Coronation Street legend Johnny dies
CORONATION Street star Johnny Briggs, famous for his role as ladies’ man Mike Baldwin, has died aged 85.
The actor was a fixture on the cobbles, making his name as the Cockney businessman, for 30 years and becoming one of the ITV soap’s most memorable characters.
A statement from his family said Briggs died peacefully after a long illness.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Johnny Briggs,” the statement said.
“He passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness, with family by his side. He was 85.
“We politely ask for privacy at this time, so that we can quietly grieve as a family and remember the wonderful times we had with him.”
The Coronation Street Twitter account paid tribute, saying the Baldwin character was “one of the most iconic the Street has ever known”.
His storylines included an affair, in the early 1980s, that gripped the nation.
Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) and Mike had an illicit relationship two years into her marriage to Ken Barlow (William Roache), but she decided to stay with her husband.
BUSINESSES across Nuneaton and Bedworth will be checked to ensure that they are Covid-19 safe - and immediate action could be taken if they are not.
As of today businesses such as pubs and shops can expect a call or a visit from Health and Safety Executive (HSE) officials or Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council staff.
It is part of a drive to ensure that businesses have Covid-secure measures in place and to help tackle coronavirus (Covid-19) in light of the government’s lockdown lifting plans.
During the checks advice and guidance will be given to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors.
But it has been warned that immediate action could be taken, including issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution.
Councillor John Beaumont, cabinet member for planning, development and health at the Town Hall, said: “We are talking to local businesses, and will be visiting and inspecting sites in and around the borough to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.
“Becoming Covid secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in our area. It is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm, and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. This means making business adjustments to become Covid-secure. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.”
It has been revealed that the HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include: failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime particularly at busy times of the day.
Cllr Beaumont added: “All businesses are in line for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are Covid-secure. By making sure that businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of the local community as well as support the local and national UK economy.”
A DOCTORS surgery in Coventry has been given the green light to expand.
The Woodway Medical Centre will see a new twostorey side extension built facing onto Wigston Road to serve residents of Potters Green.
The extension will provide six consulting rooms, four treatment rooms and improved waiting rooms for patients.
New toilets and storage space will also be provided, alongside a new conference room and library.
Planning submissions said the surgery had “outgrown the existing premises”, which no longer meets “current NHS standards”.
The new plans will provide a “first-class premises” for patients. A spokesman for Coventry and Rugby CCG, who run the site, said: “Our priority is to support people in Coventry to access high quality primary care services close to their homes.
“We will be considering the business case for an expansion to the Woodway practice later on this year.”
Permission for an extension was previously granted in January 2020 for a similar two-storey structure to the south of the surgery, however could not be taken forward due to roots of an ancient oak tree which could have been compromised.
The new plan, which was approved in February, switches the extension to the east of the surgery away from the tree root protection area.