Help tend Remembrance Garden

A COMMUNITY group is looking for help to work on Chelmsley Wood's Remembrance Garden.
Gro-Organic, the social enterprise which specialises in transforming open spaces, is keen to speak to residents who can assist with their latest project.
If you're handy in the garden or good at landscaping and building work they would like to hear from you. For further information please call Sarah Gill on 07718 883417.

Survey to reveal local issues "crying out" for urgent action

HUNDREDS of people in and around Fordbridge have taken part in a large-scale survey, the results of which are due to be announced next month.
Over the summer, CAN (Community Action Network) interviewed over 400 residents about what they liked most about the neighbourhood and the improvements they would like to see.
CAN will use this research to kick-start a drive for community action in these key areas.
The poll's findings will be revealed at an event at Bosworth Community Centre on Sunday, October 15. The event will also celebrate existing community activities, with various local groups expected to attend.
Simeon Bright, CAN's chair, said: "[We] would like to say thank you to all those that took part in the research and especially our amazing volunteers.
"This event will be a chance for people to see what the key themes are that people are passionate about in this area.
"The results of the research make powerful reading and cry out for urgent action. The identification of these issues is just the beginning – we all now need to come together to see how we can take action to address them."
To book a free ticket for the community celebration click here.

Housing development proposed for Village Hall site.

PLANS have been submitted to build ten homes on the site of the Village Hall in Marston Green.

The application would see the demolition of the premises in Elmdon Road and the erection of two, three and four bedroom dwellings.

It has been lodged by Elegant Residential Construction and is likely to be considered by Solihull Council in the coming months.

The venue has been on the site since 1926, though the current brick-built premises dates from the 1970s.

999 call after man is stabbed in Marston Green

A MAN was knifed in the rib in Marston Green earlier today (Tuesday).
Emergency services were called to Station Road at around 12.20pm following reports that the individual had been stabbed in broad daylight.
The victim, in his 50s, was taken to hospital by ambulance crews. His condition is understood to be stable.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said: "A man was...treated by paramedics for a small, non-serious stab wound.
"Enquiries are ongoing to trace the offender, but we understand the parties were known to each other."
Only last week the force launched a campaign to clamp down on knife crime, following a number of high-profile incidents in both North Solihull and the wider region.
Anyone with information about the latest offence should contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Ex-Kingshurst councillor faces calls to resign over anti-Muslim retweets

A FORMER Kingshurst & Fordbridge councillor has been suspended by his party after retweeting a string of inflammatory comments.
Jeff Potts has had the Conservative whip withdrawn after it emerged that he had shared the anti-Islamic tirades.
One of the posts he retweeted said: "Deport and repatriate all Muslims from the UK or watch terrorists kill innocent people for generations to come."
Screengrabs of his social media feed shown to Other Side of Solihull also revealed highly-charged retweets focused on sex abuse scandals and ISIS. Some of the content has since been deleted.
The vice-chair of the planning committee, who also sits on the borough's religious education committee, told the Birmingham Mail that his page made clear that he did not endorse retweets.
The leader of Solihull Council, Bob Sleigh, has confirmed that a full investigation will now take place, although some opposition members have suggested that Coun Potts should resign.
Coun James Burn (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said: "His position is untenable. When you start retweeting things about deporting all Muslims you are publicising views that are very close to crossing a legal line and encouraging hatred.
"I’m afraid to say I don’t think he has any other choice but to resign. By retweeting, you are spreading that view and information."
Coun Potts was previously a Labour councillor, before defecting to the Tories in 2004 - blaming in-fighting within his old party. Today he represents Knowle ward.
The controversy comes only a couple of months after another councillor, Ken Hawkins, was embroiled in a row over a tweet relating to the Grenfell Tower fire.
Coun Hawkins was later instructed to undergo social media training by a Code of Conduct panel

Invisible spray to target off-road bikers

ILLUMINATING EVIDENCE: A forensics expert takes a swab of the spray

POLICE have unveiled a new weapon which will be deployed in the battle to bring off-road bikes to book.
The West Midlands force announced this week it was issuing dozens of its traffic officers with special canisters of DNA spray, which will be used to tag bikes and their riders.
The liquid is invisible to the naked eye, but is unmistakable when exposed to ultra-violet light, enabling officers to identify vehicles that have been causing trouble.
And given that each batch of chemicals has its own unique code, it is possible to link a bike to individual crimes.
Chief Supt Dave Sturman claimed that use of the spray would make it easier to find and prosecute offenders.
He said: "The DNA spray is an inert, water-based product – it’s not an irritant and won’t cause any side effects – but it leaves an indelible mark that cannot be scrubbed off.
"It officers are unable to apprehend offenders at the time they can utilise the spray – and if it later shows up on suspects, their clothes or bikes we can link them to a particular incident."
Off-road biking is a common form of anti-social behaviour in North Solihull, with racing reported on parkland and public roads.
Often officers have struggled to deal with perpetrators as a national policy prevents teams from giving chase, for fear the pursuit could result in a serious accident.

Mayor gives a royal welcome to Birthday Honours guests

A GROUP of dedicated local residents recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List were invited to meet the Mayor of Solihull this month.
The nine recipients were asked to attend afternoon tea at one of two events held at the Mayor's Parlour.
Among the guests were Janet Down, the chief executive of Chelmsley Wood-based charity Solihull Life Opportunities (SoLO), Darrilyn Downes, a former teacher at Forest Oak School, Smith's Wood, Amanda Mordey, the principal of the same school and Ellen Delaney, who was honoured for services to Fordbridge.
Speaking after the event, the Mayor, Coun Stuart Davis, said: "It was a pleasure to meet such inspirational people from across the borough who have given so much to their communities.
"After spending an afternoon in their company it is clear why they have received such high accolades."

Deal done for Croft Medical Centre

A PROPERTY investment trust has acquired Chelmsley Associates, the company which owns the Croft Medical Centre.
News that the purpose-built primary care facility had a new owner, Primary Health Properties (PHP), was confirmed this week.
The deal means that PHP now has a portfolio of some 304 assets, worth in excess of £1.3billion.
Managing director Harry Hyman said: "Croft Medical Centre is a positive addition to the portfolio and meets all of our investment criteria, with the added advantage of being located within a new wider community led development, which also includes a school, dentist and pharmacy."

Chelmsley Wood woman denies murder

MUCH MISSED: Philip Rolph was described by his family as a man
"who loved his life and his work".

A WOMAN has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a man who died following an apparent disturbance in Chelmsley Wood earlier this year.
Appearing at Birmingham Crown Court last week, Georgina Henshaw, 35, of Alder Drive, denied killing Philip Rolph
Mr Rolph, a 65-year-old grandfather, had suffered fatal stab wounds and was found by paramedics in the early hours of July 7. He was in his vehicle, which had been parked up on the estate, and died shortly after being taken to hospital.
Ms Henshaw was remanded in custody and a trial is expected to begin on January 2.

Knife campaign kicks off in North Solihull

CAMPAIGN: Officers carried out routine checks at Solihull College today.

POLICE officers have been at Solihull College's Woodlands Campus today, as part of a region-wide initiative to crack down on knife crime.
Officers from the Smith's Wood neighbourhood team were at the college this morning, carrying out routine weapons checks.
The force will also be working to educate students about the dangers of carrying a knife and the tragic consequences which can ensue.
Later in the day, PC Terri Discenza visited Resorts World, at the NEC, where she reminded retailers about the legislation relating to selling blades to underage customers.
Superintendent Keith Fraser said: "This is a chance for us to really highlight the dangers involved with carrying a knife, even if it’s just for protection.
"A lot of this activity is part of our daily business, however it always helps to have a really focused, concerted effort to target one issue.   We also want to provide reassurance to our communities who we know have some real concerns around knife crime, following a number of high profile crimes earlier this year.
"To be clear, there is no excuse to carry a knife. Knife crime can be utterly devastating and if you are found illegally in possession of a knife you will be arrested and brought to justice."
The week-long campaign will also see the promotion of so-called surrender bins, which will be set up around the West Midlands for people to dispose of weapons.

Chelmsley Wood project takes message to No 10

THE founder of a Chelmsley Wood-based social enterprise was this week invited to Downing Street to speak about the importance of children and young people learning skills outside the classroom.
Sarah Gill, who set up Gro-Organic, visited the Prime Minister's residence and had chance to discuss some of the work that the project was doing locally.
She pressed the point that there were not many ventures designed to encourage active citizenship among youngsters.
Speaking after the visit, Sarah said: "I'm proud of our young people on Chelmsley Wood and what they do in the community.
"Whether my views were taken on board or not today, at least I got to share examples of some amazing kids."
The visit came a couple of months after Gro-Organic was named as a runner-up at the West Midlands Outstanding Citizens’ Awards.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, who hosts the annual event, said: "Gro-Organic is doing brilliant work in Chelmsley Wood to clear up public spaces that have been neglected or vandalised.
"And they’re training young people who are at risk of falling into crime, to give them both skills and aspiration for their future."
The initiative started life helping residents at risk of eviction because of overgrown gardens and over the past few years has expanded to run a range of horticultural projects in and around the estate, with an army of volunteers helping to deliver many of the schemes.

Clean-up promised after travellers leave sports centre

TRAVELLERS who had set up camp outside North Solihull Sports Centre have moved on, Solihull Council has confirmed.
Caravans had pitched up at the Chelmsley Wood facility earlier in the week, prompting the local authority to take enforcement action.
The council said it would undertake a "thorough clean-up" at the site and repair gates and barriers in an effort to prevent the group from returning.
The arrival of travellers at the leisure centre follows an encampment in Castle Bromwich last week and several previous incursions over the summer.
Solihull MP Julian Knight, who represents the constituency neighbouring Meriden, has argued that current laws need to be reviewed to speed up the process for removing travellers.
He has written to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid to ask that the Government looks at the issue and has launched an online petition urging for the introduction of tougher legislation.
"Too many of our parks and green spaces have been hijacked by travellers this summer, causing a great deal of disruption and distress to residents," he said.
"Although the power to tackle illegal camps directly rests with the council and the police, as MP I want to do what I can to help protect our community."
In response to the most recent incidents, the Solihull Police Partnership said that dealing with illegal camps was "not simple or straightforward".
"All encampments are managed based on their individual circumstance," said a spokesman.
"Our joint response is always quick - however, what we do, how it's done and the time it takes to move encampments depends on a range of factors.
"They include: what the law enables us to do, safeguarding issues, any threat posed, type of land, number of travellers, tactics available etc."

School's application approved despite "eyesore" concerns

PLANS to change access to St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School have been approved, in spite of concerns by some councillors about the loss of green space.
The school had sought permission to create a new pedestrian entrance, accessed from Schofield Road, and a change to the boundaries.
Councillor Jim Ryan (Con, Bickenhill) said the access could be provided without taking the “pleasant” wedge of open space away.
“You have got a green area both sides and you’ve got trees. Now the proposal is to move the palisade fence right to the footpath boundary and that green area will be lost as an amenity to local residents.
“And we know in Kingshurst and other areas it’s heavily congested, heavily built up... and every little green, open space is treasured.”
Coun John Windmill (Lib Dem, Olton) said: “I have very great sympathy with Coun Ryan. I see no reason whatsoever for destroying what is a very nicely maintained area of green open space.
“An iron fence, two metres high, all along there is an eyesore quite frankly.”
While Solihull Council’s planning committee voted to approve the plan by a majority, the application was subject to conditions and Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

Drama troupe looking for new members

CASTLE Bromwich Theatre Group will be holding a new members night next week.
The event will be taking place at Arden Hall on September 19 (starting at 7.30pm).
The group said it would be ideal for those looking for a new hobby or hoping to rekindle an old passion.

Lollipop service could be cut by cash-strapped council

CROSSING patrols in Solihull could be the subject of major cuts, as the borough council looks to shave £100,000 a year from its budget.
As the local authority continues to search for savings in response to "significant reductions" in funding, it has ordered a wide-reaching review of its crossing patrol service - which could ultimately mean fewer wardens outside local schools.
Since 2010, patrols have been axed at 16 sites in the borough, but a new proposal could see 22 others scrapped before 2019/20 (around half of those in operation in Solihull).
Eight of the sites facing an uncertain future have a Zebra, Pelican or other form of crossing in-situ. A variety of options would be considered for the 14 others including installing some form of permanent crossing or looking at alternative sources of funding, which could include schools paying for the wardens themselves.
A report, due to be considered by councillors on Thursday evening, acknowledges that removing wardens altogether would be one of the options on the table. In these circumstances, the sites which lost the service would be those deemed to be "low priority".
Paul Tovey, the council's head of highways services, wrote: "Our streets are getting busier, car ownership is increasing, schools are increasing in size and set against a background of local and national economic growth, these pressures are set to increase in the future.
"There is lots of evidence demonstrating a clear demand for the Safe Routes to School services...however, the issue to consider now is do we have the right interventions in place."
The document suggests that crossing patrol budgets have been cut back by councils nationwide. A Freedom of Information request made by a national newspaper last month suggested that the number of wardens across the country had fallen by almost 1,000 in five years.
Neighbouring councils including Birmingham and Dudley are among those to have implemented cuts.

Solihull is "the most polarised" council area in the UK

A SOLIHULL Council report recently admitted that inequality in the borough is worse than anywhere in the country.
Paperwork submitted to the council’s governance committee over the summer recognised there was a massive gulf in living standards, despite the affluence in many villages and suburbs to the south.
Assessing the challenge, the report said: “National deprivation statistics suggest Solihull is the most polarised authority in the country, with 16 per cent of the borough’s neighbourhoods classed among the most deprived in the country and 39 per cent among the least deprived.
“The impacts of this are felt across a broad range of outcomes including educational attainment, employment, crime and health.”
The deepening inequalities in Britain were thrown into the spotlight by recent events in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where families are being squeezed into run-down tower blocks in an area where there are also some of the country’s most expensive properties.
Worryingly, the latest report suggests the divisions in Solihull are even more pronounced, although probably less noticeable because the authority covers a larger geographic area.
Councillor Mark Wilson (Green, Smith’s Wood) suggested one of the main difficulties was the reduced opportunities for people living in the north of the borough.
In particular he highlighted the widely-known disparity in the number of 18-year-olds who went to university in different parts of Solihull.
“Smith’s Wood Primary [Academy] was the highest achieving school in 2016 – in the whole of the borough. These kids have the ability to do whatever they want.
“At 16, GCSE results in the borough are not much different between affluent and less affluent areas. So what goes wrong in the fact there is a 70 per cent disparity between 18-year-olds from Smith’s Wood and Dorridge going to University? The system is not working for those who are less well-off.”
There are concerns this gap may grow following the decision to close the sixth form at Smith’s Wood Sports College, although conversely another local school, the Grace Academy, last month reported that all of the A Level students who had applied for a degree course had got a place.
Councillor Joe Tildesley, the cabinet member responsible for education, has previously said the council has to work harder to deal with the issue.

Walking group to launch in Castle Bromwich

A NEW walking group will be starting up in North Solihull from this week.
Castle Bromwich Strollers will hold their first event on Thursday (September 14), with residents asked to meet outside Arden Hall at 7pm.
The route will take locals around the Parkfields estate and will last approximately an hour.
Clare Cadman, who decided to start the group after speaking to other residents online, said the regular walks were for "fitness, fun and fresh air."
All are welcome to join, but locals are advised to wear sensible footwear.

MP defends Solihull's housing quotas

RECENT FOCUS: Dame Caroline Spelman suggests the bulk of recent
development has been concentrated in rural wards such as Meriden

MERIDEN MP Caroline Spelman has denied that North Solihull is taking a disproportionate number of new homes.
Speaking last month, Dame Caroline said that when the most recent plans were drawn up to divide housing schemes between the borough’s 17 wards, it was taken into account that areas including Chelmsley Wood and Kingshurst were already densely populated.
She argued that instead it was the more rural areas such as Dickens Heath and Balsall Common which had borne the brunt of the recent development, with the latter seeing the construction of 1,200 dwellings.
Although she did concede that she believed Solihull Council had made a mistake in releasing part of Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve for development.
“Personally my view is that it has been too costly to the community,” she said.

Review of Solihull's fire safety following Grenfell Tower tragedy

SOLIHULL Council has promised a “full review” into whether to retro-fit sprinklers in the borough’s 37 high rise tower blocks.
As reported during the summer, the local authority has faced calls to install the safety systems in the wake of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower, West London.
Coun Robert Hulland, who has recently been appointed as the cabinet member responsible for housing, said he had been in discussions with Solihull Community Housing about the options available.
Coun Hulland said: “Our decision will also be informed by the outcome of the public inquiry and investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy and any fire safety recommendations which emerge.”
At present, the UK’s health and safety legislation demands that sprinklers are installed in all newly-built tower blocks but there is no obligation, by law, to fit them in existing buildings.

Plans for "Chelmsley Wood" seat in doubt

IN DOUBT: A map of the proposed constituency

PLANS to create a new Parliamentary constituency - dubbed Chelmsley Wood and Solihull North - look set to be abandoned.
In proposals outlined last year, it was suggested that the north of the borough, which currently forms part of Meriden, could be bound together with Elmdon, Sheldon and Lyndon as part of a nationwide review of boundaries.
But now that review - which would have seen the total number of MPs reduced from 650 to 600 - looks set to be dropped by the Prime Minister.
Today The Times reported that Theresa May has recognised that the shake-up - which was always likely to be controversial, given that certain members of all parties would be set to lose their seats - could not make it through the House of Commons.
The likelihood of the plans being approved was further reduced by the fact that the Conservatives, who were the architects of the changes, had lost their majority in June's General Election.
It is understood that the Boundary Commission will instead be sent back to the drawing board and asked to consider less radical reforms, which would seek to make constituencies of an equal size without cutting the overall number of MPs.
If a new set of proposals are indeed drawn up it would be the third since 2010. Originally changes were due to take effect before the 2015 General Election, but Mrs May's predecessor David Cameron was forced to abandon the plans after losing a Commons vote.
A different set of changes - including the controversial Chelmsley Wood and Solihull North proposal - was announced last year. Back then it was envisioned that the plans would be put in place by the end of the five-year Parliament, although this timetable was ditched after the snap election was called in April.

The old and the new:
Meriden (existing seat): Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Smith's Wood, Kingshurst & Fordbridge, Bickenhill (inc Marston Green), Knowle, Meriden, Blythe, Dorridge & Hockley Heath.
Chelmsley Wood & Solihull  North (proposed seat): Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Smith's Wood, Kingshurst & Fordbridge, Bickenhill (inc Marston Green), Sheldon, Elmdon and Lyndon.

Caravans pitch up in Castle Bromwich

RESIDENTS reported that traveller caravans moved onto land in Castle Bromwich earlier today (Wednesday).
A number of trailers arrived at the field off Castlehills Drive early this afternoon. There are no bollards installed at the site and the vehicles were able to drive up onto the grass.
Both Solihull Council and West Midlands Police have been notified of the group's arrival.
The encampment is the latest of several set up in the north of the borough in recent weeks; enforcement action was taken to remove caravans which pitched up at both the Parkfields estate and Babbs Mill Park during the summer.

Chernobyl visitors welcomed to North Solihull

RESPITE: The group of youngsters visited the CTC in Cooks Lane

TEENAGERS affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster paid a visit to Kingshurst last month.
The six boys and six girls are all in remission from varying types of cancer.
The illness is all too common in the regions of Belarus and the Ukraine still blighted by radiation from a reactor explosion more than 30 years ago.
The group were invited to the CTC, in Cooks Lane, which ran a number of activity sessions during the school holidays.
The visit formed part of a four-week holiday in the UK, overseen by the Solihull branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Project UK.
Kath Ruane, the charity’s co-ordinator, said: “All of the children and their host families very much enjoyed themselves and we were so impressed by the welcome we received from the staff.”
The group also visited Shustoke Sailing Club, the Severn Valley Railway and Stratford- Upon-Avon during the course of their stay.

Cannabis factories smashed in Smith's Wood

POLICE have swooped to shut down two drugs factories in Smith's Wood in as many days.
A warrant was executed at a home in Alvis Walk on Saturday (September 2) and a "large quantity" of the Class B drug was seized at the address.
Yesterday (Sunday) officers from the local neighbourhood team conducted another raid in Redwing Walk, on the other side of the estate. Once again a crop of cannabis plants was removed from the property.
At both premises, light and heating systems had been rigged up to nurture the drugs. The substance will now be incinerated.
The Solihull Police Partnership team urged anyone with information about drugs being cultivated in their neighbourhood to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Alternatively ring Solihull Community Housing on 0121 717 1500.

Residents say North Solihull's young people need more support

FRUSTRATION: Water sports ended at Babbs Mill Lake over a decade ago
and there are concerns current activities are poorly advertised or difficult to
access.

RESIDENTS have once again raised concerns that there is not enough effort being made to provide activities for young people.
At a meeting in Kingshurst last month, anger often boiled over about a perceived lack of youth services in the north of the borough.
Residents cited the loss of facilities over the years, including the water sports centre at Babbs Mill Lake and several youth centres.
While representatives from Solihull Council argued that new services continue to be introduced, frustrated locals maintained that these were either poorly advertised or difficult to access given often limited public transport links.
David Cole, from Kingshurst Parish Council, said: “What’s happened with the bus services is absolutely criminal.
“If the [young people] want to go into Chelmsley Wood to go swimming or into Solihull to go skating they just don’t have the option. We want to see some action.”
Another resident stressed how important services could be for local young people, noting that one of the rising stars of the British music scene – Lady Leshurr – had discovered her passion for music at MCing sessions in Kingshurst.
Councillor Tony Dicicco, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said that he was sympathetic to the challenges facing the community, revealing he had grown up on a Walsall estate “which made Kingshurst look like Beverly Hills”.
“This local authority does do a lot of stuff for young people,” he argued. “But we do want to engage more people in that age group.”
Gillian Crabbe, the council’s community safety manager, highlighted activities increasingly taking place at Smith’s Wood Sports College and the CTC Kingshurst Academy.
While Meriden MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, said she believed the council was trying to engage with young people, she acknowledged the obstacles for some families.
“I am aware that services in Chelmsley Wood would not be accessible to those people in Kingshurst who may not even have the money for the bus fare,” she said.

Your questions answered: Marston Green parking restrictions

FROM tomorrow, the new School Streets initiative will take effect in the vicinity of Marston Green Infant Academy.
Residents have inevitably raised a number of questions about how the scheme will work in practice. On the eve of the changes, Other Side of Solihull considers some of the most common queries.

What are the restrictions?
The majority of vehicles will be banned from driving down named streets during certain periods of the day (those times which coincide with the school run). The aim is to stop congestion caused by parents picking up and dropping off pupils, a problem which Solihull Council has been grappling with for years and has previously failed to stamp out. The hope is that the new system will encourage more families to walk or cycle to school, although for those who have to drive part of the way, spaces will still be available at the nearby Marston Green Tavern.

When will they apply?
The restrictions will be in force Monday to Friday, between 8.20-9.00am and 2.45-3.45pm. Somewhat controversially, the restrictions will not be limited to term time, which Solihull Council has attributed to the fact that holiday dates vary from year to year.

What roads will be affected?
A map produced by the local authority - see above - shows that the restrictions will apply to Elm Farm Avenue.

What is the penalty for ignoring the restrictions?
Those who flout the rules face fines of £50. They will be enforced by police, although there may be questions as to whether the force - already stretched following recent cuts - has sufficient manpower to ensure that the scheme is adhered to.

Will there be exemptions?
Yes, for Blue Badge holders and the emergency services. Permits have also been made available to residents to prevent them being hit with penalties (Solihull Council is very mindful of the issue, following a notorious episode ten years ago, in which parking restrictions implemented in the Hillfield area ended up with large numbers of local people being ticketed). Each household has been allocated two permits, which must be on display in the restricted area.

How long will the trial last?
The pilot begins on September 4 and will run for 18 months. Residents will be invited to give feedback, with adjustments likely to be made after the first six months if any problems or possible improvements are identified. Comments can be emailed between now and March 5 next year.

What will happen in 18 months' time?
Solihull Council will use the data from Marston Green Infant Academy and two other pilots - in Shirley and Olton - to determine whether the scheme should continue or be rolled out more widely. If successful, it is possible that other schools facing challenges will have similar systems introduced. Solihull Council has acknowledged, however, that the road layout in the borough will mean that the scheme won't be suitable for every location.

Huge response to Chelmsley Wood art shows

ARTISTS' SHOWCASE: Jessica Lucas was among the local residents
whose work was included in the exhibition.

A SERIES of art shows staged in Chelmsley Wood over the summer have been hailed a big success.
The exhibitions, coordinated by the B37 Project, have been held at the old Halifax bank in the town’s shopping centre.
Following an appeal for local artists to get in touch, more than 30 individuals had their work displayed during July and August.
Debbie Gara, from the Project, said: “We have been amazed by the level of creativity and standard submitted, and have met some great people, which has resulted in a number of spin-off, collaborative projects based in North Solihull.”
Among those to take part in the series of three events were Chelmsley Wood photographer Ben Clifton and Castle Bromwich man Ian Carr, who juggles artwork with his day job as a PCSO.
Another featured artist was Jessica Lucas, a recent Grace Academy graduate whose collection of portraits tackled the negative impact that beauty editorials can have on women today.
Following the success of the exhibitions, the B37 Project hopes to hold similar shows again next year.

Marston Green business park plan to return to planning chiefs

PLANS to expand Birmingham Business Park are set to go back to Solihull Council's planning committee next Wednesday.
Last month, a decision on the scheme was postponed, with one member claiming that aspects of the current proposals were “totally unacceptable”.
Councillor Jim Ryan (Con, Bickenhill) argued the application should be deferred given the “scant” information available to the planning committee.
He drew comparisons between the development and a previous application to build the Land Rover Distribution Centre, near Digby Drive.
In that case he said that noise caused by vehicles reversing and moving pallets about, often late at night, had led to battle after battle with the car giant.
He told members that, by comparison, the Birmingham Business Park development would in fact have an even greater impact on those living in nearby Blackfirs Lane, which is why it was so vital to have the full details to hand.
“The applicant has a duty, in my view, to work with officers and the local authority and local residents to get the best outcome that can be had regarding the layout. It’s in their interests to do that moving forward.
“Residents may have to face agony for years as a result of this 24/7 operation of traffic, of movement...”
The applicants have argued that the plans submitted for two new units would be a big boost to the local economy and create hundreds of new jobs.
But Coun Robert Grinsell (Con, Olton) said the “overriding” consideration had to be those residents living closest to the land, while Coun Stephen Holt (Green, Smith’s Wood) said that the way the site was accessed could create difficulties.
Earlier in the meeting, ward councillor Alison Rolf (Con) said the community had grave concerns about the plans put forward.
Addressing the committee, she said: “Please either defer this application, reject it or provide residents with some conditions they can live with because as far as they’re concerned this site is a disaster.”
Richard Cobb, speaking on behalf of Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Council, said that while it was accepted the site would be developed, strict conditions should be imposed to protect local residents.
“These are plainly going to be two very large buildings with limited opportunity to reduce their scale,” he said.
Following the discussions, the committee voted unanimously to defer the application prompting spontaneous applause from the audience.

Kingshurst Parade concept is finally unveiled

THIS is the first glimpse of what the drastically redeveloped Kingshurst Parade could look like.
The draft masterplan for North Solihull's latest "village centre" was formally unveiled earlier this afternoon.
Solihull Council has urged the public to have their say on the multi-million pound proposals, which will see the existing precinct demolished and replaced with a new development, set to include houses, shops and community facilities.
There is a lot riding on the scheme, which was originally due to be built several years ago but has been hit by various delays, much to the frustration of local residents.
At the most recent Full Council meeting, Leader of Solihull Council, Coun Bob Sleigh, said that the local authority had decided to replace the Parade altogether because this had more support than the option for a more limited refurbishment.
He said: “I think [this] fulfils the commitment that has been made...by this authority to do what we can in North Solihull, as we have already done in Chelmund’s Cross and in North Arran Way, to update the facilities for people in the borough.
“It is something that I think this administration and previous Conservative administrations should be proud of delivering.”
However, Solihull Green Party continue to push the Tory-run authority on the issue of support for
existing tenants.
Coun Sleigh said he had been advised that some of the dwellings on the development site would be social housing, although a precise number has not been provided at this stage. It is expected that further pressure will be placed on the administration to provide further details when the next meeting is held in October.
The draft plans also include space for a dentist/medical centre, a OneStop shop and around a dozen other retail units - including an unnamed "anchor" store.
Locals will be able to discuss the plans at a couple of drop-in sessions, to be held at Kingshurst Library on September 7 (2-6pm) and September 15 (2-5pm).
Further information about the consultation is also available on the council website.