Chelmsley Wood lifeguard loses fight to return to work

A LONG-standing lifeguard - who was controversially sacked from North Solihull Sports Centre - has lost a bid to get his old job back.
As reported a few weeks ago, Ray Lill was dismissed following allegations that he had broken health and safety rules.
The 64-year-old had admitted ringing his granddaughter before the start of his shift, but strenuously denied the claims he had made a call at the poolside.
The sudden departure of Mr Lill - who has worked at the centre for over 30 years - prompted impassioned pleas for him to be reinstated and almost 4000 people signed a petition calling for bosses to rethink their decision.
At the end of July, many of his supporters took part in a protest outside the building, with some even threatening to boycott the centre.
Despite the strength of public feeling, this week Parkwood Leisure, who run the Chelmsley Wood venue, confirmed that there were insufficient grounds to reverse their original decision.
The Solihull branch of trade union Unison, who have been representing Mr Lill, said that they would consult with lawyers about the option of pursuing a claim for unfair dismissal.