Safety concerns after pit appears in Smith's Wood

MORE than 100 residents have signed a petition amid concerns about a massive drainage pit being dug in Smith's Wood.
The campaign follows fears over the trench, which has appeared by the roadside in Arran Way, where workmen are busy on the Alderbrook housing scheme.
Horrified locals believe that the design could be a serious risk to children, given that several schools are located nearby.
The North Solihull Partnership insists that the pit has been designed to meet both local and national guidelines and is intended to cope with the very worst flooding conditions.
Councillor Mark Wilson (Green, Smith's Wood) had presented the petition, signed by 109 residents, at this week's Full Council meeting.
He said that residents wanted to see the feature "made a lot more safe for people in the area."
"It's near to four schools, two of which have students with additional needs, so a deep ditch or trench without safety measures installed is not really appropriate for this area.
"While the residents do understand something needs to be done to drain excess surface water created by the Arran Way housing development it still needs safety measures."
Many mums and dads were horrified to see the pit being excavated, with parents branding the plans "diabolical" and "ridiculous".

CONCERNS: Parish councillor Glynis Harrison, Cllr Mark
Wilson and Elizabeth King, who raised the petition.

There have also been concerns that the pit will quickly fill with litter and that its sides may be a tempting race course for the estate's off-road bikers.
John Halton, the Partnership's regeneration director, had this month met with ward councillors and residents and tried to reassure them.
He insisted the pit had been designed in line with Environment Agency guidelines and would only fill with water after the most extreme weather.
"It is not a pond," he had said.
It has been suggested that a further consultation could be held about whether appropriate safety measures, such as a fence, could be installed once work is complete.
A Solihull Council spokesman said: "The drainage area residents are concerned about forms part of the site’s Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS).
"SuDS play an important role in helping to manage flood risk and are a national policy requirement on development sites, including where there are more than 10 homes being built, such as at Arran Way.
"In response to concerns raised by local residents, the North Solihull Partnership has taken action to ensure the safety of the site.
"They have informed us that public access to the area will be fenced off until the construction work has been completed. In addition, they say they are reviewing if any planting or fencing can be installed to prevent potential anti-social behaviour."
The Alderbrook development includes 51 homes and was granted planning permission four years ago.
Work finally got underway last spring, with the demolition of the former gym building and empty shops.