement was temporary and anyone with difficulty in getting to Kidderminster would be given priority for a listing at Telford.

BBC Weather

Mainly cloudy today with plenty of showers throughout which could be heavy and thundery at times. High: 14C/57F.

Image source, BBC Weather Watcher Di's Walk

Things will stay cloudy tonight with scattered showers before they become more isolated by early morning. Low: 8C/46F.

You can keep up to date on your local weather forecast by going to the BBC Weather website.

How are independents fairing amid a dearth of blockbusters and reduced capacity due to Covid?

Shrewsbury sign Brentford midfielder Jan Zamburek on a season-long loan and defender Matt Millar from Newcastle Jets.

BBC Radio Shropshire

A number of care homes will be forced to close due to a drop in demand because of Covid-19, according to the chief executive of a care provider.

Image source, Google

Coverage Care has 14 homes in Shropshire, looks after 800 residents and has more than 1,000 members of staff.

Chief executive David Coull said the organisation's lost up to £600,000 this year.

He added many homes won't recover despite financial help from the government and local authorities.

"There isn't the current demand. I don't know a single care home in the county that isn't dealing with significantly more vacancies than they ever would have imagined before," he said.

Shropshire Star

The Shropshire Star has these stories today:

• Bridgnorth pub manager's license revoked after coronavirus breaches, external
• Criticism as magistrates court trials are moved 25 miles away from Shropshire, external
• Scammers imitate police officers in Telford, external

BBC Radio Shropshire

An independent cinema has to "battle through" to Christmas if it is going to stay open in the long term, according to its manager.

Image source, Google

Cinemas are facing a tough climate at the moment in the pandemic with several big-budget films delayed, including the premiere of James Bond film No Time To Die.

James Frizzell manages the Majestic in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, and said people were still worried to come to the cinema due to Covid-19 and it had had a tough couple of months.

He said his staff of 12 were only putting on one show a day in the week and they were relying on getting to Christmas when several large films, including Wonder Woman 1984, are currently due to open.

"If we can hold out to Christmas, I think there is a way forward for us, I think we can do it. If we can just battle through and people support us," he said.

Scaffolding on the tower at Shrewsbury flax mill is removed after major restoration work.

BBC Weather Watchers

We've had a mix of sunshine and some rain around today so probably not a great surprise some of our local BBC Weather Watchers have been snapping photos of rainbows.

Here are three from users Graham's Vista in Erdington, Birmingham, Basilbrush in Chetwynd Aston, Shropshire and Ray in Oakengates, Shropshire:

Image source, Graham's Vista

Image source, Basilbrush

Image source, Ray

The manager of a pub in Bridgnorth has had their licence revoked, police said.

West Mercia Police said action was taken against the manager of the New Inn in St Mary’s Street after reports of "crime and disorder and breaches of COVID-19 regulations".

A new manager has now been appointed and the pub is trading as usual, it said.

Image source, Google

PC Matt Picken: “Despite our attempts to work with the designated premises supervisor, problems with the venue continued causing disruption and concern to the local community."

BBC Weather

A mainly dry start to the day with some sunny spells before things turn cloudy later on, with a band of rain moving in from the south-west. High: 15C/59F.

Image source, Furry Eric

The rain should fade away tonight leaving it mainly dry for most places but still with a chance of the odd shower early tomorrow morning. Low: 9C/48F.

You can get the latest forecast for your area by going to the BBC Weather website.

The latest news, sport, travel and weather across the West Midlands and south Cheshire.

Sick and abandoned horses are a growing problem with nearly 500 seen during lockdown, the RSPCA said.

Jordan Graham scores deep into added time to rescue a draw for Gillingham at Shrewsbury.

The events firm was previously been spoken to about Covid-19 regulations, the council says.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

Grinshill Animal Rescue in Shropshire is applying to move to a new base at Whixall.

The charity, which has been operating for more than 50 years, said the new site would have kennel spaces for 20 dogs and a cattery for up to eight cats.

It took in more than 100 dogs and cats in 2019 at its current rented premises in Grinshill.

The Methodist Chuch has applied for permission to turn its old chapel in Edgmond into two flats.

It also wants to knock down the Sunday School annex next door, to make way for a detached house.

The application said the graveyard at the back, which typically sees a burial “every couple of years”, would remain in use.

The church closed four years ago.

Rail passengers are being advised to think twice about travelling this weekend, because of the high winds and rain brought by Storm Alex.

There will be a speed limit of 50mph on trains, which means there will be fewer running and journeys will take longer.

There is also the risk of flooding on the tracks and signalling systems may be affected.

West Midlands Railway said it aimed to run as many trains as possible for as long as it can, but only while it remained safe to do so.

The mother and sister of a judo champion who was found dead in woodlands near the Wrekin are taking part in the virtual London Marathon.

June and Tina Fallon are raising money for mental health charity Mind after Craig Fallon, 36, died in July last year.

His sister Tina described him as a fantastic fighter and the sort of competitor who did not just want to win, but someone who wanted to win well.

Image source, Getty Images

She said she and her mother would be walking, not running, the route so they could have time to talk and reflect.

"The Wrekin is vast area of amazing beauty," she said.

"You have to put a little bit of work in to get the top but when you get there it is breathtaking – it is loved by sports people, dog walkers, couples having a romanic walk.

"You could see why someone like my brother would love it so much."

Image source, Family handout

They are doing it for Mind so other people can be helped, she said.

"I want people to know there are people there for you. It can't always be someone close to you but the people at Mind are always there and do amazing job," she said.

Mr Fallon had been the head coach of the Welsh Judo Association and a winner of multiple gold medals.

This year's London Marathon is being done remotely by 45,000 people.

Storm Alex has already started to batter some parts of the UK and is set to make itself felt in the Midlands tomorrow.

A Met Office Amber warning is in force from Saturday afternoon into Sunday. The forecaster says heavy rain is likely to bring flash floods.

Image source, PA Media

Parts of the South West have seen a series of power cuts today, but the Met Office said strong winds were expected to largely drop by the end of today.

However, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Wales are expected to see some of the country's heaviest rainfall on Saturday and Sunday.