Off-road bikes seized in raids in North Solihull

DAWN RAID: Police impounded more than a dozen vehicles

FOUR off-road bikes have been seized from an industrial unit in Chelmsley Wood as part of a police crackdown on boy racers.
Yesterday morning (Monday), officers swooped on addresses across Birmingham, Solihull and the wider West Midlands, seizing a total of 14 vehicles.
The operation got underway at 5am, when a warrant was issued at an undisclosed address in Castle Bromwich.
This was followed by a string of other raids, including the move on the premises in Chelmsley Wood.
It was the latest phase of Operation Wraithbane, which was set up specifically to tackle the illegal rallies which have caused chaos on local roads in recent years. Main routes, including the Collector Road, are among those where problems have been reported.
Insp Andy Bridgewater, who led the latest action, said: "We’ve seen off-road bikers clogging up roads, intimidating motorists, jumping red lights, pulling stunts in the street and putting pedestrians in danger.
"Some of the video footage we’ve captured has been truly shocking: bikers ramping up kerbs and speeding along pavements…sometimes just yards away from school children. It’s totally unacceptable and I sympathise with anyone that’s been inconvenienced by these groups.
"We’re taking firm action against offenders: 53 have been arrested and seven have now been charged with public nuisance offences. The rest are on bail and also face being taken to court."
The event came almost 12 months to the day since an infamous 'Ride Out' on Halloween night last year. A gang of around 200 riders descended on local roads, hurling fireworks at other vehicles and at one stage attacking a police van in Yorkminster Drive, Chelmsley Wood.
Police warned that anyone thinking of taking part in a similar event this evening would be met with a swift response from the force.

Petition launched in response to flight path fears

A PETITION has been set up by residents concerned about the impact that changes to Birmingham Airport flight paths might have on North Solihull.
Last week, members of the newly-formed campaign group, Castle Bromwich Airport Forum, met with Meriden MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, at Arden Hall.
Following the meeting, the petition was launched to allow local people to support calls for the airport to mitigate the effects of the alterations.
This petition will be available at Arden Hall's entrance hall until November 14. You can also sign the document online here (scroll to the bottom of the page).

No Trick or Treating card issued

POLICE have advised elderly and vulnerable residents to display their 'No Trick or Treating' card, if they have concerns about being pestered this Halloween.

The force has also advised local people with concerns not to feel pressurised to answer the door if they receive an unexpected call, and to make use of their door chain and spy-hole if necessary

With the clocks having gone back in the early hours of this morning and Bonfire Night just a week away, officers are preparing for the traditional spike in anti social behaviour that can occur at this time of year.

There have already been reports of a number of instances of fireworks being thrown, including a group of youths hurling the devices in Green Lane, Castle Bromwich.
In a separate incident, a resident revealed that a firework had been placed in her wheelie bin at her home in Chelmsley Wood. She reported a sound like "a bomb going off" and a photo posted on social media showed that the container had been ripped apart by the explosion.

• You can download a full-size version of the Trick or Treat card from the West Midlands Police website.

Al-Anon organise open meeting in Chelmsley Wood

AN EVENT to help those who have friends or relatives battling a drink problem will be taking place in Chelmsley Wood next week.
The Al-Anon session, to be held at Bosworth Community Centre, gives people the opportunity to share their experiences.
The open meeting will be held on Monday (October 30), from 10.30am-12noon.
For further details about Al-Anon and the work they do nationwide please call 0207 403 0888 or visit their website.

Facility to tackle homelessness opens in Chelmsley Wood

A NEW development to provide short-term accommodation for people who are homeless recently opened in Chelmsley Wood.
Ipswich House, in Ipswich Walk, can house up to 21 residents and will offer support for those who find themselves in dire straits.
The £2.3million project, which was funded by Solihull Council and the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency, was not without its detractors.
When the plans were first unveiled in 2015, some living locally feared that the creation of a “halfway house” in a residential area might fuel anti social behaviour and parking problems. More than 500 people signed a petition against the scheme.
But others have argued that the development will be a lifeline at a time when homelessness is becoming an increasing problem.
A recent study by the charity Shelter suggested that some 250,000 Britons were classed as homeless.
Four years ago, the borough council came in for criticism after it emerged that many who found themselves in difficulties were being sent to sub-standard B&Bs.
Councillor Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood), who at the time led the calls for a different approach, said the local authority subsequently looked at the creation of alternative types of temporary accommodation.
He said Ipswich House went “above and beyond” in that it will provide support for those who the authorities aren’t legally obliged to help.
“It actually houses people who wouldn’t have been entitled to even a grotty B&B bed,” he told Other Side of Solihull.
Meriden’s MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, who was invited to cut the ribbon of the new centre, also hailed the improvement in services.
“There are many reasons why people find themselves homeless including; the breakdown of a relationship, financial difficulties, having to leave their homes because of domestic violence or crime and disasters like fires and flooding,” she said.
“Having recently supported measures in the House of Commons to help tackle homelessness, including the Homelessness Prevention Act, I was delighted to have the opportunity to open Ipswich House.”

Road chiefs review data from Bradford Road cameras

A DRIVER was caught doing 75mph along one of Castle Bromwich’s busiest routes, following the introduction of speed cameras last summer.
The devices were installed on the Bradford Road last August and have been hailed as “a good news story” by Solihull Council.
Last month, the council’s transport and highways committee was provided with an update on how the technology had performed since it was installed a little over a year ago.
Official figures show that in the first eight months over 3,000 vehicles had activated the cameras installed on the Bradford Road. And a total of 976 cases were referred to the police’s central ticketing offices during this period.
Data released by the council suggests the worst offence was recorded back in January, when one motorist travelled past at more than twice the speed limit.
The local authority said that far more vehicles had been snapped breaking the speed limit than they had foreseen, although it will be a while before reliable data is made available to assess the impact on road safety.
Paul Tovey, the head of highway services, said: “The initial information we’ve had is really positive.
“There have been very few faults with the equipment, so it’s been quite effective in the first 12 months, which has been good to report.”
The Bradford Road camera was one of three digital devices installed in the borough amid concerns that speeding was still a major concern at a number of accident blackspots. Other cameras were put in place on Lode Lane and the Stratford Road through Hockley Heath.
Thus far, more than £50,000 in revenue has been raised from those who were caught on camera, with the money to be reinvested in the scheme.
The cash may later be spent on installing cameras at further sites, with Mr Tovey suggesting that other locations where the old fixed cameras were once in operation would be likely choices.

Our Say: October

Solihull's Get Involved Day

RESIDENTS will have a chance to find out how to make a difference in their community by going along to a half-term event in Smith's Wood.

The Solihull Get Involved Day will be taking place at Elmwood Place tomorrow (Wednesday), with stalls on everything from healthy eating and mental health to crime prevention.
Representatives from the police, borough council, Solihull Community Housing and Solihull Active will be among those in attendance.

Activities will run at the Burtons Way venue from 11am-3.30pm.

Body believed to be that of missing Chelmsley man

POLICE investigating the disappearance of Chelmsley Wood man Gary Parfitt have confirmed they have found a body.
The discovery was made in a stretch of water at New Fosse Way, Selly Oak, yesterday afternoon (Sunday).
Although the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing 41-year-old. West Midlands Police have said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Mr Parfitt’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A file is now being prepared for the Birmingham and Solihull Coroner.

Solihull Council insists it is ready for a harsher winter

AS the dark nights set in and the borough’s leaves start to turn, Solihull Council is already planning for the winter.
A fleet of nine new vehicles will be used to keep the roads clear in the event of ice and snow, with 3,500 tonnes of gritting salt having been stockpiled at the council depot. Half a dozen “hand salters” will be used to treat the borough’s six main retail centres, which include Chelmsley Wood and Marston Green.
The local authority has acknowledged that last winter was far milder than usual – only 29 gritting runs were completed, all of them precautionary.
Highways officers are nonetheless confident that the council is prepared should we experience more severe conditions this year.

Wife's appeal a year on from Kingshurst murder

APPEAL: Dawn Lewis, whose husband Giovanni was killed last October.

THE wife of a man murdered in Kingshurst 12 months ago has appealed for the public's help in tracing a key suspect.

Giovanni Lewis, 28, died in Hadfield Way after being stabbed through the heart on October 18 last year.

Despite a number of public appeals and a £5,000 reward being offered by Crimestoppers, the police have yet to locate Jammal Chase, a 20-year-old who they want to speak to in relation to the incident.

Twelve months on from Mr Lewis' death, his wife Dawn described her late husband as "a gentle giant" and yesterday made an emotional appeal.

"I just want him to hand himself in, its been long enough now, he does not know what pain it is causing my family and I, we want to lay Giovanni to rest but there can be no rest until he is in custody. Please do the right thing, stop our suffering and hand yourself in." 

Det Insp Paul Joyce warned that anyone who was helping to shelter Chase risked prosecution themselves.

"Our enquiries lead us to believe that Chase remains in the West Midlands. Do you know where he is? Do you have any information? Do the right thing and give us a call.

"The family of Giovanni have had to live the last 12 months knowing that the person who murdered him still hasn’t been brought to justice for what they did. This is still very much a live investigation and we are determined to get answers to help bring closure to Giovanni ’s loved ones."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the West Midlands Police homicide team on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Memorial to woman "who pulled the community together"

TRIBUTE: A sketch of the porch window design

WORSHIPPERS at a Marston Green church are raising money for a special memorial window, to be installed in tribute to a much-loved member of the local community.
Anne Dunkley, who was a churchwarden at St Leonard’s for seven years, died in June 2015 after being attacked at her home.
Now efforts are underway to create a lasting memorial to the 67-year-old, with a design for the porch window posted online last month.
The glasswork, set to be fitted in a wall which will catch the sunlight, will incorporate a number of emblems which represent Anne’s involvement in various aspects of village life.
These include an open book and pen, acknowledging her teaching career, and symbols recognising her long-standing involvement in the Scouts and Guides.
Reverend Penny Harrison, from St Leonard’s, said that the Parochial Church Council (PCC) had put around 18 months’ work into getting the design right.
“Anne was one of those people who pulled the whole community together,” she told Other Side of Solihull.
“She had a wicked sense of humour and was somebody always determined to get things done.”
It is anticipated that the window will cost in the region of £2,500, although the timetable for its installation will depend on getting a Faculty - the permission needed from the CofE to make changes to a church building.

• Residents can send a cheque made payable to St. Leonard’s PCC - with ‘Anne Dunkley Memorial Window’ on the reverse. Please send to St. Leonard’s Church, Elmdon Road, Marston Green, B37 7BT.

Castle Brom schoolgirl among theatre show's young cast

WHAT a star! A schoolgirl from Castle Bromwich is among 27 youngsters who have been picked to appear in a show coming to the Birmingham Rep this month.
Grace Green, aged 10, will be among the cast of Nativity! The Musical, which begins its run tomorrow (Friday).
The all-singing, all-dancing production is inspired by the Christmas comedy film, which starred Martin Freeman and Ashley Jensen.
Director Debbie Isitt said she was looking forward to starting rehearsals with the “sweet and funny young cast”.
Nativity! The Musical is on until November 12, with tickets available from the theatre's website.

Local families hit hard by desperate shortage of affordable homes

A CHELMSLEY Wood councillor has said that radical action is needed to address a desperate housing “crisis” in the borough.
James Burn, the leader of the Greens on Solihull Council, said that he typically took a couple of calls a week from concerned residents, who have often been brought to tears by the situation they face.
With thousands of families on the waiting list, Coun Burn (pictured below) said that only a massive social housing programme could solve the problems.
He highlighted the case of one local family who are currently in private rented accommodation, but with the levels of rent spiralling upwards they are at risk of losing the property.
“They have been registered with the council and waiting for a home since January 2014. One family member has a disability that is getting worse.

“I come across people who have been sofa surfing for three years, families living in incredibly cramped and damp conditions and more. They come to me as they just can’t believe that there are no homes available. But that’s the reality of it.”
At a recent public meeting at St Barnabas Church, Kingshurst, both Meriden’s MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, and representatives of Solihull Council acknowledged there was an urgent need to identify sites for new homes.
Coun Tony Dicicco, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said that the council was trying to balance protecting the green belt with ensuring there were more “affordable” properties.
“Solihull’s got to take more on,” he admitted.
But residents’ anger over the Babbs Mill development has arguably been made worse by the fact that the dwellings being built on land, which was formerly part of the Local Nature Reserve, are well out of the price range of local people.
Similarly, as the council begins to earmark development sites as part of its latest Local Plan, questions have already been raised about the affordability of the properties which will be incorporated into the new-look Kingshurst Parade.
On a national level, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, this month announced £2billion a year extra for a new generation of council housing.
She said: “Whether you’re trying to buy your own, renting privately and looking for more security, or have been waiting for years on a council list, help is on its way.”
Coun Burn said that he welcomed the announcement made at the Conservatives’ Autumn Conference, but argued the funding would be “a drop in the ocean”, with suggestions it would deliver only 5,000 extra homes a year

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Constituency would barely change under new plans

LITTLE CHANGE: The Meriden constituency would survive pretty much
intact under the latest set of proposals.

YET another set of plans to redraw the boundaries of MPs' constituencies was published today, with officials now set to retain the seat of Meriden.
Previous proposals would have seen the creation of a new constituency - Chelmsley Wood and Solihull North, encompassing Chelmsley, Kingshurst, Castle Bromwich, Smith's Wood, Marston Green, Sheldon, Elmdon and Lyndon.
But following a consultation, the Boundary Commission has decided on rather more limited changes.
Under the proposal, the borough would be made up of two constituencies bearing the same names as at present (Solihull and Meriden).
The Boundary Commission report said: "[We] rejected suggestions to change the name of the Meriden constituency, such as suggested by the Liberal Democrat Party who wanted to include reference to Chelmsley Wood within the constituency name, because there had only been minimal change to the existing constituency."
The main change is that two of the wards would swap places as part of efforts to give the seats a more even number of voters; Elmdon would move into Meriden, while the more sparsely-populated Blythe would form part of Solihull.
Neither seat would incorporate communities from other councils areas, which was one of the most controversial aspects of the previous set of proposals.
The nationwide shake-up would see the total number of constituencies cut from 650 to 600, meaning that dozens of current MPs would face a scrabble to be selected.
If approved, the new boundaries would come into effect for the next General Election, currently scheduled for 2022. However, some have speculated that the Prime Minister will struggle to get the plans through the Commons now she no longer commands a majority.

Analysis: As far as Solihull is concerned, the plans published today are much less radical than those which were brought forward last year.
Both sitting MPs and a good many councillors had objected to the previous proposals, arguing that plans to match together areas from different council areas would have created confusion. Residents were particularly unhappy about plans to lump the likes of Knowle and Balsall Common in with a Coventry constituency.
That said, some had argued that North Solihull itself may have actually fared slightly better under the previous set of proposals, which would have seen the area at the centre of a generally more urban constituency.
Some of those who are dissatisfied with the make-up of the current seat (which survives pretty much intact under the new plan) argue that it covers too wide an area and ties the north of the borough to rural communities with which it has little in common.

A red sun over the borough

THE sun above North Solihull turned blood-red earlier today, as a result of unusual atmospheric conditions.
Meteorologists said that the winds from the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia had filled the air with dust from the Sahara and debris from forest fires raging in Europe, which had given the sky its unusual hue.
The particles in the air affected the wavelength of the light and made it appear red to the human eye.
Reverend Neil Roberts, from Chelmsley Wood Baptist Church, was among those who posted photos of the unearthly sight on social media.
"Even the city has a mystical landscape," he tweeted. "Something is awry today."
As the day wore on, high winds battered the region, bringing down trees and affecting a number of rail services. Although the Midlands escaped the worst of the weather, with the strongest gusts having been reported in Ireland and Scotland.

Warning following incident in Kingsleigh Drive

CASTLE Bromwich residents have been advised to be vigilant after a teenage girl was terrified by a man peering through a downstairs window earlier this week.
The 18-year-old had returned to her Kingsleigh Drive home on Thursday evening (October 12) and turned on the kitchen light, when she saw the stranger standing at the window.
He had apparently shouted hello and the teenager had fled upstairs to call her mother, who has since shared information on the incident on the community's Facebook page.
The incident, which happened around 6.40pm, was reported to West Midlands Police.
The force typically advises residents to be on their guard at this time of year, when incidents of burglary and other crime can often increase. Further information on home security is available here.

A fruitful Sunday at the Hall Gardens

A HARVEST event is taking place at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens tomorrow (Sunday).
Highlights will include a walk led by foraging expert, Dr Rob Tilling, cob oven cooking and the chance to make apple juice (bring your own windfall fruit to put in the press).
There will also be stalls, folk dancing and storytelling sessions from the Green Man
The event takes place from 12.30-4.30pm. Find out more at the gardens' official website.

Trick or treat yourself to a night out

TICKETS are now on sale for a Halloween-theme disco, taking place in Chelmsley Wood later this month.
The family event will be taking place at the Onward Club on Saturday, October 28, with prizes for the best costume.
Family tickets are £5.00 (two adults and up to 3 children), adults £2.50 and children £1.00. They're on sale now from the venue's reception/bar.

Jobs on offer at Chelmsley Wood care home

A RECRUITMENT event is to be held next week for the new care home at Chelmund’s Cross.
Runwood Homes is looking for registered nurses (RGN, RMN & RNLD) and care assistants to work at Chelmund's Court, which will officially open next month.
The 73-bed residential facility will specialise in looking after those with dementia.
The event, which will give potential applicants the opportunity to find out about the roles on offer, will take place at Chelmsley Wood Library next Thursday (October 19). It will take place between 12.30-3.30pm.
For further information, please call Solihull Council's employment and skills team on 0121 704 8076 or email employmentteam@solihull.gov.uk

Man found guilty of assault outside pub

A MAN has been found guilty of squirting cleaning fluid at two men, during an altercation outside a pub.
Max Kelly, 23, formerly of Sark Drive, Smith's Wood, was alleged to have shouted "I've got acid" before spraying the pair with the contents of a squeezy bottle. He has been convicted of two counts of common assault, the BBC reports.

Soap actor to turn on Chelmsley's Xmas lights

EASTENDERS star Jake Wood will be the special guest invited to turn-on the Christmas lights in Chelmsley Wood town centre, it was announced today.
The actor, who plays Max Branning in the BBC's flagship soap, has also had guest roles in shows including Only Fools and Horses, One Foot in the Grave and Red Dwarf.
In 2014, he made it to the semi-finals of the Saturday night staple Strictly Come Dancing.
The switch-on event will take place on Saturday, November 25 from 12noon. The lights will be turned on at 4pm.

Singing troupe celebrate their 50th year

CASTLE Bromwich Singers are marking their 50th anniversary and will this week host a concert celebrating half a century of music.
Fifty Years of Song will be performed at Arden Hall from October 11-14. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start.
Tickets from Greg (07825 969298) or Stella (0121 748 7635) and on the door. Price £7 or £4 for under 16s.

Labour MP in visit to Chelmsley Wood

ONE of Jeremy Corbyn’s most ardent supporters has addressed activists during a visit to Chelmsley Wood.
Chris Williamson, the Labour MP for Derby North, was invited to speak at the Onward Club – having returned to Parliament in the June election.
As Shadow Fire Minister, Mr Williamson (pictured) has since taken the lead in criticising the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
But the veteran left-winger has also attracted criticism after suggesting that debate was reopened on having women-only train carriages.
Entertainment at the event was provided by the First of May Band whose political anthems include ‘Ballad of the Tax Dodger’.

17-year-old charged in relation to Marston Green robbery

A TEENAGER has been charged in connection with a carjacking in Marston Green during the summer.
The 17-year-old, from Stechford, is alleged to have been among a group who robbed a female driver of her Seat Ibiza, in an incident which unfolded outside the village's One Stop shop on August 17.
The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also faces charges relating to five other offences in the Solihull and Birmingham area, after being arrested by officers on Thursday (October 5).
These include a robbery in Broome Lane, Dickens Heath, in which a woman was threatened with a baseball bat, and similar carjackings in Acocks Green and Shirley.
All of the alleged incidents took place in August or September.
DCI Sarah Burton, from West Midlands Police, said: "We’re looking at a series of robberies in which it appears lone woman drivers have been deliberately targeted; these were no doubt very shocking incidents for the victims involved."
Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Travellers return to Castle Bromwich

A NUMBER of caravans have once again moved onto land in the middle of Castle Bromwich.
Residents reported the vehicles driving up onto grass near to the Hall Gardens earlier today (Friday).
Solihull Council, Castle Bromwich Parish Council and West Midlands Police have been informed and it is understood the process to have the group removed is now underway.
The encampment is one of several to spring up around North Solihull in recent weeks, with caravans having last visited Castle Bromwich as recently as last month.
A few weeks ago, enforcement action was also taken after caravans descended on North Solihull Sports Centre, in Chelmsley Wood.

Councillors hold surgery at Castle Brom Library

CASTLE Bromwich's ward councillors will be having their next surgery this Saturday (October 7).
The event is an opportunity for local people to meet members face-to-face and raise any problems or queries they may have.
The session will be taking place between 10am-12noon.

Airport agrees to extend flightpath consultation

BIRMINGHAM Airport has today (Tuesday) announced that a consultation on changes to flight paths will be extended for four weeks.
Residents now have until November 6 to have their say on the proposals, which will impact on North Solihull.
The airport said it had decided to extend the consultation, which would originally have ended next week, following comments from local residents.
The document which outlines the proposed changes is available online or alternatively you can pick up a hard copy from Castle Bromwich Library.

Commonwealth Games bid would bring competitors to the NEC

THE bid for Birmingham to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games plans for a number of the sports to take place a stone's throw from North Solihull.

The NEC complex would play host to boxing, badminton, judo, table-tennis and wrestling under organisers' plans.

Last week, the Government gave official backing to the multi-million pound bid, with the city now set to face off against Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia, and Victoria, Canada.

Birmingham's offer has been described as "low risk, high quality" given that 95 per cent of the venues which would welcome athletes have already been built.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said: "It would showcase the best in Britain to the world and make the entire country proud. 

"Not only would it help grow the economy in the West Midlands and beyond, it would also leave a strong sports legacy, by upgrading facilities to benefit both elite athletes and the local economy."

The Commonwealth Games takes place every four years and sees 70 teams compete in 23 sporting disciplines.

If successful, Birmingham would follow in the footsteps of Manchester, which hosted the competition 15 years ago, and Glasgow, which welcomed competitors in 2014.

Badge created to celebrate troupe's anniversary

CASTLE Bromwich Scout Group has unveiled a special badge, designed to mark the troupe’s 85th birthday.
The eye-catching emblem was devised by one of the group’s Tuesday Beavers and revealed on social media last month.
Founded in 1932 when today’s suburb was still a small village, the branch expects to have more than 160 youngsters and leaders at its forthcoming group camp.
Amanda Cardall said the organisation wanted to take the opportunity to thank its many supporters.
“Scouting is very popular in Castle Bromwich and we are lucky to have such an amazing team of volunteers. Here’s to some more great years.”

Lunchtime choir to start at Chelmsley Wood venue

CHELMSLEY Wood's Three Trees Centre is launching a lunchtime choir this month.

Sessions will take place on Wednesdays (12.30-1.00pm) and are aimed at people who struggle to fit activities in during the evening.

No auditions are required and it will cost just £1.