Appeal for funding to fit sprinklers in local tower blocks

MINISTERS are being urged to offer up funding to install life-saving sprinkler systems in North Solihull's tower blocks.
A rough estimate, made after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, was that it would cost in the region of £8 million to fit the devices in all 37 high-rise buildings.
Solihull Council has now joined forces with 13 other local authorities to ask for money for the work to be carried out.
A letter was delivered direct to Downing Street on Tuesday of this week and housing bosses are waiting for a response.
It read: "Twenty one months after the Grenfell tragedy, tenants are still seeking reassurance that lessons have been learned and we now call upon the Government to prioritise the safety of residents living in tower blocks by funding this essential fire safety work."
The tragic events of June 2017, in which 72 people died, has led to renewed scrutiny of fire safety in flats across the country.
This included inspections of the various sites in Chelmsley Wood, Smith's Wood and Kingshurst & Fordbridge, most of which date to the housing boom in the 1960s.
While the checks following Grenfell confirmed that none of Solihull's buildings had been fitted with the cladding said to have accelerated the spread of the flames in West London, there has been various calls for sprinkler systems to be "retrofitted".
While the devices are required by law in all new tower blocks above a certain height, it is not compulsory to have them installed in existing buildings.
Other councils to have signed the letter include Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield.

Smith's Wood schoolgirl wins flowerbed competition

FLOWER POWER: Elaine Butler, Legion County President, Tamzin Clarke,
Mayor of Solihull, Coun Flo Nash, and Shameena Villars, from Love Solihull

A BOLD design dreamt up by a local schoolgirl will be the basis for an eye-catching flowerbed in the heart of Solihull.
Tamzin Clarke, aged 12, entered the annual competition to design a floral display in the town centre's Malvern Park.
This year's contest was run by the council's Love Solihull initiative in partnership with the Royal British Legion and is designed to honour the sacrifices made in the First World War.
More than 300 pupils submitted entries from 12 different schools, with the Smith's Wood Academy student announced as the winner this week.
The Mayor of Solihull, Coun Flo Nash, said: "Love Solihull’s annual competition is a wonderful way to get young people to think about serious issues and to demonstrate their creativity.
"This year’s competition is particularly poignant and focuses on raising awareness amongst our schoolchildren of the crippling effect of World War One on the homefront as well as those who served.
"I’m delighted that we had so many thoughtful and creative entries. However there can only be one winner, so congratulations to Tamzin for drawing such a great picture."
Each year the park's centrepiece has a different theme, with last year's whale intended to draw attention to the pollution of the world's oceans.
Visitors will be able to see the 2019 design brought to life in a few months' time.

Murder inquiry launched after stabbing in Smith's Wood

A MURDER investigation is underway after a young man suffered fatal stab wounds in Smith's Wood late last night (Friday).
Police were called to Arran Way at just after 11.15pm following reports that a man had been attacked.
A 24-year-old, described as having critical injuries, was discovered at the scene.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was confirmed dead a short time later. He has yet to have been named by the authorities.
The area around Auckland Drive remains cordoned off this morning as police investigations continue.
Det Insp Michelle Allen, from the force’s homicide team, said: "A man has sadly lost his life and we are working hard to establish the circumstances around what happened.
"The investigation is in its early stages, and we're keen to hear from anyone who can help us piece together the circumstances leading up to the attack.
"If you were in Arran Way at the time, please contact us as you may have vital information about what happened."
Residents reported a flurry of activity on the estate last night, with rumours on social media that someone had been stabbed. Official confirmation came from West Midlands Police this morning.
The incident follows mounting concern about knife crime in the region and nationwide, although offences in Solihull are still far less frequent than elsewhere in the force area.
Anyone with information about last night's events should call officers on 101.

Yobs target ambulance on Castle Brom road

"DESPICABLE" yobs smashed an ambulance window as it was responding to a 999 call on the Collector Road.
It was revealed today that the vehicle had been targeted as it travelled down the dual carriageway last night (Thursday).
The paramedics, who were unhurt, had been on blue lights, travelling to attend to a patient who was experiencing breathing difficulties.
A second ambulance was immediately dispatched to the patient following the incident, which happened at just before 9pm.
The vehicle has been taken out of service and remains off the road, with repairs expected to cost several hundred pounds.
Nathan Hudson, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "It is incredibly frustrating to once again find ourselves questioning why on earth somebody would want to do this to an ambulance.
"Not only that, but given it was using blue lights at the time, whoever did this could clearly see it was responding to an emergency, what if it had been on the way to one of their family members or rushing a loved one to hospital?
"We’re now faced with a vehicle being out of service, a repair bill and not forgetting the horrible nature of this incident for the staff involved. I am extremely thankful no-one was hurt."
The service will be handing CCTV from the vehicle to the police in the hope they can identify the people who carried out the attack.
Anyone with information should call officers on 101.

Stolen bike abandoned at Babbs Mill late at night

POLICE have recovered a motorbike stolen in Castle Bromwich earlier this week.
A rider was knocked off the vehicle on the Chester Road in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Just over 24 hours later, police spotted two men riding a moped without helmets and pursued the pair.
They rode to Babbs Mill Park, in Kingshurst, where they abandoned the bike and fled on foot.
Solihull Police said: "Luckily for them, the dog was unable to get a track on this occasion otherwise one of them may have had a painful encounter.
"The bike was identified as being the silver and blue Pulse stolen during the robbery in Chester Road ... It has been recovered and is awaiting forensic examination."
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who saw the bike between when it was stolen, at around 12.40am on Tuesday, and 2.30am on Wednesday - when it was spotted by one of the force's dog units.
Anyone with information should call 101.

Have your say on Kingshurst Medical Practice

HEALTH bosses are asking for patients' views on Kingshurst Medical Practice.
The Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is asking that people take the time to fill out an online survey.
The questions about the GP surgery are available on Survey Monkey.

Fresh appeal over attack on teen at takeaway

POLICE are still trying to trace a man wanted in connection with an assault on a teenager at a Chelmsley Wood takeaway.
The 16-year-old boy had attempted to intervene in an altercation which had taken place at the KFC, in Moorend Avenue.
It's understood that tensions had boiled over in a confrontation over a girl.
The youth was knocked to the ground and then assaulted, suffering a cut to the head in the process.
The attack had happened at the fast food outlet on October 25 last year, with the outbreak of violence at around 5.45pm.
Police have already interviewed one man in connection with the incident, but would still like to speak to another individual - shown here on CCTV.
Anyone with information should call Solihull Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Appeal for volunteers in North Solihull

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help those living with sight loss in the Chelmsley Wood and Marston Green areas.
Anyone who can give an hour or two a week helping someone living locally get out and about is urged to come forward.
The support can make a massive difference in helping people take part in social events and feel part of their community.
If you could spare some time to act as "a sighted guide" call  0345 143 0194 or email birmingham@guidedogs.org.uk

Road changes planned as part of HS2 scheme

MAJOR changes to the roads near Birmingham Business Park are set to get underway later this year.

Work to realign the highway forms part of the programme which will be taking place during the HS2 construction project.

Solihull councillors were told this week that the existing layout would remain open to traffic while the alterations were being made.

At present it is expected that work will start in August/September.

As previously reported by Other Side of Solihull, HS2 contractors have already been in the area clearing trees and doing other preliminary work.

The preparations will be stepped up in the coming months and there is also set to be further activity on other parts of the rail route - including at Heath Park, in Chelmsley Wood.

While contractors insist they will do all they can to minimise disruption, many residents remain concerned that the scale of the project and the heavy construction traffic will cause significant problems.

Last year, Meriden's MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, had queried proposals for vehicles to use Water Orton Road in Castle Bromwich.

Swings stolen from Kingshurst park

DESPERATE metal thieves recently resorted to stealing swings from Babbs Mill Park.
The children's play equipment was revealed to have been removed from the Kingshurst site in recent months.
The incident was one of a recent spate of metal thefts which have cost the council in excess of £15,000.
Elsewhere in the borough, four dog bins have been swiped from Hillfield Park and no less than 11 litter bins from nearby Tudor Grange.
A council spokesman said: "The council suspects that these items have been targeted by scrap metal thieves and is asking residents to be vigilant and help the police to catch the criminals."
Anyone with information about the thefts should call officers on 101.

Date for next nearly new sale in Castle Brom

THE next tabletop sale will be taking place at Arden Hall this weekend.
The Castle Bromwich venue will be playing host to the "nearly new" event on Saturday, March 23.
Drop in for a bargain or two from 10am-12.30pm. Admission is 50p for adults, while children get in free.
To book a table call Katie on 07724 598543.

Police appeal over pensioner's bank card

POLICE are investigating a case of a pensioner's bank card being used at several stores in Chelmsley Wood.
The card, which belonged to an elderly housebound woman, was put to use in a number of shops around the estate on Monday, January 28.
Earlier today (Sunday), officers released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in relation to the offence.
Anyone with information should call Solihull Police on 101.

Chelmsley charity looking for volunteer drivers

A CHELMSLEY Wood-based charity is on the look-out for volunteers to drive mini buses.
Solihull Life Opportunities (SoLO), which supports people with learning disabilities, would be interested in hearing from anyone who is available to help.
If you know someone who might like to get involved, call SoLO on 0121 779 3865.

Crimewatch appeal following harrowing attack at Babbs Mill

APPEAL: A police drawing of the man based on
the victim's description.

POLICE have launched a fresh appeal to help trace the man responsible for a "horrific" attack on a schoolgirl in Kingshurst last year.
BBC Crimewatch today (Wednesday) broadcast a report on the attempted rape of the 11-year-old, which took place in Babbs Mill Park during broad daylight.
The crime shocked the local community and led to extensive enquiries, but officers are yet to charge anyone in connection with the incident, on June 29. The victim is said to have been "absolutely broken" by the events of nine months ago.
As she made her way through the park at around 2.30pm, she was approached by a dog-walker, who had pulled out a stanley knife and forced her into a clearing.
He had then beaten her and threatened her with the blade before attempting to sexually assault her.
While the schoolgirl had managed to escape, the programme said the ordeal had a "devastating" impact on the victim and her family.
Her father, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: "She isn't the same person she was.
"I think she's lost a significant part of her life ... She does quite frequently ask the question 'has he been caught yet?' "
Speaking to Crimewatch, Det Insp Joe Davenport said: "It's an extremely violent attack, an unprecedented level of violence was used against a vulnerable 11-year-old girl.
"And the community are rightly very frightened by what's happened but I can reassure them that we've done everything we can to try and find this person.
"I'm just appealing today for anyone who has any information to come forward to try and stop [the offender] from hurting anyone else."
The attacker is described as a white male, 20 to 30-years-old, with short brown hair - with grey flecks - and blue eyes. He didn't have any tattoos or piercings but he had a local accent.
The full report is available to watch on the BBC's website. Anyone who can help identify the attacker is urged to call officers on 101.

Tea-terrific way for town centre to promote Fairtrade

A SPECIAL trail to promote Fairtrade goods has been set up around Chelmsley Wood.

Visitors to the town centre are invited to download a sheet from the Solihull Council website and follow the clues in shop windows.

Those who would like to take part can also collect sheets from Chelmsley's nearby Library.

Solihull has been classed as a Fairtrade borough since 2010 and this month's event (which runs until March 24) is to promote the importance of farmers and workers from poorer countries getting a fair deal for their produce.

Knife found during Chelmsley Wood litter pick

Photo/ @ChelmsleyWdWMP

A KNIFE was found hidden in the undergrowth in Chelmsley Wood during a litter picking event on Saturday.

Volunteers stumbled upon the weapon, which was among the bushes in Crabtree Drive, not far from Bosworth Medical Centre.

Photos posted on social media showed a blade which was several inches long and had a distinctive red handle.

The knife was discovered only a few weeks after several weapons were seized in nearby Meriden Park.

There has recently been mounting concern both locally and nationwide about a rising number of stabbings.

Police in the region are making extensive use of stop and search powers following a number of tragedies in the West Midlands. 

Although Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, a former Kingshurst councillor, has said that the force needs the help of communities to stop the violence.

"It is not a job the police can do alone and they can't simply arrest their way out of this problem," he said.

Supt Richard Agar, from Solihull Police, had recently reassured councillors that knife crime in the borough was at a far lower level than in neighbouring authorities.

He suggested that national reports of stabbings in locations including London could give a misleading impression of the number of offences in Solihull. 

Trees felled as HS2 preparations continue

INITIAL work on the HS2 rail link, near to North Solihull, continues to move forward.

Residents have reported seeing trees cleared near to Melbicks Nursery, to the south east of Chelmsley Wood.

Preliminary work, preparing the way for the construction of the multi-billion pound project, started last year and is set to intensify in the coming months.

Coun Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said: "In years to come there will be several tracks of 225mph railway track there. 

"The entire Birmingham Business Park island will also disappear in time (like some trees have) and all of the woodland next to it."

The scheme remains hugely divisive, with businesses arguing that the new line will prove a massive boost to the region's economy.

But the loss of green space and disruption during the construction process continue to trouble opponents. 

Earlier this week, Leader of Solihull Council, Coun Bob Sleigh, had responded to the recent speculation that the development could yet be cancelled by the Government.

It has been reported in the national press that some senior members of the cabinet are concerned by the mounting cost - with claims that the final bill could be double the £56 billion estimated. 

Although Coun Sleigh said that the council regularly met with HS2 Ltd and as far as he was concerned everything was still "on track".

Chelmsley chip shop now open for longer

A YEAR on from its official opening, Chelmsley Wood's community-run chippy has extended its opening hours.
As of this week, Chelmund's Fish and Chips will be opening its doors from 3-10pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 12noon-10pm on Friday and Saturday.
The Chester Road takeaway is not open on Sundays.

Bike set alight at Babbs Mill

A MOTORBIKE was set alight and left to burn at Babbs Mill Park this week.
The vehicle was torched in the park on Tuesday (March 5) and police are hoping to trace the person responsible.
Anyone with information should call Solihull Police on 101.

Traffic cops clock speeding drivers on local dual carriageway

DOZENS of drivers were clocked driving at well over the speed limit during a police operation last week.
Officers armed with speed guns were out on the A452 Collector Road during the morning rush hour.
A total of 42 vehicles were speeding on the busy dual carriageway, with reports of drivers exceeding the limit by as much as 60 per cent.
The West Midlands Police traffic team said the vehicles were breaking the law despite multiple serious and fatal collisions along the stretch of road.
The Collector Road is among the locations often mooted for the reintroduction of speed cameras and indeed was at one stage considered for inclusion in the pilot scheme launched a few years ago.
Ultimately a device was not installed, although a camera was placed on the nearby Chester Road, at Castle Bromwich.

Next meeting for new baby cafe

THE next session of a Castle Bromwich baby group is taking place next week.

The Baby & Me Cafe will be held at St Mary and St Margaret's Church on March 7.

Organisers describe the regular sessions, held on the first and third Thursday of every month as "a great opportunity to meet fellow new parents and receive mutual support." 

Families are welcome between 10am-12noon and there is a £1 charge per family.

Second drop-in session on Kingshurst scheme

THIS is the latest glimpse of what the centre of Kingshurst could look like following a multi-million pound redevelopment.
Plans to pull down the ageing Parade have been in the pipeline for years but have suffered repeated delays.
Residents - impatient to see the run-down shopping precinct replaced - have criticised the lack of progress, which has also caused uncertainty for both business owners and residents.
Senior councillors have argued the project has been drawn out by issues acquiring land and that real progress had been made in the past few months.
There has been little news since 2017, but - as we reported last month - a draft planning brief has finally been produced.
The document looks at the current condition of the site and sets out ambitions for a redevelopment, which it describes as a "once-in-generation opportunity."
Its authors also admit that the current Parade, which was built in the 1960s, is in an increasingly poor state.
Common complaints include the outdated appearance, an increasing number of empty units and anti-social behaviour at the site.
Now a consultation has been launched to seek local opinions on the regeneration scheme, which is set to include a flagship retail store, several smaller units, a community space, GP surgery/pharmacy and around 100 homes.
Coun Ian Courts, cabinet member for managed growth, said: "This is an important opportunity to build on the success of our other regeneration schemes in the north of the borough and to ensure that Kingshurst becomes a sustainable, well integrated community.
"We think the draft planning brief proposals will help deliver on this ambition.
"However, we want to hear from local residents, and we hope they will get involved with our engagement process."
The second of two drop-in sessions will be taking place at Kingshurst Library next Thursday (March 7), between 4-8pm.
You can also find the planning brief on the council's website.

Timeline:
2009: Kingshurst Primary School opens its doors. There are local hopes that work on the Parade might not be too far off.
2014: News that Solihull Council is preparing new plans for Kingshurst following the acquisition of the Mountfort pub.
2015: Official opening of the Enterprise Centre, at Chelmund's Cross. Activity at the nearby site adds to local tensions about Kingshurst
2017: A public consultation shows overwhelming support for a wholesale demolition of the current Parade and a new precinct being built. This option is also endorsed by councillors.
Anger about the state of the shopping area is one of several issues raised at a heated public meeting over the summer.
2019: Draft planning brief published and fresh consultation launched. Public responses will be considered by the cabinet in June.

Failed ram raid horrifies shoppers in Kingshurst

THREE masked men, one clutching a crowbar, tried to ram raid the Co-op in Kingshurst last night (Wednesday).
Police are hunting the gang of would-be robbers, who had targeted the store in a terrifying tea-time raid.
Bystanders on the Parade were horrified after a vehicle came screeching to a halt outside the shop, at around 6.30pm.
It's understood the trio had tied a strap to a cash machine and attempted to wrench it loose, as well as demanding staff open the till.
They fled the shopping precinct empty-handed in a silver van, which is thought to have been abandoned in Chelmsley Wood a short while later.
No-one was injured in the incident and the store had reopened today, although the shocking events have fuelled concerns about crime in the area.
Complaints about people feeling unsafe on the Parade were one of the chief concerns raised at a public meeting, held at Seeds of Hope back in 2017.
Earlier this month, Solihull Council finally provided an update on its plans to redevelop the ageing centre - which critics say is increasingly run-down and attracting anti social behaviour.
Anyone with information about the incident should call police officers on 101.