Family fun for All Hallows

A "LIGHT Night" event will be taking place in Chelmsley Wood to mark All Hallow's Eve.
The free family event will include crafts, a bat walk around the local area (bring a torch and warm coat) and finish with marshmallows by the fireside.
It is taking place on Thursday, October 31 from 6pm. To book a place call St Andrew's Church office on 0121 770 1511.

Plans for massive monument to go on show in Kingshurst

PLANS for a "colossal" piece of public art, a stone's throw from North Solihull, will be on public display later this month.
The Wall of Answered Prayer is a proposal constructed from a million bricks and would be built near the Coleshill Manor site.
The team behind the project argues that the monument would have a similar impact to the Angel of the North, which was erected on Tyneside more than 20 years ago.
It would be visible from both the M6 and M42 motorways, the new HS2 rail link and, overhead, from Birmingham Airport flights.
Under the current timetable, work on "the wall" would start late next year - subject to planning permission being granted - and be completed by 2022.
Richard Gamble, the chief executive of the Wall of Answered Prayer, has spoken of his hopes that the plans will deliver "an iconic" artwork and "landmark of hope".
Although the scale of the structure, which will stand 50 metres high, may meet with local opposition and the developers will no doubt have to satisfy questions about whether such a monument may distract drivers or overshadow its surroundings.
While the artwork would be in close proximity to North Solihull, the application site is just over the border in North Warwickshire and it will be for that council there to consider the proposals.
A public consultation will take place at Kingshurst Evangelical Church on October 31 (from 11am-9pm). Another drop-in session will be held at Coleshill Town Hall on November 1 (the same times).
You can find out more about the scheme on the official website.

Drugs raid on Chelmsley home uncovers cannabis crop

HUNDREDS of cannabis plants were seized during a police swoop on an empty home in Chelmsley Wood.
It's understood that officers had raided the terraced property, in Chelmsley Road, after being alerted by a member of the public.
The tip-off had revealed that the address was being used as a factory to cultivate the Class B drug.
Cannabis plants and a sophisticated hydroponics set-up were found through the premises and a previous crop was being dried in the loft, ready to be supplied on the street.
No-one has been arrested following the discovery on Monday, October 14 and enquiries are ongoing.
If you have any information about the latest find or suspect that drugs are being grown in your neighbourhood call officers on 101.

Half term activities planned for Smith's Wood

BOXING sessions will be taking place in Smith's Wood during the upcoming half-term break.
The BoxClever coaching will be held at Lanchester Park from October 29-31.
The aim is to keep young people engaged over the holiday period, with the Safer Solihull Partnership helping put together a programme of events.
Sessions will run from 11am-3pm. Meet near the play area.

Dog grooming salon in Smith's Wood approved

PLANS to turn part of a Smith’s Wood home into a “dog-grooming” salon have recently been approved by the council.
Michelle Newbery-Lazar had applied for planning permission for a “change of use” at the Anglesey Avenue address.
The application suggested the business would cater for up to three animals a day. As part of proposals, a special bath would be plumbed in and a blaster dryer would be installed in a sound-proofed cupboard.
Ms Newbery-Lazar said: “Clients’ dogs will be housed in a purpose-built crate within the salon when finished and awaiting collection and not allowed to roam free to bark in the garden.”
The plans were submitted to Solihull Council a couple of months after a separate scheme in Castle Bromwich was given the go ahead.
In June, councillors had granted approval for 33 Farnworth Grove to be used as a dog-boarding business.
Several neighbours had raised concerns that the venture would cause noise and smells in the cul-de-sac.
At the time, Coun Ted Richards (Con, Castle Bromwich) had argued the plans were inappropriate for a confined road.
The application was given the go-ahead, but on the proviso it would only cater for four canines at a time and that the situation would be reviewed after 12 months.
The Anglesey Avenue site plan was approved separately by planning officers, who published the decision notice online a few weeks ago.

Kingshurst Parade plan progresses but no start date fixed

NO date has yet been set for the start of work to replace the ageing Kingshurst Parade.
Last week senior councillors approved the planning brief, which was published in draft form earlier this year and sets out a vision for the multi-million pound project.
But when pressed on the latest timetable, council officers would not be drawn on when the redevelopment would actually get underway.
Instead they said that further details would be included in another report, which would be presented to the cabinet later in the year.
Coun James Burn, leader of the Green Party group, had asked what the next steps were, touching upon some of the frustrations over previous delays.
"As you all appreciate the community is quite keen to see this happen," he said.
Residents have voiced concerns about the increasingly run-down appearance of the shopping precinct, with empty units and concerns that the area is attracting anti-social behaviour.
Perry Wardle, assistant director for growth and development, said that further details would be included in the next update, alongside a business case and the latest news on funding.
It is likely that the follow-up report, due before Christmas, would also pave the way for the formal planning application.
Coun Ian Courts, leader of the Conservative-run council, had admitted this type of scheme took "a long, long time."
He said that there were complex issues particularly around ownership; while the local authority owns much of the Parade there are parts which it doesn't.
"The design has been difficult and the negotiation as to things like the units ... there's a lot there to do."
One major step forward which will be taking place within the next few weeks is a move to bring part of the old youth centre back into use.
The building, on Marston Drive, was a previous victim of cutbacks but now a section of the ground floor will be transformed into a temporary community space.
The 12-month pilot is designed to gauge demand for the sort of venue which could be incorporated into the wider redevelopment.
Coun Alison Rolf, cabinet member for stronger and safer communities, said: "Alongside the physical bricks and mortar, a key objective of this scheme is to support people to be engaged and involved in their local community.
"We know from discussions with community leaders that the current community facilities are well used. [The pilot] will help us gain a clearer understanding of what is required."

Cops investigate following late night disturbance at Chelmsley venue

POLICE were called after a disturbance at a popular North Solihull venue in the early hours of this morning (Saturday).
A substance, said to be CS spray, is alleged to have been used at Chelmsley Wood Conservative Club, in Bosworth Drive.
Paramedics treated several revellers, who had been attending a Friday night function, for breathing problems and stinging eyes after reports of the spray being discharged.
The solvent, which can cause symptoms including vomiting and a burning sensation, was developed at the government's Porton Down facility.
It is sometimes used for riot-control and was deployed extensively during the Northern Irish Troubles.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We were alerted by ambulance colleagues just after midnight this morning (October 12) to an incident inside Chelmsley Wood Conservative Club...
"It's believed an altercation in the venue led to someone discharging a chemical substance."
Officers are investigating and appealed for anyone with information to call 101.

Apple Day is back in Castle Bromwich

A HARVEST event will be held at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens this weekend.
The annual Apple Day celebration, which is a big draw each autumn, will be held on Sunday (October 13).
There will be face painting, craft activities and tales from the Green Man.
Fruit grown at the ten acre site will be on display, as will other produce.
Visitors are welcome from 12.30-4.30pm. Entry is £5 for adults, £1 for five to 15-year-olds and free for under fives. Call 0121 749 4100 for more details.

'Phil Mitchell' gets the Chelmsley Xmas lights gig

SOAP star Steve McFadden will be swapping Walford for the Wood when he turns on the town's Christmas lights next month.
The EastEnders actor, who has played Cockney hard man Phil Mitchell for over 25 years, has been booked to flip the switch.
The shopping centre announced this week that Mr McFadden would be doing the honours on Saturday, November 23.
A shopping centre spokesman said: "Following on from the last couple of years we have booked Steve McFadden, one of the biggest names in soap history, to turn on the Christmas lights at the shopping centre.
"We hope everyone is as excited as we are to welcome him."
There will be various family activities on the afternoon in question, with proceeds being raised for both Solihull and Heartlands Hospital.
Last year the illuminations were turned on by Emmerdale star Adam Thomas, while another EastEnder, Jake Wood, did the job in 2017.

"Cowardly" crossbow attack on Babbs Mill swan

TARGETED: The mute swan, one of our best-known species of waterfowl,
is a common sight at Babbs Mill. Credit/RSPCA

A SWAN was shot through the wing with a crossbow in an apparently random act of cruelty at Babbs Mill.
A visitor had seen the bird in obvious distress last Tuesday (October 1) and the RSPCA was called.
When David Williams, an inspector for the animal welfare charity, arrived at the scene he discovered that the mute swan had been transfixed by a 17 inch bolt.

Having managed to capture the creature, he took it to the Newbrook Animal Centre, in Birmingham, where vets were able to remove the arrow and patch up the wound.
The female bird has since been transferred to the Wychbold Swan Rescue, in Droitwich.
Mr Williams condemned the person responsible for the attack.
"It is disgusting to think that someone deliberately decided to shoot this poor swan," he said.
"She must have been terrified and in a lot of pain. It is fortunate a member of the public saw the swan struggling and reported the matter to us or she could have been left to suffer a lingering death.
"I would now like to trace the callous person who is responsible for such a cowardly attack."
Intentionally harming any wild bird is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Culprits could face an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, or both.
Anyone with information about the incident or who saw anything suspicious should call the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

Queen's Award for Chelmsley's dedicated volunteers

A CHELMSLEY Wood social enterprise has received the highest award that can be bestowed on the UK voluntary groups.
Gro-Organic, which works with schools, disabled residents and those with a variety of health issues, has been handed The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The royal seal of approval is in recognition of the work that it does to transform areas of open space.
Recently a group from Gro-Organic was invited to meet the Mayor of Solihull, Coun Stuart Davis, who congratulated them on their latest success.
Coun Davis said that the Queen's Award filled "his heart with pride" and was a testament to the work that volunteers had done to improve local people's lives.
"This tremendous honour is representative of the vital contributions Gro-Organic has made to the Solihull area.
"Their passionate commitment to creating and preserving wonderful green spaces in our community is a shining standard that we should all strive towards.
"Therefore, I can think of no organisation more deserving of this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service."
The good news was announced shortly after the same group received the welcome news of funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Gro-Organic are expected to receive their award - the equivalent of the MBE presented to individuals - this month.