Police appeal after man dies in Collector Road crash

TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist who died following a crash on the Collector Road yesterday afternoon (Sunday.)
Ambulance crews were called to the scene after the rider was involved in a collision with a car at just before 4pm. Sadly the man was confirmed dead at the scene.
This afternoon, police identified the motorcyclist, who had already been named on social media, as Christopher Clarke.
The 32-year-old, from Yardley, was apparently nicknamed "Stig" after the driver from BBC series Top Gear.
Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash, which happened near the junction with Auckland Drive, Smith's Wood, to come forward.
Sergeant Steve Newbury said: "Even the smallest piece of information could  help us build a picture of what happened.
"A man has tragically lost his life and our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."
There were two people, both in their 30s, travelling in the black Toyota Auris which was also involved in the collision.
The man suffered an ankle injury and the woman was reported to be suffering from shock. Both were taken to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment.

Work on Chelmund's Cross shops to start next month

WORK will start on the shop and office units at Chelmund's Cross next month.
A Co-op food store and a separate funeral service will be developed alongside two other retail units, which will be put on the market later this year.
Office space for Solihull Council staff and a new car parking facility will also be created, with construction set to get underway on April 18.
The work forms part of the final phase of the new-look village centre, which has replaced the badly run-down Craig Croft precinct.
The last stage of development also includes plans for a 60 bed care home, details of which were recently revealed.

Man admits manslaughter of retired teacher

Anne Dunkley had also been
involved with the scouts

A MAN charged in connection with the death of a much-loved Marston Green woman has admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Gareth Emery had denied the murder of his aunt Anne Dunkley, who had died after being attacked at her home on June 5 last year.
But at Birmingham Crown Court this week, the 25-year-old, from Shirley, admitted manslaughter and a separate charge of wounding Mrs Dunkley's son Matthew with intent.
Court heard that the defendant had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and the case was adjourned until May 13 for sentencing.
Last summer there had been an outpouring of tributes to Mrs Dunkley, who was a well-known member of the local community. The 67-year-old had previously taught at Hatchford School, in Chelmsley Wood, and was a churchwarden at St Leonard's.

Drivers urged to keep off the verge

A CASTLE Bromwich councillor has urged drivers not to park on grass verges, following a torrent of complaints from residents.
Coun Ted Richards, who is Solihull Council's cabinet member for transport and highways, said members were inundated with calls from members of the public who were fed up with grass being churned up outside their homes.
Now he has called on drivers to keep off the verge, revealing that it costs the council thousands of pounds to repair the damage every year.
Coun Richards said: "This is a persistent problem in my ward of Castle Bromwich and represents a really irresponsible attitude from drivers.
"At a time when we are attempting to de-clutter our streets, some of the traditional methods we’ve used to deter verge parking such as timber posts or signage are no longer appropriate.
"I am asking for residents to help take ownership of the problem and inform their visitors and guests to keep their vehicles away from our grass verges."
In some areas, the problem has got so bad that homeowners are using house bricks, rocks and logs to try and prevent drivers parking on the grass, although the council has warned against this - arguing that it creates its own safety issues.
In certain circumstances, parking on grass verges is an offence. For instance, if there are yellow lines on the road or if the vehicle is parked on a bend, narrow street or at a junction and is causing a hazard to other motorists.
The council also has powers to fine drivers who cause persistent damage.

Wedding Fayre in Castle Bromwich

A WEDDING Fayre will be taking place at a Castle Bromwich church tomorrow (Saturday).
The event, at St Mary and St Margaret's, is an ideal opportunity for couples planning their big day to have a look around the historic church.
There will be some dozen exhibitors, a chance to meet the church's wedding co-ordinator and a free glass of bucks fizz for every bride-to-be.
The day will run from 11am-3pm, with the church's bellringers opening the event with a full wedding peal.

Police warning over "shed breaks" in Castle Brom

POLICE in Castle Bromwich have reported an increased number of break-ins to residents' sheds.
The local neighbourhood team has said that it has increased patrols in and around the Parkfields estate following the spate of offences.
These crimes tend to increase during the spring, when there is a greater demand on the black market for tools and other equipment.
Locals are encouraged to fit locks to out-buildings and take other precautions, such as installing alarms or security lights, where appropriate.
Anyone with any information about the thefts should call officers on 101.

Kingshurst Camera Club to restart next week

A PHOTOGRAPHY group will be restarting in North Solihull next week.
The weekly sessions of Kingshurst Camera Club will begin next Thursday (March 17).
The free classes last an hour (6.30-7.30pm) and will be led by Glynis Harrison, from Solihull Photographic Society.
Meet at Kingshurst Art Space, on the Parade.