Flag honour for local schoolgirl

WINNER: Neve, pictured with Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Flo
Nash, and her parents.

AN ARTY schoolgirl has been flying the flag for North Solihull...
Neve Russell, a Year 6 pupil at Marston Green Juniors, had won a borough-wide contest to design a bit of artwork to celebrate the Commonwealth.
Having impressed judges with her design, she was picked to give the order to raise a special flag at Solihull Council House.
A number of dignitaries from around the region were there for the ceremony, held in honour of Commonwealth Day.
The event takes place every March and celebrates the bonds between the group of nations, many of which were once part of the British Empire.

Plea to avoid CPO confusion ahead of Kingshurst scheme

CHELMSLEY Wood residents will remember the shock when a popular local shop suddenly closed a few years ago.
Bassi’s Supermarket, based at the old Craig Croft parade, had abruptly shut up its store/Post Office, in response to a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).
Solihull Council later admitted that it had expected the business to try to negotiate an extension instead of quietly packing up and moving on.
Now Chelmsley Wood councillor Chris Williams (Green) has said that he hopes lessons will be learned from the handling of the Chelmund’s Cross redevelopment.
He told a recent council scrutiny board that he would not want to see a repeat of the issue during the forthcoming redevelopment of Kingshurst Parade.

He pointed out that Bassi's had moved with little warning, when in fact it could have been allowed to remain for quite a while longer before construction work needed to start.
 “That shop was then standing empty for another 12 months, rent we could have had as well, and with a lot of elderly residents there, that caused issues.”
While another Post Office later opened in Yorkminster Drive, the closure effectively killed off hopes that a branch would be worked into the redesigned village centre.
Council officers have suggested that the Kingshurst scheme will differ from Chelmund’s Cross in that businesses will be able to stay open nearby during the work.
Because the shopping precinct is not on a main route, like the Chester Road, the fear is that shutting down retailers during construction could kill off trade for good.
It has therefore been suggested that any outlets which form part of the new development will be housed in temporary premises while building takes place.

Hopes of a healthier, safer centre
REBUILDING Kingshurst Parade will be about more than just bricks and mortar, council officers have insisted.
The local authority believes that the scheme offers wider opportunities to make major improvements to the local area.
They include designing a centre which will deter anti-social behaviour and encourage healthier lifestyles.
It is widely acknowledged that the ageing parade, which dates from the 1960s, is far from perfect. Units face inwards and the site has to be locked up after 9pm to keep troublemakers out.
Officers believe that if visitors feel safer and there is a stronger sense of community it will improve residents’ health. The centre has been earmarked for redevelopment for over a decade.

Eight trolleys spotted in one stretch of water

CONCERNS have been raised about the number of shopping trolleys being dumped in North Solihull's rivers and streams.
Coun David Cole (Lab, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) said the carts were a common sight in local water courses.
At this month's Full Council meeting he had asked if, during the next Great British Spring Clean, residents helping clear-up their area could be given assistance to remove the trolleys.
"Would it be an idea to get a specialist team in who can work with the litter pickers to withdraw these shopping trolleys...
"I counted eight I think it was in Kingshurst Brook and some in the River Cole as well, so there's plenty to get at."
Coun Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said she would ask her department the question and see if it would be possible to provide help at next year's events.
"Certainly they do make the place look untidy and it's a shame when everywhere else is looking so clean and tidy, if those [trolleys] are then causing a problem."

Residents "appalled" by state of dual carriageway

MORE than 200 people have backed calls to clear-up one of North Solihull’s busiest roads.
An online petition, launched by Smith’s Wood Litter Pickers, has complained about the current condition of the A452 Collector Road.
The group has said that the dual carriageway is in a “disgraceful” state, with litter strewn along the roadside and fly-tipping in the lay-bys.
Only a few weeks ago, reams of newspaper littered the verge at the Pimple Hill end.
The petition urges Solihull Council to carry out a clean-up, consider installing litter bins and repair fencing along the embankment – to prevent larger items being dumped.
Derek Churchard, among those to put their name to the appeal, said: “I’m appalled at the impression the rubbish gives to visitors coming to Solihull.”
The transport and highways team is expected to consider the requests once the petition has been formally submitted.

Popular playground's ambitious plans for the future

PLANS to create an indoor area at Meriden Adventure Playground have been given the green light. Solihull Council has approved placing two converted shipping containers at the Chelmsley Wood site. Submitting its application earlier this year, the playground said that it lacked any indoor facilities which meant that visitor numbers tailed off during the winter months.
The “much-needed” changes, approved last month, will provide a space for the children and will also be available as an office and for storage.
While the Meriden Adventure Playground Association (MAPA) now needs to secure funding to install the structures, it is hoped that they will also be offered to other community groups.
Providing grants are in place, the plan is to install the containers in time for this winter.
Coun Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood) had supported the application, arguing it would have “significant” benefits locally.
The scheme is one of several improvements in the pipeline for the facility, which just a couple of years ago feared it may have to close following the council's decision to withdraw funding.
Last year, Other Side of Solihull had reported that successful bids meant the site now had enough cash to cover staffing costs up until 2021.
With this taken care of, the team are now looking at a number of ways to bolster the facilities themselves.

Thousands of flower bulbs planted across North Solihull

THOUSANDS of  wildflower bulbs were planted across North Solihull last month.
Details of the highly ambitious programme have been revealed by the B37 Project – which supports art and environmental schemes in the area.
The bulbs have been dug into the soil at a range of sites, with hopes of colourful displays emerging in the months and years to come.
Activity in recent weeks is the first phase of an even bigger horticultural project, with as many as 50,000 flowers set to be planted in the next 18 months.
Bluebells, snowdrops, wild garlic and red campion are among the perennials already in place, with funding provided by the Birmingham Airport Community Fund.
So far planting has taken place at locations including Chapelhouse Road, Babbs Mill and the so-called “woods with no name” – a remnant of the ancient Forest of Arden.
At this spot alone there are now more than 2,000 bulbs beneath the surface.
The B37 Project said: “These seemingly insignificant woods are in fact an important reminder of B37’s natural heritage. Before the council estate was built, Chelmsley Wood was a vast woodland in the countryside, teeming with wildlife.
“Older generations will remember escaping to ‘The Bluebell Wood’ for the day to take in the sights and scent of bluebells and wild garlic nestled under the mighty oaks.”
It is hoped that the flowers will invoke memories of the estate’s greener past.
A range of recent studies have also shown that seeing flora and fauna plays an important part in people's mental health.
You can find out more about the recent activity and other local schemes via the Project’s official Facebook page.

Choir project gives voice to local residents

A CHELMSLEY Wood-based singing group is on the lookout for new members.
The Wellbeing Community Choir uses music and song to promote physical and mental health. Originally set up by the NHS, funding ceased four years ago and the project was taken forward by a small group of volunteers.
The choir featured in last year’s Commonwealth Games handover ceremony in Birmingham. Sessions take place each Monday evening at the Fordbridge Centre, in Nineacres Drive (5.30-7pm). If you are interested in joining or would like further details call Keely on 0784 192 4289 or email thewellbeingchoir@outlook.

Man charged with murder of Smith's Wood man

A MAN has been charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Smith’s Wood last month.
Leneto Kellengbeck, 24, had been found with knife wounds in Arran Way and died a short time later.
This morning, West Midlands Police confirmed that Demus Marcus, also 24, of no fixed address, had  now been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
He will appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court this morning (Saturday).
Det Insp Jim Colclough, from the force’s homicide team, said: "My thoughts continue to remain with Leneto’s family who have of course been kept fully updated about this development."

Fears off-road biking is on the increase

CRUSHED: Bikes from the 2016 ride-out are crushed by the police

POLICE recently warned there is no easy way to deal with the off-road bikes that are a regular sight around North Solihull.
Several councillors are concerned that the problems have returned with a vengeance.
And anger at riders who race around local parks and along pavements often comes hand-in-hand with calls for the authorities to do more to stop them in their tracks.
There was, however, a good result last month, with more than 20 men – including several local residents – being sentenced by the courts.
The gang were convicted for taking part in a mass ride-out, which had caused mayhem on local streets in June 2016. The force also went to the trouble of releasing footage of bikes being crushed, hoping to hammer home the message.
But debate continues about how best to handle the issue, with concerns that complaints are once again on the increase.
At a recent scrutiny board, Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith’s Wood) said: “Dirt bikes, scramblers, quads, whatever you want to call them ... It’s starting to rise again.
“I have been told that they’re coming from Shard End some times, that they are crossing boundaries into Castle Bromwich, Kingshurst and Chelmsley Wood.”
Supt Richard Agar, from Solihull Police, admitted there was not “an easy fix” but there had been some success with prosecutions and injunctions.
“It is a challenge in terms of what we do, but a couple of things we are exploring at the moment include community protection notices...”
Officers are also doing more work to direct riders to dedicated race tracks. While the recent court case saw a number of people jailed for public nuisance, the same meeting heard that getting results wasn’t always easy.
Caroline Naven, the council’s head of neighbourhood and regulatory services, said this could prove “frustrating”.
“We had an operation that involved 200 offenders, 45 of the cases got to court and of those 45 the majority of them were found not guilty.
“I just don’t think people are appreciating the gravity of that offence and how much of an issue it causes to local communities. The danger it poses...”
Another borough councillor, Robert Hall (Ind, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) had recently warned that bikers using Babbs Mill were putting local lives at risk.
The council believes that encouraging greater activity in parks will help reclaim the areas from a small group of troublemakers.

New tactics: Despite residents' fears, police insist that tactics for tackling the riders are evolving.
In a statement earlier this month, Chief Insp Jack Hadley (pictured) said: "We are now much more experienced in going after these types of offenders.
"We will use tyre-deflating stinger devices to contain groups of illegal bikers that pose a danger to road users and to disable their motorbikes bikes.
"And some officers are now equipped with a DNA spray which they can use to ‘tag’ offenders and their bikes.
"This is an invisible liquid, each can with its own unique DNA, which shows up under UV light – so should we seize the offender’s bike or clothing in future we can link it to a specific incident and provides great evidence."

"Significant development" in Smith's Wood murder inquiry

POLICE investigating a murder in Smith's Wood last month confirmed today that a man had been arrested.
A 24-year-old was detained at an address on the estate last night (Wednesday) and was today in custody and due to be questioned.
The news comes almost three weeks after Leneto Kellengbeck, also 24, suffered fatal wounds outside his Arran Way home.
Last week, loved ones and detectives had made a fresh plea for information about the events of March 29.
Det Insp Jim Colclough, from the force’s homicide team, said: "This arrest is a significant development in our investigation.
"Only last week Leneto’s family bravely spoke about the devastating impact his death has had on them.
"We are determined to get them the answers they so desperately need and we’re committed to bring his killer or killers to justice."
Anyone with information can call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Dizzy duck race returns to Kingshurst

THE quackers are back at Babbs Mill!
Once again, the Kingshurst park will be hosting a dizzy duck race, which has been a popular draw in previous years. The 2019 event will be held tomorrow (Wednesday).
Visitors are encouraged to pick a duck and race it down the river, with prizes for the first three birds to cross the finish line.
Registration from 10.30am with the event itself running from 11am-12.30pm.
There is a £1 charge for every duck you enter and please note that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Meet by the play area.

Interview: Former Park Hall pupil bags a BAFTA

A FILM-maker who grew up in Castle Bromwich has once again won one of the industry’s top awards.
Jonathan Hodgson was delighted to pick up a second BAFTA for his animation Roughhouse – inspired by real-life events from his student days.
The 15-minute film – which took 15 years to bring to the screen – bagged the award for best British short animation at the recent  awards ceremony.
The project was completed last year having been put together over more than a decade.
Speaking to Other Side of Solihull, Mr Hodgson said: “It’s not often you finish a film and get immediate success.
“There’s a lot of highs and lows on a long project like this, one of the big highs is actually getting the money to make it!
“Then it’s a slog to get it done and there’s relief when you finish and a pause to see what the world thinks.”

Roughhouse was inspired by events which unfolded in the student digs the creator had shared with friends several decades ago.
When one of the group stopped playing the rent, the other flatmates had “made his life a misery”.
“We wondered how we could have done that to someone who was a friend,” said Mr Hodgson, now 58.
“It was something I felt uneasy about, but I also thought it was worth talking about and exploring.
“As a film-maker you are always looking for a good story and if you experienced something yourself then that makes it easier in a way.”
The former Park Hall School pupil had enjoyed the likes of Tom and Jerry and Wacky Races as a child, but hadn’t considered a career in animation.
In fact it was the chance to soak in Liverpool’s vibrant music scene that tempted him to stop studying illustration in Brighton and head to Merseyside.
It was only when he was signed up on the animation course that the path for his future career was laid out.
And today he has come full circle, helping tutor the next generation through his lecturing work at Middlesex University.
He says that those entering the industry “have to enjoy hard work” but it is an exciting time for British animation.
“I think generally it’s a good time ... Ten years ago, with the crash, I would say it was particularly awful.
“Now, even with Brexit, there’s a lot of investment in this country at the moment and it’s going to get better.
“It varies from a couple of people working in a little studio to anything up to 600 people working in more like a factory.”
Mr Hodgson has a few ideas for future projects but said it wasn’t always a good idea to rush into a new production.
“Good ideas don’t just come when you want them. That’s the frustrating thing with being an artist or film director or writer.
“It’s like waiting for buses, you might get three come along at once!”

Safety concerns after pit appears in Smith's Wood

MORE than 100 residents have signed a petition amid concerns about a massive drainage pit being dug in Smith's Wood.
The campaign follows fears over the trench, which has appeared by the roadside in Arran Way, where workmen are busy on the Alderbrook housing scheme.
Horrified locals believe that the design could be a serious risk to children, given that several schools are located nearby.
The North Solihull Partnership insists that the pit has been designed to meet both local and national guidelines and is intended to cope with the very worst flooding conditions.
Councillor Mark Wilson (Green, Smith's Wood) had presented the petition, signed by 109 residents, at this week's Full Council meeting.
He said that residents wanted to see the feature "made a lot more safe for people in the area."
"It's near to four schools, two of which have students with additional needs, so a deep ditch or trench without safety measures installed is not really appropriate for this area.
"While the residents do understand something needs to be done to drain excess surface water created by the Arran Way housing development it still needs safety measures."
Many mums and dads were horrified to see the pit being excavated, with parents branding the plans "diabolical" and "ridiculous".

CONCERNS: Parish councillor Glynis Harrison, Cllr Mark
Wilson and Elizabeth King, who raised the petition.

There have also been concerns that the pit will quickly fill with litter and that its sides may be a tempting race course for the estate's off-road bikers.
John Halton, the Partnership's regeneration director, had this month met with ward councillors and residents and tried to reassure them.
He insisted the pit had been designed in line with Environment Agency guidelines and would only fill with water after the most extreme weather.
"It is not a pond," he had said.
It has been suggested that a further consultation could be held about whether appropriate safety measures, such as a fence, could be installed once work is complete.
A Solihull Council spokesman said: "The drainage area residents are concerned about forms part of the site’s Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS).
"SuDS play an important role in helping to manage flood risk and are a national policy requirement on development sites, including where there are more than 10 homes being built, such as at Arran Way.
"In response to concerns raised by local residents, the North Solihull Partnership has taken action to ensure the safety of the site.
"They have informed us that public access to the area will be fenced off until the construction work has been completed. In addition, they say they are reviewing if any planting or fencing can be installed to prevent potential anti-social behaviour."
The Alderbrook development includes 51 homes and was granted planning permission four years ago.
Work finally got underway last spring, with the demolition of the former gym building and empty shops.

Fresh plea for help in Smith's Wood murder investigation

TWO weeks on from the murder of a young man outside his Smith's Wood home, police and family members have made a fresh appeal for information.
Leneto Kellengbeck was stabbed to death in Arran Way a fortnight ago this evening (March 29) and detectives are continuing to investigate.
Det Insp Jim Colclough said that the 24-year-old had pulled up outside his house at around 11.10pm, at which point he was attacked.
Within minutes the father-of-one was found by two members of the public, having suffered multiple stab wounds. He passed away a short time later.
In a direct appeal to locals, Det Insp Colclough said: "I'm appealing today to the residents of Smith's Wood to contact the police if they have any information in relation to this murder.
"Any bit of information could be crucial to the investigation.
"That could be dashcam footage or evidence that's captured on mobile phones."
Loved ones have also urged anyone with information to come forward.
Mum Jasmine Coley-Hartley said that her heart had been "ripped out", while Leneto's girlfriend Emily Coe had spoken of the difficulties explaining the tragedy to their young daughter.
Having checked CCTV in the area, detectives believe there were a number of people in the vicinity who may have vital evidence.
Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries should call 101.

Babbs Mill event hot on the wheels of bike ride

A FAMILY event will be taking place in Kingshurst to coincide with a major cycle ride next month.
Activities will be held at Babbs Mill on May 12, to coincide with the Velo Birmingham and Midlands.
Around 17,000 riders will be travelling the 100-mile course, 25 miles of which are in Solihull. Council chiefs hope the ride will be a major boost for the borough’s economy, although some residents worry about disruption.
The family event at Babbs Mill will run from 11am-12.30pm, with a gazebo, coffee cart and games activities. More details are set to be announced closer to the time.

Do your bit to tackle period poverty

CAN you help a local scheme which is helping schoolgirls who can’t afford basic sanitary products? As we reported last year, the Red Box Project has been set up in North Solihull to help tackle period poverty.
It is collecting essential items such as tampons and pads to provide for free in secondary schools.
But with demand growing all the time, volunteers would welcome any donations from individuals and businesses.
For further details on how you can get involved, visit the group’s Facebook page.

Protest planned by supporters of Kingshurst charity

PROTESTERS concerned for the future of a Kingshurst-based charity will this week be taking their fight direct to the Council House.

Supporters of DIAL Solihull - a vital lifeline for disabled people - will be making their feelings known when they gather in advance of tomorrow's Full Council meeting.

Many residents were dismayed that the organisation lost out on a key council contract, which has meant the loss of more than £100,000 a year in funding.

The controversial changes to the council's support services took effect last Monday (April 1).
While DIAL wants to remain in Kingshurst, chief executive Alice Singleton has said it now must secure an alternative income if it is to continue.
There was an outpouring of anger about the situation when more than 100 people - from miles around - attended a public meeting at St Barnabas Church last month.
Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith's Wood) said recently that feelings were "raw."
Other supporters have taken to social media to voice their frustration.
Posting on Facebook, Kelly Donald said: "I cannot stress how appreciated and valued DIAL are to me, showed me that I can fight for my rights and that I shouldn’t have to feel like a third class citizen just because I am disabled.
"I fear for the future of the disabled residents of Solihull without DIAL - we cannot let the council stamp them out for being too good at what they do!"
In a statement last month the local authority said it would work with organisations which had lost out in the tendering process to discuss "the type of support the council can offer voluntary and community organisations in the future."
It added that residents will still be able to access support via the community advice hubs at The Core, Solihull, and in Chelmsley Wood. These are operated by Age UK Solihull.
DIAL Solihull, which has supported thousands of people over the course of the past few years, has been active in the borough since 1987.
It specialises in providing advice and information to disabled children, adults and carers.

New edition of Other Side of Solihull out now

THE latest edition of Other Side of Solihull's digital newspaper is out now on Issuu.
Send your stories or suggestions for our next edition to theothersideofsolihull@gmail.com

Balloon release planned in memory of Smith's Wood man

BALLOONS are set to be released in memory of a Smith's Wood man who suffered fatal stab wounds just yards from his home.
The tribute event is due to take place in Arran Way, where Leneto Kellengbeck had lived.
The 24-year-old had suffered multiple wounds following an attack in the street on Friday, March 29.
Fresh details suggest that the father-of-one, a keen boxer, had been targeted after arriving home with a takeaway at just before 11.30pm.
Bouquets of flowers have been placed on the verge and a sign has been erected near the scene of the attack, highlighting the impact of knife crime.
The balloon release will be taking place tomorrow (Sunday) at 5pm, with friends of Mr Kellengbeck, known as Lenny, invited.
People are encouraged to take along balloons, lanterns and candles of red and black - which were the young man's favourite colours.

Troops return to Castle Bromwich

A CIVIL War re-enactment society will once again be setting up camp in Castle Bromwich later this month.
Following on from their appearance last spring, Colonel John Pickering and his fearsome Regiment of Foote will be visiting the Hall Gardens over the Easter weekend.
You can read our feature on the group - written after their appearance in 2018 - here.
If you didn't catch them last time, then the members will be at the Gardens on Easter Sunday (April 21) and Bank Holiday Monday (April 22).
Further details about times and admission charges are available on the venue's website.

North Solihull's election candidates confirmed

CANDIDATES standing at next month's local elections were officially confirmed this week.

Solihull residents will go to the polls on Thursday, May 2, with a third of the borough's 51 seats up for grabs.

In the north of the borough, parties will be battling it out in Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Smith's Wood, Bickenhill (which includes Marston Green) and Kingshurst & Fordbridge.

The Conservatives, the Green Party and Labour will be fielding candidates in all five wards.

The Liberal Democrats will only be contesting Bickenhill, while UKIP have not put anyone up this year. 

If you have not already registered to vote, you have until next Friday (April 12).

List of candidates:

Bickenhill (inc Marston Green):

Trevor Barker (Green), Reece Colley (Lib Dem), Bob Sleigh (Con) and Nick Stephens (Lab).

Summary: Currently held by Cllr Bob Sleigh - leader of the council and Solihull's Conservative group. The Tories have had a clean-sweep of seats for over a decade.

Castle Bromwich:

Matt Bond (Lab), Steve Caudwell (Green) and Gail Sleigh (Con).

Summary: Seen as a true blue stronghold for many years, the Greens pulled off a major upset last year when they won by a landslide. 

Chelmsley Wood:

Hazel Dawkins (Lab), Karl Macnaughton (Green) and David Skelding (Con).

Summary: Karl Macnaughton - the Greens' longest-serving councillor - is defending his seat. The ward was once a Labour heartland but the party's share of the vote has dwindled more recently.

Kingshurst & Fordbridge:

Eleanor Aldworth (Green), Marcus Brain (Lab) and Alan Feeney (Con).

Summary: Labour will be looking to build on their victory over UKIP's Debbie Evans last year. Sitting councillor Robert Hall - a former UKIP man who went independent - is not standing for re-election.

Smith's Wood:

Adrian Duffen (Not stated), Bill Lloyd (Lab),  Mark Wilson (Green) and Angus Young (Con).

Summary: As with Chelmsley, the Greens have built up a strong majority in recent years. Adrian Duffen is the only candidate in the north not representing a major party.

Singers' spring concert on Saturday

NORTH Solihull Singers will be staging their spring concert this weekend.
The group will be performing live at the Three Trees Centre on Saturday, April 6.
Proceeds from the Chelmsley Wood show will go to Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 each and available on 0121 582 0767.

Tributes paid to young dad killed in Smith's Wood stabbing

TRIBUTES: Flowers and tributes placed in Arran Way, Smith's Wood

A MAN stabbed to death in Smith's Wood last week has been named as father-of-one Leneto Kellengbeck.
Tributes have flooded in for the 24-year-old, who suffered multiple stab wounds late on Friday night (March 29).

Mr Kellengbeck, known as Lenny, leaves behind a two-year-old daughter.
Paying tribute to her son, his mother Jasmine described him as "kind and thoughtful."
In a statement issued through Solihull Police, she said: "The news of my son’s demise came like a thief in the night.
"So sudden and unexpected, it gave me no chance to react or do anything in my powers to prevent it from happening.
"Suddenly, my world has been turned upside down since my precious son became another victim of this dreaded knife crime."
Police had been called to Arran Way at around 11.15pm and found Mr Kellengbeck, who had suffered fatal injuries. He died a short time later.
A post-mortem, carried out over the weekend, revealed that he had died of multiple stab wounds.
No arrests have been made, but officers are continuing to comb through the area's CCTV footage and speak to possible witnesses.

Det Insp Jim Colclough, from the force's homicide unit, said: "This is a desperately sad time for Mr Kellengbeck’s family, and we have specially trained officers in place to support them.

"We are still trying to establish exactly what happened, and need anyone who saw what happened, or who believes they might have information that could help us, to speak to us.
"The smallest bit of information could help, so please do get in touch."
Tributes have also been paid by friends and wellwishers on social media. It is understood that the victim was a talented boxer.
Following his death, a webpage was set up to raise money for his daughter and family.
By teatime today (Wednesday), more than £5,500 had been pledged in donations.

Alcohol banned at cemetery amid concerns about crime

YOUTHS drunk on booze they had taken from graves at Woodlands Cemetery started flinging mud among the headstones.
The incident, which happened a few months ago, was one of several which has forced Solihull Council to ban alcohol from the site.
It is reported that the cans and bottles left by mourners are fuelling anti-social behaviour, with thefts and threats of violence also occurring.
As of today (April 1), visitors will be forbidden from bringing in, drinking or leaving alcohol at the facility. The tough new policy was agreed earlier this year.
Coun Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said it was important that people felt comfortable.
“We want to make sure our cemeteries are a peaceful place for visitors when they come to pay their respects to their loved ones,” she said.
“While many people are respectful when they visit, there have been times when others have behaved inappropriately.
“This has been caused through drinking alcohol which they have obtained from it being left on graves.”
Problems at Woodlands, which lies between Chelmsley Wood and Coleshill, have prompted Warwickshire Police to start plain-clothes patrols in the vicinity.
In addition, cemetery staff across Solihull have all been issued with personal alarms – in the event of any trouble.
Julie Williams, from the council’s bereavement services team, said it was important there was a “dignified” atmosphere at the place of rest.
She had told councillors about the problems over the Christmas period with youths entering the cemetery and causing trouble.
“People leave cans, bottles of Jack Daniels and things like that on the graves,” she said.
“They’d been drinking them and then they started throwing stones at headstones, having a mud fight from grave mounds.”
On another occasion, an out-of-work adult had got very drunk on alcohol that had been left at the site.
Challenged by his wife about spending money, he confessed he’d “been to Woodlands Cemetery”.
The alcohol ban will also apply at the borough’s two other council-owned cemeteries – Robin Hood, in Shirley, and Widney Manor, at Bentley Heath.