Parakeet population reaches North Solihull

TALKING POINT: Two of the birds tuck in to a pre-Christmas feast of
sunflower hearts.

AT this time of year people might expect to see finches, sparrows and a robin or two on their feeders...
But those living in North Solihull should start to keep their eye out for a rather more exotic visitor to their gardens - the ringed-necked parakeet!
The species - which has vivid green plumage and a distinctive red beak - is native to Africa and Asia.
In recent years, feral populations of the brightly coloured parrot have become increasingly common in suburban London and the South East. Indeed, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has suggested that the British population could now be as large as 32,000.
Sightings in the West Midlands are much rarer, although back in 2012, scientists had suggested that the colonies in and around the capital were migrating to the region.
Now there have been a number of reports in and around the Cole Valley; indeed Other Side of Solihull's editor spotted two of the birds in his back garden on Christmas Eve.
We'd like readers' help in trying to determine how widespread the species is locally. So if you've seen a parakeet in the North Solihull area let us know.

Factbox:

• The ringed-necked parakeets have rapidly established themselves in the UK in the space of a few decades, adapting to our colder climate and finding a plentiful supply of food.
• Stories about how the population got started are almost as colourful as the birds themselves. Some claim that several specimens escaped during filming on the action-adventure film The African Queen - shot in London in the early 1950s. Others report that the late guitar legend Jimi Hendrix released a couple of the parakeets in Carnaby Street during the Swinging Sixties.
• There are concerns that the expanding population could ultimately pose problems for farmers and might out-compete native species such as nuthatches and woodpeckers.

Call for committee to protect Marston Green's green belt

LOST LAND: Moat House Farm is one of the sites which has been
developed in recent years.

MARSTON Green is now almost “totally surrounded” by industrial development, borough councillors were warned this month.
Local woman Pat Preece called for greater protection of the green belt, amid concerns that swathes of open space are being built on in and around the village.
Addressing Full Council on behalf of residents, Ms Preece spoke of fears that there were too many loopholes in the laws put in place to prevent urban sprawl.
“There is a get-out clause and this seems to be to use the words ‘only in exceptional circumstances’ as an excuse whenever a decision is made to build on green belt land.
“It’s truly amazing how many exceptional circumstances there are in Solihull MBC.”
Noting that the village already experienced gridlock on a regular basis, Ms Preece said that other developments in the pipeline would only make matters worse.
These include Arden Cross, a 4,000 home development near Stonebridge, and the 24-7 warehouse distribution centre on the outskirts of the village.
“Given the imminent development of these projects we would like to propose to the council that the needs of the environment should take first priority. At the moment, the well-being of the citizen comes last.”
In an effort to address the problem, she said that residents were in favour of setting up a committee, comprising of both local people and borough and parish councillors, to promote green development.
The task force they are proposing would also focus on the preservation of ancient trees and efforts to create more walking routes between the village’s green spaces.
Councillor Ian Courts, cabinet member for managed growth, insisted that the local authority had often resisted attempts by developers to push for “massively increased” housing targets.
“I would expect that every member here would share my concern, and this council’s concern, for protection of the green belt,” he said.
“It is a legal obligation that Solihull has to cater for its housing need and indeed it also has to make a contribution for some of its neighbours who are unable to deal with their own housing growth.”
Coun Courts noted that the latest version of the borough’s Local Plan would see the removal of around two per cent of the green belt - well below the proportions set to be sacrificed by the likes of Birmingham and Manchester.

Hundreds of hampers collected for Christmas appeal

GREAT RESPONSE: Pupils from Coleshill Heath Primary

GENEROUS residents have turned out in force to support the North Solihull Christmas hamper appeal.
Almost 300 boxes were packed full of food stuffs and have been delivered to the elderly and vulnerable residents in the run-up to December 25.
A whole range of businesses and organisations threw their support behind the campaign, which is now in its third year.
Among those singled out for praise include pupils at Fordbridge and Coleshill Heath Primary Schools (pictured, right), the Bosworth Community Centre and Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Council.
In a statement on Facebook, the organisers said: “You are all truly amazing. Thank you so much.”

Village's knitted Christmas tree goes on tour...

A TOWERING fir made in Marston Green took pride of place at the recent Coleshill Christmas Tree Festival.
The tree, strung with hundreds of hand-knitted decorations, was first unveiled at St Leonard’s Church last year.
Earlier this month it was transported to St Peter and St Paul’s over the border in Warwickshire and took several days to assemble.
Its tour of the region is expected to continue in 2018, with an appearance at St Mary and St Margaret’s, Castle Bromwich.

Council under pressure over Chester Road congestion

CONTROVERSY: Changes to the Chester Road have caused considerable
tailbacks, with residents suggesting that two lanes should be reinstated

TRAFFIC problems on a main route through North Solihull are now leading to nearby workers handing in their notice, councillors were warned this month.
At the recent Full Council meeting, Chelmsley Wood resident Fran Rickard said local people were having to contend with continuous disruption along the A452 Chester Road.
Previously a stretch of the road was reduced from a dual carriageway to a single lane, a cycle lane installed and three new pedestrian crossings added.
While Ms Rickard said she understood the reasoning from a road safety perspective, she was concerned that the changes had led to major congestion – with tailbacks stretching all the way to Birmingham Business Park.
Major jams are also reported on neighbouring routes including the Collector Road, Moorend Avenue and Coleshill Heath Road, with fears the situation could get even worse when construction work on HS2 begins.
“The vehicles are actually sitting idling most of the day, especially in the rush hour,” said Ms Rickard, who lives in Tay Croft.
“I’ve lived in the borough for 47 years and have worked at Birmingham Business Park for 20 years and I really do know this area well. What used to take me ten minutes to get to work now takes up to 40 minutes both ways.”
She told members that the noise, delays and traffic fumes were having a major impact on local people, and indeed some staff employed at nearby companies were quitting their jobs because of the time their commute was taking.
“What I’m asking is can the road layout be revisited and returned to a dual carriageway?”
Councillor Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood) had introduced Ms Rickard at the meeting and took to Twitter to thank her for raising the issue.
Solihull Council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, Councillor Ted Richards, said he recognised “how important the A452 in this location is”.
“We are aware there are currently localised congestion issues. The council has successfully secured £200,000 from the West Midlands Combined Authority to undertake a corridor enhancement study.”
The research will help identify priority schemes which might ease the traffic, although Coun Richards said it was imperative that steps taken to solve short-term issues didn’t cause further problems down the line. The study is expected to be completed by the spring of next year.

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A rail Christmas classic being shown in Kingshurst

KEC Church Centre will be hosting a family 'film night' with a festive theme.
The Cooks Lane venue is screening The Polar Express tomorrow (Thursday) from 4.00-5.30pm.
The popular animation features the voice talents of Tom Hanks and Eddie Deezen.
Admission is free.