Castle Brom camera snaps almost 2,500 drivers

A STRETCH of road in Castle Bromwich has seen the lion’s share of speeding tickets issued since the start of a pilot road safety project.
Figures for 2017/18 reveal that 2,444 offences were logged by the camera installed on the Bradford Road a little over two years ago.
This accounted for almost three quarters of the 3,340 incidents captured at three sites around Solihull over the 12 month period.
Far fewer fines were processed by cameras at the two other locations, with 523 on Lode Lane and 373 along Stratford Road, Hockley Heath.
The cameras were put in place in August 2016, as part of a new pilot scheme covering both Birmingham and Solihull.
Coun Ted Richards, Solihull Council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, has said that evidence to date suggested the scheme was making a difference.
This would appear to be backed up by figures previously released by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, which show average speeds have dropped where the cameras have been introduced.
Public reaction to the devices has been mixed, with some drivers cynical about their use on borough roads.
However, others are keen to see the pilot expanded to their area. Indeed, dozens of residents had petitioned for cameras to be introduced in Coleshill Heath Road earlier this year.
Solihull Council is due to discuss the latest data about the impact of the existing cameras later this year, which could determine the future of the pilot project

Family pet inspires Chelmsley man's children's book

A CHELMSLEY Wood chef has laid down his ladle and picked up a pen to produce his first children’s book.
Glynn Purnell has released The Magical Adventures of Whoops the Wonder Dog – with his own much-loved Jack Russell the inspiration for the title character.
The family pet had previously made local headlines after chasing off a gang of burglars six years ago. While the real-life Whoops was in good health when Glynn started the project 12 months ago, the dog sadly died in January this year.
“Thankfully it was very quick, with very little suffering,” he said. “Whoops started showing signs of illness and discomfort on the morning, and she died later that night from a tumour that we didn’t know about.
“By this time, I was four months into the creation of the book, and I knew I had to finish it. It took on even more importance for me and my whole family.”
The father-of-three said that his original intention had been to write something for his own family, but he eventually decided there was a wider audience.
“Most of us grow up with pets, and at some point, they inevitably pass away. This can have a big impact on children.
“I wanted to tell a story where Whoops had her own secret life when the family were all out at school and at work during the day.”
The project saw him team up with the Nuneaton-based illustrator Ashley King, who provided the pictures for the story.
There are also number of nods to Glynn’s culinary career in the tale; Whoops gets his magic powers from eating a curious blend of curry powder and baked beans.
Fans of the chef might be familiar with the fact that this was the dish that he would rustle up for younger siblings while his parents were at work.
The Magical Adventures of Whoops the Wonder Dog was released in paperback on September 7.
It is available from Amazon.com and can also be bought from Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Symphony Hall and Purnell’s Restaurant, on Cornwall Street.

Struggling to see a GP? You're not alone

SQUEEZE ON SERVICES: Many patients are struggling to
get a doctor's appointment.

A CHELMSLEY Wood-based health watchdog has highlighted the problems patients have booking an appointment with their doctor.
Healthwatch Solihull recently released its annual report. It included a section detailing the difficulties many people encountered when contacting their GP surgery.
Common complaints include long delays in calls being answered and the shortage of slots available with family doctors.
In particular, it is notoriously difficult to get through to practices first thing in the morning, when they tend to be deluged with calls.
Having delved into the issue, Healthwatch made a number of recommendations for how GPs could get a better handle on the issue.
These included looking at ways to cope with the influx of calls at the start of the day and encouraging patients to make more “efficient” use of the system.
It was also suggested that surgeries looked at whether their staff needed further customer service training.
Solihull’s Green Party believes that an ageing population and a shortage of doctors were adding to the problems being reported UK-wide.
The Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has said that some of Healthwatch’s recommendations fell outside their remit, although discussions about GP opening Healthwatch are based at Chelmsley’s Enterprise Centre hours were ongoing.
Karen Helliwell, the CCG’s director of integration, said: £We are continuing to work with our practices across Birmingham and Solihull to offer patients improved access to GP services, including appointments in the evenings and at weekends."
Two years ago, a nationwide survey suggested that around one in ten patients had not been able to book a GP appointment at their last attempt.
Almost half (48 per cent) could not get a time on the day they had wanted, while 26 per cent had experienced difficulties contacting the surgery by phone.appointments in the evenings and at weekends..."

Mobile library service will end in the spring

A MOBILE library service – which currently stops at a number of North Solihull sites – has been axed.
The scheme, which serves Hedingham Grove, Guillemard Close and Chestnut Court, will come to an end next April.
Solihull Council has argued that fewer than 300 people used the service, which costs £32,000 a year, in 2017/18.
Coun Joe Tildesley, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and sport, argued that this “wasn’t good value for money”.
Although Coun Cheryl Buxton-Sait (Green, Castle Bromwich) had some reservations.
 “I have got concerns about the termination of the service,” she said. “The [new arrangements] look very, very good on paper, but my worry is that if it doesn’t work then we’ve lost the mobile service.” It is intended the money saved from ending the current contract be invested in initiatives including an improved home library service.
The local authority also plans to work more closely with care homes and look at the options for putting books in community buildings

Bats, crafts and toasted marshmallows...

A "LIGHT night" event will be taking place in Chelmsley Wood next week.
The family activity will include a bat walk, crafts and marshmallows around the fire. Make sure you bring a torch and wrap up warm.
The free event is taking place next Wednesday (October 31) and is scheduled to start at 6.30pm.
Make sure you book in advance. For further information call the St Andrew's church office on 0121 770 1511.

Your vote could help Chelmsley community project

A GROUND-breaking programme supporting people with disabilities and mental health issues needs your help to secure valuable funding.
The award-winning Dig-It Crew took over what was once an abandoned drug den in Chelmsley Wood and transformed it into a community garden.
The plot is now used to grow fruit and veg and care for rescued battery hens.
Now the award-winning scheme is hoping that local people will vote to help land a share of the Aviva Community Fund.
The money would be put to use buying items of clothes and gardening equipment for the green-fingered team.
A Dig-It spokesman said the kit would ensure that the team were suitably dressed no matter what the weather.
"Come rain, snow or sunshine we will be maintaining our community garden and getting outdoors.
"The Dig-It volunteers have really expressed an interest in uniforms as it also gives a greater sense of team and community."
The project is up against various good causes from around the country. You can cast your vote up until November 20. Just visit the Community Fund's website.

Police fear spate of arson attacks was "targeted"

THREE vehicles and two homes were set alight in one night, in what police fear was a series of targeted arson attacks.

The incidents happened between 10pm-4am last Tuesday (October 16) and detectives believe that they were calculated crimes, as opposed to random acts of anti-social behaviour.

The incidents took place in Carisbrooke Avenue, Chelmsley Road and Settle Croft, all on Chelmsley Wood, and at a fourth location, in Daren Close, Smith's Wood. 

If you witnessed anything, or have either CCTV or dashcam footage which may have captured anything of use, police are urging you to get in touch. 

Call Solihull Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Appeal to deal with notorious bottleneck in Castle Brom

CASTLE Bromwich residents have backed a fresh call for the council to deal with traffic and road safety concerns right at the heart of the community.

Almost 800 people put their names to a petition presented to this month's Full Council, urging transport bosses to take another look at changes made as part of the controversial Hurst Lane Place Project.

The £1.3 million scheme had been put in place to improve the traffic flow and make life easier for pedestrians.

But more than three years since the work was completed, many residents remain convinced that the alterations have in fact made things worse for local people. 

They argue that the changes have added to congestion past Morrisons supermarket and many shoppers are struggling to negotiate the notoriously busy junction.

Councillor Cheryl Buxton-Sait (Green, Castle Bromwich), who presented the petition, said that public concern was "immense" and had dominated discussions with local voters earlier this year.

"It seems like [the council] didn't listen to what people wanted," she said. "I don't think it was very well thought through.
"I had an email from a resident who almost got hit by a car just trying to negotiate the pavement there."

The scheme, which was officially finished in mid-2015, saw a raft of changes to the the middle of Castle Brom.

These included the installation of mini-roundabouts, the creation of a new crossing, alteration to the pavements and an increase in the number of parking spaces. In addition, a section of the Chester Road was made narrower.
The issue of queueing was recently thrown back into the spotlight after dashcam footage of a car mounting the pavement and driving along a footpath, to try and avoid the jam, went viral earlier this month.

Solihull Council has confirmed that the petition will be referred to Coun Ted Richards, cabinet member for transport and highways, and considered at his decision session next month (scheduled for November 29).

Timeline:

April 2014:  A report on the Hurst Lane Place Project is considered by Coun Richards. Road chiefs say that most people who responded to consultation were positive about the proposals, although there is some unease that the changes will increase traffic jams. 

Officers predict that there will be an increase in journey times during busy periods, but these will not be significant.

October 2014: Work officially gets underway at the location.

June 2015: The scheme is completed and Coun Richards says he is pleased with what has been achieved.

"The area has become safer for pedestrians and motorists alike and it has been great to see local people being able to get safely to and from the shops without danger."

August 2015: Other Side of Solihull reports on the considerable backlash from some residents.

Cherryl Jones said: "Congestion combined with poor lines of sight for drivers approaching the roundabouts from any direction make this section of road a minefield. Accidents will happen and it won’t look so ‘pretty’ then."

May 2018: Coun Buxton-Sait is elected in Castle Bromwich, she says the issue has come up on the doorstep perhaps more than any other. 

October 2018: A petition, signed by 770 local people, is presented to Full Council. It will be looked at next month.

Jump on board a new hobby

IF you’re looking for a sport to put a spring in your step, why not try trampolining? 

The Altair Trampolining Club, based at North Solihull Sports Centre, is on the look-out for new members. 

The club currently holds classes attended by residents aged from six to 60 but is hoping to encourage more people to come along. 

Coach Jon Wall said: “It is a great form of exercise and great to tire the kids out and burn off that excess energy. 

“It’s a sport for everyone; girls, boys, young or older, even if you have a disability...” 

Trampolining’s profile has arguably grown in the past couple of years, with more than 100 trampoline parks nationwide.

 And the sport was given a further boost in the UK when Team GB’s Bryony Page won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics. 

Classes take place in North Solihull on Tuesdays (6.30-8.30pm) and Thursdays (6-9pm). 

For more information call 07527385302 or visit www.altairtrampoline.com

Map reveals hedgehog sightings in North Solihull

DATA available on a new map allows North Solihull residents to pinpoint where an increasingly rare animal has been seen in their area.
The Big Hedgehog Map gives details of every sighting of the mammal - living or dead - since 2015.
Considering that the north of the borough is quite a built-up area, there has been a surprising number of reports.
Having collated all the information to date, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society & People’s Trust for Endangered Species charities are hoping that more people will come forward and add to the national picture.
You can see the heatmap for yourself here.

Village venue wants help with crucial repairs

MARSTON Green Parish Hall has launched an urgent appeal to help raise funds for vital roof repairs.
The Elmdon Road venue has revealed that the roof is at risk of collapse and £17,000 is needed to fix the problem.
Fundraising efforts have already brought in £6,000 and the hall has now turned to local people to ask for help with the rest.
They have said that they want to get the all important work done before the winter weather sets in. A Facebook statement said:
“If everyone in the village gives just £1 each we will be well on our way to fixing the roof. Of course, if you’re feeling generous feel free to give a little more!
“Your help will be very much appreciated and once the roof has been repaired, all donors will be invited to a party to celebrate!
“We are a registered charity and do not make enough profit to pay this amount out ourselves all at once. We really do need this to be a community effort!”
Residents will remember that the nearby village hall was forced to close its doors back in 2012, because of similar concerns
You can pledge support to the Fix Our Roof fund via their Facebook fundraising page.

Opening date for Castle Brom store is confirmed

A BUDGET food store - part of a new national brand launched by Tesco - is set to open in Castle Bromwich in the coming weeks.
Jack's, which replaces the Tesco Metro outlet which shut up shop back in August, will welcome its first customers on November 1.
The Jack's brand takes its name from the supermarket's founder Jack Cohen, who laid the foundations for the supermarket empire when he opened a market stall in London almost 100 years ago.
It's understood that the Castle Bromwich branch is one of the first two in the West Midlands, alongside another outlet scheduled to launch in Rubery this week.

Downing Street's praise for Chelmsley community centre

THE Prime Minister has paid a personal tribute to the "pivotal" work at a well-known Chelmsley Wood venue.
Theresa May's official account tweeted a picture of Meriden MP Caroline Spelman among a crowd at the Three Trees Centre.
The group pictured outside the venue also included a number of borough councillors and members of the Gro-Organic social enterprise.
In her post last Friday, Mrs May said: "@spelmanc is proud of the work of @3TreesCentre, which has been providing services in her constituency since 1970.
"Places like these are pivotal in so many communities, thank you for all that you do."
It's the second high-profile endorsement from a front rank politician in as many months.
A few weeks ago, Labour MP Chuka Umunna - once tipped as a possible leader of his party - paid a visit to Three Trees.
Mr Umunna joined Dame Caroline for a tour of the venue, with their visit forming part of the work being done by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Social Integration.
The group’s aim is to look at ways to break down barriers between communities of different ages or cultures.
Tweeting afterwards, Mr Umunna, the former Shadow Business Secretary, said he was impressed by the work being done at the community centre to build links between different generations.

Stay of execution for North Solihull green spaces

PLANS to dispose of precious green spaces have been put on hold, amid concerns that residents could lose land they have enjoyed for generations.
Councillors last week agreed to defer a decision on the three plots: Auckland Drive and Anglesey Avenue, in Smith's Wood, and Clopton Crescent, in neighbouring Chelmsley.
There had been a raft of complaints about the proposals, which could pave the way for houses being built on the public open spaces.
In the face of fierce opposition and a number of unanswered questions, cabinet members agreed last Thursday that they didn't have enough details to proceed.
Graham Craig, a local resident and former councillor himself, had urged the council to reconsider the plans for Auckland Drive (pictured above) and Anglesey Avenue.
He pointed out that those in nearby flats didn't have gardens and that it would be "an outrage" to replace trees with yet more concrete.
"Smith's Wood is the most densely populated ward in the whole of the borough," he said.
"When Smith's Wood was built, many, many years ago, these two plots of land which I'm talking about now were deliberately left...
"Auckland Drive was left for recreational purposes and secondly the land at the bottom of Anglesey Avenue was left as a green oasis basically.
"The land is held very seriously by the residents as much-needed."
Days before the crucial meeting, a petition signed by more than 200 Smith's Wood residents had been submitted to Full Council - stating that one wooded area at risk was believed to be a remnant of the ancient Forest of Arden.
Councillor James Burn, leader of Solihull's Green group, said: "This is building on green space that has long been green space, this wasn't previously a school...
"And they are small sites, at least two of these sites you can't really retain much [if you build there] because actually they're very small to start."
He had slated two consultation exercises, which he suggested had damaged public trust.
A key criticism was that councillors had been advised over the summer that there was little opposition to the plans, which Coun Burn said had been directly contradicted by responses he had since obtained.
Concerns were also raised that a email address for residents to send comments hadn't been working and that the Clopton Crescent site had been wrongly described as being in Smith's Wood.
During a debate, members agreed to defer the decision, with further work to be carried out on looking at alternative options and minimising the impact on the community.
Coun Joe Tildesley, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and sport, said: "Something like this comes in front of us and you read all the objections - and I see the Mayor had put an objection in - and a number of other notable people who some of us know well. And for me it is a worry."
Solihull Council's deputy leader, Coun Ian Courts, who chaired last week's decision session, said there was an urgent need for more homes but agreed the matter should be deferred "for further consideration".
"I'm not going to get into a discussion on consultation, that's for others to check and advise ... we have to do it properly, and we will do it properly.
"I think more work [needs] to be done on this."

Award nominations for new nursery in North Solihull

THE team behind a nursery near Marston Green is celebrating after being shortlisted for two local business awards.
Wiggles & Giggles was recently named among the nominees at this year’s Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards.
The business, based at Birmingham Business Park, is in the running in two categories: “start-up business” and “young achiever”.
Russell Jeans, from Solihull Chamber, said: “It is clear that Solihull firms are continuing to thrive and excel against a background of growth and investment in the region.”
The winners will be announced at Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club on October 18

Plans put forward for Marston Green facility

IT is a facility which local GPs believe will make it easier to access their services and deal with the increasing number of patients in Marston Green.
And now, after more than a year of discussions, plans have been submitted for a purpose-built Medical Centre.
It is intended to pull down Oliver House and erect a brand-new building in Ivy Lodge Close, just off the Coleshill Road.
Aside from providing a new home for the existing doctor's surgery, the plans would bring a range of other services under one roof, including a pharmacy, gym, cafe and 50-place children's nursery.
Space would also be made available in the centre's car park area for a mobile scanning unit.
The proposal follows the national trend of bringing different services together at one location in an effort to provide a one-stop shop for patients, and ease pressures on hospitals.
There has also been concern within the village that several recent housing developments have piled extra pressure on local services, including the doctors.
The planning statement, submitted to Solihull Council earlier this month, said the site would "serve the village and surrounding catchment area, providing accommodation for the existing Marston Green Surgery [and other facilities]."
Discussions about the new development began early last year, with a community information day held in August and around 6,000 leaflets delivered through the door of nearby homes.
Tyler Parkes Planning Consultancy, who prepared the documents on behalf of the GPs, argued that the recent consultation had demonstrated widespread public support for the scheme.
While the current building at Oliver House is owned by the Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership, a deal has been struck which would see the premises pass to the applicant in the event they receive planning permission.
The proposal is now expected to go to Solihull's planning committee for consideration in the coming months.

Crossing plea at Smith's Wood site dismissed by council

A PEDESTRIAN crossing will not be installed on a Smith’s Wood road, despite widespread public concern.
More than 300 residents had previously backed an online petition to install the crossing in Burtons Way.
Concerns had been raised about traffic during peak periods and the likelihood of an accident at the location.
However, Solihull Council’s road chiefs have now confirmed that they do not believe there is sufficient evidence to justify a change.
Analysis suggests that there have been no collisions involving pedestrians along the stretch of road.
Checks had already been carried out following a previous call for action and fresh inspections were ordered following the latest petition, launched earlier this year.
Ashley Prior, head of highway services, said: “From our observations we don’t feel it’s dangerous... and there’s nowhere identifiable to put a particular crossing.”
There is also bad news for those campaigning for fixed speed cameras along Coleshill Heath Road, in Marston Green.
While the site has been added to a log and could be considered for a device down the line, officers deemed that no further action was needed at this time

Local people can play their part tackling period poverty

A SCHEME started to ensure that no schoolgirl has to miss classes because of her period has expanded into North Solihull.
Sarah Kavanagh is the volunteer coordinator for the local branch of the Red Box Project – which was set up amid mounting concerns about period poverty.
The initiative provides boxes, stocked with sanitary products, to local schools, to help address “the real need” many families experience.
According to up-to-date research from the children’s charity Plan International UK, one in 10 young women (aged 14- 21) have not been able to pay for products such as tampons.
“If you look at the results from the surveys done it’s not just a local issue but a country[wide] issue that needs to be addressed,” said Sarah.
“The reason I got involved was because I could not believe that in the 21st century we have young girls who are missing school because they cannot afford sanitary products.
“The shame and embarrassment these girls go through and for something they have no control or choice over, is not right. I could not sit back and not help.”
The project only started in March 2017, but in the 18 months since it has expanded from just a handful of boxes in Portsmouth to a vast network.
There are now more than 900 boxes up and down the country and the idea has gone international - with two in America!
Sarah is now looking to set up public donation points to cover the north of the borough and has asked for any venue which would be willing to host one to come forward. If you can help, email this address.

VIP guests make a splash in Chelmsley Wood

YOUNGSTERS had a splashing time at North Solihull Sports Centre, when an ex-Olympian and a talent show star paid a visit to the pool.
Grant Turner, who competed for Team GB at the 2012 Games, joined Britain’s Got Talent finalist Zoe Cooper at the event.
Children had the chance to try water polo, synchronised swimming and race against the famous pair. Wayne Desmond, from leisure operator Everyone Active, said: “It was fantastic to see people making the most of the free activities.
“Joining an Olympian in the pool was a unique experience for the children... and I hope it inspires them to keep getting active in the water.”

Traveller camps in Solihull cost £140k over 12 months

MERIDEN MP Caroline Spelman has spoken of the considerable cost of dealing with unauthorised traveller camps in Solihull.
Dame Caroline was among those invited to attend a special summit to discuss ways of dealing with a problem which continues to cause significant concern across the borough and wider West Midlands.
In North Solihull there has once again been a series of incidents this year at sites including Babbs Mill, Heath Park and land adjacent to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.
Dame Caroline told the meeting that tackling the encampments left the council with a six figure bill and said there was a sense of “injustice” among local people.
“Solihull continues to have a lot of incursions,” she said. “In the calendar year 2017, we had 25 incursions of groups between four and 40 caravans on public and private sites.
“And [the] conservative cost estimate of clearing up and managing that situation was that it cost taxpayers £140,000.
“But that does not include the time that it took various agencies actually to deal with the situation and doesn’t include the police time that was involved in trying to move the travellers on.”
She had suggested the region’s councils needed to look at ways to work more closely together, given that one local authority’s policy could have a direct impact on its neighbours.
 Last year saw a particularly high number of incidents across the borough, due in part to the bin strike in neighbouring Birmingham – which increased demand for casual labour.
Security was subsequently ramped up at various sites, which Solihull Council hoped would make them more difficult to access.
Although the measures have not been successful in every instance and, on their own, two of the recent encampments at Babbs Mill are estimated to have cost a combined total of £6,500.
Coun Alison Rolf, the council’s cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said: “We need people who use our parks and open spaces to be our eyes and ears as the more evidence we can gather, the stronger our case will be to deter and ultimately prevent them.
“Be reassured our priority is to our residents and minimising the impact these incursions have on them and local communities.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, who organised the recent summit, said he was pleased by the outcome of the discussions.
“Effectively dealing with unauthorised traveller encampments is a really important issue that requires us all to work together even more closely.”

Garage sites to make way for new homes

GARAGE sites are set to be pulled down in Smith’s Wood to make way for affordable housing.
Plots of land in Anglesey Avenue and Willow Way are among those around the borough which have been identified as being suitable for development.
Solihull Council has been actively looking at options for developing some of the sites, to help address the severe shortage of homes.
A meeting last month heard many garages were riddled with asbestos, no longer used or had become a hiding place for stolen cars.
Coun James Burn (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said: “You wouldn’t believe the anti social behaviour some of them have attracted.”
The council has accepted, however, that there are only a certain number of sites where it would be appropriate to put homes.
Part of the problem is that the design of the facilities often means that they are already surrounded by houses and it would be difficult to fit more in within the available space.
A number of councillors have suggested that Solihull could be more ambitious in its proposals.
Coun Ade Adeyemo (Lib Dem, Lyndon) has raised the prospect or building town houses, with garage facilities underneath.

Secretary of State in Smith's Wood

CABINET VISIT: Mr Brokenshire (third on the right) at
the Woodlands Campus last week.

A CABINET minister was among a trio of top politicians who paid a visit to Solihull College last week.
Housing Secretary James Brokenshire toured the Woodlands Campus, in Smith's Wood, and was shown its Centre for Advanced Aeronautical Provision.
He was joined on his "flying visit" by Meriden's MP Dame Caroline Spelman and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.
The guests were treated to a flight experience in one of the college’s two simulators, which is a replica from a Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft. They experienced taking off, flying and landing a plane.
Mr Street said: "I was very impressed with the aviation capabilities I saw at Solihull College & University Centre.
"James and I were able to explore the hangar, talk to students who were passionate about their studies and enjoy a simulator experience.
"The future for aeronautical students looks bright at the college and I look forward to hearing about the success stories in the future’."
Solihull College recently pumped £2.5million into its aviation and aeronautical wing, with the investment supported by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

Fish, chips and general knowledge...

A CHARITY quiz night - in aid of one of Britain's biggest charities - will be taking place in Marston Green this month.
The Marie Curie Fundraising Group has organised the event at the Parish Hall on October 13, starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £8 each, including a fish and chip supper on the evening. You can enter teams of up to six people.
Books yours from Ian on 0121 684 0707 or Linda on 0121 779 4787.

HS2 Station designs to go on show

RESIDENTS have a chance to view the designs for the HS2 Interchange Station when the latest set of roadshows comes to North Solihull.
Rail bosses are preparing to unveil concepts for the development, which will take up a triangle of land near to the NEC.
Plans will be on show at The Loft, in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre on October 23 (2.30-6.30pm). And a few days later, on October 27, the roadshow arrives at Marston Green Parish Hall (11am-3pm).
With construction work due to begin in earnest in the coming months, discussions continue over the impact on the local area.
More news on the ongoing battle to secure some compensation for the loss of part of Heath Park and the North Solihull projects awarded community funding will be posted later this month.

Valuable drum kit stolen from Chelmsley Wood

POLICE are appealing for help finding a £12,000 drum kit, stolen during a burglary in Chelmsley Wood earlier this week.
The drums, amp and speakers were taken during a break-in on the estate overnight on Monday (October 1).
The distinctive kit is a DW 25th anniversary limited edition.
If you have seen the equipment being offered for sale or have any information about the burglary call officers on 101, quoting incident number 20SH/226369E/18.

CCTV appeal after Asda worker assaulted

ARE this pair familiar?
Police are appealing for help in identifying a man and woman wanted in connection with an assault on a supermarket security guard.
The incident took place at the Asda store, in Bosworth Drive, on Friday, September 14.
Two TVs were stolen from the shop and the suspects made off in a blue VW Golf, understood to have been fitted with false plates.
The getaway vehicle was being driven by a third, male, suspect - not pictured in the CCTV image, which was released earlier this week.
If you have any information about the crime, which happened at around 4pm, call PC Akehurst on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Chelmsley gym owner "blown away" by support

KNOCK OUT:  Jack Evans, James Boggust, Dimitra Tamvaki
and Almir Coelho, from JLR, helped repair Wayne Elcock's
 Boxing Academy

A CHELMSLEY Wood gym - which suffered severe flooding earlier this year - has been given a major overhaul.
Wayne Elcock's Boxing Academy was badly affected by the damage done by a burst pipe, with repairs and waterproofing work needed.
In addition, the interior of the Pike Drive premises was badly in need of a revamp.
Solihull Council, which works in partnership with the gym to offer youth training sessions, approached Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) for help. In turn the car giant dispatched a 12-strong team to the site.
The group quickly put their design and engineering skill to good use, plaster-boarding and decorating the building.
Mr Elcock, a former top boxer himself, said: "I can’t thank the teams at JLR and Solihull Council enough.  They not only repaired the damage my gym suffered through a burst pipe, but made it look better than it was before!
"I am absolutely blown away with how it looks and all the work the guys have put in to transforming the damaged area."
The club offers 12 weekly sessions aimed at young people and adults and two years ago won the Outstanding Community Project award at the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's Outstanding Citizen Awards.

Litter louts to be stung with £100 penalties

FINES for dropping litter, fly-posting and similar offences will be increased in Solihull from today (Monday).

The council last week agreed to increase the maximum penalty imposed for a range of environmental crimes.

Under the new regime, people will have to cough up £100 (reduced to £75 if they pay within seven days).

New powers have also been adopted which should make it easier to go after those who throw rubbish out of vehicles - a problem which leaves verges and kerbs strewn with rubbish.

Changes in the law earlier this year mean that councils can fine the vehicle's "registered keeper" without having to prove that it's actually that person who chucked the rubbish out of the window.

This means that from now on drivers are effectively responsible for making sure their passenger doesn't toss drinks cans, sweet wrappers or even cigarette ends onto the roadside.

Councillor Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, said the council wanted to send a clear message the behaviour "was unacceptable from anybody" and could end up being very costly.

"It's about having the ability to fix a fine on people for doing it. And it's about making sure when we can do it, we do do it.

"For the ones who don't want to be educated we will issue penalties."

Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith's Wood) said he was amazed by the range of items which were discovered during litter picks around his ward - from burned-out vehicles and builder's rubble to electronic goods.

"I was shocked at the amount and also the type of things were there. I've found flytipped walkman's and batteries.

"I thought if these are leaking then that's pretty serious. People were looking and asking 'what's this doing here?' "

He had asked about the options for introducing public space protection orders (PSPOs) in parts of North Solihull experiencing particular problems.

Caroline Naven, the council's head of neighbourhood and regulatory services, suggested these powers were less than effective.

"I call them the toothless tiger," she said. "They're expensive to implement and you need officers to actually enforce the order and there aren't the officers to enforce it."

The increase in fines follows a number of initiatives to tackle environmental crime. The local authority has already agreed to contract a private company to issue fines to the culprits, while a set of portable cameras is being used at fly-tipping hot spots.