Scheme aims to tackle "wicked" obesity problem

SMITH’S Wood school pupils are far more likely to be overweight than those living in Solihull’s more affluent areas, recent figures suggest.
The data presented to councillors revealed almost one in four Year 6 pupils growing up on the estate could be classed as “very overweight”.
By comparison, the number of children in Knowle who would be placed in that category is around seven per cent.
 It is the latest startling statistic, demonstrating just how much North Solihull is lagging behind the rest of the borough when it comes to health.
In an attempt to close the gap, a new initiative has recently been launched which aims to encourage physical activity in more deprived areas.
The Active Communities programme has seen Solihull Council pair up with neighbouring Birmingham City Council, Sports England and the Active Wellbeing Society.
The north of the borough is one of six neighbourhoods across Birmingham and Solihull where efforts are being targeted.
Ian Mathis, the council’s assistant director for health and wellbeing, said the authorities needed to take a different approach if they were to make an impact.
“We’ve got a problem on our hands and we know it’s a wicked problem,” he said.
“There are no easy answers. “We are encouraged to take escalators, we are encouraged to take the car. We need to disrupt that system a little bit if we are to get people more active.”
Millions of pounds in National Lottery cash is being sunk into the project over the course of the next four years.
Numerous studies have shown that North Solihull residents die, on average, more than a decade before those living south of the A45.
Locals are also more likely to develop disabilities earlier in life and suffer from serious health problems, including cancer and heart disease.
On the issue of obesity, Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith’s Wood) has recently suggested that there should be greater restrictions on takeaways.
He voiced fears that in his ward there were two fast food outlets and a Greggs in close proximity to a nearby primary school.

Special day arranged for war veteran

A WAR hero has praised a PCSO for “making his day” after he recently arranged for him to attend the unveiling of a war memorial statue.
PCSO Allan Cameron struck up a friendship with World War II veteran Laurie Brunger last summer, while out on patrol in Kingshurst.
Mr Brunger told the officer all about his time as a sailor and how he often wondered if any of his old shipmates were still around.
Touched by the tales, Allan contacted Elaine Butler, who sits on Solihull’s Independent Advisory Group and also happens to work for The British Legion.
Together with Solihull Council, they managed to put Mr Brunger in touch with some of his old comrades and invited him to the unveiling of a new Tommy sculpture in Shirley.
PCSO Cameron, from the Castle Bromwich and Smith’s Wood neighbourhood team, said: “After hearing everything Laurie has done for his country I wanted to do something special for him.
“By working with partner agencies, we were able to link Laurie to his old regiment and welcome him to the unveiling of the new Tommy statue.
“It was a really special day and great to see how much it meant to Laurie.” Other Side of Solihull recently reported that another of the Tommy statues has been erected in Woodlands Cemetery, near Chelmsley Wood."

New housing scheme opens in Chelmsley

A MAJOR new development in Chelmsley Wood had its official opening just in time for Christmas.
Earlier this month, Mayor of Solihull, Coun Flo Nash, was invited to cut the ribbon at the Saxon Court complex, in Marlene Croft.
The £7 million scheme, which will provide extra care accommodation for over 55s, has been built on the former site of Coleshill Heath School.
Solihull Community Housing (SCH) has said that the project is the largest of its kind it has created.

Crime still a major cause of concern for North Solihull

RISING crime and police cuts have left many residents living in fear, a meeting heard this month. Several councillors from the north of the borough raised these concerns directly during a Q&A with the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
And their comments came on the back of reports that groups were getting together in areas such as Chelmsley Wood to conduct unofficial street patrols.
Councillor Cheryl Buxton-Sait (Green, Castle Bromwich) highlighted the problems in the community. “Burglary is endemic in my ward ... I’ve got some residents that have been very unfortunate that they’ve been burgled not once but twice.
“I’ve got residents that are at the point where they’re scared to leave their houses overnight.”
Coun Bob Sleigh, Leader of the Council, told the PCC he was constantly contacted by constituents who had concerns.
“It is really now where you prioritise the next policing plan to restore public confidence in our police service and to make people feel safe in their homes.”
Coun Ben Groom (Green, Smith’s Wood) said: “I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your attention that the West Midlands is now, outside of London, the worst place in the country for knife crime.”
Total recorded crime rose across the borough in July to September, but the highest rate of offending continues to be in the north.
There were 409 offences in Chelmsley Wood, with more than four times the 97 incidents logged in Knowle.
Over the same three month period, there were 312 offences in Smith’s Wood and 278 in Kingshurst & Fordbridge.
The PCC, David Jamieson, said: “I always remind councillors and Members of Parliament that all of your constituents are my constituents as well. “Because they are people who can vote me in, or vote me out as they choose.
“The reduction of crime and reduction of harm to people is the single most important thing that we do.”
But he warned that officers were having to deal with rising levels of violent crime and new types of offences despite significant budget cuts.
He reminded the Full Council meeting that West Midlands Police had 2,000 fewer officers than seven years ago

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Huge success for Christmas hamper appeal

GENEROUS residents have once again thrown their support behind North Solihull's Christmas hamper campaign.
Pupils from Coleshill Heath School and Fordbridge Community Primary donated more than 130 hampers.
These have been delivered to elderly and vulnerable residents, including victims of crime, in the local community.
Fordbridge Primary said: "We are extremely proud of our parents/carers, pupils and staff who have contributed so many hampers for such a fantastic cause!"
The annual campaign, co-ordinated by Solihull Council's neighbourhood team, started a few years ago.
Its success was praised by Coun Karen Grinsell, cabinet member for adult social care and health, at this month's Full Council meeting.
During the same discussion, Chelmsley Wood councillor James Burn had reminded members how many people suffer loneliness over the festive period.
Previous research by the mental health charity Mind suggested that one in ten 25 to 34-year-olds spend December 25 on their own.

Local man honoured for role in dangerous diving mission

A CHELMSLEY Wood man, who helped recover chemical weapons from more than 100 years ago, recently received a bravery award.
Royal Navy diver Matt O'Brien (pictured above) waded into a lake after mustard gas canisters, dating from the First World War, were discovered by members of the public.
The surprising find had been made in the depths of Stixwould Lake, in Lincolnshire.
The operation to recover the dangerous items was described  as one of the most unusual of its kind to have taken place in Britain in recent years.
Thirty-four-year-old Mr O'Brien received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery, after taking the plunge - despite fears that the water might be contaminated.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: "He donned a special suit, had zero visibility and had to feel his way around the lake to locate possibly-damaged toxic shells, safely bag them and return to the surface to hand them over to his colleagues for disposal.
"In all the team from Portsmouth’s Southern Diving Unit 2 recovered ten 6lb chemical bombs during a week-long operation.
"But it was Leading Diver O’Brien’s bravery and leadership which particularly stood out drawing praise from the military and civilian authorities involved in the operation and setting an example 'of a selfless individual and model leader.'."
Mr O'Brien, who has a three-year-old daughter, is specially trained to deal with dangerous artefacts underwater and on land.
Mustard gas was a deadly weapon deployed in the trenches during the First World War. A century on from the end of the conflict, the items are still occasionally found on British shore.

School hosts Xmas lunch for Chelmsley pensioners

DOZENS of elderly residents have enjoyed a slap-up Christmas dinner at a Chelmsley Wood school.
Post 16 students at the Grace Academy served up the meal to 90 senior citizens from around the local area.
A total of 270 brussel sprouts, 60 carrots and more than 300 potatoes had to be prepared for the traditional dinner of turkey and all the trimmings.
Councillor David Cole (Lab, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) attended the event, which he said helped to break down barriers between the different generations.
"Young people sometimes think that older people have everything but this is really a myth and it doesn’t work that way. There are many elderly people who are living on the bread line.
"The best thing for me at Christmas is to see my grandchildren’s faces on Christmas day, as well as celebrating with my father who is 91 and mother who is 87. They like to see their great grandchildren too."
Year 12 student Charlie Tibbatts, among those who helped prepare and serve the food, said: "I cut my finger carving turkey, but it’s all been worth it!
"It’s such a proud moment when you have done something good for other people at Christmas."
Concerns about the number of elderly people who are likely to spend Christmas Day alone were raised at Full Council earlier this month.
Coun James Burn (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said that the country was facing a loneliness "epidemic".

Christmas bin collections in Solihull

PLEASE note that a number of changes are being made to Solihull's waste and recycling collections over the festive period.
As usual, there will be no bin rounds on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day.
An increased workload means that collection times may vary on other days, so households are asked to have their items on the kerb by 7am and not to report a missed collection before 4pm.
Full details about the arrangements in the coming couple of weeks are now available on the council's website.

Castle Brom business plans Christmas feast for homeless

A CASTLE Bromwich takeaway has announced plans to hold a special dinner for the homeless on Christmas Day.

Lime Pickle, in Windleaves Road, recently confirmed it would be serving hot food and drink to some of the region's most vulnerable residents on December 25.

Setting out its plans on Facebook, the Indian eatery said: "The holidays are a time for everyone to come together with their families and friends.

"We are aware that not everyone is that fortunate so we would like to give those less fortunate an opportunity to come together as a community and spend Christmas with us at Lime Pickle."

While the business will be closed to the public on the day, it plans to serve a selection of its menu to around 100 people.

Bosses have been in touch with charities and spreading the word on social media. 

The latest figures suggest that there are around four or five people sleeping rough in Solihull, but several dozen in neighbouring Birmingham. 

Decision date for latest Business Park expansion

PLANNING chiefs will next week decide whether to allow two more industrial units to be built in Marston Green.

The latest application for an expansion to Birmingham Business Park follows previous controversy over the development off Blackfirs Lane - which drew scores of complaints from residents.

This new proposal would see further building work on a parcel of land off Solihull Parkway.

Although Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Council have made clear they have concerns about vehicle movements and the impact on neighbours.

Its submission to Solihull Council said: "The layout of the proposed buildings is such that there is considerable potential for noise and disturbance to leak out from the site."

These fears about 24/7 activity have led to a call for operations to be suspended overnight, on Sundays and during Bank Holidays.

Solihull Council's planning department, which has carried out surveys at the location, are satisfied that the noise won't affect the nearby Holiday Inn.

It has also advised councillors against trying to curb activity at certain times, given that no such limits have been placed on previous developments at the Business Park.

Recommending the plans be approved, they emphasised the economic benefit to the surrounding area.

The final planning committee of the year will be taking place on Wednesday (December 19).

Mayor of Solihull's Christmas message

AS Christmas comes closer, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on my time so far as Mayor of Solihull.
This year has seen two important centenaries that I have been privileged to commemorate with the borough.
Firstly, in July, I was presented with a wreath by Rt. Hon. Dame Caroline Spelman MP to mark the one hundredth anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. This was a proud moment for me as a sitting female mayor a century after women got the vote.
More recently, in November, Solihull commemorated 100 years since the end of the First World War. The moving service in the morning and the beacon lighting in the evening were a fitting tribute to those that sacrificed so much for us, all those years ago.
As well as these major national occasions, I have had the opportunity to attend many varied events and meet a large number of interesting, dedicated and wonderful Solihull residents and businesses. This aspect of being Mayor is so rewarding, as I get to see first-hand all the warmth, kindness, generosity and entrepreneurship displayed by people from all across the borough.
It is particularly important at Christmas time to reflect on those examples of kindness and generosity towards others that we have seen throughout 2018, as we turn our thoughts to those who are struggling at this time of year.
Please keep an eye out for neighbours who might not be so lucky as to be surrounded by loved ones during the festive season.
I am sure that the community spirit and support for one another I see all the time as Mayor will be on display more than ever during the Christmas holiday. Whoever you are celebrating with this year, my husband Honorary Alderman Alan Nash and I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.

The Mayor of Solihull
Councillor Flo Nash

Death at Marston Green Station.

ANOTHER death was reported at Marston Green Railway Station this afternoon (Thursday).
Emergency services were called to the village following reports of a person being struck by a train.
Police and paramedics both attended the scene, following the collision at around 2pm.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "Colleagues from the ambulance service also attended, however, a person was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
"Officers are working to identify the person and inform their family. This incident is not currently being treated as a suspicious."
Today's tragedy comes on the back of several other fatal incidents. Two people died on the same day in April and there was also a collision in August last year.
The latest incident caused widespread disruption on the line between Birmingham and Coventry. Tracks reopened and services returned to normal later in the day.

Meriden's MP gives Theresa May her backing

NORTH Solihull's MP has said she will be backing Theresa May in tonight's vote of no confidence.
Dame Caroline Spelman, who represents the Meriden constituency, was among those to voice their support for the beleaguered Conservative leader.
It was confirmed this morning that Mrs May would face a confidence vote, after 15 per cent of the party's MPs submitted letters stating they had lost faith in her leadership.
The crunch vote comes after weeks of speculation that there would be a concerted push to oust the current leader, who faces a desperate battle to get her Brexit deal through the House of Commons.
Speaking on Twitter, Dame Caroline: "I’m very disappointed that at this hugely significant time in our nations’ history some of my colleagues have seen fit to trigger a confidence vote in @theresa_may.
"Mrs May has made a supreme effort to deliver on the referendum result. I will continue to support her."
Later in the day, she said that the vast majority of constituents to contact her office had called for her to support the Prime Minister.
Dame Caroline entered Parliament at the same time as Mrs May - they were among the few new Tory MPs in 1997, a year in which the party suffered a crushing defeat.
The two women later served together in cabinet after Mrs May's predecessor, David Cameron, formed a coalition government.
If Mrs May receives the backing of the majority of her Parliamentary party then she cannot be challenged for another 12 months. If however she loses tonight's vote, she will be forced to step down, triggering a leadership contest. The result of the secret ballot is due before 9pm.

Officers catch up with escaped sheep

A COUPLE of baaaar-d boys have been safely locked up after making a bid for freedom in the Marston Green area.
Fortunately for villagers, the two fugitives were a pair of sheep, which had managed to give their owners the slip and escape their pens.
Images shared on social media yesterday (Monday) showed the runaways - who would have made a fine addition to any nativity scene - making their way along the pavement next to the main road.
Chelmsley Wood Police helped return the two animals to their enclosure.
A number of the team's followers saw the funny side of the rather irregular call-out.
Chris Traves tweeted: "I’m sure the community of MG thank ewe."

The march of litter picking volunteers

LITTER picking groups in Smith's Wood and Kingshurst are among those to have taken to the streets in the past 12 months.
The new wave of volunteers were mentioned in a report presented to Solihull Council last week.
It is thought that a lot of the interest in tidying up local communities has been fuelled by the Great British Spring Clean events.
The annual activity days aimed to encourage people to clear up the rubbish blighting their area, but there is growing interest in getting stuck in all year round.
So much so, that litter picking hubs have now been set up around the borough - allowing eager locals to borrow equipment such as bags and high-vis jackets.
While many have praised their efforts, there have been concerns that the activity is plugging gaps in provision.
Councillor Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger communities and partnerships, has denied that the local authority is relying on residents to do its job.
"We are asking people in Solihull to take pride in where they live," she told Full Council.
"It isn't just about people going out and picking it up themselves, although I commend anybody who does that and I think there should be more of that.
"But the council is doing its bit as well, it's about working in partnership."

Teenager jailed for bomb hoaxes

A TEENAGER responsible for a bomb hoax, which caused panic at more than a thousand schools, including several in North Solihull, has been jailed.
George Duke-Cohan, 19, from Watford, was responsible for an email warning about an explosive.
Several hundred premises around the country were evacuated when the threat arrived in March.
The teenager was arrested soon afterwards, but the following month he sent out another flurry of hoaxes to schools in both Britain and the United States.
An investigation by the National Crime Agency and the FBI found that Duke-Cohan had also made a false report about a plane bound for America being hijacked
In September, the teenager had pleaded guilty to three counts of making hoax bomb threats. He was jailed for three years last week.
Judge Richard Foster said: "You knew exactly what you were doing and why you were doing it, and you knew full well the havoc that would follow.
"You were playing a game for your own perverted sense of fun in full knowledge of the consequences."

Santa's sleigh back on the road next week

ROUTES have been published for Santa's tour of Marston Green and Chelmsley Wood this month.
The popular event is once again organised by Marston Green and District Lions.
You can find out more via their official website.

Monday, December 10 (6.30-9.00pm)
Charlbury Avenue, Lambourne Grove, Hillys Croft, ​Ilkley Grove, Kettlewell Way, Grassington Drive, Leyburn Road, Buckden Close, Oxford Grove and Chichester Grove.

Tuesday, December 11 (6.30-9.00pm)
Perch Avenue, Grantley Drive, Pendrell Close, Conway Road, Stapleton Drive, Fencote Avenue, Elmore Close, Hadfield Way and Anstey Croft.

Wednesday, December 12 (6.30-9.00pm)
Clopton Crescent, Newby Grove, Tyne Close, Runcorn Close, Tay Croft, ​Alder Drive, Rowan Way, Box Road and Whitebeam Road.

Thursday, December 13 (6.30-9.00pm)
Bluebell Drive, Yorkminster Drive*, Lyecroft Avenue, Foxland Close, Waterson Croft, Ryeclose Croft, Hawksworth Road, Drake Croft, Hawksworth Road, Kitegreen Close, Heathgreen Close and Partridge Close.

*From Bluebell Drive to Waterson Croft.

Friday, December 14 (6.30-9.00pm)
Pike Drive, Bream Close, Graylings Walk, Chilham Drive, Ludlow Close, Wardour Drive, Penrith Grove and Drummond Way.

Saturday, December 15 (3.00-6.30pm)
Elmdon Lane, Canterbury Drive, Greenway, Newlands Lane, Digby Drive, Elmdon Road, Somerton Drive, Ashfield Lane, Moat House Lane, Wolverton Road, Rotherby Grove, Farndon Avenue, Hidcote Grove, St Leonard’s Close, Land Lane, Hall Drive and Aylesford Drive.

Sunday, December 16 (3.00-6.30pm)
Bickenhill Lane, Coleshill Road, Station Road, Chelmsley Lane, Alcott Lane, The Orchard, Holly Lane, Moseley Drive, Martin Rise, Marston Croft, Elm Farm Avenue, Wayside, Bickenhill Road, The Oaklands, Mowe Croft, Brook Croft, Bickenhill Road and Lyndon Croft.

Monday, December 17 (6.30-9pm)
Stokesay Close, Keepers Gate, Carisbrooke Avenue, Starkey Way, Longley Walk, Wavers Marston and Clarksland Grove.

Tuesday, December 18  (6.30-9pm)
Hamar Way, Shirland Avenue, Ludworth Avenue, Holbrook Grove, Enville Close, Costock Close, Maple Leaf Drive, Byford Way, Harby Close and Radlow Crescent.

Autism-friendly Santa's grotto planned.

A SPECIAL Santa's grotto - designed for children with autism and other additional needs - is taking place in Chelmsley Wood later this month.

Jolly old St Nick will be welcoming visitors at Lloyds Bank, in the town centre, on Sunday, December 16.

Youngsters on the autistic spectrum can often find loud noises or bright lights difficult to deal with, which is why the session has been organised.

Admission is £2 and includes a visit to Santa and a free gift. All proceeds are going to the charity Help Harry, Help Others.

Call 0121 770 1775 to book your place. 

Father Christmas is on his way to Castle Bromwich...

CASTLE Bromwich Scouts start their annual 'Santa Run' tomorrow (Monday).
The 237th Scout Group will once again be bringing their sleigh through local streets in what is always a popular sight in the run-up to Christmas. The full schedule is listed below.
Amanda Cardall, from the Scouts, said: "We only cover Castle Bromwich and if your road is not listed we do not visit it I'm afraid.
"We cannot say what time we will be at a specific road but we start around 6pm and usually finish about 8.30pm. Some of the Beaver routes are shorter.
"When we are in your area there will be adults ringing bells at the start of the run so that should give you warning that Santa will soon be in your road
"We really appreciate the support we get and would like to thank all the leaders, helpers, drivers and of course Santa for making this such a great event for us."
Please note that Other Side of Solihull will also be publishing the Marston Green & District Lions' routes shortly.

Monday, December 3:
Hall estate and Castlehills estate.

Tuesday, December 4:
Park Hall Crescent, Devereux Close, Burrow Hill Close and Cutshill Close.

Wednesday, December 5:
Poplars Drive, Clayton Drive, Cedar Avenue, Lyndon Close, Carlton Mews and parts of Chester Road between.

Thursday, December 6:
Windleaves Road, Selworthy Road, Green Lane (to the bottom of Tomlinson Road) and then West Avenue.

Friday, December 7:
Elmfield Road, Wyckham Road, Hawthorne Road and Hazelhurst Road.

Sunday, December 9:
Bradford Road, Chester Road, Buckingham Road, Windsor Road, Balmoral Road, Green Lane, Windward Way - Hurst Lane North, Hurst Close, The Green and Old Croft Lane.

Monday, December 10:
Parkfield Drive, Whittleford Grove, Flecknoe Close, Crawshaws Road, Tackford Close, Castello Drive, Blewitt Close and Milebush Avenue.

Tuesday, December 11: 
Parkfield Drive, Castlefield Crescent, Hungerfield Road, Stoneymoor Drive, Faircroft Road and  Bradewell Road.

Wednesday, December 12:
Manor Park Road, Marlborough Road, Clifton Road, Whateley Crescent, West Avenue and Springfield Road.

Thursday, December 13:
Danzey Green Road, Kingsleigh Drive,Wasperton Close and Listelow Close.

Friday, December 14:
Water Orton Road, Green Lane (The Farthings to Tomlinson Road), Tomlinson Road, Ronald Grove, Cranmore Road, Neville Road, Blandford Avenue and Farnworth Grove.

Be on the look-out for bogus callers

CHELMSLEY Wood Police have warned residents to beware of bogus callers posing as council cleaning staff.
The crooks are reportedly visiting homes, claiming to be from the local authority. It is understood they have told homeowners they have been sent to clear the gutters.
Officers have urged residents to be vigilant and warned that bad weather is an opportunity that the criminals will seize upon, often targeting elderly or vulnerable residents.
You can find out more about bogus callers online.