Public appeal to trace missing Chelmsley man

POLICE are concerned for the safety of a Chelmsley Wood man who has been missing from his home for the past 48 hours
Liam Evans, 35, has not been seen since 4pm on Wednesday (August 29).
He is described as white, around 5ft 11 ins, of stocky build with short brown hair and facial stubble.
At the time of his disappearance he was wearing a black or navy top, black jogging trousers and white Nike trainers.
Det Con Robert Sharp said: "Liam may be vulnerable. He has been seen around the shops in Chelmsley Wood and may be using public transport to visit Wolverhampton, West Bromwich and Birmingham city centre."
Anyone with information can contact the police via Live Chat between 8am-9pm, call 101 round the clock or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Buses are "an essential means of travel for millions"

A JOURNALIST and author raised in Chelmsley Wood has highlighted the difficulties facing those who have to rely on the bus or train to get about.
Lifelong public transport user Lynsey Hanley recently presented a two-part Radio 4 series.
It lifted the lid on the problems that passengers encounter on a daily basis, using services which are “irregular” and often “shockingly expensive.”
In particular the programmes sought to highlight the massive gulf between the quality of connections available in London and other parts of the UK.
Ms Hanley, who now lives in Merseyside, but still relies almost entirely on public transport, spoke to fellow commuters about how they thought the network could become a viable alternative to the car.
“Buses are the mainstay of everyday travel,” said the 42-year-old.
“Not for fancy or far-flung trips, but the essential means by which millions of people travel to work, the shops, to doctors and dentists’ appointments and to visit loved ones.
“Bus networks are the complex cogs which keep cities moving and prevent people in smaller places becoming isolated, or at least that’s what they do in London and what they should do elsewhere.”
Figures quoted during the programme revealed that a third of England’s 35,000 buses operate within the capital.
And in the last decade, 138million miles were lost from bus routes outside London, even as the network within the capital was extended. Because such a large section of the population make journeys via car, Ms Hanley said that many people are baffled that she uses alternative forms of transport.
“I’ve had the nagging feeling of being at best an outlier and at worst a crank.
“When I tell people I get round mainly by bus, it’s as though I’ve told them that I hike into work from space using a pair of Nordic skis...”
Only this month, Other Side of Solihull reported on the discussions that have been taking place to try and improve the often criticised bus services in North Solihull.
Residents have expressed concern that routes don't serve the Chelmund's Cross village centre and there is still anger over the changes made to the local network last year.
Mind The Gap: Britain’s Transport Divide is still available to listen to on BBC’s iPlayer.

Police hunt for Chester Road scooter duo

IMAGES of the individuals that police want to speak to after a pair of PCSOs were doused with a fire extinguisher were released this week.

Police are appealing for information after two of their officers were sprayed inside their car by a duo riding a scooter.

The crime took place on the Chester Road, in Castle Bromwich, last Monday evening (August 20).

The PCSOs were sat in a police vehicle, waiting at traffic lights, when the incident occurred at around 5.40pm. 

The force has said that the officers were investigating a disturbance at the nearby Morrisons petrol station at the time.

If you have any information please call Solihull Police on 101 (ext 8912 3027) and quote reference  number 20SH/190172F/18. You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Help spruce up estate's Nature Reserve

SMITH'S Wood residents can blitz the rubbish blighting a leafy spot by going along to this weekend's group litter pick.
Local people are welcome to help out at the clean-up event, due to take place at the estate's Local Nature Reserve this Sunday (September 2).
A recent visit to the site revealed that it was strewn with bottles and cans, some of which date back several years!
The session is taking place from 1.00-2.30pm and those wishing to help out are asked to meet at the "Smith's Wood Local Nature Reserve" sign post.
Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Organisers said that children must be accompanied by an adult.

Emergency loan "means everything" to Chelmsley Wood family

A YOUNG girl from Chelmsley Wood, who is living with a life-limiting condition, has been given a precious opportunity to spend more time with her family.
Jessica Collins (pictured) has Muscular Dystrophy, a disease which affects every single muscle in her body. It means that she is unable to stand and that she suffers breathing difficulties.
Over the last few months the 12-year-old’s condition has deteriorated so badly that she is now unable to use the specialist seat she has downstairs or go to school, which left her completely isolated.
Explaining the difficulties, mum Donna said: “Jessica is like a prisoner in her own room.
“She can hear myself and the rest of the family laughing together downstairs, but can’t be a part of it.
“Her bedroom is filled with medical equipment, including a lift and a hoist, so there’s no room for anyone else in there. She feels completely excluded.”
Struggling to get an appropriate seat from the local authority, the family heard that equipment might be available through Newlife – the charity for disabled children.
The organisation was able to arrange for a piece of kit to be provided through its emergency equipment loan service and because it is fitted with wheels Jessica is now able to move between rooms and, wherever possible, get involved in family life.
“As Jessica’s condition is life-limiting having time with her as a family is very precious,” said Donna.
“We will never get that time back. The loan of a specialist seat from Newlife means everything to us.
“Jessica can spend a few hours with us each day and she is so much happier. It’s given her some quality of life back.”
Newlife has provided urgently needed equipment to more than 1,000 children in the last five years.
Carrick Brown, from the charity, said: “No child should have to wait in agony for equipment which can help them spend time with their family.
“When time is precious Newlife can step in and provide emergency loans while working with the family and local health services to ensure that a long-term solution is put into place.”
To find out more about the charity’s work or to make a donation visit
www.newlife.support/GiveEELA

Community hub to be created at Kingshurst school

PLANS have been approved to turn a school office next to Yorkswood Primary into a community hub.
It is intended that the building in Kingshurst Way offers services such as “knit and natter” sessions and healthcare meetings for new mums.
The application was approved by Solihull Council’s planning committee earlier this month.
One objection was received in response to the proposal, with a resident citing concerns about noise nuisance.
But borough councillors were satisfied by the planning officer’s report, which concluded that the alterations to the premises were very minor.
It is intended the hub will operate Mondays to Fridays, between 8am and 7pm.

"Illegal" bike is seized by Chelmsley police

AN OFF-road bike was seized in Chelmsley Wood earlier this week.
Officers from the local neighbourhood team confirmed that the vehicle had been taken off the road on Wednesday afternoon.
The quad bike had been spotted near Babbs Mill and later a short distance from Chelmsley town centre, prior to being seized by a pair of PCSOs.
Police have pledged to take swift action against any bikes being ridden illegally, which is one of the most common complaints reported by residents during the summer months.