Time capsule buried at Chelmsley site

DIGGING DEEP: Youngsters from Woodland Trails see the time capsule
lowered into the soil at Saxon Court.

A SNAPSHOT of life in 2019 has been buried beneath the ground at a Chelmsley Wood housing development.

Drawings by children who attend Woodland Trails Day Nursery were placed inside a sealed cylinder and dug into the soil at the nearby Saxon Courts' gardens.

Newspaper cuttings and letters were also bundled in with the youngsters' pictures.

Decades from now it's hoped that the container will be excavated, giving an insight into current events and everyday life.

The burial took place as part of a public event earlier this month, which also featured music and dance performances.

SCH's chief executive Fiona Hughes said: "It was fantastic that so many people attend the Saxon Court community open day.

"The day was enjoyed by everyone and I’m sure the time capsule will be a fascinating find when opened in 50 years."

Saxon Court, a £7 million complex for the over 55s, was officially opened in December last year.

Evening bat walk around Babbs Mill

A BAT-tracking event will be taking place at Babbs Mill next month.
The Kingshurst park is an ideal place to see the night-flying creatures, which can often be spotted hunted for insects over the water.
And if the recent warm weather continues, conditions will be perfect to catch a glimpse of the flying mammals.
Rangers, who will be leading tours around the site, will also be armed with special detectors - able to pick up the high pitched frequencies which enable bats to navigate.
The evening event takes place on Tuesday, August 6 (from 8-10pm). Tickets are £4 per person or £12 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children).
Places are limited, so call 0121 704 8000 to book.

Housing chiefs pledge zero tolerance on drugs

A CLOSURE has been issued on a Smith’s Wood flat after police found both Class B and suspected Class A drugs last month.
Birmingham Magistrates Court has ordered the flat closure at Clare House, which means that nobody, including the tenant, can enter the address for three months.
The application for closure was made by Solihull Community Housing (SCH).
Chief executive Fiona Hughes, said: "We will not tolerate any form of drug activity in our properties and continue to work closely with the police to tackle this problem."

Greening up! North Solihull parks scoop national award

THREE parks and public spaces in North Solihull have once again received the coveted Green Flag Award.
Babbs Mill, Meriden Park and Woodlands Cemetery were among the 16 sites across the borough which made the grade this year.
All three sites have secured the award before but still needed to prove they were meeting all the criteria in order to stay on the list in 2019.
The full list of winners was officially announced at Northampton's Guild Hall last week.
Coun Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for the environment and highways, hailed the fresh round of success.
"I’m tremendously proud of all the staff and voluntary groups who have worked so hard to make this possible," he said.
This year Solihull's tally is one better than 2018, with Damson Lane Park, in Elmdon, the latest addition.
The Green Flag scheme is overseen by Keep Britain Tidy and the list is refreshed every summer.
In order to secure the status, judges have to be satisfied that a park is up to standard when it comes to cleanliness, welcoming visitors and the facilities on offer.
Around 1,900 sites around the UK received a Green Flag this year, some 100 more than 12 months ago.

Schoolgirl's display brightens up popular park

A FLOWER bed dreamt up by a Smith's Wood Academy student has taken pride of place in a Solihull park.
Earlier this year we reported that Tamzin Clarke had won the competition to design the display in the town centre's Malvern Park.
More than 300 pupils had submitted a design inspired by those who made sacrifices in the First World War.
The conflict was chosen for the 2019 theme following the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day last autumn.
And having sifted through the mountain of entries, judges named 12-year-old Tamzin as winner.
Now her drawing has been taken from the page to the planting bed and the is in full bloom at the Green Flag site.
Royal British Legion West Midlands thanked the schoolgirl and the Love Solihull team for their "amazing work".

Free organ on offer

AN ORGAN is available for community groups and private individuals in and around North Solihull.
The Yamaha Electrone B-10BR is in perfect working condition and is available to collect for free.
Anyone interested in the instrument should contact theothersideofsolihull@gmail.com

Trial to tackle traffic problems on key route

FREQUENT complaints about congestion on one of the main routes through North Solihull will see a new traffic scheme trialled from next month.

In an attempt to reduce delays along the A452 Chester Road, the council will be introducing temporary changes at Chelmund's Cross.

From August 18, drivers will be unable to turn right at the junction with Hedingham Grove.

It is hoped that the eight-week trial will reduce the delays which have become a common problem as traffic passes the new village centre.

Other Side of Solihull  previously revealed that the jams in area had become so bad that some workers at Birmingham Business Park were reportedly quitting their jobs.

Councillor Ted Richards, cabinet member for growth and infrastructure delivery, said that road chiefs would analyse the difference the change made.

"It's peak times that is the biggest problem - morning and late afternoon," he said this week.

"Once we've got the figures from that two months we can then decide what benefit it's had and what we need to do. Whether it's worth continuing or if we do something else."

There has been some concern that the restrictions will just see more vehicles travelling down to the nearby traffic island.

Although council officers have argued that they may be able to increase the capacity of the roundabout if needs.

Ultimately the council hopes to make around £20 million worth of improvements to the Chester Road corridor.

But in the short-term it sees the ban on right turns at Chelmund's Cross as "a quick win", which could help to ease pressure.

Residents' shock after tea-time stabbing in Kingshurst street

A KNIFE attack - which saw a young man stabbed in broad daylight - took place in Kingshurst this week.

The 24-year-old was knifed in the hip during the brutal assault in Silver Birch Road yesterday (Tuesday).

It is believed to have taken place near Tanda's Store, at the junction with Kingshurst Way.

Police and ambulance services were called to the scene at around 5.30pm and the victim was taken to hospital. It's understood that he has since been discharged.

Officers have appealed for anyone with any information about the incident to call them on 101.

Vision for HS2 people mover is revealed

TRANSPORT LINK: Artist's concept of the viaduct crossing Pendigo Lake.

THIS is what a tram-style "people mover" set to be installed in Solihull as part of the HS2 rail link could look like.
Driverless vehicles, with capacity to carry thousands of passengers an hour, will link the new Interchange Station to Birmingham Airport.
The raised viaduct - which will cover a total of 2.3 km - will also stop off at both the NEC site and Birmingham International.
This week HS2 released the first artwork of the transport link and a series of drop-in sessions are being in the next few days.
Residents' comments will feed into the design process with a formal application set to be made to Solihull Council in the autumn.
Mark Thurston, HS2's chief executive, said: "HS2 is about connecting the country, and the people mover is another example of how we will do that.
"This entire area in the West Midlands, and the wider regions across the UK will be able to capitalise on the connectivity that Birmingham Interchange Station brings and the people mover is an integral part of this.
"With the airport being only six minutes from the station, it means better options for air travellers, and makes it more accessible to even more of the UK."
Although with the viaduct - set to be constructed from weathering steel and concrete - standing at 12 metres tall in places, there may be some concerns about its appearance.
Further details will be presented to councillors at tomorrow's (Thursday's) meeting of the HS2 implementation advisory group.

£70k boost for North Solihull's "hidden gem"

CASTLE Bromwich Hall Gardens has received a major boost, with the news it has been awarded a £70,000 grant.
The historic site has secured the bumper sum following an application to the National Lottery's Heritage Fund.
The cash will help pay the salary of a business development manager, who will be tasked with promoting the site as a wedding venue and building on the current roster of events.
There are also plans to upgrade the venue's electronic systems and look at further opportunities for commercial activity.
General manager Glynis Powell said: "The gardens have been here for a very long time and gone through many changes, we are determined to find ways for generations to come to enjoy the important history and joy of this bit of hidden countryside.
"Our friendly and loyal volunteers are our best asset and we need to provide them with suitable and good technology that enables them to do their job of providing an excellent welcome."
Mike Robinson, chair of the Hall Gardens Trust, said: "It’s our duty to make sure our income streams are robust for the future.
"This award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is a significant help for us as a small charity with a big responsibility."
The Hall Gardens has been managed by the trust since the mid 1980s, when the land was officially opened as a visitor attraction.
In 2015, the gardens marked 30 years since the site - which had once stood derelict - was restored to its former glory.

Food and Drink Festival enters second day

COLESHILL Food and Drink Festival will be continuing in the village today (Sunday).
The free event will see street food and drink from around the world on sale.
Visitors can also look forward to live music from local artists.
A spokesman said: "Our chosen charity this year is Dementia UK who support so many families through a very difficult time.
"We look forward to seeing you all at this great event."
The event will be on until 8pm.

Public meeting on bus service shake-up

A CRUCIAL meeting on the future of local bus services is taking place in Kingshurst later this month.
Transport for West Midlands has confirmed that the Nos X12, 58 and 71 are set to be altered in around six weeks time.
A shake-up of routes is due to take effect at the start of September and the event is a chance for residents to find out more about the plans.
There is likely to be a lot of local interest, given regular complaints about the standard of public transport in the north of the borough.
In recent years there has been particular criticism of the routes serving Kingshurst, which residents claim was cut off by a previous set of changes.
The meeting to explain the latest set of proposals will be taking place at Seeds of Hope on July 26, starting at 7pm.
Full details of the changes will be included in the next edition of our digital newspaper.

Controversial housing plans apparently dropped

PLANS which residents feared threatened the future of precious areas of open space appear to have been abandoned.

Amid an outcry from residents last autumn, Solihull Council had deferred a decision on disposing of three separate sites in North Solihull.

The parcels of land in question are at Anglesey Avenue and Auckland Drive, both in Smith's Wood, and Clopton Crescent, in Chelmsley.

Had the decision been taken it would have opened the door to build scores of homes across the locations. 

Since October there has been no word on whether the proposals would be brought back to the council's cabinet.

In a statement this month, however, the local authority confirmed there were currently "no plans" to reconsider the controversial plans, suggesting they have been quietly dropped.

If so it would be a massive boost to those who had fought a ferocious battle to preserve the sites.

Weeks after the October meeting, many opponents had made their feelings known in often passionate exchanges at Fordbridge Town Council.

Other Side of Solihull had reported at the time that many had made urgent pleas not to develop open spaces, warning it could leave residents living "like sardines in a can".

Separately Solihull Green Party had voiced concerns that homes were being packed in to some of the borough's most crowded communities.

John Halton, from the North Solihull Regeneration Partnership, had repeatedly emphasised the dire shortage of affordable homes.

Now however it appears the proposals are unlikely to move forward, at least not in their current form.

Chelmsley Wood housing scheme to hold open day

A HOUSING scheme in North Solihull will be holding an open day next week.
Saxon Court, which was officially opened last year, will be hosting a series of activities.
There will be live music from the local ukulele band, plant and craft sales and food served.
Visitors are welcome to drop in at the Marlene Croft complex on Wednesday (July 17), from 2-6pm.

Police appeal to trace missing woman

POLICE have appealed for help in finding a missing woman, last seen in Chelmsley Wood.
Claire Mason was last seen on the estate early this morning and officers said they are increasingly concerned for her welfare.
The 59-year-old is reported to be wearing a pink t-shirt and black leggings with flip flops.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts should call officers on 101.

"Disgusting" theft of school iPads

CRUEL thieves have stolen children's iPads from Marston Green Junior School.
An entire trolley of the devices had been emptied during the late night burglary earlier this week.
The culprits had broken in between 2.00 and 2.40am in the early hours of Tuesday morning (July 2).
In a letter sent out to parents, headteacher Lynn Clarke said she was "appalled".
"Having viewed our CCTV, the perpetrator came well prepared with bolt-cutters and it is very clear that they had an excellent knowledge of the school premises.
"As a result, some classes have been unable to do their computing lesson today.
"It is disappointing for parents to know that valuable equipment purchased for their children has been stolen and it is evident from CCTV that it is an adult in our community who knows the layout of the school."
Police have attended the scene to review the footage and take fingerprints.
In the wake of the break-in, there has been a flood of condemnation on social media.
One resident dubbed the culprits "the lowest of the low", while another said: "It takes a special kind of scumbag to steal from a school in these times of austerity."
Ms Clarke urged anyone with information about the theft to contact officers if they had any information or heard about cheap iPads being offered for sale.
If you have suspicions call Solihull Police on 101.

Teens suspected of "machete bike robberies" arrested

TWO teenagers from Kingshurst have been arrested on suspicion of motorbike robberies, in which owners were allegedly threatened with machetes and a firearm.
The 18 and 16-year-old, who have not been named, were detained following a police chase yesterday evening (Tuesday).
Officers who had been patrolling nearby Shard End had been flagged down at around 8.30pm, by a resident who had reported a gang of armed riders trying to steal a scooter in Hartshill Road.
Police picked up the trail of three bikes, which led their pursuers through areas including Castle Bromwich and Ward End.
In their haste to escape the riders had sped down the wrong side of a dual carriageway and along pavements.
One vehicles was cornered in Shopton Road where a Yamaha 125 bike - confirmed stolen in Erdington a day earlier - was dumped and two young men attempted to escape on foot.
The pair were caught after a brief foot chase and remain in custody on suspicion of vehicle theft, knife possession and robbery; the juvenile will also be questioned on suspicion of dangerous driving.
Det Insp Jim Church said: "A witness has told us one of the teenagers discarded a machete as they fled… and that it was thrown in the direction of a young child. Thankfully no-one was hurt."
The weapon (pictured) was recovered from the scene and two motorbikes have also been seized.
Officers said they were worked to trace other suspects and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Call West Midlands Police direct on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Key routes benefit from pothole repairs

SOME of North Solihull's busiest roads have benefited from funds to fill potholes.
It was revealed earlier this year that the borough council had received an extra £1.61 million from the Government for highways works.
Now the local authority has provided a breakdown of how the money was spent, with resurfacing carried out on a number of routes locally.
Of the seven sites listed, three are in the north of the borough. They are:
Greenlands Road, Chelmsley Wood - £104,491
Moorend Avenue, Chelmsley Wood - £129,905
Hurst Lane North, Castle Bromwich - £149,713
In addition, a £124,000 sum was used to repair the Vehicle Restraint System on the Chester Road and replace traffic signal heads.
Despite councils being awarded extra money from the Treasury, the Transport Select Committee - an influential group of MPs - this week warned that funding didn't go far enough.
A report - entitled Filling the Gap - called for a five year fund to be set up in order to deal with the "severe risk" that crumbling roads presented.
Labour MP Lillian Greenwood argued that cash-strapped councils were cutting transport and highways budgets in order to fill gaps in essential services.

Fresh plea to report Solihull's problem bikes

A FRESH appeal has been made for residents to report the off-road bikes which are known to cause so much trouble on local estates.

After a fairly dismal start to the summer, warmer weather finally arrived last month and with it a reminder to flag up any issues involving bikers.

Although the problems with scooters, mini-motos and other vehicles can crop up throughout the year, it has tended to be the case that activity increases when the lighter nights arrive.

Safer Solihull - a partnership which includes the council and police - says that eyewitness reports can be crucial in tracking down the culprits.

Coun Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger and safer communities, said: "Unfortunately, despite having a borough-wide ban on motor vehicle racing which includes off-road bikes, some people choose to ignore it.

"When this does happen, we need local residents to tell us so that we can continue to take action. "Please share descriptions of the bikes such as colour and make/model, and details of the riders. Any information about where they may be stored, plus photos and videos are also really useful."

The latest appeal echoes comments earlier this year about the importance of residents presenting evidence.

However, some locals complain that the authorities don't do enough to respond to complaints when they're raised. 

And in recent years there has also been a degree of criticism about waiting times when residents call West Midlands Police's 101 non-emergency number.