Time capsule buried at Chelmsley site

DIGGING DEEP: Youngsters from Woodland Trails see the time capsule
lowered into the soil at Saxon Court.

A SNAPSHOT of life in 2019 has been buried beneath the ground at a Chelmsley Wood housing development.

Drawings by children who attend Woodland Trails Day Nursery were placed inside a sealed cylinder and dug into the soil at the nearby Saxon Courts' gardens.

Newspaper cuttings and letters were also bundled in with the youngsters' pictures.

Decades from now it's hoped that the container will be excavated, giving an insight into current events and everyday life.

The burial took place as part of a public event earlier this month, which also featured music and dance performances.

SCH's chief executive Fiona Hughes said: "It was fantastic that so many people attend the Saxon Court community open day.

"The day was enjoyed by everyone and I’m sure the time capsule will be a fascinating find when opened in 50 years."

Saxon Court, a £7 million complex for the over 55s, was officially opened in December last year.

Evening bat walk around Babbs Mill

A BAT-tracking event will be taking place at Babbs Mill next month.
The Kingshurst park is an ideal place to see the night-flying creatures, which can often be spotted hunted for insects over the water.
And if the recent warm weather continues, conditions will be perfect to catch a glimpse of the flying mammals.
Rangers, who will be leading tours around the site, will also be armed with special detectors - able to pick up the high pitched frequencies which enable bats to navigate.
The evening event takes place on Tuesday, August 6 (from 8-10pm). Tickets are £4 per person or £12 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children).
Places are limited, so call 0121 704 8000 to book.

Housing chiefs pledge zero tolerance on drugs

A CLOSURE has been issued on a Smith’s Wood flat after police found both Class B and suspected Class A drugs last month.
Birmingham Magistrates Court has ordered the flat closure at Clare House, which means that nobody, including the tenant, can enter the address for three months.
The application for closure was made by Solihull Community Housing (SCH).
Chief executive Fiona Hughes, said: "We will not tolerate any form of drug activity in our properties and continue to work closely with the police to tackle this problem."

Greening up! North Solihull parks scoop national award

THREE parks and public spaces in North Solihull have once again received the coveted Green Flag Award.
Babbs Mill, Meriden Park and Woodlands Cemetery were among the 16 sites across the borough which made the grade this year.
All three sites have secured the award before but still needed to prove they were meeting all the criteria in order to stay on the list in 2019.
The full list of winners was officially announced at Northampton's Guild Hall last week.
Coun Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for the environment and highways, hailed the fresh round of success.
"I’m tremendously proud of all the staff and voluntary groups who have worked so hard to make this possible," he said.
This year Solihull's tally is one better than 2018, with Damson Lane Park, in Elmdon, the latest addition.
The Green Flag scheme is overseen by Keep Britain Tidy and the list is refreshed every summer.
In order to secure the status, judges have to be satisfied that a park is up to standard when it comes to cleanliness, welcoming visitors and the facilities on offer.
Around 1,900 sites around the UK received a Green Flag this year, some 100 more than 12 months ago.

Schoolgirl's display brightens up popular park

A FLOWER bed dreamt up by a Smith's Wood Academy student has taken pride of place in a Solihull park.
Earlier this year we reported that Tamzin Clarke had won the competition to design the display in the town centre's Malvern Park.
More than 300 pupils had submitted a design inspired by those who made sacrifices in the First World War.
The conflict was chosen for the 2019 theme following the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day last autumn.
And having sifted through the mountain of entries, judges named 12-year-old Tamzin as winner.
Now her drawing has been taken from the page to the planting bed and the is in full bloom at the Green Flag site.
Royal British Legion West Midlands thanked the schoolgirl and the Love Solihull team for their "amazing work".

Free organ on offer

AN ORGAN is available for community groups and private individuals in and around North Solihull.
The Yamaha Electrone B-10BR is in perfect working condition and is available to collect for free.
Anyone interested in the instrument should contact theothersideofsolihull@gmail.com

Trial to tackle traffic problems on key route

FREQUENT complaints about congestion on one of the main routes through North Solihull will see a new traffic scheme trialled from next month.

In an attempt to reduce delays along the A452 Chester Road, the council will be introducing temporary changes at Chelmund's Cross.

From August 18, drivers will be unable to turn right at the junction with Hedingham Grove.

It is hoped that the eight-week trial will reduce the delays which have become a common problem as traffic passes the new village centre.

Other Side of Solihull  previously revealed that the jams in area had become so bad that some workers at Birmingham Business Park were reportedly quitting their jobs.

Councillor Ted Richards, cabinet member for growth and infrastructure delivery, said that road chiefs would analyse the difference the change made.

"It's peak times that is the biggest problem - morning and late afternoon," he said this week.

"Once we've got the figures from that two months we can then decide what benefit it's had and what we need to do. Whether it's worth continuing or if we do something else."

There has been some concern that the restrictions will just see more vehicles travelling down to the nearby traffic island.

Although council officers have argued that they may be able to increase the capacity of the roundabout if needs.

Ultimately the council hopes to make around £20 million worth of improvements to the Chester Road corridor.

But in the short-term it sees the ban on right turns at Chelmund's Cross as "a quick win", which could help to ease pressure.